San Andreas was the first
" Yoooo Brother, we can do that in a Video Game ?" Momment for me. So yes , shock factor really helped. But I want to explore some other Rockstar lika “LA Noire” and “Bully” too at some point.
Ezio Trilogy and Batman Trilogy are the star performers in my opinion. People don’t like Arkham Origins but I fairly enjoyed it too.
What about over the top actions ? Like DMC/Saints Row/Prototype. Have you gave them a shot ?
Tried Saints Row. Didn’t like it. Just Cause is my favorite “over the top” series.
although san andreas was my first one. My fav was hands down GTA 4 and the episodes from liberty city chapters. What made it even special was I had got that for my 10th bday along with a PS3. But yea intially i played around just like that then a couple years later I started properly following the storyline and fell in love.
Damn, you’re making me feel old! 
Your username reminds me of an incredible dialogue in TV
“You can’t make a Tomlette without breaking some Gregs”
Exactly where i get it from. To be precise the scene where he meets the roy kids mom.