'Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars' PSP Hands-on Preview

After surprisingly low sales for "GTA: Chinatown Wars" on the DS (for a "GTA" game, at least), Rockstar is trying again on the PSP, where they've had a lot of success with "Liberty City Stories" and "Vice City Stories."

"GTA: Chinatown Wars" on the PSP is very nearly the same game that appeared on Nintendo's handheld, save for a few changes. The visuals are the most obvious improvement, as the game features way more color and lighting effects this time around. The feeling of depth, too, is more dramatic, thanks to the PSP being a much more dedicated 3D gaming platform.

The gameplay, though, is mostly untouched. All the missions from the DS installment are there, with a few bonus missions thrown in for good measure. The biggest difference, though, is the lack of a touch screen, which was utilized in many of the DS versions minigames. On the PSP the analog nub is the main input for many of these now, as you'll have to rotate it to hijack cars or set bombs. I actually preferred using the nub over a touch screen, if only 'cause the game doesn't require you to keep the stylus handy at all times...something that became quite trying on the DS.

But the change of platform also comes with a few drawbacks. No second screen means no easily accessible data and a smaller on-screen radar. It's not impossible to use, but I do miss the larger radar option. The on-street virtual directions are back, though, limiting the need to constantly stare at the GPS orb.

"GTA: Chinatown Wars" is easily one of the best DS games ever, and for people that missed out on it the first time, its appearance on the PSP is definitely good news. If you already played through it on the DS you can probably skip this moderate upgrade, but newcomers should definitely look for it in early October.

Tags grand theft auto, grand theft auto: chinatown wars, rockstar games