It didn't become popular because of an industry standard. That's like saying that a game became popular because it was a good driving simulator, but also because it had graphics instead of being text based.

It's not "fair"?

Seriously, way more important things in life to worry about. Being a white dude and your wife delivers a black baby, that's not fair. Getting way too drunk ONE TIME and waking up next to a hairy fat chick, that's not fair. A portable GTA game being compared to another portable GTA game? Seems fair enough to me.

Ha ha ha. I have to read more of your posts. Welcome to the site.

@montana

but the open world wasn't standard was it

That was the big thing it did....it opened up the sandbox genre

something 2D GTA's didn't do

I really have no reason to defend GTA:CTW sales....but the media have been way to harsh on it as well as this site

the best thing about GTA's was that you could do anything you want....in that huge 3D world

so the industry standard was crucial in GTA becoming popular

if GTA:CTW doesn't allow you to do such things....its bound to have far lower sales than the PSP GTA's.....so comparing them is silly

well this is a sales site....so yeah such discussions are common here

I agree that it helped fuel the Sandbox genre, and the open-ended feel was what made it popular. But that's not the same as being 3D. The majority of games are 3D, but not all of them share the same gameplay mechanics as GTA.

That said, the success of Chinatown Wars really depends on criteria. I think it's a success in some areas and a failure in others. I expected more sales wise, but it definitely exceeded my expectations in gameplay and reviews.

I must admit.. I did expect bigger numbers but the fact is that it's the DS's.. 5th year now? After 5 years and not having any prior GTA to build a userbase.. I think it was a dumb idea to bring one out so late.. It's happening to the Wii, third parties wonder why their games don't sell? because Wii owners have had 2 and half years of the best games coming from Nintendo. They didn't build a userbase for their titles.. Look at Red Steel! Still the Wii's BEST SELLING FPS. The userbase was there and lapped it up.. But no other decent shooters were there to take advantage..

Third Parties have to blame themselves there and that's why I'm glad EA are bringing over their core franchises this year. They need the userbase.. Before Wii is sitting at 100 Million sold and only 10 Million of those owners have even heard of Dead Space let alone be tempted to play it.

Take Two recently said they were looking to grow mature content on DS in partnership with Nintendo and to me I think it means that they knew exactly what I'm saying.. They can't expect a whole heap of sales when they're so late to the party.. It also says that Nintendo are going to support the DS for a LONGGG time yet but that's for another discussion..

@puffy

wow interesting thoughts there!

There seems to be an obsession on this site and with analysts about the sales of GTA China Town Wars and Madworld. It's getting almost as annoying as Wii Music.

Well I have been thinking about it for quite a while now.. even thought about making a thread on it but I would want to gather facts to back up the argument and I cbfd so yeah :P

It's true though.. You can't go to the PSP with a Hannah Montana game and expect it sell this late into it's life.. Wait.. I spoke to soon :P I don't know how Sony expect that to do anything for PSP..