Palm OS
Palm users saw more gaming releases this year than people who use other platforms for the simple reason that they buy more games. While Windows Mobile users are largely focused on business, Palm users are known for enjoying some downtime.

The biggest news for Palm was the release of the Zodiac, the Palm-powered gaming device from TapWave (see Review: TapWave Zodiac is a Mobile Gamer’s Paradise). With its high-speed processor, it can run games that standard palmOne devices can't, and its design and button layout make it feel like a console game controller.

Since it has Bluetooth, users can wirelessly take on their friends in multiplayer games. The development community is focused on creating new games for it, noted Larry Berkin, the director of Developer Marketing at PalmSource.

Faster ARM processors and better displays mean that the latest palmOne handhelds can play games that have better visuals and more animations. Stephen McDonnell, the Business Development Manager for E-Marketing at told us that games liketold us that games like Medieval Heroes and Aggressive (a variation on Risk), provide colorful animated sequences between other parts of the game.

But while games are becoming more detailed, he also notes that nostalgia is bringing classic games to the Palm OS. Namco just released Pac Man, Ms. Pac Man, and Galaxian for Palm devices, and already they're huge successes.

Sometimes cultural trends drive game sales. The TV popularity of poker, especially Texas hold 'em, has crossed over to the Palm OS and made Aces Texas Hold 'Em a top seller. Simple, addictive games like Bejeweled and Tetris are always popular, since they're ideal for quick sessions when you need a break. PopCap recently released Bejeweled 2, which has better graphics and transitions.

Palm users will see even more action in 2005, when the release of the highly-anticipated Cobalt OS bring more power and multiplayer excitement to Palm OS games.

The Palm Arcade
Something old is new again and the biggest star in mobile gaming is that dot-eating yellow globe, Pac-Man. He may be one of the oldest arcade stars around, but today's handheld users are discovering that yesterday's arcade games are ideal in mobile devices.

Certainly, nostalgia is driving much of the sales, but it's also true that these games are perfect for short breaks. As for us, we just love that we can play them without putting a quarter in the machine.

Namco Games has recently released Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man, and Galaxian for the Palm OS. All three require OS 4.x or 5.x, although the faster the processor, the better. Pac-Man and Galaxian each take about 500k of space, but the more demanding Ms. Pac-Man takes nearly 800k.

What you'll get, though, is an exact port of the arcade classics, with all of the original music and animations that you grew to love. Learning to steer with the Palm's circular navigation pad takes getting used to, but the games are great for short breaks.

You'll have a little more control over these games than the ones in the arcade, though, since you can set how many lives you get, when you earn replays, and how loudly the music plays.

A fourth arcade classic, Mappy, about a police mouse recovering loot from a gang of crooked cats, is due out later this month from Namco.