‘Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars’

‘Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars’

(Rockstar Games) for DS

Genre: Action-Adventure

Rating: M

Grade: A

“Chinatown Wars” is such a complete DS experience that it cannot be described as anything less than one of the best games ever for the device.

This is not just because it is a “GTA” title. The game’s depth and detail make for a richer experience than any other DS game since Sid Meier’s “Civilization: Revolution.”

You play as Huang, whose father has been killed. Naturally, the desire for revenge courses through your veins. Retribution will not be quick or easy, and that is when “Chinatown Wars” kicks into gear. There are tons of missions to pick from and finish, and making money along the way from drug deals and assassinations is necessary to move forward.

Cops are everywhere, and are no pushovers, which makes the difficulty at times rather high but the payoff worth every penny. Mini-games are prevalent all over the place, from getting tattoos to checking out radio stations to hotwiring cars. All of this makes full use of the DS, and you’ll be stunned at how they fit everything into the game.

“Chinatown Wars” is an instant classic and a must-own.

‘Henry Hatsworth’

(EA Games) for DS

Genre: Puzzle; Rating: E

Grade: A

Playing a 2-D scrolling adventure is never a bad thing because the game can contain hints of nostalgia while offering quick-paced enjoyment. On the flip side, puzzle games are great for handheld units since generally they are easy to pick up and play, and they allow gamers some tense and instant success.

“Henry Hatsworth” is a satisfying blend of the two. While many games seem to be pumped out of development studios with little regard for the end user, dear old “Henry Hatsworth” plays like some thought was put behind it. The result is fantastic.

One part of the game features classic side-scrolling action, with curmudgeonly Henry being taken on a quest to discover pieces of a golden suit. Platform action awaits at every turn and the controls handle well on the DS. You can switch things up on a moment’s notice, though, and start playing a Tetris-lookalike on the lower screen that meshes surprisingly well with the action from above.

If you can survive the ramped-up difficulty the game throws at you late in the action, you will easily see why I think this is a top-notch DS title for early 2009.

‘Valkyrie Profile: Covenant of the Plume’

(Square Enix) for DS

Genre: Role-Playing

Rating: T

Grade: B

If you enjoy strategic, slow-paced gaming, “Covenant of the Plume” may be right up your alley. If anyone can deliver this type of methodical game play while keeping the action exciting and the characters devilish-looking, the folks at Square Enix can.

The game focuses on Wylfred, a Valkyrie hell-bent on revenge. (Aren’t they all?) “Covenant” stands out because it makes you offer up your friends to the leader of the clan. This doesn’t make you a popular person to be around (since everyone thinks you are going to kill them).

The action itself is slow. But it needs to be, because the first couple of play-throughs will yield frustration and instant defeat if you try to hack-and-slash your way to the end. Once you complete the game, you’ll find several reasons to replay it because different alliances can be formed, allowing for new outcomes.

The drawbacks? A high difficulty level and a repeated need to punish you. Those uncertain about the genre and the adult-themed content may want to rent this first.

—Chris Campbell, Scripps Howard