Aside from the 53 new screens, Rockstar has expanded on how the shoot-'em-up aspects of the title will be implemented. And one of the first new details to catch PALGN's eye was the developer's implementation of a system whereby protaganist CJ improves his proficiency with firearms as he handles more weapons. Thus, when CJ first picks up the Desert Eagle, he'll struggle to even hold the gun whilst firing. With practice however, CJ's reloading, fire rate and accuracy will all improve, with every weapon requiring time to master. Whether such RPG-esque elements (remember that the amount of eating and exercising CJ gets through also affects proceedings) will enhance or detract from the overall experience is difficult to judge - whilst such additions possibly add depth, PALGN hopes that the title doesn't lose some of the immediacy that makes it so popular.
Thankfully, the new aiming system sounds far more manageable than before. Essentially, the controls remain the same: circle still fires, R1 still locks onto targets, and R2 and L2 cycle through said targets. In San Andreas however, the default lock-on now focusses on the nearest foe within a 90-degree arc only, which should put an end to some of the more disorientating moments in Vice City, particularly where the camera failed to keep up with where the player was aiming. PALGN hasn't tried it, but it sounds precisely like the kind of subtle but effective overhauls that would genuinely benefit the title. And if guns are in short supply, there's always old favourites such as the chainsaw and hammer to fall back on, not to mention another new addition to the series, the shovel.
Putting the weapons aside for a second, there's also been a wealth of new information concerning the antics CJ can get upto in the expansive countryside sections that lie between the cities of Los Santos, San Feirro and Las Venturra (and that are really looking the part now). There's plenty of opportunities to indulge in off-road pursuits now, with downhill mountain biking, motocross and 4x4 racing all on the menu. There's even an entire mountain biking championship to win, as long as you can beat your opponents to the bottom of Mount Chiliad without doing some serious damage to CJ.
A new plane or two to has become available as well. The Dodo from Vice City has been given a much-needed update, and is now apparently capable of barrel rolls, loops and other air acrobatics. It also manages to stay in the air now, a welcome change from it's hapless predecessor. The crop-dusting biplane is the other aircraft available for use, and each plane comes complete with a handy altimeter in the bottom left corner of the screen to register height and speed.
Back at ground level, there's the chance to drive lorries through the countryside, making deliveries and a little pocket money in the process. As you'd expect, you won't be carrying the most legitimate of loads, so expect the police to get involved, especially if your delivery is worth a hefty amount. Excellently, some of the 18-wheeler beasts you'll be driving will include gas tankers, presenting the pyromaniacs amongst us with some tempting and potentially explosive stunts.
Finally, as if concentrating on actually completing the game won't be difficult enough, there's a bulldozer (and yes, the right analogue stick-operated front plough can flip cars, people and whatever else you fancy), lawnmower and combine harvester to commandeer, and even a fire extinguisher for getting rid of the forest fire you just started by systematically blowing up the gas tanker you were meant to deliver in the next city.
And that's that for now. As PALGN has mentioned previously, the only foreseeable barrier to San Andreas being a quite brilliant piece of software is if the game ends up collapsing under the weight of it's own ambition. Certainly, the latest modes, mini-games and subquests mentioned here demonstrate just how much new content Rockstar are cramming into the package - without a doubt, the sheer scope of San Andreas is considerably wider than anything seen before, least of all in Vice City. PALGN strongly advises booking November off work.
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