Next of interest on the E3 2008 line up is Rockstar’s announcement for the Nintendo DS - Grand Theft Auto Chinatown Wars (GTA CW).

After the mild success of GTA Advance, and the obvious triumph of the latest Grand Theft Auto IV, GTA CW is another welcome addition to the handheld library of GTA games.

Rockstar Leeds is on development - the smaller development company owned by Rockstar Games who focus on portable titles and other outliers such as Table Tennis for Wii. The PSP GTA games have been very competent and impressive so far with minor frame rate issues the only significant hindrance in porting the intense GTA experience to a technically inferior console.

“This is a game that will deliver a rich, fast-paced and intense ‘Grand Theft Auto’ experience that will be truly unique to Nintendo’s handheld platform” - Sam Houser, Rockstar Games.

“With the use of the DS touch screen, players will navigate their way through the streets as they uncover the truth behind an epic tale of crime and corruption within the Triad crime syndicate, delivering the unprecedented amount of depth that has become a true trademark of the franchise.” - Rockstar press release.

Well we’re taking a step back in terms of hardware with the DS, so I’m expecting a top-down polished 2D affair that can hopefully utilise both of the DS’ screens effectively. I’m not expecting anything new or revolutionary on this other than the concept of GTA on the DS, that alone should be enough of a challenge for Rockstar Leeds.