'Grand' Fun

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars may seem a bit archaic graphically for those who have become accustomed to the next-gen versions, but if you let the overhead view and cartoony graphics deter you from this little gem, you are making a huge mistake. GTA: Chinatown Wars is just as deep and compelling as any in the GTA Series and then some. The biggest kick in this game is that you can buy and sell drugs. Where was that in the previous installments? How can you even have a game about gangs, killings, backstabbing and the like without a little drug dealing?

The graphics and overhead view may put off some who have gotten used to the 3D environments and realism of GTA 4, but it only adds a touch of sentimentality to those who have grown up on the original GTA and GTA 2 as it harkens back to these early releases with a few added nuances including an e-mail system, a GPS, and the stylus gameplay. The story and sound (including music) is good and the design is top-notch. Rockstar North has another winner on its hands with this one.