**Grand Theft Auto** is undoubtedly a symbol of video games and can be referred to as the best game series in the open world genre. It presents a stunning design and a rich history in a true virtual space. Very few have managed to create something similar to GTA. *Chinatown Wars* saw the development of a new installment for the weak Nintendo DS. However, Rockstar approached the game with seriousness.
Previously, Rockstar had already developed portable versions of GTA for the PSP, which had much stronger hardware than the DS. However, the “big N” console has a very interesting feature—the sensory second screen. It was up to the developers to decide how to capitalize on it.
The main character of *Chinatown Wars* is Huang Li, a Chinese man flying to Liberty City to deliver a sword to his uncle. Huang’s father was mysteriously killed, and the sword must pass to his brother. Upon arrival, Huang finds himself ambushed, and the sword is taken from him while he is thrown off the pier along with a car. The plot is standard for the series and contains no unexpected twists or turns.
The camera perspective is isometric and somewhat reminiscent of the earlier parts of GTA, but the models here are 3D. The game is completely different from previous installments in the series. It’s similar to GTA 2 but also distinct. A significant innovation is that we must crash into police cars to escape persecution. This is a very interesting discovery that could return in the next GTA series.
The game world, besides the “big” GTA (IV), is entirely open for exploration. Shops, garages, and other places are available. You can find a lot of vehicles, even a tank. There are sufficient weapons: pistols, submachine guns, grenades, etc. Shooting is convenient due to automatic targeting of enemies, but you can also control your aim with the help of “Shift.” Meanwhile, the controls are comfortable. The hero responds instantly when you press the button. Driving is executed perfectly—you will enjoy it.
In *Chinatown Wars*, there is a smartphone similar to GTA IV. All controls are performed entirely via the touchscreen; you can mark a point on the map, view emails, and even order a weapon delivered to the nearest safe house. The phone helps facilitate the life of players engaged in drug trafficking.
And speaking of drugs, one of the key details of the new GTA installment revolves around this. Overall, everything revolves around dealing—buying low and selling high. This can consume a significant amount of time. However, the guards are always vigilant, and if you’re seen during a meeting with another dealer, chases are inevitable.
Now, let’s talk more about the main feature of the DS—the touchscreen. There are many mini-games. If you decide to steer a car into a parking spot, you will need to deactivate the alarm—cut the wires or enter the code. To break a door, you must pick the lock. In stores, you can buy lottery tickets that need to be scratched off on the bottom screen. These “tests” fill the game and give it a certain charm. The only somewhat awkward aspect is throwing a grenade—you must click on the grenade icon and specify the direction, which feels a bit inconvenient. It’s also worth mentioning the interesting use of the microphone—to stop a taxi.
The music on the radio is presented in the form of short instrumental notes and dialogue during cutscenes. The cinematics are done in a comic book style that fits the game’s tone very well. All of this was done due to the console’s limitations, but the developers did their best to fit a vast world into a single cartridge. The game manages to avoid significant slowdowns and only occasionally loads textures.
Any completed mission can be restarted “in its lair.” Additionally, rewards are given for quickly completing missions (bronze, silver, or gold). This is just one example of what you can do after the campaign. In total, the game lasts about 20 hours, which is quite impressive for a portable game.
In multiplayer mode, 2 players can come together. There are standard modes for racing and an interesting “Capture the Flag” where the flag is a minibus filled with drugs. It’s also worth mentioning that holding the base resembles the DotA mod, but there are no intermediate towers. The objective is to destroy cars or the opponents’ buildings. In this mode, each side has assistants, similar to the previously mentioned game, which speeds up battles.
We can’t say everything about this game because, although it was released on a small console, it is truly significant. It remains a large world in both size and enjoyment. *Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars* continues GTA’s legacy as the best “virtual space.” It has lost very little in the transition to a portable platform and even gained new features. It’s no surprise to see what the developers achieved on such hardware. *GTA: Chinatown Wars* is among the best games for the Nintendo DS.
