I have played San andreas after IV, and I still like san andreas more. It's really only a problem if the gameplay of older games, even good ones, are very outdated...even though the older GTAs are outdated by today's standards, it's not so much that it isn't fun to play anymore. There was also MUCH more to do in San Andreas. It's also just personal preference that I happen to enjoy the unique theme of the other games more, it added to the atmosphere and feel. vice city had the 80s miami thing, san andreas with 90s urban cali, red dead had the western theme...I live in NYC, playing in a modern-day setting in a city molded after it just felt bland to me.