Payback brings a GTA clone to the iPhone

Grand Theft Auto isn't out for the iPhone, but Payback is --it's basically a 3D version of the old top-down GTA gameplay, improved with better rendering and lighting. You control the game by pressing "buttons" on the screen, and tilting the iPhone around, and Touch Arcade says it works well. Some missions are apparently tough, but in terms of what GTA is really about -- driving around and generally causing mayhem -- Payback will deliver.

Unfortunately, textures (both visual and audio) are rough, as are the actual physics, so it seems Payback is more of a "GTA could work on the iPhone" demo rather than an actual game (though of course you can play it, it probably just won't be as fun). Still, we're in favor of any game reaching high on the iPhone, and this one definitely does.

Payback is out in the App Store now, for a substantial $6.99. But it's worth it, especially if you're a big GTA fan, just to see such a complex game on Apple's little handheld. Video on the next page.

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Source: http://toucharcade.com/2009/01/28/a-look-at-gta-like-payback…

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Analysis / Opinion Gaming Software iPhone App Store iPod touch

Grand Theft Auto isn't out for the iPhone, but Payback is --it's basically a 3D version of the old top-down GTA gameplay, improved with...

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toni

I got one of these in china off the website http://www.wholesaleinc.net/Wholesale-hiphone_c29

February 22 2010 at 11:21 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Rita

It's a better game than GTA 2 in my opinion (which was a step down from the first one even though it was prettier) and I've had far more fun with it than any of the 3D GTA games that followed.
http://www.wholesalediy.com

May 21 2009 at 2:23 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

host

good store website : http://www.13sz.com

May 11 2009 at 3:10 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

toni

I got one of these in china off the website http://www.wholesalediy.com and it is a sweet deal I love the phone works great I just threw my sim card from my old phone into it and away i went

March 02 2009 at 4:48 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

spyker

"Unfortunately, textures (both visual and audio) are rough, as are the actual physics, so it seems Payback is more of a "GTA could work on the iPhone" demo rather than an actual game"

I'd have to disagree. The textures aren't amazing, but they look fine on a small screen (and better than GTA DS) and the physics are fine. I have really been enjoying playing through the 6 story levels (with tons of missions) and some rampage mode on the 11 maps. Also, the production value is quite high, with voice acting and music.

January 29 2009 at 4:30 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Chris

Rockstar should just port GTA 1 to the iphone- problem solved.

January 29 2009 at 4:14 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Brian Burns

How can you say this is more of a demo to show it CAN run a GTA-esque game but then say $6.99 is worth it!?

January 29 2009 at 3:03 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Asmodeus Dhoine

Come on!.. The game's great, way better that all other racing/shooters/whatever games in the store. And the graphics is very good, considering that 1) it's an iPhone 2) it doesn't even lag!.

There IS one thing, though - it crashes when I try to load saved game :-/ And the devs' site is kinda crappy and useless.

January 29 2009 at 1:17 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Thomas

It's a port of an Amiga game.

The original had slightly better lighting after a couple of updates, but having tried the iPhone version it still looks very nice in motion. It looks like the first 3D acceleration version on the Amiga.

It's a better game than GTA 2 in my opinion (which was a step down from the first one even though it was prettier) and I've had far more fun with it than any of the 3D GTA games that followed.

January 29 2009 at 12:34 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

utterer

I remember this game came out for Mac right around the time GTA 2 was out / hype was building for GTA3.

It stunk.

January 29 2009 at 12:30 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply