It's normal for a game to get released on multiple platforms. In fact in this day and age it's a must. For portable games this is less the case since the DS has a completely different set of controls in comparison to the PSP or even the iPhone. This is why it was so strange to see Rockstar Games release Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars on the iPod after the PSP, and even after it was originally released on the Nintendo DS.

The game used controls that were appropriate for the DS, so when it was re-released for the PSP it felt a little reduced in style. This was largely due to the lack of a touch screen. Now the game is back on a system with a touch screen. Hopefully with Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars returning to a system where we can see it in its original glory.

As mentioned before, this is the third iteration of Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars. Up until this point, my favorite version of the game was on the Nintendo DS. It felt right, looked right and used the DS's unique controls perfectly. On the PSP, the game did well to represent what an old school GTA game should feel like, but it didn't have the charm of the DS. This is mostly based on my own personal bias since I found it so avant-garde to play a Grand Theft Auto title on what's generally considered a child's gaming system. It was like watching Reservoir Dogs on a Fisher-Price portable DVD player. On the PSP, without the touch screen controls the game went from innovative to downright bland
Now with the game on the iPod, it's most important attribute is returned perfectly. With the iPhone's touch screen, ease of use and customizable soundtrack, the game feels more like an old school GTA title than just another iPhone game. All the elements from the DS and even PSP have returned. The only drawback to the game is the position of the controls, but this is more an iPhone problem than a game issue. It’s easy to jump onto the game and quickly run around. And if you don’t have much time it’s easy to find quick action.

 

 

If you are looking for a deep long-term game for the iPod Touch and iPhone this is the game for you. Plus, if you’re a fan of the GTA series and you didn’t play this game before it’s a must have game. This is why Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars gets a 10 out 10.