Point/Counterpoint: Should GTA be 2D or 3D?

by David Hinkle { Aug 22nd 2008 at 2:00PM }

That's right folks, it's that time again: two bloggers square off in debate over one subject in our Point/Counterpoint feature. This time, we're talking GTA: Chinatown Wars and whether or not the title should be 2D or 3D. So, without further ado, hit the button below and read the arguments.

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Tags: 2d, 3d, chinatown-wars, grand-theft-auto, gta, gta-chinatown-wars, rockstar, take-two

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Anthony @ Aug 22nd 2008 2:31PM

It should be 3d.

i mean, the first handful of games to come out on the ds were 3d, and were really good, like Metroid Prime Hunters, and Super Mario 64 DS.

those games werent lacking game content, they were quite long.

Have you seen the screenshots for the new tomb raider game? super sick in 3d.

i would imagine that that game wont have a lackluster storyline either.

So GTACTW should be in 3d.

The Fatass of Kickassness @ Aug 22nd 2008 5:09PM

Keep in mind you're comparing a franchise with a typically wide open, sprawling world to games that do look pretty decent but only because they're limited to small rooms and junk. I mean, in the largest areas in Hunters, you'd have slowdown, you'd have weird texture problems, yadda yadda, and in GTA the world'd be even bigger than those. Same goes for Mario 64 DS. I don't think the DS would be able to handle a 3D GTA game.

pas @ Aug 22nd 2008 2:38PM

gta advance was 2d, so anyone who would want a 2d game could play that, gtactw should be 3d, cause the ds deserves it, badly.

pas @ Aug 22nd 2008 2:40PM

gta advance was 2d, so anyone who would want a 2d game could play that, gtactw should be 3d, cause the ds deserves it, badly.

Kenneth Caldwell @ Aug 22nd 2008 2:41PM

I voted 2D. The DS hardware--coupled with design experience and funding resources available to Rockstar--is no doubt capable of a great 3D game. Still, I think some tweaking to the original GTA2 perspective would be most suitable to the DS iteration. Just because a game has a top-down view or fewer pixel counts doesn't mean it can't still push the envelope of portable gaming.

andyscout42 @ Aug 22nd 2008 3:02PM

Go 2D. The system will handle it better and I think it would make for a better game. Leave the 3D versions to the PSP.

Parker @ Aug 22nd 2008 3:28PM

GTA Advance was a good portable experience. I vote for the same top-down perspective. But it doesn't have to be done with sprites, I think a 3D engine should be used to make the most of it. See Payback for a good example: http://www.apex-designs.net/payback.html

With Rockstar's attention to detail and some creative stylus controls, it would be awesome. And I'm all for true 3D cutscenes just to mix things up a bit.

Blue_Falcon @ Aug 22nd 2008 4:13PM

I voted either way. The team who did this game did some really great (at least relatively) 3D on the GBA with Max Payne, so I know that if they attempt it, they'll be able to pull it off.

But if it's not fully 3D, I doubt it'll sway my interest in either direction.

offday @ Aug 22nd 2008 4:58PM

I voted 3D, but either I'll probably pick it up. We need to support games like these on the DS. I've almost got rid of my DS countless times, because of the pure frustration I get when I try to find a new game within the mounds and mounds of pure crap such as Petz games.

Yaktastic @ Aug 22nd 2008 4:59PM

2d on touch screen, top down GTA2 style. top screen is 3d representation. when you press the trigger to enter a shooting modethe bottom screen switches to a targeting view (like for sniper rifles and such) or just behind the shoulder.

Jacksons @ Aug 22nd 2008 5:26PM

Whatever it is, I hope it's something that really takes advantage of the strengths of the DS. (touchscreen/two screens, NOT the mic!) Otherwise I'll just be wishing they made it on PSP instead.

Anthony @ Aug 22nd 2008 6:03PM

in the e3 conference when they announced it, i believe that they said it uses some new 3d thing anyway.

so its going to be 3d.

David Hinkle @ Aug 22nd 2008 8:26PM

It is, but that doesn't mean we can't debate which would be better. :)

aj @ Aug 23rd 2008 12:39AM

Anthony wins the thread.

jsutcliffe @ Aug 22nd 2008 8:58PM

I'd much prefer a 2.5d-type setup like the first two GTAs. I think that's much more suited to the DS's capabilities, and I don't think a third-person view would do the system or the franchise justice.

aj @ Aug 23rd 2008 12:38AM

As long as the game is fun, who cares?

....Actually, no, I do hope that Chinatown Wars isn't the exact same thing as GTA III, Vice City, the Stories spinoffs, and San Andreas, and though I haven't played it, I presume IV is pretty much the same game too. I'd love to see Chinatown Wars be something even slightly different, because we've all bought the same Grand Theft Auto game about 8 times over. I hope this isn't just "Grand Theft Auto with an Asian guy". So I guess my vote is for 2D just because it would at least LOOK different.

JimBo @ Aug 23rd 2008 3:39AM

I will buy a DS if it is 2D.
Might buy one even if it isn't though..... (you DS guys have lots of fun looking games.)

M E W @ Aug 23rd 2008 7:13AM

Yeah, ROCKSTAR said at the E3 '08 conference that they will introduce new engine for the GTA:CTW, maybe they will release a DS cart w/ 1gb storage memory. =D

Lets just wait, and Im hoping it will be in 3D..

Christopher @ Aug 23rd 2008 8:33AM

Am I the only one who doesn't care a toss about this franchise at all? Meh.

chibi_wings @ Aug 23rd 2008 1:35PM

nope, I don't care for it either

Anthony @ Aug 23rd 2008 2:38PM

yeah, the new engine.

if the engine is good enough, the game will be smooth and have the gameplay elements needed to recreate the gta franchise on the nintendo ds.

and who knows, maybe this game engine will be the beginning of other games being really good, IF... the gta game comes out good.

Paul @ Aug 23rd 2008 2:58PM

no analog, no 3d

Kimiko @ Aug 23rd 2008 3:31PM

2D, 3D, who cares about GTA anyway?

NetOperator Wibby @ Aug 23rd 2008 3:31PM

quite honestly, either way could work. Rockstar knows how to do 2D and they know how to do 3D. personally, i just want that feel of exhilaration you get from running fron the cops in GTA2 ... hmm, maybe i AM leaning more for 2D. but still, either one could work.

PuniPuniSakura @ Aug 23rd 2008 5:28PM

No stylus-based control scheme, no. Seriously, I'm starting to lose faith in this system because everyone wants to jump on the bandwagon.

SPT Layzner @ Aug 25th 2008 2:24PM

Come on! If Transformers could do it with 65MB of space, I'm sure they can give it 3d justice.

Andrei @ Aug 26th 2008 7:21AM

Hi everyboby! if gta coming 3d gameplay so all missions is very little hardy, i mean maybe i think it 30 or more missions and very little job 1 per "mission", i don't know but it depends nintendo ds power to play it 3d game.
Sorry my english is not very well, but i hope you may understand what i mean, thanks XD