Google Android Gaming Round Up
The new range of Google Android smart phones, such as the T Mobile G1 and the HTC Magic, feature a number of novel controllers, such as an accelerometer, a trackball, and a touch sensitive screen. Understandably, some games work better with these control devices than others. Here are a few of the games that are out there at the minute that demonstrate the possibilities – and the limitations – of the new generation of mobile phone controls.
Slide Puzzle – A touch screen adaptation of the age old 15-piece sliding puzzle game. This uses the touch screen interface very well, and has some nice graphics to boot.
Snake – This game became so popular on mobile phones that when people see the game it was blatantly ripped off from, the famous Atari arcade game Centipede, they often remark upon how much it looks like Snake. However, recent developments in the history of this now famous series of arcade knock offs have seen the elegant simplicity and instant gratification of the top down, sprite based viewpoint replaced by several unplayably clunky, but rather flashy looking 3D versions of the game. Discerning gamers will pleased, therefore, to find out that the Android version is a return to the ways of old, although you may find that the trackball is a poor replacement for a joypad or joystick.
Sokodroid – In Sokodroid, the player has to push blue squares into holes by pushing around a red one with either your finger or the trackball. Although it is a fine enough game, you cannot help but wonder if it would be easier to play with a joypad or a numeric keypad.
Solitaire – This version of the classic game of Solitaire is serviceable enough, but the fact that you have to drag and drop using only the touchscreen can make it a fiddly affair.
Speed – This vertically oriented version of the classic Atari game Pong is enjoyable enough, but the touch screen is a poor substitute for the paddles used with the original TV game.
Sudoku – Just a few years ago, the SuDoku craze had gotten so out of control that prime time television programmes were being made about it. While things seemed to have calmed down a bit more on the SuDoku front recently, it remains a popular part of the newspaper puzzle menu. This version, however, only serves to illustrate why pressing small squares with a big finger can be a problem on a touch screen.
Tap Tick – A rapidly advancing counter needs to be stopped by an intrepid button presser as soon as it hits a certain number, and no later. In case you were wondering, that person is you, but if you do not download this terrible game, then it does not have to be.
Tetroid – If you like Tetris, then chances are that you will enjoy this similarly titled knock off too. Although the accelerometer controls are a little hard to get used to, once you do you will soon be back in the old routine.
Trap! – Trap the bouncing balls in as small an area as possible by drawing lines youre your finger. The touchscreen controls can be a bit hit or miss but the game itself is reasonably good fun.
Vodafone offer a huge range of mobile phones and price plans. If you like smart phones, you will love the HTC Magic with its fast internet for express browsing and downloads.