Grand Theft Auto ? Chinatown Wars for iPhone

Posted by kNox on August 12th, 2010

Grand Theft Auto Chinatown Wars is a game developed by Rockstar Games, and released to the Nintendo DS, PlayStation Portable and iOS platforms. We are going to review the iOS version of the game, which is currently available in the App Store for .99. Released on the 17th of January 2010, the game has went through a couple of major updates, the most recent of which has come with several hours of radio stations.

In the game, you play a Chinese Gangster, called Huang Lee. He comes to America, in Liberty City, after his father's death, to deliver 'Yu Jian', a sword that had belonged to his father. But, right after he lands, he is assaulted, the sword is stolen, and he barely makes it out alive. What follows is a long series of missions, where Huang Lee tries to track down the sword and the people who have stolen it, and in the meantime executing missions for the members of the Triad, Mafia, and the police.

In the game, you have a lot of control. First, you can control Huang Lee's movement through a virtual joystick. Aditional buttons can make him jump over obstacles (although not over every obstacles, just cars, small fences and others of this height), or kick some of the other characters in the game. One of the menus can change his weapons. Then, you can also control cars and boats that Huang Lee is driving. They are easy to maneuvre, and, despite the small screen, it is very fun.

One of the most interesting features of this game is the 'badger' virtual computer. This acts like your very own in game pocket PC. In here, you can check your e-mail (not your live one, the in-game e-mail. New missions are sent through e-mail, and other useful information, such as messages from important characters in the game). The GPS is very life like - if you use it while driving around Liberty City it will prove to be a huge factor in the success of your missions. A lot of other features are also present: contacts, stats, your briefcase, a Music Player, the AmmuNation interface (where you can purchase weapons and ammunition), and also the System settings (these are the settings for the game. From here you can manage your saved games, the game?s options).

Another thing that stands out is the multitude of mini games present in GTA:CTW. From time to time, when executing certain tasks, a mini game will pop up, which you will have to complete in order to complete the task. For instance, when you're hijacking a locked car, you have to disable its security system by hotwiring it, with a screwdriver, or using your PDA.

All in all, GTA:CTW is a great game, and it can provide you with weeks of fun.