Finally, after months of waiting, Nintendo has revealed via Nintendo Power the first set of details concerning
the DS exclusive Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars. The first thing that people are wondering is about the gameplay, and whether or not the lower hardware power of the DS will lead to the usual GTA gameplay elements to be compromised. The short answer is, no, they have not. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars will, in fact not only have the sandbox gameplay, with a 3D, cel-shaded, city, with various cars, citizens, a 24 hour day, with different weather effects, but the title will also be rated M. The missions will be designed for shorter, more frequent, play times. There will be radio stations, although most of the music will be instrumental only (I assume because of the preference of MIDI music on the DS).

The game will implement stylus controls, with aiming being controlled with the controlled pad. Players can switch to auto aim with th R bumper. The User interface will be handled through a PDA. Players can veiw their contacts, emails, stats, map, GPS, and the music player, through the PDA.

In addition to the game details, you can view the first screenshots after the jump.