Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars - Nintendo DS

This game is awesome! I was skeptical how a complicated game like this would work on Nintendo DS. I was also worried, since I'm of the Atari generation and have never played Grand Theft Auto or many other popular highfalutin modern games, that I would be completely lost. Well, there is no problems getting lost as the game is self-explanatory and very smooth. It is also mission oriented which I really like. Mission-driven games like Sims Bustin' Out and The Urbz are my favorites. You visit or sometimes you are emailed by the rival bosses and the story begins with the game explaining what you need to do and guiding you along the way. That does not mean it is easy, it can be quite difficult to complete each mission but, if you choose the option to manually save, you can repeat the missions as many times as needed to pass. I'll admit it has sometimes taken me 7 or more tries to get through a mission. Be sure to save in the safe house closest to the next story. You are Huang Lee and arrive in Liberty City, a violent hellhole where drugs are plentiful, life is worth nil, and the drivers are the worst in the world--no fire hydrant, street lamp, or pedestrian is safe. You would think chastity would be a rare commodity in such a city; but, surprisingly, a lot of the pedestrians you run over will declare, "I'm still a virgin!" The reason for the visit is to deliver a sword to your uncle. Before you can accomplish the task, you are beaten, the sword is stolen and you are left to die in a car plunged into the water. Once you escape you are dropped smack dab in the middle of a gang war and battle between rival bosses to get control of Triad--the gang once lead by your father who was murdered. Avenging your father's death and recovering the sword is the ultimate goals but they may be hard to remember during all the missions and drug dealing you will be doing. The game play is guided by a GPS system which is excellent. It is easy to go anywhere because the navigation system maps out the exact route and, if you miss a turn, it will update the map automatically with a new route. You can walk or drive--either your own car, leader's cars, or any car you can steal by hot wiring or grabbing the driver and throwing him or her out. The maps include safe houses, auto repair shops, drug dealers, leader's headquarters and other important stops. One tip is to create "Favorite" tags on the armor icons (blue bullet-proof vests--builds up your bullet defense) and maybe health icons (green crosses) although you can replenish your health once you've saved inside a safe house. During missions that are not timed and especially those where you are not being chased ("Street of Rage" and "The Wages of Hsin" are good examples), take time out to find those spots and re-build your armor and health levels before continuing the mission. You can also take time out to fix up your car if it is smoking (i.e. "Driven to Destruction"). One aspect of the game I really like is the freedom you have. You are not forced to begin a new mission until you are ready. Take some time to walk around the city. Check dumpsters for weapons and other goodies (as well as some nasty stuff) or make a few Molotov cocktails. Earn money as a tattoo artist or cab driver. The Taxi Driver mission is tough because of the time limits but, if you can manage 15 successful fares in a row, all the cabs become bullet-proof which really helps in certain story missions like "Offshore Offload". During a barrage of emails from dealers, you might take time traveling to each one and buying and selling all sorts of drugs and realize that is where the real money is at. There are also side missions you'll encounter on the streets that could consist of such things as planting a bug on a car or taking a woman on a joy ride. You'll meet these characters again for updates. The game play is addicting and the story is intriguing and heavy with sometimes hilarious dialogue (especially Chan). Your character will witness all sorts of carnage including a rival boss cutting out an adversary's heart! Oh the humanity! As I'm sure other reviewers have noted, this game is rated mature with a capital M. Drugs, obscene language, racist remarks, bloody murders, sexual paraphernalia and situations--it's all here! It is fun to live vicariously in such a world through Lee Huang and it's incredible such a world can be packed in a little DS game cartridge. To anyone wanting to take their Nintendo DS on a hella ride, I recommend this game without hesitation!

So I am really conflicted as to which way to take this review. I have been playing it off and on for about the past 3 weeks and there is something unsettling about the fun and the innovation of this game. For example, stealing a car isnt a quick matter of hopping in the driver's side and speeding away anymore. You now have to use the stylus to manipulate the ignition block or to start the car using a pass code (both of which have to be done in a time frame before an alarm sounds). There are also things like having to start the engine of a boat by winding the cord and pulling it out quickly similar to a lawn mower. Other touch screen innovations are abound, and that leads me to why I am conflicted... This innovation was made for the family. I feel that there a number of other games that could have used this innovation that didn't, and they were perfectly acceptable for bringing the family together. This game, which is a blatant sin against God (which is NOT a bad thing in this case) and is clearly not meant for certain audiences not only uses the technology, but excels at it. It is a SHAME that not all gamers will have the opportunity to see what a marvel Rockstar has made here. But... thats been my rant. On to the pros. My biggest compliment for this game is the fact that there is so much to do. Want to do missions? Go for it! Want to take a taxi for a spin and earn money by taking fares? Thats here, too. Want to go over to the boardwalk and drive go karts to pass time trials? Guess what... you can do that too. Want to earn a truck load of cash by buying and selling illegal substances? There is an entire mini game in the Chinatown Wars for that as well. All of these things contribute to earning the coveted "100% completion" that hard core gamers strive for, and this game will put them through their paces. My biggest con against this game is the humor and dialogue. I am all for dropping an F Bomb in context, but this game does it liberally. Also, crude humor that pertains to homosexuality, prostitution, and killing people permeates every aspect of this game. Some of it I got a snicker out of while most of it just seemed forced and immature. Don't get me wrong - I know what to expect when I buy a GTA title... its just that the dialogue in Chinatown Wars seems offensive for the sake of being offensive while not adding any humor, levity, or otherwise legitimate storytelling elements to the game. Overall, all the pros of this game far surpass the negatives. This game is a solid addition to a gamer's library as long as they are of age.

what can I say? This game is great. As I started playing it, I got more and more excited finding out all the different things you can do. I would have to say drug dealing is my favorite (ironic because I was a criminal justice major!) but it's just so much fun. The missions have been quite easy so far, but fun! I'm only 10% done with the game, so i'm sure they will get more challenging as I go. i was nervous about buying it, because i was sure they graphics would have to suck to fit a game like this for the ds. SO wrong! the graphics are great. The city is the best part. The people graphics are a little lacking, but it's really not bad. i love the story line mainly because i recently went to hong kong and know what they are talking about. other than that, this game is purely addicting and deserves 6 stars. If you are a GTA fan, this is a must have.

It worked as advertised

No Game case but sold as "Used - Very Good"

とても良かった

Parfais

This is actually such a good game. I was worried how crappy gta would be on the DS but it's very playable and entertaining.

Je déteste car ce jeux sur ds car on voit tous au dessus et c'est nul en tous cas moi j'aime pas !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Arrivato prima del previsto tutto perfetto