Analysts can't agree on predicted Chinatown Wars sales
by Richard Mitchell 
{ Apr 13th 2009 at 5:00PM } 
According to MTV, Wedbush Morgan's Michael Pachter is predicting that the title sold a whopping 450,000 copies. Meanwhile, Jesse Divnich of EEDAR expects less than half of that figure, predicting around 200,000 copies. It's chaos out there, folks, and proof that people just don't know what to make of a high profile, M-rated game on Nintendo's cash machine. We suggest you get inside, lock the doors and board up the windows until we have official March NPD numbers to quell this storm.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Alexander @ Apr 13th 2009 5:05PM
Couldn't you check on how much people connected to the social club with it? There's two missions you unlock by having an account to their Social Club, so that would probably be a good base for esimation.
Alexander @ Apr 13th 2009 5:37PM
luckily our email address isn't the same
Morris_The_Grey @ Apr 13th 2009 6:01PM
Lots of people on these game websites are named Alex.
sam @ Apr 14th 2009 7:51AM
I just found the lions yesterday and am apparently only ~2,000 in the world to do so. However given that the game doesn't exactly make clear that this benefit is available (I didn't know until I read about it online - and yes maybe it's in the manual or the email about the lions, but it's not exactly clear), I suspect most people wouldn't bother - and many simply haven't finished the main game yet - so I don't think that figure should be seen as indicating a sales disaster...
The online features are actually pretty cool (couple extra missions, plus a rampage map that you could admittedly get elsewhere but whatever) so it's worth signing up for. But nobody likes registering with websites, and given that in most cases you get nothing worthwhile, I can imagine a lot of people didn't bother.
Mooga @ Apr 15th 2009 8:48AM
I can't even find a full list of players on the site...
Alexander @ Apr 16th 2009 6:19PM
Is there a high scores list for rampage or any minigames? Maybe that would show more people.
tmacairjordan87 @ Apr 13th 2009 5:05PM
I'm terrible at predicting sales, but the lower number sounds more likely to me as I would think the return to GTA 1 & 2 style gameplay would turn most of the huge fanbase off. There's a reason why the series became relevant after 3 ya know.
airtoast @ Apr 13th 2009 5:09PM
Agreed. Although I enjoy both handheld systems, I still don't understand why anyone would choose an N64-ized overhead version of GTA when you can get one of two modern, actual GTA games on the PSP for a cheaper price. But then again, I was never a fan of GTA Advance either.
Mr Khan @ Apr 13th 2009 5:12PM
Perspective reflects little on the gameplay, in this case. Seems to have all the charm of previous GTA games, and to be more "fun-oriented" than GTA IV.
Though if the GTA fanbase is at all shallow (or lacks a DS), then that could be an issue to contend with
Zerokku @ Apr 13th 2009 5:18PM
@ airtoast
Really? Have you played Chinatown wars? I was one of the people who thought it would suck because of the top-down and cel-shaded graphics but after having played it, and I'm having way more fun with it then all of the other handheld gta games combined.
It's a great game and I hope it sells well.
Snowblind @ Apr 13th 2009 5:21PM
That's pretty ignorant. Despite the fact has less impressive graphics than the other games, it definitely has all gameplay elements, structure and charm of the more recent GTA games, and it has a lot more in common with IV than it does with the original two.
It's more of an "actual, modern" GTA game, than either of the watered down PSP ones were.
tmacairjordan87 @ Apr 13th 2009 5:22PM
@ zerokku
Some people just don't like the old style GTAs. Even if I still had a DS I wouldn't even consider getting chinatown wars because of how much I hate the top down view and I'd be willing to bet most of the GTA fanbase (the ones that push it to 10 million all the time) are the same way.
whylekat @ Apr 13th 2009 5:33PM
Also because the PSP is a garbage system with a hand cramping control setup. =P
Markez @ Apr 13th 2009 5:34PM
Only reason this would be more attractive for me is simply because I don't want a GTAIII / IV type experience on a hand-held, I only want that on a console. Some games I just don't like as a handheld version, Harvest Moon as an example, albeit a poor one as I've only ever really gotten into Magical Melody.
I don't know if I'd actually like China Town Wars, however as it's a different game than the console versions, or console'esque hand-held versions, I'd probably be more likely to pick it up.
female SAM @ Apr 13th 2009 5:39PM
EDIT: Account deleted. So sick of this.
tmacairjordan87 @ Apr 13th 2009 5:42PM
Is that you sprinkles? If so, why are you masquerading as a girl? I mean, I knew you had problems but wow.
You're the one trolling, I never said anything about it being on a nintendo system.
Matisyahu Serious @ Apr 13th 2009 5:44PM
"Even if I still had a DS I wouldn't even consider getting chinatown wars"
this is not the thread you're looking for.
Cosmo @ Apr 13th 2009 7:39PM
Oh its so totally gotta be Sprinkes, you sure got the hots for tmacairjordan don't ya? ; )
burgerbat @ Apr 14th 2009 1:35AM
Any true "fan" of GTA would jump on the chance to play a game that takes everything you love about the individual games in the series and boils it down to sweet, on-the-go perfection. But you're just a fucking troll looking to stir up shit on every fucking Nintendo article, so I won't waste my breath.
tmacairjordan87 @ Apr 14th 2009 7:33AM
You already did waste your breath, and wasted a good 10 seconds of my time with that baseless attack comment. I know, specially now that you're no genious, but where did I attack nintendo in this article at all? I make a sensible comment with a valid point, and I get attacked by the....not so intelligent people that lurk this site. Some of you got what I was saying, and I appreciate that.
sam @ Apr 14th 2009 8:08AM
@tmac: Play the game then say that. It's awesome. If you've got a DS then presumably you like DS games, and this is among the very best DS games there is. DS games sell well in general - and yes, this game won't be bought by parents for their kids, but a lot of DSs are owned by adults and teenagers too. So while you wouldn't expect it to sell like Pokemon, it should sell pretty well. No idea whether it actually will sell well or not - I'm not an analyst, and anyway, the analysts apparently don't have any idea either...
The graphics are fantastic - only for the system, sure. They really look great, especially in the variety: I think this must be a pretty large cartridge because a 'typical' DS game of that style (if there is one) would probably have an awful lot more copy/paste buildings. And I don't think the majority of potential GTA DS players give a toss about the top-down view - it's a game where you get to kill people, drive fast cars, and sell drugs, and because it's on DS, they're not going to expect it will play the same as a console version.
I'd bet that nobody who is actually playing the game (as opposed to before they play it) thinks 'damn I wish this was first person' all the time. You don't even think about it. They've designed the game for the 'way above and a bit behind' camera view and it works great.
On the PSP you get a good-quality PS2 game that plays slightly less well than it would on PS2. On the DS you get a game really designed for the DS, and damn if it doesn't show.
Or to put it another way...
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (PSP): 88 metacritic.
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (DS): 94 metacritic.
But the answer to the question you posed, whether somebody who likes GTA and owns a DS should buy this game? The answer is a definite yes. (And if you have a PSP, then sure you should get the PSP versions as well! Maybe the DS one wouldn't even be your first choice despite the reviews, if you really prefer something more like the console experience.)
Mr Khan @ Apr 13th 2009 5:10PM
VGChartz (who, at this point before official numbers, is as reliable as anyone else, so don't pounce on it), is calling roughly 200k so far. Respectable, given how DS games tend to sell. You're not going to get the same kind of front-loaded hype for a DS game, except maybe for Pokemon. Even Brain Age started out slower than this.
NaeemTHM @ Apr 13th 2009 5:14PM
How does one become an analyst? I can spout random numbers too you know.
GTA: Chinatwon Wars will sell 500,000 copies!
See?
Gimme money.
Fernando Rocker @ Apr 13th 2009 5:16PM
Even if the game sold 200,000, it's pretty good for only two weeks of sales. And this is only US. The game has been on the charts in Europe for two weeks.
Heck... New Super Mario sold only 300,000 in the first two weeks, and now is at 18 million worlwide.
el serpiente @ Apr 13th 2009 6:18PM
Calm down, it's just a videogame.
Mr Khan @ Apr 13th 2009 6:31PM
I think we're kinda past that, el serpiente
sony boy @ Apr 13th 2009 6:44PM
GTa liberty city stories - 452,000 first day worldwide
gta chinatown wars - 148,000 first day world wide
great way to sho y psp is bettar
esposch @ Apr 13th 2009 7:15PM
@ Sony Boy
All I can say to that is :D.
Unless you were serious.
Dopple Boppler @ Apr 13th 2009 5:22PM
Until the game came out and started getting all the excellent reviews I thought it was going to be horrible, but I picked it up a week and a half ago and I absolutely love it. Aside from San Andreas it's probably my favorite in the whole series. All the fun of the console big boys minus the more in-depth stories all on a handheld = awesome in my book, and aside from Rocket Slime it's probably my favorite DS game.
Ringo @ Apr 13th 2009 5:33PM
I lub the old skool gta style.
But rest of UK seems to think "meh" or perhaps kids just don't think its as cool to play gta on a ds. Normally a new gta release would hit the all-format top spot upon release, but it's not even at the top of the DS chart:
http://www.elspa.com/?c=/charts/uk.jsp
Alexander @ Apr 13th 2009 5:35PM
This game most likely sold alot since i purchased it as well and i love the gameplay i also have a psp and love gta but this game rocks as a first time ds owner and selling drugs is funny but cool too gotta play this really good story line too
Spybreak @ Apr 14th 2009 12:00AM
Who cares how much it sells, I think this is a good game on the DS and it does give me the GTA experience I've learned to love. I think they should have called the title GTA: Drug Wars in my opinion though haha. But seriously the integration with the stylus works very good with the unique gameplay missions or scenarios.
Kenofthedead @ Apr 14th 2009 1:25PM
Well, if it sells companies may be willing to give the DS more games like it beyond just Rockstar, to take a bigger risk on titles that aren't so "everyone friendly" that most try to key in to for big titles on a handheld.
The better the sales, the better it is for the DS and us.
Other then that, the fanatics seem to love sales numbers. What else are they going to throw at each other to make their camp seem better then someone elses?
Now take what I just said and imagine two chimps sitting in two trees throwing stuff at each other because they think their tree is better.
Hunter @ Apr 13th 2009 5:45PM
The game is amazing. I actually bought it after I "demoed" it on my flashcard. Anyone trashing it and comparing it to the 2 topdowns really need to give it a shot. It plays like the modern GTA's, and the top down view works perfectly with the system. The game is still in 3d, it just has a RTS vantage point. Good job R*
Alex @ Apr 13th 2009 5:51PM
Well I know I bought a copy that's all I can say, I predict it will sell amazingly being one of the top selling DS games of the year, top 5.
milan @ Apr 13th 2009 6:30PM
This game is really good and if you are a skeptic, then STFU and play it a bit.
sony boy @ Apr 13th 2009 6:36PM
another way to prove that the psp is more mature than the ds.
GTA: LC stories - 450,000 first week
sony boy @ Apr 13th 2009 6:37PM
chinatown wars - 140,000 first day.
the kids in my school says it sucks, so i woudln't be suprised.
Markez @ Apr 13th 2009 6:48PM
You'll make a great troll someday.
SoshiKitai @ Apr 13th 2009 9:41PM
... lookit' da' baby! :) He so cuuute!
Moptimus Slime (Gobot in disguise) @ Apr 14th 2009 12:39AM
Well, if sony boys "friends" say it sucks, then it must be the worst game ever.
burgerbat @ Apr 14th 2009 1:38AM
Why do your parents even let you on the computer? Shouldn't you be doing your math homework? I think you're just upset because you can't even convince the guy at Gamestop to sell you this game.
Rumor of Boz @ Apr 13th 2009 6:51PM
Wow a lot of you guys are only hurting yourself by not playing GTA: China Town Wars. It is brilliant! Flat out, no need for a qualifier like "for a handheld", becasue this game is that good. WHen i saw teh first screen shots i was worried it would be no good or a 'watered-down' experience, but I WAS WRONG. This game has been able to grab my interist like only Vice City has. The gameplay fixes so many of the problems the 3d gta's have while also adding some very addicting features. So if you are a GTA fan (in anyway) you really really need to check this game out.
samik @ Apr 14th 2009 6:35AM
"The gameplay fixes so many of the problems the 3d gta's have while also adding some very addicting features."
Just out of curiosity, could you elaborate? I thought it would be a step backward, going to top-down 2d
Meh @ Apr 14th 2009 9:26AM
You can see what's behind you, for one.
TheAngryGamer @ Apr 14th 2009 9:57AM
"Just out of curiosity, could you elaborate? I thought it would be a step backward, going to top-down 2d"
Personally, it's more fun for me than GTA4. GTA has started taking itself too seriously. It's not as fun as it used to be, IMHO. Between the use of the stylus for hotwiring cars, making molotovs, scratching lottery tickets, and many other things and the optional drug trade, it's a hugely fun experience.
I honestly don't know when I've bought a game that consistently made me smile as much as this one does. It's top notch.
MarioSpitza @ Apr 13th 2009 6:58PM
Hmm, you know, I originally didn't know how to think about this title. It is pretty well known that the GTA series didn't gain prominence until it hit 3D in GTAIII. Before then, it was absolutely terrible. Overhead 2D just didn't work for the series.
So when I heard that Chinatown Wars was going to be overhead 2D, I naturally disregarded it. However, now that it came out and I see it in action, I definitely changed my mind. It's definitely of a far higher level of quality than the first two installments. Does it represent a 'modern' GTA? Not really, in my opinion. 3D simply makes too much of a difference in this kind of game.
Nonetheless, there's no doubt about it. Chinatown Wars appears to be an amazing game. Rockstar appears to have put an incredible amount of effort into the game.
player66 @ Apr 14th 2009 1:13PM
It would be a crying shame if this game didn't sell well. It's one of the best DS games out there and a great GTA to boot. I think they actually improved some of the most frustrating elements from other GTAs and retained the cool new features from IV.
435 @ Apr 14th 2009 1:18PM
I still think giving these "analysts" any credence in the media is a bad idea. They're soothsayers at best and Miss Cleo at worst.
Ignore the lot of them. All they ever do is stir up controversy and drive fanboyism.
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