Nokia Begins Open N-Gage Beta Test

[Andy Chalk]

Nokia Begins Open N-Gage Beta Test

N81 [http://www.nokia.com]handset to download a pre-release version of the new game platform software.

GPRS [http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=32872]service plans or access to a wireless network, and is currently incompatible with Chinese versions of the hardware. Once the beta period is complete, Nokia will roll out the service to a wider range of its high-end mobiles.

During the beta test, gamers will have access to Creatures of the Deep, Space Impact: Kappa Base, Block Breaker Deluxe and System Rush Evolution. 13 new titles will become available following the full launch, including Brothers in Arms, Sims 2: Pets, FIFA 08 and World Series of Poker Pro Challenge.

Nokia has not yet issued an official release date for the new N-Gage platform, but the system has been plagued by N-Gage website [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/80156].


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[Arbre]

Sorry, but not good enough yet. They're just selling many mediocre games with big star names ducktaped onto them, but still played on horrible machines with even more horrible controls.

Of course, there's those weekly news about how the mobile market is blooming and keeps going up, but fact remains that most of the games really suck, even if big names.

Why bother with shitty games when you can buy a DS or a very complete and flexible GP2X [http://www.gp2x.com/] (check out the F200 model with touchscreen and stylus), and keep your phone and its battery for what it's intended for?

 

[Virgil]

... and keep your phone and its battery for what it's intended for?

Well, maybe your phone. Smartphones, on the other hand, are frequently used for a lot more than making calls (and at $400, the N81 damn well should be). My phone [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTC_TyTN], for example, is used far more to check email, look up things on the internet, and even to play games than it is to make phone calls. It's not practical for me to carry a GBA everywhere, but I always have my phone.

I know I'd love to get some of the previous N-Gage games on my phone - Pathway to Glory and Worms in particular, which were both excellent games. I wish Microsoft would come up with a similar competing platform for Windows Mobile.