Act I of Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars sets the stage for Huang Lee's tumultuous return to Liberty City. Driven by revenge and a desire to reclaim his family's honor, Huang must navigate the treacherous landscape of the Triads and their rivals.
The Premise
The story begins with Huang Lee arriving in Liberty City after his father's murder. His uncle, Wu Lee, tasks him with finding the murder weapon and uncovering the truth behind the assassination. This initial quest plunges Huang into the heart of the city's criminal underworld, forcing him to confront old enemies and forge new alliances.
Key Characters Introduced
- Huang Lee: The protagonist, seeking justice and his family's legacy.
- Wu Lee: Huang's uncle, a powerful figure within the Triads who guides Huang's early steps.
- Ling Shan: A former associate of Huang's father, who becomes a key figure in his investigation.
- Kenny Lee: Huang's cousin, who often finds himself in trouble and requires Huang's assistance.
Early Missions and Objectives
Act I focuses on establishing Huang's presence and introducing the core gameplay mechanics. Early missions typically involve:
- Retrieving Information: Interrogating informants and tracking down leads related to the murder.
- Establishing Dominance: Engaging in turf wars and eliminating rival gang members to assert Triad control.
- Acquiring Resources: Stealing vehicles, acquiring weapons, and earning money through various criminal activities.
- Building Relationships: Interacting with key characters and understanding their motivations and allegiances.
The Triads and Their Influence
The Triads are the dominant criminal organization in Chinatown, and Act I heavily emphasizes their power and internal struggles. Huang must prove his worth to the Triad leadership while simultaneously dealing with external threats from other gangs like the Rednecks and the Italian Mafia.
Progression and Unlocking New Areas
As Huang completes missions, he will gradually unlock new areas of Liberty City, including parts of Broker and Staunton Island. This expansion of the playable map allows for more diverse missions and opportunities for criminal enterprise. The narrative progresses through a series of cutscenes and in-game dialogue, driving Huang's quest for vengeance.