"Oh, sh*t! Here we go again!"is probably one of the most iconic lines in any opening scene of any Grand Theft Auto game (or any game for that matter, though I might be exaggerating there). Thus began one of the most entertaining gaming experiences the franchise has ever offered.

To my recollection, no GTA game that came before or after would compare to San Andreas when it came to the number of things you could do in that game, except for (barely) GTA Online, and that game still fell kinda short in some places! Furthermore, you can take advantage of many gameplay elements to improve your odds when tackling story missions.

Stick around as we disclose helpful tips and tricks that may help you get through crime-filled San Andreas more easily.

1. Getting "Fit" at the Gym

While GTA V brought back specific "skills" and the ability to boost your stamina, it still doesn't match the intricacy of GTA San Andreas' skill system. Your nearest Gym was just a couple of blocks away from your safehouse in Grove Street, and you had the opportunity early on to get "buffed up" if you wanted, attracting more attention from the ladies. 

Outside the Gym, you can run, cycle, and swim to get into shape, burn all that Cluckin' Bell fat, and increase your stamina meter.

2. Learning All Combat Moves at the Start

Likewise, In San Andreas, the Gym is where you learn your combat moves, with each Gym providing you with specific combos. By far, my favorite is the Cobra Martial Arts Gym in San Fierro, where you learn some awesome karate kicks!

Suppose you want to learn all the moves early on. In that case, you have various options, though keep in mind that moving from city to city before the "intended time" will earn you a whopping 4-star wanted level, which is virtually impossible to lower unless you're killed. You can either remove the wanted level via a cheat code or try your luck avoiding encounters while you find your way to the gyms (the police can't enter buildings, so you should be safe once you enter them.)

3. Love Matters, Though Not in the Way You Might Think!

In GTA San Andreas, you can date girlfriends, and while your love life here will not have major story implications like it does in GTA IV (which I won't be spoiling here), they do supply CJ with some precious perks. Talk about utilitarianism!

Only one of these girls is essentially unavoidable: Denise Robinson. However, you can ditch her as soon as her mission (Burning Desire) ends. She's also the least rewarding date in the whole game, only giving you a "Pimp Suit" and a "Hustler".

Possibly the most "useful" girlfriend in the entire game is Katie Zhan, whom you meet on the golf course located near San Fierro's Cobra Martial Arts Gym. After getting some "coffee" with her and knocking her socks off, you get free hospital treatment upon being wasted, and, what's more, you don't lose your precious weapons (which is a big time saver!)

4. Max Out Your Weapon Skills Quickly!

You can get your weapon skills maxed out fast by shooting at a car. You'd have to find one and take it back to one of your safehouses (one with a garage, of course).

You'd want to go to a safe house that doesn't have much police activity around, or you'll arouse their attention faster than the time I spent typing this sentence.

Then, save the game and reach the garage again. Once the garage door opens, shoot the heck out of that car until it catches fire. Before it explodes, get out of the garage and wait for the door to close. As you open it again, your car should be as good as new, and you can shoot again. Rinse and repeat!

Be mindful that you need a good chunk of ammo to pull this off. Unless you want to cheat, you gotta work your way to success.

5. Get on the Right Side of a Cop Car (For a Treat!)

Who said you could only board the back of a cop car? In this game, you can enter cop cars without breaking a sweat (though expect those wanted levels to go up like crazy!)

After exiting the car, you will have a pump-action shotgun at your disposal, which is perfect for when you need to "hunt" and are on a low budget.