Finally a GTA I can play... (Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (DS))

Member Name: eilidhcatriona

Product:	Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (DS)
Date:	17/05/09 (10 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Just as much fun as on other consoles/PC

Disadvantages: DS small screen can be limiting

I've liked the GTA games for a long time, but I've never been very good at playing them - this may sound odd, but they're surprisingly fun to watch! However, I got a DS last year and it seemed like I had finally found a video game console I was good at for all types of games, so when I heard about a new GTA for DS, I was keen to try it.

It's an entirely new story, not a rehash of one of the PC or other console ones, although you are in the familiar surroundings of Liberty City as Huang Lee, a member of the Triads. I haven't finished the story so I can't tell you what happens there, but I can tell you about the game based on my experience so far - and I have played it a lot.

When you are running or driving around, the game has a top down view, so it is like the earlier GTAs. It is fairly easy to see where you are going although sometimes you are limited by the small screen of the DS nd miss a turn off. The lower screen has your map, time, access to email (very handy - you hear about missions and potential drug deals here).

The missions are along the same lines as the usual GTA fare - stealing cars, taking care of enemies, that kind of thing. You can also forge a career and earn big bucks as a drug dealer, which is loads of fun but can be stressful if you get busted!

As for me, I've finally found a GTA game that I'm good at! The top down view makes it easier to follow as far as I'm concerned, and it's easy to keep track of your missions via email. And once you get into drug dealing, it's fairly easy to build up some cash when you need it.

My only complaints are about things which probably can't be helped given the size of the DS - the small screen has caused me to miss turn offs as they come up really soon, and the amount of map shown isn't very much. Also, it took me ages to learn the controls but I think that might just be me - that could be the problem with previous attempts at GTA!!!

I paid £17.99 for this on pre-order from Amazon - it arrived on the day of release. I was pleased with that price as I don't like paying £30 for DS games, but to be honest, it is worth £30 although there's no need to pay that as Amazon still have it cheaper.

Summary: Definately worth the money, great fun