Despite the top-down view, GTA CTW is categorically one of the best looking games on the DS. Presented in a 3D isometric view, with some outlining, to give an half cartoon, half cel-shaded view, the visual style is unique, striking, and enchanting at the same time. It’s amazing, in fact, that the tiny DS can pull the game off at all.

 

 

There’s also, most impressively, a lifelike representation on New York City. There are always loads of pedestrians, cars on the streets, and everyday happenings which you stumble upon as you drive between the various missions in the game. There’s also a decent amount of cars, guns and characters that add extra value.

 

The sound is also equally impressive given the DS’s appalling record with sound quality. You get some good music to accompany the driving and other moments, although again, it’s a shame that there are no ads on the radio stations.

 

However, the best part is the excellent ambient music, which again really helps to capture the feel of a living, breathing city that goes on even when you are not there. The quality isn’t always fantastic, but it is a significant jump over most other games on the format.

 

 

 

Multiplayer is by far the weakest aspect of GTA CTW. The online interaction through DS wi-fi is limited to Rockstar Social Club interaction, like loading your stats to the Rockstar website. It’s pretty lame, and not as full featured as the more recent console titles.

 

There’s also some local multiplayer, but you each need to have a copy of the game, so the chances of anyone ever getting a decent multiplayer experience out of the title is virtually nil. It’s a real disappointment that there is no online multiplayer, and given the increasing number of DS titles that have this feature, it’s also pretty inexcusable.

 

 

"GTA: Chinatown Wars" is probably the weakest GTA that has been released since GTA2. That’s no bad thing though, given the incredible strength of the series. The only weakness of the game is the multiplayer- it’s really disappointing that there is only local multiplayer, and the social club interaction is also pretty poor.

 

The game is also the shortest GTA for some time, and I’m not a huge fan of the AI or wanted system, whilst being a top-down game also has obvious disadvantages. However, despite all the flaws, GTA won me over with it’s over-the-top story, humour and usual violence. There might be irritations, but on the whole, the gameplay is still frankly awesome, outweighing all the flaws. It’s also new and fresh enough to distinguish itself from the vast majority of DS titles out there.

 

It’s also one of the best looking and sounding games on the system, with a fantastic visual style. By no means perfect, GTA CTW remains very highly recommended for any DS owner.

 

 

 

 

+ Nice DS graphics
+ Cool storyline
+ GTA violence!