View source for Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars

{{Short description|2009 video game}}
{{Redirect|Chinatown Wars|the racially motivated massacre in the United States|Chinese massacre of 1871|the real-life historical conflicts|Tong Wars}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2024}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
| image = ChinatownWars.jpg
| developer = {{Unbulleted list|[[Rockstar Leeds]]|[[Rockstar North]]{{efn|Ported to Android and Fire OS, as well as re-ported to iOS by War Drum Studios.<ref name="wardrum">{{cite web |url=http://wardrumstudios.com/wdwp/portfolio/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars/ | title = Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars | website = War Drum Studios | access-date = 18 January 2016 | archive-date = 13 January 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113155719/http://wardrumstudios.com/wdwp/portfolio/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars/ | url-status = live }}</ref>}}}}
| publisher = [[Rockstar Games]]
| producer = [[Leslie Benzies]]<br />Gordon Hall
| programmer = Al Dukes
| artist = Ian Bowden<br/>Dan Roberts
| writer = [[Dan Houser]]<br />David Bland
| series = ''[[Grand Theft Auto]]''
| platforms = [[Nintendo DS]]<br />[[PlayStation Portable]]<ref name="PSPport">{{cite web |url=http://ir.take2games.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=86428&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1300856&highlight= |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710182850/http://ir.take2games.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=86428&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1300856&highlight= |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 July 2012 |title=Rockstar Games Announces Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars Coming to the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system |date=22 June 2009 |access-date=22 June 2009 }}</ref><br />[[iOS (Apple)|iOS]]<ref name="iphone" /><ref name="iphone2" /><br />[[Android (operating system)|Android]]<ref name="android"/><br />[[Fire OS]]
| released = {{collapsible list |title={{nobold|17 March 2009}} |'''Nintendo DS'''<br />{{vgrelease|NA|17 March 2009|AUS|19 March 2009<ref name=GSDSRelDates>{{cite web |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/ds/action/grandtheftautochinatownwars/similar.html?mode=versions |title=Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars for DS – Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars DS Game – Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars DS Video Game |publisher=Uk.gamespot.com |access-date=7 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091108100441/http://uk.gamespot.com/ds/action/grandtheftautochinatownwars/similar.html?mode=versions |archive-date=8 November 2009 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>}}{{vgrelease|EU|20 March 2009<ref name="EuroG"/>}}'''PlayStation Portable'''<br/>{{Vgrelease|NA|20 October 2009<ref name=GSPSPRelDates>{{cite web |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/psp/action/grandtheftautochinatownwars/similar.html?mode=versions |title=Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars for PSP – Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars PSP Game – Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars PSP Game |publisher=Uk.gamespot.com |access-date=7 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091025172456/http://uk.gamespot.com/psp/action/grandtheftautochinatownwars/similar.html?mode=versions |archive-date=25 October 2009 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>|EU|23 October  2009<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/2009/10/19/1621/first_reviews_for_grand_theft_auto_chinatown_wars_on_psp | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104133345/http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/2009/10/19/1621/first_reviews_for_grand_theft_auto_chinatown_wars_on_psp | url-status=dead | archive-date = 4 January 2013 | publisher = Rockstar Games | title =First Reviews for Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars on PSP  | access-date = 20 October 2009}}</ref>|AUS|28 October 2009}}'''iOS'''{{Video game release|WW|17 January 2010<ref name="iphone" /><ref name="iphone2" />}}'''Android''', '''Fire OS'''{{Video game release|WW|18 December 2014<ref name="android"/>}}}}
| genre = [[Action-adventure]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamepro.com/news.cfm?article_id=201148|title=''Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars'' Page|publisher=[[GamePro]]|access-date=15 July 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080718172053/http://www.gamepro.com/news.cfm?article_id=201148|archive-date=18 July 2008}}</ref>
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]{{efn|[[Nintendo DS]] and [[PlayStation Portable]] versions only.|lead=yes}}
}}

'''''Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars''''' is a 2009 [[action-adventure game]] developed by [[Rockstar Leeds]] in conjunction with [[Rockstar North]] and published by [[Rockstar Games]]. The game was released for the [[Nintendo DS]] in March 2009, [[PlayStation Portable]] in October 2009,<ref name="PSPport" /> [[iOS (Apple)|iOS]] in January 2010,<ref name="iphone">{{cite web |author=JC Fletcher |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars-breaking-into-iphones-this-fall/ |title=Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars breaking into iPhones this fall |publisher=Joystiq |date=31 August 2009 |access-date=7 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091104023021/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars-breaking-into-iphones-this-fall/ |archive-date=4 November 2009 |url-status=dead  }}</ref><ref name="iphone2">{{cite web|url=http://ir.take2games.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=86428&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1325938&highlight=|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140806011408/http://ir.take2games.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=86428&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1325938&highlight=|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 August 2014|title=Take-Two Interactive Software – Investor Relations – Take-Two News Release|access-date=30 December 2016}}</ref> and [[Android (operating system)|Android]] and [[Fire OS]] devices in December 2014.<ref name="android">{{cite web |author=Bertel King Jr on |url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/12/18/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars-expands-play-store-finally-wants-call-android-home/ |title=Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars Expands Into The Play Store, Finally Wants To Call Android Home |publisher=Android Police |date=18 December 2014 |access-date=19 December 2014 |archive-date=17 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170817204915/http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/12/18/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars-expands-play-store-finally-wants-call-android-home/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It is the thirteenth game in the [[Grand Theft Auto|''Grand Theft Auto'' series]] and a follow-up to ''[[Grand Theft Auto IV]]'', and is the first entry to be released for handheld consoles since 2006's ''[[Vice City Stories]]''. Set within modern-day Liberty City (a fictional satire of [[New York City]]), the single-player story follows young [[Triad (organized crime)|Triad]] member Huang Lee and his efforts to recover a sword gifted by his late father after it is stolen from him, while inadvertently becoming caught in a power struggle amongst Liberty City's Triads.

The game was fundamentally designed for players to have notable interactions with objects on the DS and smartphone systems via their touch-screen controls, while offering unique elements of gameplay not found in other entries within the ''Grand Theft Auto'' series. The most notable element, the ability to buy drugs from suppliers and sell them to dealers to make money, proved controversial following the game's release. Despite this, the game received critical acclaim.<ref name="mctopds">{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/browse/games/score/metascore/all/ds?sort=desc |title=Highest and Lowest Gaming Scores – Nintendo DS |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=12 April 2013 |archive-date=1 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501052043/http://www.metacritic.com/browse/games/score/metascore/all/ds?sort=desc |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="mctoppsp">{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/browse/games/score/metascore/all/psp?sort=desc |title=Highest and Lowest Gaming Scores – PSP |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=12 April 2013 |archive-date=27 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130327232530/http://www.metacritic.com/browse/games/score/metascore/all/psp?sort=desc |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Gameplay ==
[[File:Chinatown Wars Cognoscenti 1.jpg|thumb|left|200px|A Cognoscenti being [[Motor vehicle theft|stolen]], while the player holds a 3-star wanted level. While in other ''[[Grand Theft Auto]]'' titles, the main technique to evade from the police was to leave a certain vicinity, away from them entirely, ''Chinatown Wars'' introduces a new mechanic which requires the player to destroy a specific number of police vehicles, thereby lowering the wanted level.]]

''Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars'' is an [[Action-adventure game|action-adventure]] game set in an [[open world]] environment. It has a different presentation from previous games in the series, by partially resembling the first ''Grand Theft Auto'' titles. Instead of a ground-level view behind the protagonist or a top-down perspective, ''Chinatown Wars'' uses a fully rotatable camera angled down at the action.<ref name="ctw 1up previews">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3171670 | publisher = [[1UP.com|1UP]] | title = Chinatown Wars previews | access-date = 7 December 2008 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120726185028/http://www.1up.com/previews/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars_2 | archive-date = 26 July 2012 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> ''Chinatown Wars'' also uses [[cel-shaded]] polygons with black outlines to produce a comic book-like aesthetic—a first for the series. The title takes place in a scaled-down rendition of ''[[Grand Theft Auto IV]]''{{'}}s Liberty City, with the exception of Alderney.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/gta-ds-to-feature-most-of-ivs-map |title=GTA DS to feature most of IV's map |last=Welsh |first=Oli |work=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |date=17 November 2008 |access-date=7 May 2020 |archive-date=30 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191130050635/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/gta-ds-to-feature-most-of-ivs-map |url-status=live }}</ref>

Unlike ''Grand Theft Auto IV'', the player can lose wanted stars by destroying police cars to escape the police instead of leaving a "wanted zone". The more stars the player has, the more police they have to take out for each level. For example, for a six star level, they have to take out six police cars to get down to a five star wanted level and so on.<ref name="ctwcops">{{cite web |url=http://www.myds.com.au/FeaturedReview.aspx?id=537 | publisher = MyDS | title = Grand Theft Auto Chinatown Wars Review | access-date = 19 March 2009 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320071602/http://ds.mmgn.com/Reviews/Grand-Theft-Auto-Chinatown-War | archive-date = 20 March 2012 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> There is also a drug dealing sub plot which allows players to peddle [[heroin]], [[LSD|acid]], [[MDMA|ecstasy]], [[marijuana]], [[cocaine]] and [[depressants]] around the city. Players can make a profit by recognising market conditions and demands based on geography and plying their wares accordingly. CCTV cameras work as this game's secret packages, destroyed by throwing a [[Molotov cocktail]] bottle or a [[grenade]]. This also decreases the chances of being caught while making a drug deal<ref name="side-missions">{{cite web |url=http://www.gtagaming.com/gtacw/side-missions | publisher = gtagaming | title = CW side-missions | access-date = 16 November 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081109021521/http://www.gtagaming.com/gtacw/side-missions | archive-date = 9 November 2008 | url-status=dead | df = dmy-all }}</ref> and provides discounts for buying drugs. ''Chinatown Wars'' applies many ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' features such as the next-gen HUD. Ammu-Nation returns in the form of an in-game website where the player can order various weapons through their PDA to be delivered to their safehouse. Players will also get emails which they can read either from the PDA or the laptop present in their safe house.

While stealing a moving vehicle is much similar to that of previous ''Grand Theft Auto'' games, ''Chinatown Wars'' uses a different system for stealing parked vehicles. Depending on the car, it can be started in one of a few ways. Older cars require a few turns of a screwdriver in the ignition, while other cars require [[hotwiring]]. Newer, more expensive cars (with the exception of a bulletproof van) require the player to "hack" the computerised [[immobiliser]]. It is still possible to flip cars or set them on fire. The player is unable to pilot any of the aircraft in the game, but he can still see the ones at the airport or flying above him, although if a player uses a certain code on the [[Nintendo DS]] by using "Action Replay DS" the player can acquire a helicopter and fly it.

=== Platform differences ===

*The [[Nintendo DS]] version of the game takes advantage of the touchscreen with functions such as controlling the PDA, GPS, the radio, access to the people on the map, or using Molotov cocktails and [[grenade]]s. The top screen shows the game and storyboard. Taxi whistling is supported by the DS [[microphone]] or by holding the X button.<ref name="ctw updates">{{cite web |url=http://www.gtagaming.com/gtacw |publisher=GTAGaming |author1=Neil |author2=Ash |title=Organized Crime At Its Best |access-date=16 November 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081105203507/http://www.gtagaming.com/gtacw |archive-date=5 November 2008 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> Competitive and co-operative multiplayer modes are only available through DS to DS local wireless.
*The [[PlayStation Portable|PSP]] version features updated graphics, which are no longer cel-shaded, thus sporting a more "classic" look akin to previous games in the series (however, cutscenes are stylistically identical). [[Minigame]]s (such as drawing tattoos, unscrewing the car and boom panels) have been adapted from their touch-screen functionality to simpler, [[Quick time event|QTE]]-like minigames. The PSP version also features extra missions and exclusive radio stations not found in the Nintendo DS version. However, PSP multiplayer supports only 2 players.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars-review/1900-6237360/|title=Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars Review|last=Calvert|first=Justin|date=21 October 2009|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=12 May 2019|archive-date=12 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512234435/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars-review/1900-6237360/|url-status=live}}</ref> There's an additional character named Melanie Mallard who's an independent news reporter working with one of the main characters of the game. Melanie and her missions are absent from other platforms.
*The [[iOS]] and [[Android (operating system)|Android]] versions of the game, based on the PSP version, includes on-screen touch controls and mini-games that have been adapted to work well with capacitive touchscreens. Both iOS and Android versions have the same radio stations as the PSP versions, though the iOS version features a custom radio station that uses the iTunes library.

==Plot==
In 2009, [[Triad (organized crime)|Triad]] member Huang Lee travels to [[Liberty City (Grand Theft Auto)|Liberty City]] to deliver the Yu Jian sword—a family [[heirloom]] won in a card game by his father who was recently murdered in [[Kowloon]]—to his uncle Wu "Kenny" Lee. Upon arrival, Huang's escort is killed by unknown assailants, who steal the sword and leave Huang for dead. Surviving, he makes his way to Kenny's restaurant and informs his uncle of the theft. Kenny, outraged at the news, reveals that he intended to hand the sword to Hsin Jaoming, the elderly head of the Liberty City Triads, in order to secure his position as his successor. Feeling dishonoured for losing Yu Jian, Kenny instructs Huang to assist in keeping his businesses afloat while he is in the city, causing him to be slowly drawn into the drug trade. While helping his uncle, Huang learns that two others are competing to become Hsin's successor—his sleazy son Chan Jaoming, and a ruthless deputy Zhou Ming—and finds himself working for both men in addition to Kenny.

During a job, Huang is intercepted by Wade Heston, a corrupt LCPD detective under observation by [[Internal affairs (law enforcement)|Internal Affairs]], who offers to assist him in finding Yu Jian, believing that apprehending the thieves will clear his reputation and get internal affairs off his tail. Huang agrees and helps Heston investigate a [[Kkangpae|Korean gang]] that is allied with the Triads, which the latter suspects to be behind the sword's theft. After [[Covert listening device|bugging]] the Koreans' headquarters, the pair learn that there is a splinter group within the gang called the Wonsu Nodong, whose leader has been causing problems for the Triads with the help of an informant.

Meanwhile, Hsin contacts Huang for assistance, concerned about the news of an informant within his syndicate, and orders him to investigate two former Triad allies who Hsin is suspicious about – the Korean Midtown Gangsters and the Angels of Death who are an [[outlaw motorcycle club]]. In the process, Huang is forced to deal with a Triad-hating [[American Mafia|mafioso]] named Rudy D'Avanzo who tried to deceive him but kills him when he learns of this deception. Huang helps Heston with several jobs for his Federal Investigation Bureau (FIB) contact, who offered to assist them with their investigation. Hsin soon becomes annoyed with Huang's slow progress and believing he might be the informant, tries to have him killed. Kenny intervenes to save his nephew's life, and persuades Hsin to give Huang more time to find the true informant. Through Hsin's private detective Lester Leroc, Huang eventually discovers that both the Koreans and Angels are innocent. Meanwhile, Heston is forced to back down due to pressure from internal affairs, leaving Huang to hack into the FIB servers to retrieve some files which name both Zhou and Chan as police informants.

After discussing his findings with his uncle, Kenny convinces Huang that they must be given to Hsin. Out of disgrace at the possibility his son is betraying the Triads, Hsin steps down as leader and names Kenny his successor. Meanwhile, Huang is tasked with killing Zhou and Chan, though both deny the accusations against them before dying. Heston later contacts Huang with news that the information he retrieved was fake and that the Wonsu leader is meeting with his allies, including the informant. Upon spying on the meeting, Huang is shocked to discover Kenny is the Wonsu leader and orchestrated the theft of Yu Jian. As the LCPD and FIB ambush the meeting, Kenny makes his escape, but Huang and Heston pursue him to Hsin's penthouse.

Upon confronting his uncle, Huang learns that Hsin had ordered Kenny to retrieve Yu Jian in exchange for a position underneath Chan. Kenny complied and killed Huang's father to inherit the sword, but later had Yu Jian stolen to keep himself from such a dishonourable position. He also secretly worked to undermine Hsin's leadership and take over, while framing Zhou and Chan to cover his tracks. After Kenny stabs Hsin with Yu Jian, he is in turn killed by Huang thus avenging his father's death. Hsin praises Huang for his loyalty and offers to name him the next Triad boss. Before Huang responds, the LCPD and FIB arrive at the scene. Heston assumes control of the situation and arrests Hsin and lets Huang go, who's in despair after seeing the situation.

==Soundtrack==

Music for the opening titles of gameplay is the track "Chinatown Wars" performed by [[Ghostface Killah]] and [[MF Doom]]<ref name="soundtrack">{{cite web |url=http://soulassassins.com/?p=6433 | publisher = Soul Assassins | title = Doom and ghostface – chinatown wars | access-date = 16 May 2009 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120723044508/http://www.soulassassins.com/hip-hop/fabolous-%e2%80%93-does-my-thing-f-red-cafe/attachment/fabolous-by-car/ | archive-date = 23 July 2012 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> and produced by [[Oh No (musician)|Oh No]] of [[Stones Throw Records]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rockstargames.com/chinatownwars/view/music:ghostface_mf_doom:chinatown_wars | publisher = Rockstar Games | title = Ghostface Killah & Doom "Chinatown Wars" Radio World Premiere | access-date = 15 October 2009 | archive-date = 2 April 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402234816/http://www.rockstargames.com/chinatownwars/view/music:ghostface_mf_doom:chinatown_wars | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rockstargames.com/chinatownwars/view/music:ghostface_mf_doom:chinatown_wars_clean | publisher = Rockstar Games | title = Ghostface Killah & Doom "Chinatown Wars" Double-Sided Single Now Available at iTunes | access-date = 15 October 2009 | archive-date = 2 April 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402234822/http://www.rockstargames.com/chinatownwars/view/music:ghostface_mf_doom:chinatown_wars_clean | url-status = dead }}</ref>

The [[Nintendo DS|DS]] version of the game features music by [[Deadmau5]] among others.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/2009/09/15/661/a_mau5_in_chinatown/ | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120908001001/http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/2009/09/15/661/a_mau5_in_chinatown/ | url-status=dead | archive-date = 8 September 2012 | publisher = Rockstar Games | title = A Mau5 in Chinatown | access-date = 15 October 2009}}</ref> On top of the soundtrack featured in the DS version of the game the [[PlayStation Portable|PSP]] version features music by [[Anvil (band)|Anvil]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/2009/09/25/951/exclusive_music_in_chinatown_wars_psp_-_part_one_anvil_%28audio_preview%29 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104132936/http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/2009/09/25/951/exclusive_music_in_chinatown_wars_psp_-_part_one_anvil_(audio_preview) | url-status=dead | archive-date = 4 January 2013 | publisher = Rockstar Games | title = Exclusive Music in Chinatown Wars PSP – Part One: ANVIL (Audio Preview)  | access-date = 15 October 2009}}</ref> [[Tortoise (band)|Tortoise]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/2009/10/12/1371/exclusive_music_in_chinatown_wars_psp_-_part_three_tortoise_%28audio_preview%29_ | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120913210405/http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/2009/10/12/1371/exclusive_music_in_chinatown_wars_psp_-_part_three_tortoise_(audio_preview)_ | url-status=dead | archive-date = 13 September 2012 | publisher = Rockstar Games | title = Exclusive Music in Chinatown Wars PSP – Part Three: Tortoise (Audio Preview) | access-date = 15 October 2009}}</ref> [[DFA Records]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/2009/10/05/1081/exclusive_music_in_chinatown_wars_psp_-_part_two_dfa_records_%28audio_preview%29 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120907234417/http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/2009/10/05/1081/exclusive_music_in_chinatown_wars_psp_-_part_two_dfa_records_(audio_preview) | url-status=dead | archive-date = 7 September 2012 | publisher = Rockstar Games | title = Exclusive Music in Chinatown Wars PSP – Part Two: DFA Records (Audio Preview) | access-date = 15 October 2009}}</ref> Turntables on the Hudson<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/2009/10/19/1531/exclusive_music_in_chinatown_wars_psp_-_part_four_turntables_on_the_hudson_%28audio_preview%29_ | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120909110433/http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/2009/10/19/1531/exclusive_music_in_chinatown_wars_psp_-_part_four_turntables_on_the_hudson_(audio_preview)_ | url-status=dead | archive-date = 9 September 2012 | publisher = Rockstar Games | title = Exclusive Music in Chinatown Wars PSP – Part Four: Turntables on the Hudson (Audio Preview) | access-date = 20 October 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.myspace.com/turntablesonthehudson | publisher = MySpace | title = Turntables On The Hudson on MySpace Music | access-date = 20 October 2009 | archive-date = 6 September 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120906222848/http://www.myspace.com/turntablesonthehudson | url-status = live }}</ref> and [[DJ Khalil]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/2009/10/20/1541/exclusive_music_in_chinatown_wars_psp_-_part_five_dj_khalil_%28audio_preview%29_ | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120917181856/http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/2009/10/20/1541/exclusive_music_in_chinatown_wars_psp_-_part_five_dj_khalil_(audio_preview)_ | url-status=dead | archive-date = 17 September 2012 | publisher = Rockstar Games | title = Exclusive Music in Chinatown Wars PSP – Part Five: DJ Khalil (Audio Preview) | access-date = 20 October 2009}}</ref>

The [[iOS]] and [[Android (operating system)|Android]] version featured all the music from the DS and PSP version and allowed the player to customise a music playlist using songs from their music library.

==Development==
On 15 July 2008, at a Nintendo press conference, it was announced that ''Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars'' would be released on the Nintendo DS in the following winter.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5025403/gta-coming-to-the-ds-with-china-town-wars |title=GTA Coming To The DS With China Town Wars |last=Fahey |first=Mike |publisher=Kotaku |date=15 July 2008 |access-date=29 April 2013 |archive-date=4 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104102644/http://kotaku.com/5025403/gta-coming-to-the-ds-with-china-town-wars |url-status=live }}</ref> The game contains over 900,000 lines of "hand-optimized" code.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/preview/17744 |title=Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars Preview |last=Ronaghan |first=Neil |publisher=Nintendo World Report |date=11 February 2009 |access-date=29 April 2013 |archive-date=29 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429083043/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/preview/17744/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars-nintendo-ds |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Release==

===Marketing===
In the [[GameStop]] pre-order commercial for ''Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars'', the dialogue referred to the real-life corporate bailout in 2008.<ref>{{cite web |author=JC Fletcher { 23 February 2009 at 8:00AM } |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/23/gta-chinatown-wars-commercial-shows-off-game-zings-government/ |title=GTA Chinatown Wars commercial shows off game, zings government |publisher=Joystiq.com |date=23 February 2009 |access-date=19 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226121841/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/23/gta-chinatown-wars-commercial-shows-off-game-zings-government |archive-date=26 February 2009 |url-status=dead  }}</ref><ref name="gamestop_youtube">{{cite web |date=20 February 2009 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-g54XeSEEQ |title=Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars at GameStop |publisher=Youtube.com |access-date=19 March 2009}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead YouTube link|date=February 2022}}</ref> A new gameplay trailer was released on 6 March 2009, showing gameplay involving using a sniper rifle and interacting with keypads with the Nintendo DS' stylus.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/player/46457.html |title=Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars – Hacking and Sniper Rifle Gameplay Trailer |publisher=Gametrailers.com |date=6 March 2009 |access-date=19 March 2009 |archive-date=20 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090320172922/http://www.gametrailers.com/player/46457.html |url-status=live }}</ref> GameStop had a promotion where they sent around a van letting people try the game before it was released.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamestop.com/gs/landing/ctw/ |title=Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars – Pre-Launch Sampling Tour |publisher=Gamestop.com |access-date=19 March 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327024815/http://www.gamestop.com/gs/landing/ctw/ |archive-date=27 March 2009  }}</ref> Other stores gave away a "credit card" which activates $10,000 of in-game money and earlier access to better weapons.<ref name="gamestop_youtube"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.filefront.com/gamestop-offers-exclusive-grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars-upgrade-with-pre-order/ |title=GameStop Offers Exclusive Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars Upgrade with Pre-Order |publisher=Gaming Today |access-date=29 July 2009 |archive-date=11 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091011172544/http://news.filefront.com/gamestop-offers-exclusive-grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars-upgrade-with-pre-order/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Amazon provided a code to unlock an exclusive bulletproof Infernus with preorders.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rockstarwatch.net/news/701/Exclusive-Bulletproof-Infernus-code-with-Chinatown-Wars-order-from-Amazon/|title=Exclusive Bulletproof Infernus code with Chinatown Wars order from Amazon|date=20 February 2009|website=Rockstar Watch|access-date=12 May 2019|archive-date=12 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512234448/http://www.rockstarwatch.net/news/701/Exclusive-Bulletproof-Infernus-code-with-Chinatown-Wars-order-from-Amazon/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Reception===
{{Video game reviews
| title = 
| state = 
<!-- Aggregate scores -->
| MC = DS: 93/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars/critic-reviews/?platform=ds |title=Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars for DS Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=12 May 2019 |archive-date=7 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191007002010/https://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars |url-status=live }}</ref><br />PSP: 90/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars/critic-reviews/?platform=psp |title=Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars for PSP Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=12 May 2019 |archive-date=9 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190309130542/https://www.metacritic.com/game/psp/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars |url-status=live }}</ref><br />iOS: 91/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad |title=Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars for iPhone/iPad Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=12 May 2019 |archive-date=10 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110180032/https://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars |url-status=live }}</ref>
<!-- Review scores -->
| 1UP = DS: A−<ref name="1UP_DS">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/gta-chinatown-wars |title=GTA: Chinatown Wars Review for DS |last=Barnholt |first=Ray |date=16 March 2009 |website=[[1UP.com]] |publisher=[[IGN Entertainment]] |access-date=12 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105205645/http://www.1up.com/reviews/gta-chinatown-wars |archive-date=5 November 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref><br />PSP: A−<ref name="1UP_PSP">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars_2 |title=GTA: Chinatown Wars Review for PSP |last=Barnholt |first=Ray |date=19 October 2009 |website=[[1UP.com]] |publisher=[[IGN Entertainment]] |access-date=14 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605021415/http://www.1up.com/reviews/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars_2 |archive-date=5 June 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref><br />iOS: A<ref name="1UP_iOS">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars |title=GTA: Chinatown Wars HD Review for iPad |last=Barnholt |first=Ray |date=14 September 2010 |website=[[1UP.com]] |publisher=[[IGN Entertainment]] |access-date=14 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160527224051/http://www.1up.com/reviews/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars |archive-date=27 May 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| CVG = 9.2/10<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=210806 |title=Nintendo Review: Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars |last=Robinson |first=Andy |publisher=[[Computer and Video Games]] |access-date=19 March 2009 |archive-date=18 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120518040539/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/210806/reviews/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| Edge = 9/10
| EuroG = 10/10<ref name="EuroG">{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars-review |title=Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars Review |last=Bramwell |first=Tom |date=16 March 2009 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |access-date=19 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130305010909/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars-review |archive-date=5 March 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| GI = 9.25/10
| GamePro = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref>{{cite web|last=Herring |first=Will |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/209261/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars/ |title=Review : Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars [DS] |publisher=[[GamePro]]|access-date=19 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090523092606/http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/209261/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars/ |archive-date=23 May 2009}}</ref>
| GSpot = 9.5/10<ref name="GSpot_DS">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars-review/1900-6206274/ |title=Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars Review |last=Calvert |first=Justin |date=17 March 2009 |website=[[GameSpot]] | publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=14 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120102005958/http://uk.gamespot.com/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars/reviews/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars-review-6206274 |archive-date=2 January 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| GSpy = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ds.gamespy.com/nintendo-ds/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars/963130p1.html |title=Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars |last=Lopez |first=Miguel |publisher=[[GameSpy]] |date=16 March 2009 |access-date=19 March 2009 |archive-date=10 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190910023342/http://ds.gamespy.com/nintendo-ds/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars/963130p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GRadar = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars-review/ |title=Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars Review |last=Elston |first=Brett |publisher=[[GamesRadar]] |date=20 October 2009 |access-date=29 April 2013 |archive-date=2 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402103025/https://www.gamesradar.com/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GB = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.giantbomb.com/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars/61-21100/reviews/ |title=Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars Review |last=Gerstmann |first=Jeff |publisher=[[GiantBomb]] |date=23 March 2009 |access-date=24 March 2009 |archive-date=22 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222154007/http://www.giantbomb.com/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars/61-21100/reviews/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| IGN = DS: 9.5/10<ref name="IGNUSreview">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/03/16/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars-review-3 |title=Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars Review |last=Harris |first=Craig |date=16 March 2009 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |access-date=14 May 2019 |archive-date=3 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190903104319/https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/03/16/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars-review-3 |url-status=live }}</ref><br />PSP: 9.3/10<ref name="IGN_PSP">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/10/20/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars-review |title=Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars Review |last=Miller |first=Greg |date=20 October 2009 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |access-date=14 May 2019 |archive-date=14 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514072337/https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/10/20/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars-review |url-status=live }}</ref><br />iOS: 9.0/10<ref name="IGN_iOS">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/01/19/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars-review-2 |title=Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars Review |last=Buchanan |first=Levi |date=19 January 2010 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |access-date=14 May 2019 |archive-date=14 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514072328/https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/01/19/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars-review-2 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="IGN_iPad">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/09/13/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars-ipad-review |title=Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars iPad Review |last=Buchanan |first=Levi |date=13 September 2010 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |access-date=14 May 2019 |archive-date=14 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514072334/https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/09/13/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars-ipad-review |url-status=live }}</ref>
| NWR = 9.0/10<ref>{{cite web |last=DiMola |first=Nick |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=18232 |title=DS Review: Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars |publisher=Nintendo World Report |access-date=23 March 2009 |archive-date=24 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120924125538/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/18232 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| ONM = 94%<ref name="ONM">{{cite web|url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/7494/reviews/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars-review/ |title=Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars Review |publisher=Official Nintendo Magazine |access-date=12 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517171851/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/7494/reviews/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars-review/ |archive-date=17 May 2013}}</ref>
| XPlay = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.g4tv.com/games/ds/52903/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars/review/ |title= Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars Review for DS |last=Manuel |first=Rob |publisher=[[X-Play]] |date=18 March 2009 |access-date=20 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613054353/http://www.g4tv.com/games/ds/52903/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars/review/ |archive-date=13 June 2013}}</ref>
| rev1 = ''[[TouchArcade]]''
| rev1Score = iOS: {{rating|5|5}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://toucharcade.com/2010/01/19/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars-review/ |title='Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars' Review |last=Hodapp |first=Eli |date=19 January 2010 |website=[[TouchArcade]] |access-date=14 May 2019 |archive-date=22 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822032919/https://toucharcade.com/2010/01/19/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
}}

====Nintendo DS version====
''Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars'' has received widespread critical acclaim. On [[GameRankings]], it was the highest rated Nintendo DS game ever, with an average review score of 93%.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ds/950922-grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars/index.html |title=Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars for DS |website=[[GameRankings]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=23 April 2009 |archive-date=23 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090423015430/http://www.gamerankings.com/ds/950922-grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars/index.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> The game holds a 93/100 aggregate score on [[Metacritic]], which is the highest score on that site for a DS game.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/browse/games/release-date/available/ds/metascore |title=All Nintendo DS Video Game Releases |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=14 May 2019 |archive-date=5 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405200846/https://www.metacritic.com/browse/games/release-date/available/ds/metascore |url-status=live }}</ref> The game also has the highest rank for the Nintendo DS at ''[[GameSpot]]'', with a rating of 9.5/10.<ref name="GSpot_DS" /> ''[[Official Nintendo Magazine]]'' rated the game 94%, praising the visuals and variety in gameplay, concluding in their review that "Rockstar has captured and condensed the ''Grand Theft Auto'' series' high points and crammed them into one terrific title. Think the DS can't handle ''GTA''? Think again."<ref name="ONM" /> ''[[IGN UK]]'' gave it a rating of 9.2, calling it "a masterpiece of handheld gaming",<ref name="ignukreview">{{cite web |url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2009/03/16/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars-uk-review |title=Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars UK Review |publisher=IGN UK |date=16 March 2009 |access-date=12 April 2013 |archive-date=29 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429083042/https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/03/16/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars-uk-review |url-status=live }}</ref> while ''IGN US'' gave the game a 9.5 out of 10.<ref name="IGNUSreview" /> ''[[Eurogamer]]'' gave it a rating of 10/10, saying "Overall this is ''GTA'' as it first was, with the inherited wisdom of ''GTA'' as it's been since, finished off with all sorts of things that would happily belong in a ''GTA'' of the future."<ref name="EuroG" /> ''[[1UP.com]]'' gave it an A−, saying that "from the start, Chinatown Wars looks impressive".<ref name="1UP_DS" />

''Chinatown Wars'' generated lower than expected sales in its first week in the United Kingdom, selling fewer copies than the debut of ''[[Vice City Stories]]'', which was Rockstar's expectation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mcvuk.com/business/uk-charts-resident-evil-5-fends-off-gta |title=UK CHARTS: Resident Evil 5 fends off GTA &#124; Games Industry &#124; MCV |publisher=Mcvuk.com |date=23 March 2009 |access-date=7 April 2011 |archive-date=29 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429083046/https://www.mcvuk.com/business-news/uk-charts-resident-evil-5-fends-off-gta/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In the [[United States]], it sold just under 90,000 units during its first two weeks on the American market.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/chinatown-wars-sells-under-90000-units-in-march/1100-6208111/|title=Chinatown Wars sells under 90,000 units in March|last=Thorsen|first=Tor|date=16 April 2009|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|access-date=12 May 2019|archive-date=12 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512234437/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/chinatown-wars-sells-under-90000-units-in-march/1100-6208111/|url-status=live}}</ref> This led [[Best Buy]] to sell the game at a reduced price for a limited time, the response to this was very positive.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6208747.html |title=GTA: Chinatown Wars jacks bargain bin |last=Thorsen |first=Tor |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |date=28 April 2009 |access-date=29 April 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090806092703/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6208747.html |archive-date=6 August 2009  }}</ref>

====PSP version====
Rockstar confirmed via a press release that ''Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars'' was going to be released for the PlayStation Portable on 20 October 2009. It was speculated that the PSP version would revert to the third person view. However, it retained the top down view from the DS version and also received acclaim.<ref name=PSPDate>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/RockstarGames/status/3542376970 |title=Twitter / Rockstar Games: Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown ... |author=Rockstar Games |author-link=Rockstar Games |publisher=[[Twitter]] |date=26 August 2009 |access-date=7 April 2011 |archive-date=30 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090830050929/http://twitter.com/RockstarGames/status/3542376970 |url-status=live }}</ref> The game is available on [[Universal Media Disc|UMD]] as well as via the [[PlayStation Network]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ir.take2games.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=86428&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1300856&highlight= |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710182850/http://ir.take2games.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=86428&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1300856&highlight= |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 July 2012 |title=Take-Two Interactive Software – Investor Relations – Take-Two News Release |publisher=Ir.take2games.com |access-date=7 April 2011 }}</ref> ''1UP.com'' gave the PSP version an A−, citing the experience is good the second time around and it is efficient for people who are playing for the first time.<ref name="1UP_PSP" /> ''IGN'' gave the PSP version a 9.3/10, compared to the 9.5/10 on DS.<ref name="IGN_PSP" /> The Indian website ''[[SKOAR!]]'' gave the version a 9/10, stating "the only complaint I have with the game is that it feels a bit too easy".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grand Theft Auo: Chinatown Wars (PSP) Review |url=https://www.digit.in/reviews/gaming/grand-theft-auo-chinatown-wars-psp-review-3124.html |access-date=20 August 2022 |website=www.digit.in |language=en |archive-date=14 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814034700/https://www.digit.in/reviews/gaming/grand-theft-auo-chinatown-wars-psp-review-3124.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Unlike the DS version, which reached number 5,<ref name="Chart Track Top 40 WE Mar 21 2009">{{cite web |url=http://www.chart-track.co.uk/index.jsp?c=p%2Fsoftware%2Fuk%2Farchive%2Findex_test.jsp&ct=110032&arch=t&lyr=2009&year=2009&week=12 | publisher = Chart Track | title = UK Top 40 video game sales week 12, 2009 | access-date = 14 November 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090331171717/http://www.chart-track.co.uk/index.jsp?c=p%2Fsoftware%2Fuk%2Farchive%2Findex_test.jsp&ct=110032&arch=t&lyr=2009&year=2009&week=12 | archive-date = 31 March 2009 | url-status = dead }}</ref> the PSP game didn't chart in the UK top 40 upon release,<ref name="Chart Track Top 40 WE Oct 24 2009">{{cite web |url=http://www.chart-track.co.uk/index.jsp?c=p%2Fsoftware%2Fuk%2Farchive%2Findex_test.jsp&ct=110032&arch=t&lyr=2009&year=2009&week=43 | publisher = Chart Track | title = UK Top 40 video game sales week 43, 2009 | access-date = 14 November 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091102062330/http://www.chart-track.co.uk/index.jsp?c=p%2Fsoftware%2Fuk%2Farchive%2Findex_test.jsp&ct=110032&arch=t&lyr=2009&year=2009&week=43 | archive-date = 2 November 2009 | url-status = dead }}</ref> nor did it chart in the US monthly top 20.<ref name="NPD Top 20 October 2009">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=26079 | publisher = Gamasutra | title = NPD: October Top 20 Sees Impressive Demon's Souls Showing | last = Matthews | first = Matt | date = 13 November 2009 | access-date = 14 November 2009 | archive-date = 18 October 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018143157/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=26079 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

====iOS and Android versions====
''Chinatown Wars'' was released on [[iPhone]] and [[iPod Touch]] on 17 January 2010. The touchscreen minigame mechanics originally seen in the Nintendo DS version returned in a similar fashion. The graphics, when compared to the DS and PSP versions, aren't cel-shaded like the DS version and lack the ambient lighting and effects seen in the PSP version. An update released on 28 March 2010 added the radio stations that were formerly exclusive to the PSP version.

The [[iPad]] version was released on 9 September 2010, with 1024x768 [[High-definition video|high definition]] graphics. It received critical acclaim, with ''IGN''{{'s}} Levi Buchanan giving it a 9.0/10, calling it "a phenomenal play".<ref name="IGN_iOS" /><ref name="IGN_iPad" />

On 13 October 2013, ''Chinatown Wars'' was removed from the App Store with no statement given by Rockstar. It is believed that it was due to compatibility issues with [[iOS 7]]. On 21 December 2013, the game returned to the store with the compatibility issues fixed. An additional update was released on 18 December 2014 that provided support for [[Retina Display]] resolutions and wireless controller support.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://toucharcade.com/2014/12/18/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars-major-update/ |title='Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars' Gets Huge Update, Now Universal with Widescreen, Retina Display, and MFi Controller Support |publisher=Touch Arcade |last=Nelson |first=Jared |date=18 December 2014 |access-date=19 December 2014 |archive-date=23 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223060339/http://toucharcade.com/2014/12/18/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars-major-update/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

''Chinatown Wars'' made its debut on [[Android (operating system)|Android]] devices on 18 December 2014, featuring the same graphical improvements and features as the latest iOS update. The Android version was developed by War Drum Studios.<ref name="wardrum"/> Currently, both the iOS and Android versions contain no multiplayer or [[Rockstar Games Social Club|Social Club]] compatibility.

On 19 October 2023, the game was available for free with a 30-minute trial, with an option to login to Social Club and be able to play the full version if a [[Grand Theft Auto Online|GTA+]] membership is subscribed on either [[PlayStation 5]] or [[Xbox Series X/S]].

===Awards===
At the [[Spike Video Game Awards|2009 Spike Video Game Awards]], ''Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars'' received the Best Handheld Game award. However, the version wasn't specified. It also won the Best Nintendo DS Game of 2009 Award from ''[[GameSpot]]''.<ref name="bestDS2009">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/videos/gamespots-best-of-2009-platform-award-winners/2300-6244195/|title=GameSpot's Best of 2009 – Platform Award Winners|date=24 December 2009|publisher=Gamespot|access-date=12 May 2019|archive-date=12 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512234442/https://www.gamespot.com/videos/gamespots-best-of-2009-platform-award-winners/2300-6244195/|url-status=live}}</ref> The game was nominated for three of ''GameSpot''{{'}}s awards: Game of the Year, DS Game of the Year and Action Game of the Year, winning DS Game of the Year.<ref name="bestDS2009" /> ''Chinatown Wars'' was nominated for Game of the Year by ''[[Nintendo Power]]'', as well as Nintendo DS Game of the Year, Best Nintendo DS Graphics and Best Adventure Game.<ref>{{cite book |title=[[Nintendo Power]] 250th issue! |year=2010 |publisher=[[Future US]] |location=[[South San Francisco, California]] |page=73 }}</ref> ''[[Pocket Gamer]]'' awarded the game Best Action/Arcade Game for handheld, Game of the Year for handheld and Overall Game of the Year in 2010.

==Controversy==
''Chinatown Wars'' continues the series' tradition of controversy because of a [[drug dealing]] minigame that includes [[heroin]] and [[Ecstasy (drug)|ecstasy]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/28/gta-chinatown-wars-drug-dealing-minigame-elicits-fury-from-uk/ | title = GTA Chinatown Wars drug-dealing minigame elicits 'fury' from UK drug support group | last = McElroy | first = Griffin | publisher = Joystiq | date = 28 September 2008 | access-date = 25 July 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021020401/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/28/gta-chinatown-wars-drug-dealing-minigame-elicits-fury-from-uk/ | archive-date = 21 October 2012 | url-status=dead | df = dmy-all }}</ref> Protesters against the game include Darren Gold of the anti-drug abuse charity Drugsline, who stated: "Anything using drug-dealing as entertainment is sending out the wrong message. Glamorisation doesn't help our work trying to educate kids of the dangers of substance misuse."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.gamervision.com/users/sarah/articles/drug_dealing_mini_game_in_gta_chinatown_wars_already_angering_people | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130123230945/http://www.gamervision.com/users/sarah/articles/drug_dealing_mini_game_in_gta_chinatown_wars_already_angering_people | url-status=dead | archive-date = 23 January 2013 | title = Drug-Dealing Mini-Game in GTA: Chinatown Wars Already Angering People | publisher = Gamer Vision | date = 25 September 2008 | access-date = 25 July 2011 }}</ref> In an interview with [[Edge (magazine)|''Edge'' magazine]], [[Dan Houser]] said "we wanted to have a drug-dealing mini-game in lots of the ''GTA'' games. [...] We played with it a little in ''[[Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories|Vice City Stories]]'', because it worked really well juxtaposed with the main story. It works well with what ''GTA'' is, with driving around the map, and it gives you another thing to think about – another layer or piece of the puzzle to keep you motivated... It does intersect with the main story and things you learn from it work with the story, but it mostly runs on its own."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.1up.com/news/gta-chinatown-wars-features-drug-selling | title = GTA: Chinatown Wars Features Drug-Selling Minigame | last = Pigna | first = Kris | publisher = [[1UP.com|1UP]] | date = 28 September 2008 | access-date = 25 July 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019204721/http://www.1up.com/news/gta-chinatown-wars-features-drug-selling | archive-date = 19 October 2012 | url-status=dead | df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/drug-dealing-mini-game-for-gta-ds | title = Drug-dealing mini-game for GTA DS | last = Purchese | first = Robert | publisher = Eurogamer | date = 24 September 2008 | access-date = 25 July 2011 | archive-date = 19 July 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719085519/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/drug-dealing-mini-game-for-gta-ds | url-status = live }}</ref>

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.rockstargames.com/chinatownwars}}
* {{Commons category-inline}}

{{Grand Theft Auto}}
{{Rockstar Leeds}}
{{Rockstar North}}
{{Rockstar Games}}
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