The latest title in the Grand Theft Auto Series is Grand Theft Auto China Town Wars. The DS is technically weaker than the PSP so there are definitely compromises in terms of game play and graphics. Gone are the 3D animated cut scenes and the 3D rendered environments. The DS’ GTA offering is much closer to the original with the action seen from above. However the camera is slightly tipped and angled which gives some perspective and allows players to see further down the screen. As well as the perspective, the camera is not fixed and rotates dynamically to stay over the shoulder of the character or the vehicle as he’s driving.
And unlike the older games in the series where the view never really rotated out of its fixed overhead view, the camera in the Nintendo DS Version is much more dynamic and stays “over the shoulder” of you character or the vehicle he’s driving.
Like the PS3, Xbox and PC versions the city is still massive and sprawling. The limitations of the DS do not stop you from fully exploring the city. You can walk through buildings and get on higher ground through steps and fire escapes. Like the previous versions you can jack any vehicles you want from cars, trucks, lorries and motorbikes. Each vehicle has their own special characteristics as in the previous versions of the game.
There is a slight innovation when it comes to game play. As in previous versions of the game, the more stars you earn the more aggressively the cops will pursue you. In order to lose a star instead of hiding you have to take out a cop car. The amount of cops you have to dispatch is displayed in a car symbol underneath the star rating. This switches the ethos of the game making it much more frenetic and offensive. Other innovations include a speed-boost which is a reward for performing donuts. In combat mode there is a lock on system for your firearms, making it easier to dispatch your enemies .
The most exciting thing about the DS offering is that it explores a whole new aspect of the GTA world. By choosing China Town as the main focus of the action they can bring a whole new element to the game with new characters and fresh new plots.
IGN’s feedback on some of the missions is really positive. In one mission, One Shot One Kill you have to assemble a sniper rifle with your stylus then seek out your target in a crowd. You have one chance to take down your mark, if you miss, you fail the mission.
Although it is developed by Rock Star Games a Scottish games publisher it is unlikely it will be released in the UK on March 17th, the US release date. Whenever it is finally released it is sure to be a best seller.
