The
Nokia N-Gage QD is still around. For a device that gamers and tech writers alike love to belittle, that in itself is news. Bigger news is
Nokia's expansion of N-Gage gameplay to other Series 60, now S60, smartphones. The first of these handsets are the six members of the Finnish phone company's new
Nseries.
To demonstrate its strong commitment to the gaming phone platform, Nokia gave us a look at 14 new games for this roundup. Most of them let you join multiplayer games in the N-Gage Arena and all of them let you play against your friends with the device's integrated Bluetooth.
On the whole, these titles show that N-Gage is targeted toward young men who are hard-core gamers. That makes sense, as N-Gage (the device) isn't likely to turn up in any boardrooms. The games we saw mostly involve creating a unique character, which you then play in unfolding adventures.
These aren't quick games that you can enjoy between other tasks, like with a Nintendo's GameBoy. These are closer to console games; some even have lovely, if small, 3-D visuals. There are exceptions, like the recently released Atari Masterpieces collection, but for the most part N-Gage games are a prolonged adventure.
The real hassle with N-Gage gaming, we found, was that - when you play on an N-Gage QD (as most people still do) - the device has a lot of buttons (being a phone) and game developers often use all of them. So rather than simply playing with an A and B button, you've got a full numberpad of buttons and then some to learn, and each performs a different action. It's a lot to remember.
We're still waiting to see what's ahead for the N-Gage. Nokia has announced a line of accessories for the N-Gage QD, which will come out early next year—missing the holiday shopping season.
Asphalt: Urban GT 2
Pick your dream car in this racing title and battle to be the best driver around. Asphalt differentiates itself with the premiere selection of cars and motorcycles you can race, including Aston Martins, Cadillacs, Hummers, Lamborghinis, Mini Coopers (yes, even Mini Coopers) and much more. Compete for prize money and try to shake off the police.
Catan
A change from the others on our list, Catan is an adaptation of the classic board game, where you roll the dice and build a civilization. In this version, you can choose to play as one of ten different characters and go on one of 16 missions in the Quest mode.
Glimmerati
Yes, Glimmerati is another racing game. But this one has an over-the-top storyline about attaining a life of fantastic wealth-and babes. You race in exotic locations with the best drivers in the world in order to climb the ladder of high-stakes living. The racing is surprisingly good and the story should keep you involved.
High Seize
Nokia is betting big on High Seize, giving it the kind of rollout last seen with Ashen, and we can see why. Become a pirate in this game and carry out missions to raise some treasure. The turn-based system moves quickly and doesn't become dull like other similarly structured games. It's a fun bet for strategy lovers.
One
One lets you kick some ass and get your aggressions out as you battle to become the world's best brawler. Customize your fighter and use your special moves to win fights and earn new accessories. The 3-D graphics are really stunning on this one. We especially like the way fighters get mad and slink away after they've been defeated.
Pathway to Glory: Ikusa Islands
A sequel to last year's Pathway to Glory, this N-Gage exclusive puts you in the Pacific Theater of World War II, where you'll go on missions and interact with your fellow soldiers. Play along with friends and use the N-Gage to voice or text chat as you go.
Rifts: Promise of Power
Fans of the Rifts role-playing game will be thrilled that it's finally made the jump to the electronic gaming world. In this fantasy game, you choose one of 12 characters, assemble a party, and go on missions in a world that combines both sorcery and high-tech.
System Rush
A third racing game, this one lets you race futuristic flying machines through virtual computer networks in order to beat the bad guys. The back story is convoluted and best not taken seriously. It's all an excuse, anyway, to race on these impressively weird 3D virtual tracks.
The Roots: Gates of Chaos
In this D&D-style role-playing game, you need to create a character and save the land from a demon king. Choose from a typical range of characters that includes warriors and magicians, then win battles to accumulate treasure and build up your accessories. The 3D looks a bit muddled on a small screen, but you'll get used to the aerial view.
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
If, at this point, you're thinking that the lineup of new N-Gage games reads like a catalog of adolescent male fantasies, then you won't be surprised that there's an espionage spy thriller in the ranks. What is surprising is that it's so good. In Splinter Cell you're an elite spy hunting down enemies and silently dispatching them. The 3D environment looks great, and the weapons and gadgets are a lot of fun.
Worms World Party
When these intense combat games get too much for you, reach for Worms World Party and enjoy some cartoon combat. Worms lets you control a troop of battle-hardened worms as you try to destroy, what else?, enemy worms. Loads of odd weapons and bizarre missions keep it fun.
WWE Aftershock
Become the king of the ring in WWE Aftershock, a high-energy wrestling title that lets you become the WWE superstar you've always wanted to be. There are 10 wresters you can play as (plus two more unlockable ones) and a large number of signature moves to master.
Xanadu Next
In this fantasy role-playing-game title, you take on the roll of a mercenary who must battle monsters and save a kingdom from the darkness that's overtaken it. Build your arsenal of weapons as you play, and learn magic and new fighting techniques.
X-Men Legends
Finally, what would this collection be without a superhero game. X-Men Legends give you the chance to become one of comicdom's favorite misunderstood mutants as you battle Magneto and his team of villains. Make up your own team by selecting from any of the past or present X-Men.
