Hidden GTA Feature Revived After 21 Years

A recently developed mod for Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas has unearthed and implemented a lost feature from the game's original 2004 source code, allowing for multiple protagonists. This groundbreaking mod, titled 'Real Multiple Protagonists,' recreates an on-the-fly character-switching system that was initially planned but ultimately cut due to hardware limitations of the era. The mod enables players to switch between characters seamlessly during free-roam gameplay, a mechanic reminiscent of its later implementation in Grand Theft Auto V.

The discovery stems from previously undocumented code within San Andreas, which modder Kaizo has now successfully adapted. While the original plan to include this feature was too ambitious for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox era, Kaizo's work provides a fascinating glimpse into Rockstar's original design intentions. The mod focuses on free-roam functionality, as mission integration was not part of the original code or the mod's scope.

Despite facing challenges like the game's limited draw distance, which affects camera transitions, the modder utilized inspiration from GTA V's aerial camera swoops to recreate the experience. This project highlights the enduring potential of San Andreas and the power of modding communities to revive and expand upon classic game mechanics, keeping titles like San Andreas relevant decades after their release.