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Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars DS
User Score
8.7 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 181 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 158 out of 181
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 181
  3. Negative: 18 out of 181

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  1. AndrewE
    Dec 18, 2009
    10
    Simply, one of the best games on DS. Unique gameplay, stunning visuals and good old gta-like style - you gotta have it.
    • 4 of 5 users said yes
  2. [ANONYMOUS]
    Jul 2, 2009
    3
    At the base of it all, it's Grand Theft Auto. But not the GTA that we've come to know and love on say the Xbox and PS2, this is basically a port of the original. It's sometimes hard to see what things are and know what to do and where to go. You might enjoy it for say, about 30 mins, but then you realize that the whole thing just starts becoming really.. really repetitive. If you have no other good games for the DS, then by all means buy this. Otherwise, I'd say rent.… Expand
    • 1 of 5 users said yes
  3. JeffA
    Mar 30, 2009
    9
    While the game has been tailored to the system it has not been ‘shoehorned’ in by any means. CTW never tries to be something it’s not and instead what you’ll find is a true GTA experience that takes advantage of the platform and works with it on all levels. If you enjoy the Grand Theft Auto world you will enjoy this title; it’s solid, polished, and stands on its own merits.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  4. DaveS
    Apr 1, 2009
    9
    A lengthy and fairly innovative trip that will have you doing anything and everything differently than you would have in any other GTA game, or any other game on the platform. A nice blend of old and new, this game offers a surprisingly good single player and some good multiplayer over wi-fi. You'll be doing all of the mini-games on the touch screen, from defusing bombs to making molotov cocktails, and the game never has you on the touchscreen for too long. Don't listen to Carl B - the game does have flaws due to the technical limitations of the system, but all of those are too insignificant to be counted as major problems. Over-all, a well executed concept that can stand it's ground when compared to the generic space-marine FPS's of today's day and age. A must buy for DS owners, and if you don't have a DS, go get one and with it a copy of this game. Right now.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  5. ChristerP.
    Mar 17, 2009
    10
    Enjoying this more than GTA IV to be honest.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  6. DanaW.
    Mar 17, 2009
    10
    Amazing game! This game is worth anyone's money. Who hasn't wanted to be playing GTA while riding a bus, or while in class? This game delivers on all fronts and is a perfect iteration of what GTA could be on the DS. Endless hours of fun and exciting times. Multiplayer is in line with the experience you would expect. Also ties in with the Rockstar Social Club. Near perfect game! A must buy for all DS owners.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  7. HugoY.
    Mar 17, 2009
    10
    A great city, good graphics, nice control, very long, good missions,much innovation one of the best of 2009, undoubtedly
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  8. CaleT.
    Mar 17, 2009
    10
    Possibly the greatest game on DS, the world has been beautifully crafted to create an realistic environment to explore (unlike may other DS games). Rockstar Leeds have created a great game, that lasts for over 20 hours. The touch screen 'mini-games' do not feel tacky are are work well in the game. Many features found in other GTA games are welcome here. I encourage anyone with a DS to buy this game.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  9. KaiRuleA.
    Mar 18, 2009
    10
    The best game on the DS so far. Graphics are amazing, the gameplay is solid, the sounds is top notch (just wish they had licensed music) and it's FUN. The drug dealing mini-game seems more like its a game itself and not a mini-game. I've spent hours and hours just doing this part.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  10. BillyJ.
    Mar 21, 2009
    10
    John C. - you're an idiot. Chinatown Wars is by far the great, deepest most addictive game on the DS (by a long shot) and one of the best GTA games to date, if not the best. The game is totally varied, bags to do, all of it is really fun and astonishingly detailed. No gimmicks, just great use of the touchscreen that isn't overkill. God knows how Rockstar Leeds managed to squeeze this much out of the DS with no slowdown, and pack so much onto the pathetic 128MB cartridge. Hats off to them, they've completely put to shame every other portable developer and raised the bar by absolutely miles.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  11. CanonY
    Apr 1, 2009
    10
    I can't remember the last time I was this hooked on a game and wanting to play it through to completion. I'm a 26 year old doctor who has fond memories of GTA 1 & 2. I've also recently played GTA IV. Chinatown wars constantly made me wonder how on earth the developers managed to do it on this system - but they did and the Rockstar Leeds team deserves a standing ovation for this masterpiece.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  12. BertH.
    Apr 3, 2009
    9
    One of the best game for the DS. For those skeptics who've only played the 3d GTA so far, this game continues to follow the GTA tradition as well while mixing the 2d and 3d gen together. The missions are intensely fun, added with the option to replay them, as well as the side missions. Rampages are brought back as well as a variety of weapons to deal havoc with. The game boasts a wide variety of vehicles, which I was surprised with, in addition to them being actual 3d cars, not 2d ones. They will flip 180 degrees, wear and tear, catch fire and more. The mini games are also absolutely fun, and are usually not too intrusive in the overall gameplay. Also, if you've played GTA 4, you will really notice the entire GTA 4 Liberty City (with the exception of one island) in the game with immense detail. Also, this game will make you want to go back to GTA 4 just to check the police records and see the main characters profile. The only qualms I have with this game is the length of the story, as well as the inclusion of some characters. But this is one of the highest quality DS games ever, and a great start into the GTA series.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  13. AndewC
    Apr 3, 2009
    10
    okay-okay A 10 might be a little much but - this is the BEST DS GAME TO DATE. I was VERY leary when this was announced at E3 and did not like the screenshots but after reading the reviews here I thought I should give i a whirl. This game is incredible from the start. It takes some adjustment to get use to the controls/cameras. I must admit I have put a good solid 10 hours on this cartridge but probably only 5 of them were spent doing missions. This game just has alot and has revived my faith in the DS and the GTA series....(No offense at the GTA part but recently it has become a new thing)....I have loved exploring this game, dealing drugs, buying lottery tickets, digging through dumpsters (is this Rockstar's nod to No More Heroes?) This game is very fullfilling and easily worth the money.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  14. EugeneA.
    Apr 8, 2009
    9
    I've been pretty tired of GTA since...I dunno - Vice City? Having GTA be mobile and incredibly well-implemented for the DS has brought me back. Yay! Excellent for 60 seconds - hours of play, depending on what you've got available. Peeling off stars by wrecking pursuing cop cars is terribly, terribly addictive. Thanks goodness for safehouse stash boxes!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  15. JamesD
    Jan 6, 2010
    10
    I could critisize Chinatown Wars for an awful lot of inconsistant things but at its core GTA CW is a fantastic GTA experience. Although there are no cutscenes, no DJ or vocals on radio stations, the music has the GTA style which complements the brilliant art style. For a DS game this is a top heavy hitter.
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  16. SorinA
    Nov 2, 2009
    10
    Now I agree with all these reviews as GTA Chinatown Wars is a fantastic game. It takes everything about GTA and puts it on a handheld. The only DS game that is better than this, is Chrono Trigger, which is a port from another console. Therefore China Town Wars is the BEST original game on DS
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  17. AutumnF
    Nov 28, 2009
    10
    This is a really great game! My favorite part is hiding from cops!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  18. JohnC.
    Mar 17, 2009
    2
    Same old Gta with stupid gimmicks. LAME
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  19. Michael
    Mar 17, 2009
    10
    Not a watered down experience at all! A very refreshing take on The GTA experience, and quite honestly, the most fun i had with any GTA game played . Ever.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  20. Jerm
    Mar 17, 2009
    10
    Great for older gamers (myself) who have had there gaming gear stolen by the spouse and kids to watch 'Scooby Doo meets Batman' I cannot imagine this franchise adapted better to the DS. Love it!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  21. JuanF.
    Mar 17, 2009
    10
    El mejor GTA que se podía hacer para DS lo han logrado. Adictivo y con muy buenos minijuegos.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  22. OdinAesir
    Mar 17, 2009
    10
    Brasil Este jogo vazou Sexta-Feira 13 de Março de 2009 às 14h00 na NET. Rodava apenas nos seguintes Flash Cards: SuperCard One, Akecard RPG, G6. No dia 14 de Março de 2009 as 20h00 ele rodou no R4. No dia seguinte já tinha fix para todos os flash cards. Este jogo tem gráficos utilizando a máxima potência do NDS, possui interatividade excelente, ótimas missões e side-quests.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  23. MattW.
    Mar 17, 2009
    9
    If you ever wondered what a GTA on handheld should feel like, this is it! Never mind does awful PSP games, this is the 2nd best GTA game ever (Sorry it just isn't as good as GTAIV)!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  24. TommyH.
    Mar 18, 2009
    8
    GTA brings the chaos and fun back, and drops all the pretentious ambition. This is pure fun in a large play ground. Awesome soundtrack and a sense of fun and detail. I only wish it had online play.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  25. HUGHgonzales
    Mar 18, 2009
    10
    excelente y brillante a mas no poder , buenas graficas , el sonido es espectacular, el humor, los mini juegos , completamente extenso !! tal vez el segundo mejor juego para ds en mi gusto supero mis espectativas ,incluso es mejor que algunas entregas de los nuevos gta
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  26. DaveS.
    Mar 22, 2009
    10
    This is one of the best GTA experiences. Whether you look at it from a technical perspective as getting that much performance from a DS, to the styling of the game or the superb mix of old-school-GTA-meets-new, this game is a triumph. If anything, I've enjoyed this GTA more than any other, with the exception of Vice City. Gone are the silly phone calls, "Hay carzen, let'z gor borlink!" and back is the ability to just have lots of fun cruising the city, dealing drugs and taking the police cars down with Burnout-style takedowns - a feature which I think is a great addition. Hot-wiring cars, making molotovs and mashing up cars has never been so fun. One thing I'd also like to mention is the feel of the game; it's high-quality. It's not just the presentation. When you play it, you get can tell it's been tested, played and given love and attention during development. It's not just been thrown together to cash in on the franshise and make a bit of cash. GTA: Chinatown Wars is a must-buy/console seller, raising the bar above Pokémon and even Zelda -- high praise indeed.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  27. DavidS
    Mar 23, 2009
    10
    I absolutely love this game. Far more addictive than the console version, the drug-dealer sections may sound offensive but are full of surprises and actually take quite an intellect to work out. The touch-screen is utilised to the full. This is the best DS game ever and the replay value is incredible.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  28. SamGurm
    Mar 27, 2009
    8
    To Matt W. the PSP GTA's were awsome, this game got such high scores cause its made for the ds and it had low expectations, the PSP ones are full ports, while this is original (I own a ps2, psp, ps3. and DS, so u cant call me a fanboy either)
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  29. Ob.
    Mar 30, 2009
    10
    Forget the silly thought that this game is only good for a handheld GTA, this game is perhaps one of the finest GTA games ever made. Combining old school GTA and new with fresh additions, great graphics, and tight controls, if you're looking for more GTA then look no further.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  30. MatH
    Apr 1, 2009
    9
    The best action game for the DS. Excellent game mechanics all round, from shooting to driving, to the view angle, with great touch support. Touch controls are intuitive and useful, and their inclusion in action sequences is minimal and forgiving. The only niggle I have is the story line, while interesting, is told with a script that tries too hard to be funny, with characters that are predictable stereotypes. That however is a small niggle and is mostly harmless to the overall experience. In short, this game is a fantastic action-romp.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  31. DavidS
    Apr 1, 2009
    9
    The best game on the DS in it's genre, GTA Chinatown Wars takes the DS's functionality to a whole new level, introducing innovative mini-games, map and trade functionality, robust multiplayer options, and an incredible 10-15 hour single player experience. This game never has you constantly switching between the touchscreen and just regular gameplay, but there's a mini-game for everything, even kicking out the windshield of a car to escape when underwater. The only gripe I have is with the overly generic characters - they just try too hard to be either funny or serious, and the player can't really tell the difference at a point with the constant change of pace. However, the resolution in the story is quite nice, and this aspect of the game does little to ruin the overall experience. In all, an engaging experience that will hold you for at least 20 hours. The level of immersion is unlike almost any game on the platform, and is a must buy for those looking for a breath of fresh air on the DS.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  32. joeb
    Oct 21, 2009
    10
    i haven't played this game but i have seen the game play for it and i do recamend this game to any one thats wants to buy it but not sure of it. other then the top story line u can just drive around and enjoy the city, u can also do drugs dealing and buy drugs which can get very addicting so if your not sure on buying this game just go get it and u wont be disapointed
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  33. AleM.
    Dec 17, 2009
    7
    Overall, it has good graphics, it´s a good game with a good story, but actually it has a repetitive story.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  34. AC
    Mar 18, 2009
    9
    Good timing for Nintendo to have a GTA game come out at the same time its new DSi is released. The Wii has a huge fan base so hopefully this game sells well on the DS and prompts Rockstar to make a GTA Wii game. As far as the game its a blast. It has all the GTA attitude and style they could cram into the DS. If your a GTA fan and own a DS this purchase is a no brainer.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  35. JoelCats
    Mar 19, 2009
    10
    This is the best handheld game money can buy. I would buy a DS for it. Tons of fun, I enjoy it as much as GTAI IV, and that says a lot. I'm really happy with music also surprisingly! Someone mentioned it isn't LICENSED, when it fact some of it is. I love driving in a fast car in the game, and having a dedicated DEADMAU5 station!!! Hes one of the most popular electronic music right now, the music is pretty good. You better bet you need a license for his own station in GTA CTW.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  36. CarlB
    Mar 31, 2009
    0
    OK ther r many reason this game is bad the artificel inteligance in very bad the camera is verybad and gameplay is bad why deal drugs that stupid loopk see this game is just watered down grand theft auto strait from th begining u can tel the cutscene is very poor just crap music and horibly loking heads wen they tolk its cash cow gaim basicly drug dealing agen y do that to get mony thats wrong but u hav to do it to get muny and the combat is veryu bad look see firt u hav to lok on to enemuy and then ui hav to shot them but u alweys lok onto civilan or somthing its borked and then u hav the camera which can go eat shet it nevtr folows u always goes randum places at lest they include butoin that make u adjust camera only decent thing is driving cuz u can actualy ster unlike gta4 where the cars handld as if some morbidly obese twins were using it as a tramolene wen u wer drivign but ion all this game is bad its broken and der was a time wen i was playing wer the ds shut off and wuldnt turn on it ruins ur ds and is a pece of shety dont not nbuy this game u will regret it wat did i told u… Expand
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  37. TJF.
    Jun 24, 2009
    9
    It is a really good game, it's bascially like taking Grand Theft Auto 1 and combining it with all the other grand theft autos. There are a few new things like Drug dealing and some other mini games. It uses the touch screen amazingly. The only complaint i have is Ling. I mean she's one of the people on the front of the case. And she dies within the first 5 minutes of the game. But its a good game overall.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  38. Zedo_Mann
    Aug 16, 2010
    8
    I personally think this game has some of the best graphics on the DS. Rockstar really did good with what they had to work with on this one. The touch screen mini-games are great and it's a lot of fun just to run around stealing cars, killing people, and dealing drugs for profit. Some people don't really like the top-down view, but keep in mind it's not like Grand Theft Auto 1, 2, or Advance. The view is actually at an angle and you can use a cinematic camera when you're driving. A great game on the Nintendo DS.… Expand
  39. starmario123
    Apr 27, 2011
    9
    9.5/10 = The best handheld GTA experi . . . never mind, this IS one of the best GTA experiences on any system.
  40. colafred4
    May 13, 2011
    10
    GTA at it's best. A full-feature game on a handheld with amazing graphics and sound effects. I lacked the voice acting from the storyline but there is some when you meet people on the street. You can't go into buildings, but you have a bunch of mini-games instead. The GPS works really well, the vehicles are varied. There is a constant FPS, and the controls use all buttons of the console and even the touch screen, which is amazing! 11 points of 10 for this one!… Expand
  41. JoseRochaPT
    Sep 22, 2011
    6
    For Fans it must be amazing, but it is not much if I look at it as a new videogame. Low graphs, weak story, just a copy of the Game Boy GTA. Not bad to play on the Metro/Bus.
  42. Isaac_Shark
    Oct 6, 2011
    10
    Not only the best game on the DS, it may just be one of the best games for any handheld device. The story, while lacking in the serious vibe GTA IV had, is well written and hilarious. There's a plethora of extras and secrets, and the car physics is an amazing milestone for a DS game. The greatest triumph of Chinatown Wars, however, is the drug-dealing. Missions give a VERY limited amount of money, so if you want to buy extra weapons and armor, drug dealing is a necessity. Finding drug dealers, finding the lowest seller and the highest bidder, getting emails from dealers giving you great deals, the entire system is much more than a gimmick. It's what sets Chinatown Wars apart, and maybe even better, than GTA IV. Missions are varied, characters are colorful and funny, shootouts are intense, and the cars are fast. This is the best way to play GTA, and it's on a handheld, no less.… Expand
  43. theDARKknight
    Nov 15, 2011
    8
    Yeah, I think GTA Chinatown wars was the best games for me among the GTA IV Series. I think it compromises of higher level graphics, but from my point of view, the game for the PSP was a beautiful success
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Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
93 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 85 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 85 out of 85
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 85
  3. Negative: 0 out of 85
  1. Gaming Nexus
    91
    The game does suffer from too many touch screen mini-games and a slightly outdated look, but those problems are easy to overlook when the product turns out to be this good!
    Read full review
  2. GameDaily
    100
    Whether you get end up drug dealing, causing mayhem, taxiing city passengers around or simply completing the missions, it's likely that your only moment of disappointment will come when you realize how dangerously close you are to finishing the game -- at which point you should note that there are an additional set of missions to be unlocked by tracking down two (very well) hidden Golden Lions after the main storyline ends.
    Read full review
  3. GameCritics
    80
    Despite the minor flaws, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars is an excellent experience.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »