5 reasons to try GTA Chinatown Wars on Android/iOS in 2023

GTA Chinatown Wars is one of the most underrated games in the Grand Theft Auto franchise. Rockstar Games first released the game in 2009 for the Nintendo DS console and later ported it to Apple’s iOS in 2010 and Google’s Android in 2014. Currently, smartphone platforms are the only sources where you can play the most updated version of the game.

While veteran players have already completed the game, many new players have yet to experience the gameplay. This article lists five intriguing reasons why you should try GTA Chinatown Wars on Android or iOS in 2023.

Note: This article is subjective and only reflects the writer's opinions.

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Five reasons why GTA Chinatown Wars is a must-try mobile game in 2023

1) Free for paid subscribers

Rockstar Games is slowly expanding its GTA+ subscription benefits to mobile devices, and on October 19, 2023, the studio announced that paid subscribers can play Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars on compatible iOS and Android devices for free. If you are a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S user and have an active monthly subscription, you can download and play the game directly.

The paid subscription is only applicable to the GTA 5 Expanded and Enhanced version, and you must log into the mobile game with the same Rockstar Games Social Club account. However, the game is not free for a lifetime, as Rockstar may change its subscription offerings in the future.

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2) One of the best-optimized portable GTA games

While other Grand Theft Auto titles can be played on Android and iOS devices, Chinatown Wars is undoubtedly the best portable game since it was originally designed for handheld consoles. The game runs smoothly on all mid-range to flagship smartphones, and the controls are also optimized for the touch screen.

You can use game controllers or a keyboard and mouse if you have an OTG cable and your phone supports the hardware. The graphics of the game look phenomenal on high-resolution screens, and the refresh rate is also acceptable. Interestingly, there are no known crash reports of the game on mobile devices to date.

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3) Unique top-down perspective

Even though GTA Chinatown Wars was released in the HD Universe of the Grand Theft Auto series, Rockstar Games implemented the top-down perspective, which was prevalent during the 2D Universe era. However, the developer used a unique 3D effect that makes the top-down perspective more interesting.

The 3D effect on tall objects distinguishes them from ground-level objects, giving the player a more immersive experience. The positions and rotations of the camera also give a unique vibe that can only be experienced firsthand. Additionally, the top-down perspective gives an aerial view, allowing you to see more things at a glance.

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4) Unique wanted level system

The wanted level mechanism in GTA Chinatown Wars is one of the most unique in the franchise, where you can knock down cops to evade them. While other titles increase the wanted level difficulty if you try to harm the cops, Chinatown Wards rewards you by decreasing the difficulty in most cases.

Players can directly ram cop cars to break them down. However, one must master the driving skills in the game, as controlling a car from the top-down perspective is not a child’s play.

Many fans are eagerly waiting for the GTA 6 announcement as the leaks showed an improved cop mechanism in the underdeveloped game.

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5) Gang-building mechanics

Chinatown Wars is the only title after GTA San Andreas where you can recruit NPCs in your gang. These gang members will help you in any combat situation by killing your enemies and guarding you. This gives a feeling of power as other Grand Theft Auto protagonists take other’s orders and handle all situations alone.

However, you can roam Chinatown War’s Liberty City with guards and gang members surrounding you. You can instruct them to kill the enemies on your behalf. Before engaging in intense gun battles, always recruit some gang members.