Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (DS)

Rating: Dig It

The fictional metropolis of Liberty City, from last year’s epic Grand Theft Auto IV, somehow manages to squeeze itself into your pocket in the form of Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars. Now you can steal cars and beat hookers on-the-go!

Loved: How the game makes good use of the Nintendo DS’s touch screen.
You’ll be hotwiring cars, detonating bombs and assembling sniper rifles with the tips of your thumbs in no time. These mechanics keep you on your feet and engaged with the game at all times.

Hated: The cliché plot.
Young Asian male with troubled past comes to America in order to avenge his father’s death, defend the family honor and protect the family heirloom (which is always an ancient sword for some reason). Blah, blah, blah — you’ve seen it before. It is definitely a step down from GTA IV standards.

Cool: To play while on the can.
No, really, try it.