10 cool games for your cell phone
By Stephen Palley, associate editor, GameSpot Mobile
(Updated October 12, 2005)
Today's cell phones are much more than communications devices. Some have mobile games that are so cool they may relegate the classical phone functionality of your handset to a close second place. There are many gaming choices for both Java and BREW-enabled phones, and while most handsets come with two or three titles, others have none. Since downloading new games can be pricey at a couple dollars a pop, we've picked what we consider to be the cream of the crop. Whether you're serious about your gaming or you're simply looking for something fun to kill a few minutes, check out these top titles.
(Updated October 12, 2005)
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1. Batman Begins What it's like: KAPOW! SMASH! BLAMMO! How it's played: Maneuver the Caped Crusader through 2D environmental platform puzzles, use stealth to disarm the many minions of mob boss Carmine Falcone, and do it all with the help of a fully stocked utility belt. Why we like it: The game is just plain fun, and being able to glide, grapple, and toss Batarangs in both stealthy and action-packed sequences keeps the gameplay consistently exciting. Where to get it: Most BREW- and J2ME-enabled phones. |
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2. WordKing Poker What it's like: Demonstrating you're a (wo)man of letters, as well as absurd luck. How it's played: Think about poker. Now think about Scrabble. Then, mix the two up in your head until you're playing poker with Scrabble pieces. Sounds awesome, huh? Why we like it: This game is brilliantly conceived and well executed. Plus, you don't need to have great reflexes to be a dominant player. Where to get it: Most J2ME and BREW-enabled phones. | |
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3. Massive Snowboarding What it's like: Pulling on a beanie, clicking in, and letting gravity take over. How it's played: Race down various semivertical, snowy surfaces, pulling fat tricks and showing off for the cameras. Why we like it: We've never seen graphics and gameplay like this on a mobile phone. Plus, snowboarding is apparently a very hip sport these days. Where to get it: Verizon Wireless V Cast phones. | |
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4. Midnight Pool What it's like: That part right at the end of the "Bad to the Bone" video where George Thorogood ashes his cigar right as he sinks the eight ball. How it's played: An overhead perspective gives you complete control of a virtual pool table, as you try to rack up wins and money in the rich tournament mode. Why we like it: The appearance is endearing, but it's the strength of the pool game that makes it so good. Where to get it: Most J2ME-enabled phones. | |
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5. Tic-a-Tac 21 What it's like: Pure number theory, baby! How it's played: You have to arrange playing cards in a square grid to generate blackjacks horizontally, vertically, and diagonally. Seriously, that's it. Why we like it: Though simple, this is a great idea for a game. Plus, you can play against others online. Where to get it: Most J2ME and BREW-enabled phones. | |
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6. Master of Sword What it's like: It's like Zelda in all the best possible ways but without seeming at all like a copy. How it's played: Platform through levels, then unlock the keys, the armor, and the weapons to the many different types of environments, all while bashing people with your sword. You are the master, after all. Why we like it: The gameplay is solid, and the puzzles are constantly changing, but the real value of this game is that it stays fun much longer than most mobile games even dream of. Where to get it: Most BREW-enabled phones. | |
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7. Toxic Lab What it's like: Being on that Greenpeace boat that was sunk by French saboteurs team 20 years ago. How it's played: You have to vaporize barrels of chemical weapons by positioning mirrors, then bouncing a laser beam around corners and obstacles. Why we like it: Some of these puzzles are really, really hard...but in a good way. Where to get it: Most BREW and Java (J2ME)-enabled phones. | |
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8. Aquarium Pets What it's like: That peaceful feeling you get from the cultivation and observation of a perfect fish tank. Come on, you know what that's like. How it's played: Manage the population of a tank full of fish, breed new kinds of fish, and get a screensaver for your phone to boot! Why we like it: Although it's by all standards a casual game, it still manages to be deep, and that makes it fun. Where to get it: Most BREW- and J2ME-enabled phones. | |
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9. Duke Nukem Mobile II: Bikini Project What it's like: Lighting up an illegal Cuban cigar, then punching a hole in your wall. How it's played: Duke Nukem's back to deal with an alien infestation. But this time, he has a jet pack and a flamethrower. Why we like it: It's fast, simple, and positively action-packed. Where to get it: Most BREW-enabled phones. | |
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10. Ys Book I: The Vanished Omens What it's like: Getting shrunk down and dropped off on a hill of fire ants with only your wits and a ton of cool weapons to save you. How it's played: Battle countless enemies and keep your gear fully stocked and upgraded while you search for the legendary six tomes. Why we like it: It's a difficult and complex port that will keep you busy for many hours, especially if you're up for a challenge. Where to get it: Most BREW- and J2ME-enabled phones. | |
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| Upcoming games we're excited about: Alone: The Horror Begins, Darkest Fear, Need For Speed Most Wanted, Prince of Persia 3. | ||
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If you've read Wireless Gaming Review or GameSpot Mobile in the past year, chances are that you've happened upon one of Steve Palley's mobile gaming reviews, previews, or articles. Steve has served as the editor of WGR since January 2004. After WGR became a property of CNET Networks and GameSpot in April 2004, he relocated from Boston to San Francisco to launch GameSpot Mobile.
