GTA courting M on DS, didn't fit with Wii

Rockstar's Dan Houser tells Edge that Chinatown Wars will include drug-dealing minigames, tells Nintendo Power franchise "didn't feel natural" on console.

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars

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When Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars was announced at Nintendo's E3 2008 press event, there were audible gasps in the audience. Though Manhunt 2 had already been released on the Wii, Rockstar's anarchic series seemed unsuited to the DS. Besides the technical challenges the series' sprawling environments would present, it would also be a rare ultraviolent offering on the family-friendly handheld.

Today, those fearing a watered-down T-for-Teen rated GTA debut on the DS can relax. In an interview with Edge magazine, Rockstar's vice president Sam Houser said that Chinatown Wars won't be diluted in the slightest.

"No one disagreed with [Rockstar president and Dan's brother] Sam [Houser]'s very clear edict that GTA has to be an M rating," Houser told the British magazine. "It can't be softened to make it family-friendly--that's not the game we're making...[Nintendo] didn't want us to make a GTA for kids, and we weren't interested in making a game we wouldn't normally make."

Though he didn't confirm rumors of a stylus-based weapons-assembly minigame, Houser did give one example of Chinatown's Mature content. The title will include a Dope Wars-esque drug-dealing minigame, in which players will sell six different types of drugs according to demand in various neighborhoods. [UPDATE] A leaked screen on fan site T3.com shows the drugs to be cocaine, heroin, ecstasy (MDMA), acid (LSD), Weed (marijuana), and downers (barbiturates).

As for the prospect of a GTA Wii game, Sam Houser reportedly told Nintendo Power that the series wasn't a good fit on Nintendo's uber-popular console. "It didn't feel natural to us, I guess," he said, according to an advanced copy obtained by fan site Nintendo Everything. "It really was that the DS felt like it had a lot of interesting challenges that would be totally different from what we'd done in the past. The stylus and the chance to use minigames in that way was really interesting and exciting to us, and we thought we could integrate seamlessly between those two modes. And it would be the chance to make something really good on a handheld with our handheld-focused team."

So will there ever be a Wii GTA? Houser wouldn't rule out the possibility, saying, "We haven't really done any concrete, major thinking about the Wii, one way or another."

Nintendo Everything was also kind enough to post several scans from the forthcoming Nintendo Power, which shows Chinatown Wars will have an isometric perspective, not the 2D top-down view of 2004's "GTA Advance" or the two GTA Game Boy Color games. The screens also show the game will have a cel-shaded graphics and will include several other minigames, including hotwiring cars and sorting through dumpsters.

Chinatown Wars' gameplay has also apparently been modified, allowing for shorter missions that allow players to restart where the action begins, eliminating GTAIV's long pre-mission commutes. Set in part of Liberty City, the game will also reportedly have a 24-hour day/night cycle and a reworked wanted system, which favors taking out police cars versus escaping. The official Chinatown Wars site also sports a Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection logo, indicating some online play elements are in the works.

154 Comments

  • shani_boy101

    Posted Dec 2, 2008 10:12 pm PT

    least they didn't make some gimmicky piece of crap.

  • HotRobert

    Posted Oct 6, 2008 4:05 pm PT

    this game would rock on the wii, the wii needs something cool from rock star, other than "bully",played with the classic controler or the wii mote held sideways or something like that, and for all you idiots that say this game would have bad graphics on the wii screw you!Im sure as hell it would look much better than the ps2 version of the game.Im not trying to insult anyone but I hate when people devalue de wii.

  • ivanfred

    Posted Sep 30, 2008 8:25 pm PT

    smooth81_basic: It isn't Nintendo's fault that 3rd party developers can't use the Wiimote to it's fullest potential.
    =====================================
    Correct. I agree with other posters that most 3rd party developers ar simply too lazy to figure it out

  • smooth81_basic

    Posted Sep 30, 2008 6:11 pm PT

    world69star69:

    You are completely off base. I am 28 - and I remember the MK debate well, too. While Nintendo watered down the first MK, they didn't on MKII and it sold like hot-cakes. After that, Nintendo killed Sega. Period. And, if you think that only kids own a Wii, and that their parents won't buy them a GTA game - how do you think it sold so well on the PS2?? Most of the people I knew playing that game were in highschool. It's not that older, more mature gamers were buying it - it's because ignorant parents were buying it for the 12-year-olds. Thus, sparked the whole "violence in games" debate yet again.

    So, while the Wii may appeal more towards the younger audience, it doesn't mean that games have to be completely family friendly. I love my Wii - the thought that I can play a game in a completely different way than sitting there like a bump with a normal controller, really is awesome. It isn't Nintendo's fault that 3rd party developers can't use the Wiimote to it's fullest potential.

  • ivanfred

    Posted Sep 30, 2008 2:26 pm PT

    ShuuMutou :You must of not read the release dates on the Wii. The new Call of Duty is coming out for it. ======================
    This sounds interesting. I bought the Wii for my niece, but she prefers her PS2. If gameplay is tight for the Wii's version of Call of Duty 5, then I might buy it.

  • ShuuMutou

    Posted Sep 30, 2008 1:33 am PT

    kbaily

    Posted Sep 25, 2008 9:17 am AEST

    I find it weird that games like Assasin's Creed and GTA and Call of Duty 4 are supposedly not able to run on the Wii because it's "not powerful enough" and yet they're perfectly happy putting them on the even less powerful DS. WTF?
    ~

    You must of not read the release dates on the Wii. The new Call of Duty is coming out for it.

  • ivanfred

    Posted Sep 29, 2008 6:50 pm PT

    Junior_AIN: A release of a GTA to Wii would be awesome, especially if it is GTA4, even with crappy graphics and playable with the GameCube controller.
    ============================
    Exactly. Some people say GTA is inappropriate for a family console like the Wii. If that is true then why was the Godfather released for it? And according to this site and its users, the controls were well done. I agree with Tremblay343 who posted: "Not a good fit for the wii", really means "don't know how the hell we can make good controls on the wii."

  • Toro_Nev

    Posted Sep 29, 2008 3:10 pm PT

    I don't think it will ever come to the Wii, but i really hope that GTA DS will be awesome.

  • Tremblay343

    Posted Sep 29, 2008 12:13 pm PT

    "Not a good fit for the wii", really means "don't know how the hell we can make good controls on the wii." It needs more hardcore games like these. I Need a reason to play my wii other than SSBB, SMG and No more heroes.

  • necronaux

    Posted Sep 29, 2008 9:33 am PT

    I'm surprised, and thrilled, they're releasing the DS GTA, un-cut, with a Mature rating. Very cool, indeed.

  • etramleinad12

    Posted Sep 29, 2008 8:01 am PT

    If they make a gta game for the Wii, then there should be few motion sensing occasions.

    Keep it like Zelda, Mario, and No More Heroes.

  • Sins-of-Mosin

    Posted Sep 29, 2008 6:38 am PT

    Finally something for my un-used DS to play.

  • shani_boy101

    Posted Sep 29, 2008 3:43 am PT

    who the heck would want a GTA on the Wii? most people who own a Wii probably have never even heard of GTA or their Mum's specifically bought it to get away from GTA like World69star69 said (lol 69).

  • Payback7

    Posted Sep 29, 2008 3:13 am PT

    At first I poopooed this, but I'm starting to come around. I will wait patiently and see how how things turn out

  • tawagivercetti

    Posted Sep 28, 2008 9:30 pm PT

    Rockstar Leeds is freaking awesome LCS/VCS still rock my psp. Just wish they'd get to work on 'SAN ANDREAS stories' 4 PSP.

  • Abrahamito

    Posted Sep 28, 2008 1:44 pm PT

    man i hope this comes out good

  • world69star69

    Posted Sep 28, 2008 8:23 am PT

    Something tells me that 90% of the posters on here, wanting gta on the wii are under the age of 15, and your console was bought by your mom. The gta series doesn't belong on a Nintendo console, Nintendo decided long ago in the middle of the snes days that it was only going to be a family focused console. Why do you think games like mortal kombat didn't have blood in it back in the day(I a 29, so I remember the controversy well, i was probably around 15 then. It was a big deal.) Meanwhile Sega, grew with the original gamers(the ones that grew up on atari and NES) and this let sony enter the market and really soar as they targeted that older mature audience like nothing before..That is one of the reasons the playstation brand was so successful..It didn't target kids, but it targeted teens and adult gamers first and foremost.

    The wii feels like a kids toy, the miis look childish to the extreme. I can say this as I have one, the only game that gets played on it are wii sports, m galaxy, and my wife loves ddr. Other then that it doesn't get used(hasn't been touched all summer!) Who is going to be able to legally buy gta for the wii, when 90% of the owners are kids whose parents or grandparents bought them the console to avoid things like gta. It wouldn't sell, you kids would have to obtain it illegally. Parents would not be happy, and would get mad at Nintendo, it would be a bad move for Nintendo and the market they are going for. There will never be a gta on the Wii, get over it. Go out and get a job, if you are young you can always deliver newspapers (hell i did when i was 9-13 and always had money) then you can buy your own next gen console, or get the superior gta4 on pc.

  • so_hai

    Posted Sep 27, 2008 7:05 pm PT

    Every developer thinks they can do something unique with the stylus. It's just a phase Rockstar is going through.

  • BigBen11111

    Posted Sep 27, 2008 12:41 pm PT

    The game does look nice. But it'll be nice to see a Wii version of GTA, but sticking to the Gamecube or Classic Wii controller.

  • ctg867

    Posted Sep 27, 2008 9:13 am PT

    I don't think Chinatown Wars fits anywhere. I'm just waiting for Rockstar Leeds to get back and working on another PSP GTA game, since the first two were kick ass and sold very well.

  • KH2Freak2014

    Posted Sep 26, 2008 8:41 pm PT

    Meh, at E3 when I heard of this game I just thought it was going to be crappy (I never really have been a big fan of GTA games) but I won't lie, this does look pretty good. I would probably wait a few days after it comes out for a review to see if it is any good or not.

  • rouke1093

    Posted Sep 26, 2008 3:47 pm PT

    @"Wii60Joe": I don't agree, that the game would run slow on the wii, it depends on Rockstar how they would re-make it..

    the original RE 1 through 2 look pale if you look @ the re-made gc/wii versions, but that doesn't mean that GTA 4 or 3 through SA would look crappier on the wii than on the ps2 would do.. I know, that GTA 4 is ps3/xbox360 original, don't worry..

  • Sunrie

    Posted Sep 26, 2008 3:29 pm PT

    I'm going to hold off my opinions for how this game is going to actually play until I see it. The most frightening thing in my mind is that it's going to play like a non-text Drug Wars...

    Let's all just hope that the game has some real gameplay and isn't just something "shocking" for the DS

  • Junior_AIN

    Posted Sep 26, 2008 2:59 pm PT

    A release of a GTA to Wii would be awesome, especially if it is GTA4, even with crappy graphics and playable with the GameCube controller.

    Not really interested in GTA for the DS, the DS already has many good games, which is not the case of the Wii.

  • ganga_

    Posted Sep 26, 2008 7:04 am PT

    I'd like to see a special GTA for the Wii :/

  • mickjcoles

    Posted Sep 26, 2008 4:59 am PT

    I agree with most peeps that a Wii GTA would be awesome but, and saying this as a major lover of the Wii, that stuff like gta would not make it to Wii not cos of performance ie slighty worse graphics but just cos the Wii is the worlds fav Family Console
    Ive Just got a 360 20gb for £130 and im telling you now have this and the Wii makes my console life complete So the answer is easy Get a 360 now their this cheap BARGAIN

  • Wii60Joe

    Posted Sep 25, 2008 8:52 pm PT

    star77241 GTA better come to Wii. It would help immensely in convincing 3rd parties to work on serious core games for the Wii.

    I wouldnt mind a Gta on Wii but the controls would be crappy,Gta on Wii would run slow and the graphics will suck.. i personaly would just want the Gta franchise to stay on Ps3 and xbox

  • star77241

    Posted Sep 25, 2008 7:19 pm PT

    GTA better come to Wii. It would help immensely in convincing 3rd parties to work on serious core games for the Wii.

  • lewser5

    Posted Sep 25, 2008 5:27 pm PT

    I guess it could be cheaper and easier to make it on the DS.

  • slimdave21

    Posted Sep 25, 2008 5:07 pm PT

    Yeah, well, drug dealing won't be very ACCURATE then because Ecstasy usually isn't just MDMA! It usually contants a combination of different sometimes harmful drugs including: Ketamine (special K), Methamphetamines, Procaine, Amphetamines , MDA, PCP, and the list goes on. IN REALITY ECSTASY IS PRETTY MUCH MADE UP OF ANYTHING.

  • rouke1093

    Posted Sep 25, 2008 4:35 pm PT

    Maybe Hauser should be taken over by EA..
    There's A difference between "Didn't feel correct" & did not play very well..

    I'm sorry, but Manhunt 2 has been released on the wii, but GTA 4/special version or "1" through Sanandreas wouldn't fit?? BUllsh***

    I don't have A wii (to bad for me); but this kind of c**p is not making Rock* /Hauser any more populair with me..

  • doctorwang12

    Posted Sep 25, 2008 2:40 pm PT

    it would b awesome it if was 4 wii....

  • TabooTongue

    Posted Sep 25, 2008 1:46 pm PT

    GTA on the Wii would be great, especially after Wii Speak comes out. Hopefully Nintendo will update their firmware to not just block home brew but for real new features like Xbox Live has. If the controls didn't feel natural, suggest a Game Cube or Classic controller when it detects a only Wiimote\Nunchaku connected.

  • Jshaw71

    Posted Sep 25, 2008 12:22 pm PT

    i don't know why they would feel the wii isn't right for a gta game, i eman yes it has lesser graphics quality, but there no reason to dobut the wii because of that...

  • LucasBlat

    Posted Sep 25, 2008 12:05 pm PT

    i just wanted a gta on wii.

    s**t.

  • dzimm

    Posted Sep 25, 2008 7:46 am PT

    Looks good. Nice to see a major player like Rockstar still taking the DS seriously. Now if only they'd step up to the plate for the Wii.

  • yukine

    Posted Sep 25, 2008 7:37 am PT

    Looks pretty cool, I'm digging the cell-shaded graphics.

  • King_Jeremy_77

    Posted Sep 25, 2008 6:20 am PT

    Sweet, i'm looking forward to this game.

  • otanikun

    Posted Sep 25, 2008 5:59 am PT

    Cool we get to be digital drug dealers? That is kick ass!
    This should be pretty interesting, looking forward to it ^_^

  • canderson85

    Posted Sep 25, 2008 5:49 am PT

    The Wii hasn't felt natural in a long time for games. The only thing that Wii dominates lately is Waggle-fest party games. 3rd person games are hurting on the Wii anyway (no 2nd analog= no good cam control)whatever they did with the Wii would just end up being a low quality knock off with gimmicky controls. I own a Wii so don't say I don't know what I'm talking about, or pretend like you too haven't been completely disapointed with the Wii's offerings since Brawl

  • combatsoldier

    Posted Sep 25, 2008 1:55 am PT

    I am glad they are sticking to there guns on this and making it as they would for a normal console. Stay strong rockstar and thankyou.

  • Infrared187

    Posted Sep 25, 2008 12:10 am PT

    WTF? They haven't done any concrete thinking about the Wii, the best selling console in the world? If someone had said that about the PS2 when it was two years into its dominance of last-gen, people would have said they were insane. I mean, I'm not personally bothered since I have a 360, but that just seems such a ridiculous thing to say.

  • tawagivercetti

    Posted Sep 24, 2008 11:53 pm PT

    This is incouraging that Rockstar gets to make an un-watered down ds game and the screenshots look sweet...
    Hope they bring out a ds bundle for this, a GTA themed ds would be very cool.

  • Henninger

    Posted Sep 24, 2008 11:05 pm PT

    Good 2 know that it wont be watered down

  • YoJim8obaJoe

    Posted Sep 24, 2008 10:49 pm PT

    why so shocked?there was GTA games on GBA,this is illogical.

  • elozl

    Posted Sep 24, 2008 10:14 pm PT

    yep, Rockstar this time Sucks

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