GTA Chinatown Wars features Wi-Fi connection, but offline multiplayer

by Andrew Yoon { Feb 9th 2009 at 6:33PM }

There appears to be some confusion over what multiplayer options will be included in the upcoming Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars. The DS game will feature support for Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, but the connectivity does not expand to multiplayer.

Instead, multiplayer is limited to local system play. A flyer from New York Comic Con (via GoNintendo) shows the game will include competitive and cooperative modes -- although no other details were revealed.

While Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection won't be used for multiplayer, it will allow players to communicate and interact with their friends. For example, you'll be able to share favorite locations, chat live through in-game instant messaging, and trade in-game items. Stats can also be uploaded to Rockstar's Social Club site. Through the Social Club, Rockstar is promising "special contests, events, and promotions," although what those will entail is still unclear at this moment.

Tags: chinatown-wars, grand-theft-auto, gta, gta-chinatown-wars, rockstar, rockstar-social-club

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Orange @ Feb 9th 2009 6:41PM

But the flyer @ comic con said that there will be co-op....=(

Xta Large (Formerly Fatass) @ Feb 9th 2009 6:51PM

There is. It's just offline, bro.

Hmm, a Joystiq poster who didn't read the article. You never see those anymore...

/awfulsarcasm

KeenCommander @ Feb 9th 2009 6:44PM

This still sounds good to me, online multiplayer on DS has never really been practical anyways.

Xta Large (Formerly Fatass) @ Feb 9th 2009 6:54PM

Why isn't it 'practical'? It's about as practical as handheld, WiFi-based online can be. One day I'm envisioning handhelds with online elements as robust as their console counterparts, but for now, I'm just fine with what I've got with the DS/PSP.

Both of 'em have voice chat, both of 'em are relatively simple to use... I've had good times with both.

Mike @ Feb 9th 2009 6:58PM

"It's about as practical as handheld, WiFi-based online can be. "

Except instead of just hopping online and going straight to a game,
you have to call one of your friends and have them bring their DS
over and sit within a 20 foot radius of you before you can play. And that's assuming said person will even know someone else with a DS, a copy of GTA, and a surprising willingness to come over anytime they want to play.

Xta Large (Formerly Fatass) @ Feb 9th 2009 7:01PM

I'm sorry, I worded my post incorrectly. I wasn't specifically talking about GTA Chinatown Wars, I was just talking about the DS (and PSP) online experience as a whole.

Xta Large (Formerly Fatass) @ Feb 9th 2009 7:04PM

"And that's assuming said person will even know someone else with a DS"

lol wut

The DS is the fastest selling console _ever_, if I'm not mistaken. It's broken sales records around the world.

"a copy of GTA"

Ten bucks says that this hits the top ten DS sales charts and stays there for a while.

"and a surprising willingness to come over anytime they want to play."

Can't argue with that, though the DS and PSP local multi are good for trips or when you're just hanging out. It's not like you can't bring the DS over if you're planning to do something else.

Mike @ Feb 9th 2009 7:05PM

Oh wow, I just realized I completely misread what the original poster said. I thought he said OFFLINE multiplayer isn't practical, and that you were saying it's as practical as online mode is.

I'm going to have to agree and say that online on the DS was plenty practical, and I used to play Mario Kart DS online all the time. It was really easy to sign in and play a few matches.