Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Gangs Geek
Rockstar North conducted massive amounts of research before developing the gangs of San Andreas; this primarily involved talking to DJ Pooh, Mister Cartoon, Estevan Oriol, and hundreds of other well-known faces. Now, Geekscene will talk about: Gangs Play, Gang Wars & Territory, Gangs Recruitment.
Gangs Play
Gangs play a much larger role in San Andreas than they did in Vice City: 1) The number of gangs has increased. As well as having the large, dominating gangs, there are smaller, more local gangs. 2) Generally, gangs cause a bit more trouble than they did in previous titles -- toppling cars, crowding streets, and using various new methods of attack. 3) San Andreas gives you the ability to "take over" areas of the map, and recruit new members into gangs to help and defend you.
Gang members are recognized by their clothing, tattoos, and hand signs. These are useful for two reasons: it allows police to identify a gang set or victim, and it allows gang members to interact with one another. Each gang has its own territory, indicated by street warnings, wall graffiti, or simply violence.
Gang Wars & Territory
Winning territory involves gang wars, so this must be done carefully. Enter the area you wish to control, and kill every opposing member in sight. Killing 3 members on foot will provoke a gang war, and the area under attack will flash red on the radar. The opposing gang will attack in three waves to defend their land. If possible, shoot from long distances or from rooftops.
Gang wars and territory are introduced during the mission "Doberman". After the mission "The Green Sabre", CJ no longer has the ability to win new territory, or defend his own. This feature returns during the mission "Home Coming", in the Final Missions strand.
Gangs Recruitment
CJ can recruit other members of his gang. The number of gang members he can recruit is based on CJ's respect level, with the game-wide maximum number being 7. Your homies will return fire to those who attack you, and shoot at rival gang members and cops. They will also participate in drive-by shootings, just like Sweet, Smoke, and Ryder demonstrate in the mission "Drive-By". CJ can also take a picture of him with his homies.
