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Platypus from Astraware is now available for multiple mobile platforms—Palm OS, Windows Mobile, Symbian (S60 & UIQ), and BlackBerry. The veteran gaming company first rolled it out last spring for the Palm OS and Windows Mobile.

The side-scrolling arcade shooter promises to duplicate the shoot-em up fun fans of the title have long enjoyed on their desktop Macs and PCs, no matter what type of smartphone you own.

Retailing for about $20, it's among those games-for-purchase that should separate the casual mobile gamer (read: someone who only goes for free downloads) from the serious player.

Here's the premise of Platypus:

The vast continent-spanning city of Collosatropolis has finally reached the limits of its expansion, and tall buildings cover every available space. The Collosotropolan leaders have decided the simplest solution is to invade the neighboring country of Mungola. They don't anticipate much of a struggle - Mungolans are simple, earthy types without much love for industry. In fact, Mungola's entire defense force consists of a single squadron of fighter planes - the venerable F-27 'Platypus'.

The player-pilot flies the Platypus—across "squashy" fields and trees, avoiding mountain and shooting down enemy ships—o protect the planet.

Platypus is optimized for play for both 5-way or stylus gameplay.