5 unique features relevant to GTA 5 and GTA San Andreas

GTA 5 and GTA San Andreas are the two best-selling single-player GTA games and share several similar features. They possess several features that are absent in every other GTA title, but each approaches it in a slightly different way.

These unique aspects are why so many gamers look back at these two titles so fondly. The return of several beloved GTA San Andreas features to GTA 5 couldn't be more appropriate given the setting.

---

5 unique features present in both GTA 5 and GTA San Andreas

1) Diving underwater

Michael scuba diving in GTA 5 (Image via Rockstar Games)

The vast majority of GTA games lack the ability for players to submerge themselves underwater. Some GTA games even lack swimming, in general. Fortunately, GTA 5 has these features, as does GTA San Andreas.

In GTA San Andreas, players could dive underwater to collect Oysters. It was also mandatory for the mission Amphibious Assault. GTA expanded diving with more items to collect and the ability to scuba dive.

---

2) Stealth kills

CJ performing a stealth kill in GTA San Andreas (Image via Rockstar Games)

One of the most unique aspects of GTA 5 and GTA San Andreas is the stealth kill feature. In San Andreas, it was limited to just a knife. GTA 5 allowed players to perform a stealth kill with melee weapons, each of which had their unique animations.

Stealth in GTA provides players an alternate way to play, which is highly appreciated. Players can perform stealth kills in both games by sneaking around and performing the appropriate attack button.

---

3) Skills

For some reason, the GTA series stopped using the skills system after GTA San Andreas. Fortunately, GTA 5 brought back several skills that a player could train to sharpen. Some of these skills have a direct counterpart in GTA San Andreas.

In GTA San Andreas, there were skills for:

• Individual weapons
• Vehicles
• Respect
• Stamina
• Muscle
• Fat
• Sex Appeal
• Lung Capacity

In GTA 5, the skills were:

• Stamina
• Shooting
• Strength
• Stealth
• Flying
• Driving
• Lung Capacity

---

4) Vehicle customization

A player modifying a car in GTA San Andreas (Image via Rockstar Games)

Both games have an immense amount of customization. One of the unique features of both games is the ability to customize vehicles. IN comparison, most GTA games only have a Pay 'n' Spray.

GTA 5 naturally has more options than GTA San Andreas. Regardless, both games allow players to stylize their cars with a touch of personalization. Some aspects of this feature can even alter the vehicle's performance.

---

5) Haircuts and tattoos

Trevor getting a haircut (Image via Rockstar Games)

Haircuts and tattoos are unique primarily to GTA San Andreas and GTA 5. Other games with character customization options, like GTA 4, lack these two features. In GTA 5's case, each protagonist has their own set of hairstyles and tattoos that they can have on them at any given time.

Most GTA games don't even have the basic clothing customization options that these two games have. Combining these features makes it clear that the player has plenty of control over the protagonist's physical appearance.

---

This article reflects the writer's personal views.