Why is everyone saying this game isn't 3D? The car models are rendered in 3D, the buildings and environments are rendered in 3D, and the characters are cel-shaded 3D models. This game is 3D. Foregoing a 3rd person over-the-shoulder camera doesn't change that. I prefer the overhead camera on portable devices. In Gangstar for instance, or the PSP GTAs, the draw distance was quite limited and the smaller screen size makes it difficult to make out objects on the horizon. The PSP Chinatown Wars looks like the most visually impressive GTA or GTA clone yet (portable). Hopefully the iphone can match it, and the controls are as good as the DS version. Can't wait, the imitators never come close to the original.
I wouldn't worry too much. The advantage of the iPhone is its enormous and demographically varied user base. Very few indie developers could produce something on the scale of GTA, so I'm glad larger developers are stepping in. But the people who are interested in these titles, while a sizable minority, don't constitute the entirity of game buyers. There are still tons of more casual players who will look for less expensive, creative options. Not to mention, you don't need a huge budget to make a good game. Spider for instance. A lot of work and a strong dev team, but nothing resembling Rockstar or EA. I don't think games like Spider are going to be worse off when the big players arrive. It's still an excellent game. More than anything, I think the big boys will force smaller developers to get even more creative and innovative. Instead of just releasing endless variations of time management or line drawing and tower defense games.
@Nausicaa Its 2.5D its not 3D. Having never played the DS version despite owning one i was wondering what the quality of the story itself was like? Generic, surprising, good enough etc... Now if SE would bring me a freaking Final Fantasy game......
Is there any way to keep this kind of crap off these boards? I know the person who posted this is young and stupid, but there's gotta be a way to block this sort of junk. I came here too read about games, not listen to the incoherent ramblings of a lonely high school sophomore. It's sad for him but even sadder for us because we have to wade through it to get to the actual info, etc.
Well said and I'll add that smaller developers might just be better off when the big boys finally arrive. Bigger developers will most likely draw more users to the iphone, which means more potential customers for smaller developers. Lord knows that online and at the Apple store they only advertise their biggest games and while those looked great to me and absolutely got me interested, once I became an iphone owner I quickly realized how much more there was out there. I would never have been lured in if not for the bigger, higher profile developers, but once I became an insider I was privvy to all the other wonderful games that smaller developers had to offer and believe me, I spread the word about them to other iphone owners. I can't see how this isn't win/win for customers and other developers alike.
No, it's 3D. Again, all the in-game assets are rendered in full 3D. And they function in 3D space (cars flip around in the air, etc). If you're talking about gameplay, I guess you could argue it's a 2D game, since all the action takes place on a 2D plane along the x/y-axis. Whereas the other more recent additions in the series use the z-axis as well. But still, graphically this is a 3D game. I suppose I shouldn't be so prickly, since I know exactly what you mean when you say '2.5D'. I just think it's sad some people are dissing this game on account of the top down view when it looks far more impressive - even on the DS - than any of the GTA-style games on the iPhone now, the intensly generic Gangstar included. After hearing this announcement I was reading more about the DS version, and I couldn't be more excited. I guess the Liberty City in CW is based on (identical to?) the version presented in GTA IV. Supposed to be enormous. Not to mention some fresh gameplay mechanics like drug trading, and hotwiring cars.
It's 2.5D. 3D polygonal models but played on the x/y plane only. However, I have to point out, yet again, that the game is NOT overhead perspective. It's (thanks to the poster who corrected me on the proper term btw in another topic) 3/4 view. Not really overhead. And, yes, it does matter and make things a bit different. Anyone who remembers playing Payback using the overhead only camera before the update gave us the 3/4 angled view knows this for a fact: the angled view changes things up quite a bit. You can see further ahead, make out different items and areas a bit better, and the longer field of vision ahead of you allows the gamer to plan things out just a bit better (both in car and on foot while in combat). I really don't lump Chinatown Wars in with the 2D overhead GTA games (GTA 1, 2, the add on packs London '61 and '69, and GTA: Advance for GBA). It's a different beast altogether, IMHO. It doesn't hearken back to the earlier titles so much as it does it's own thing.
I just want to say that there will ALWAYS be a place for indie devs on the app store, especially when they make games as good as "Nut Chuckin'". But what really got me excited was you referencing fugazi in your post. That makes me want to buy 10 more copies of your game. What a great band...looks like they're gone for good, but one can hope. Also, are you actually based in Hollywood? I was born at Kaiser in Hollywood, and graduatated from North Hollywood High School. Sorry for the off topic, BTW...
Wow, I haven't seen Fugazi mentioned in probably 10 years. I used to love fugazi and minor threat! Back when I actually cared about being straight edge.
It looks like we will be getter graphics closer to the DS than the PSP: http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-19512_7-10322019-233.html?tag=mncol;txt Either way, I'm lookin forward to this game more so than any other game. I have been considering purchasing a DS for this game alone. Also, they should have very little problems advertising the game as they can throw on an "Available on the iPhone and the iPod Touch" on the PSP commercials.
**** no!!lol Although I was lame and used permanent marker on my hands when going to shows. Unfortunately my philosophies on life have changed drastically. Thanks LSD
Really? I was considering doing the same thing; purchasing a DS just for GTA: Chinatown Wars. It really does look amazing, and thankfully now I can save money by just waiting for it to come out on the iDevices around October-November..
I see where you are coming from, but don't worry. I think you are safe for now. The great thing about the bigger developers getting into the iTouch gaming category is exactly because it will allow small developers the opportunity to go head to head with the big dogs. You used Fugazi as an example. Let's not forget that in the late 80's and early 90's those guys literally had to forge their own way, building on the nascent efforts of a few meager bands who had come before them, such as Black Flag or Husker Du. There was no existing circuit of night clubs that you could keep in an email directory. There were no publicists or booking agents for indie bands. Those guys had to invent all of that by being successful in spite of the difficulties. Once Fugazi began making money other people looked at their formula and copied it and slowly, a real independent music scene, that was sustainable and viable arrived. With that stability it became much easier for anyone to join a band and go on tour. But first Fugazi had to prove they could be successful just like the bigger badder mainstream labels out there. They weren't scared of fighting with the big dogs, they went out sniffing for a fight! "You say I need a job? I got my own business!" Apple has gone a long way toward making things easier for indie developers than it used to be for indie rockers. You will be able to spend your time and effort solely in providing a quality product. Rather than worrying about finding a market, mass manufacturing a package, gaining a publisher / distribution outlet etc... all of your time can go into making the absolute best games that you can. And when you're ready to sell them they will be listed on the app store right next to bigger, better known titles which will boost your visibility as an indie developer. It's a win-win situation for you if you make quality games that offer good gameplay. Someone earlier mentioned Spider. That's a perfect example of what I'm talking about. It's a great game by a small dev team that has had plenty of success with a simple, yet well done title. All with an advertising budget of pretty much nothing. What I'd be scared of happening to the appstore is exactly what is happening right now to the music industry. Technology has made it too easy for anyone to become a "musician" and our industry is suffering from a complete blood clot of substandard talent as a result. You can already see that beginning to happen in the appstore, though so far the cream has continued to rise. Perhaps that approval system, that befuddles so many folks, is why. With indie rock it's becoming more and more difficult to find the Fugazi's of the world not because of the Metallica's out there, but because of so many bands less well known. I think indie rock needs an appstore! T.O.
