The Free N-Gage Software Scene
How much can you do with an N-Gage for as little money as possible? While there’s a huge amount of Series 60 software you can install, and over 50 MMC based titles out there (with no sign yet of Nokia slowing down the releases), the N-Gage QD at $99 in the US looks like a fantastic bargain. Add in the seven free software downloads direct from the N-Gage Arena and you have to ask why the machine isn’t doing particularly well.
Hold that thought for a moment, because it’s time to whistle stop through some short reviews on Nokia’s N-Gage Freeware scene. All of these titles are available to download from http://arena.n-gage.com/
Pathway to Glory
PtG’s demo was the first downloadable game we saw from Nokia, back in September 2004. Given the hype behind Pathway, releasing a single level demo so everyone could see just what they were going on about was a master stroke. The single map here still takes a good bit of planning and gaming to actually beat, and is probably the best use of a demo out there – to prove a new gaming concept to people before they buy. The success and number of PtG Demo downloads probably not only made sure the game would be a massive hit, but also ensured more software from Nokia.
Asphalt: Urban GT & Colin McCrae Rally 2005
Up next, the two driving games. Asphalt is very arcade in its style, so it’s race to the line as fast as possible. It’s possibly the most lacklustre demo, as it’s purely a single level demo, and even then I think the choice of Paris as the track was a mistake (New York would have been better). As a thirty second advert for the game, it’s great. As something that makes you want to keep playing, a bit more depth is needed I think.
Colin McRae, on the other hand, with two circuits, actually has a lot more depth. The game is much more simulator, so the car is harder (more realistic) in it’s controls. You’re going to be sliding about and off the road till you learn to balance everything and get a good time. A much steeper learning curve here (more than Pathway to Glory I feel) but great gaming rewards when you succeed.
Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
Absolutely stunning graphics for the N-Gage, with a spin around camera so you can watch Sam Fisher climb, spin jump and tumble around the training area from the full game. Yes, the training area. You don’t actually get a competitive level here, just a "this is how to do this" scenario. So you step through it all, and are told you’re ready for your missions. Which you need the full version for. So a great demo, but not quite a gaming experience. But to show off the graphics, it’s worth the install
Snakes
Not strictly a demo, but the success of the demo scene probably convinced Nokia to try using this "viral" market to good effect to release one of the landmark mobile games onto the N-Gage. It’s the classic Snake game. In 3-d. With a huge number of modern day power ups, boosts, walls and holes. This is one title not to be missed. It’s probably worth the price of the N-Gage on its own.
Worms World Party
Worms truly is a love it or hate it game. Technically squeezing it into the N-Gage (both in size and screen dimensions) is impressive. It’s fair to say though, that a portrait screen isn’t the best for playing Worms on, so being able to check it out first is very much welcome. While you only have a single map in this demo and your team options are fixed, it’s a complete blast. The majority of the weapons are there, as is the multi-player gaming (which is lacking in other demos). Just having this classic title lurking on the N-Gage if you ever need a good frag with a friend makes it worthwhile.
X-Men Legends
Finally, it’s the Marvel action fest that is X-Men Legends. An isometric view, but with the same depth and playability of the PS2 and Xbox versions, this is a great little single map adventure that should take you some time to complete. Control of the four central X-Men characters (and yes, you get to be Wolverine!) makes this a great romp. Gorgeous graphics and the inclusion of one of the game cut-scenes show just what the N-Gage can do.
Summary
One 64mb MMC card should see you able to load all the demos (and Snakes) from the N-Gage site, and it means you get a bundle of action the second you pick up your N-Gage. Why these aren’t in the retail boxes I’ll never know – at the very least Snakes should be there. If you’re short on room, I’d recommend Snakes, Pathway to Glory, Colin McRae and X-Men Legends as the best of some pretty high quality titles. Go forth and play!