Of the few, true games available in the App Store, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars easily eclipses any releases prior.
Many of these "true" videogames are simply ports from other systems, and this is the category where Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars falls in. And I think I speak for all of us when I say we're all happy it's finally on board the iPhone Express (toot toot).
Unless you've been living under a rock buried below the sands of Atlantis on the planet Jupiter, it'd be redundant for me or anyone else to explain the premise of Grand Theft Auto. Simply put; jack cars, shoot cops, betrayal, slog to get 100% completion.
GTA: CW was originally released on the DS with fun little touch minigames with decent graphics. The PSP port got slick graphics, but QTE-minigames. The iPhone version is easily the best, combining touch controls with sweet looks.
One of the few problems that hasn't been addressed is the not-so-perfect auto aim. Specifically, not only will it target the harmless old lady on the ground instead of the helicopter blasting my brains onto the pavement, but it's impossible to walk away from someone and shoot them at the same time. You can't walk backwards at all; if you want to shoot someone, they have to be dead ahead of you. This is compensated for by the requirement for each goon to apparently tie their shoes before firing at you. Each shot unties their shoelaces. Point of horrible analogy: they take a lot of time between shots.
If there's one flaw of the game you could genuinely shake a fist at, it's the story. There's a character introduced in the beginning who seems like he'll/she'll be involved in a large part of the story. How silly of you to make such an assumption. He/She get's killed after 1 mission. Yes, on his/her second mission, he/she is shot dead by goon and then forgotten about for the rest of the game. What a shame.
Also, the writing isn't up to Rockstar's usual level of clever undertones and believable drama. Granted, it's all very funny, and easily eclipses most other game writing, especially on a handheld, but text simply doesn't hit as close to home as voice acting. I can see why it was required, and there wasn't really anything Rockstar could've done about it, but it's simply a fact. Once again, it's actually a very good script. It's just not as good as the GTA IV's and San Andreas' of the world.
One last note: there's no multiplayer. However, considering the fact that we're paying $10-$30 less than DS and PSP owners have to pay, the lack of multiplayer is more than justified.
Beyond that, there really isn't anything I can say that hasn't already been said. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars contains the same violent mayhem the series is known for, combined with a couple great new features like drug dealing and an offensive side to wanted level removal. And really, what more can you ask for?
*cough* VOICE ACTING *cough*