Category: Game Reviews

NAME: Arcade Retro Pack
VERSION: 1.58
COMPANY: Advanced Mobile Solutions
PLATFORM: JAVA
GENRE: Retro
SIZE: 197 KB
TEST PHONE: Sony Ericsson K800i
RATING: 5/10

Welcome to the Arcade Retro Pack game review. This pack consists 3 different games for you to pass the time.  The game in this pack are not the originals but clones.

They consist of Alien Scum – a Space Invaders clone, Ball Breaker – Brick Out clone and Cave Raider – a Cave raider clone.

As far as graphics are concerned its all very basic but better than the originals.  The sounds are based on the original but have a nice retro theme to them.  This is one game that actually has incidental sound effects, probably because there isn’t a theme song.

The game play is classic so it’s easy to learn however the game controls are likewise simple.  However the way the games play are very basic or crude so playability is not the best.  Gravity based games need finesse guys!  Overall AI and collision detection is not very good.  Seems like its missing frames.

The best one is Ball Breaker as it has some nice bonuses, like extra balls!  Try bouncing 4 at once rather than just the one.  This game saves the pack from a failing grade.  Doesn’t help promote mobile phone games that’s for sure.

The original games are classics – however this set of clones is not.

NAME: No-Limit Casino 12 Pack
VERSION: 1.0.16
COMPANY: Gamesloft developed by Sumea
PLATFORM: JAVA
GENRE: Casino games
SIZE: 880 KB
TEST PHONE: K800i
RATING: 9/10

This game is essentially a Casino on your mobile phone. All the popular games are there: Poker machines, card poker, Roulette,Black Jack. However all presented as challenges such as winning 10 jackpot machince games or getting black jack 10 time and so forth. Despite all that you can still play individual games if you wish and ignore the challenges.

Added twists to increase longevity include a 7 level player ranking system, from Beginner to Master then ??. Needless to say we haven’t found out what the ?? level is yet. It’s not too difficult it just takes time.

That said you need to increase your player ranking to make the game harder. We think only the die hards will attempt to unlock all the levels. We are quite happy with the beginner level – purely for the increased chances of winning. There are also nice cash bonuses when you complete the various challenges.

It even has a few card based trivia games. Very useful if you want to learn the lingo and when to lose in Black Jack! For example whether you should buy insurance when the dealer has an Ace? Or Does a natural black jack have an Ace?

Game controls are reasonably ease to learn just the direction keys and center button. Naturally with Roulette there’s a few extra steps but worth while learning. Just be careful with how much money you have. Music is unique to the game but sound effects are standard Digital Chocolate or Sumea including a few from their other games so it’s not bad.

Graphics are up to date with sparkles and a moving card waterfall background are nice touches. The Roulette table we feel is very nicely done.

The ‘No Limit’ tag is not exactly true since there are limits to how much virtual dollars you can bet on a single game – it’s more to do with the ‘No Limit’ series!

Overall a great little casino game. One that you can pick up and put down easily anywhere you are. Is it a must have game or classic – not sure BUT it is one of the best Casino games out there.

NAME: AMA Perfect Body Diet
COMPANY: AMA – Advanced Mobile Applications
PLATFORM: JAVA
GENRE: Self Help
SIZE: 574 KB
TEST PHONE: Sony Ericsson k800i
RATING: 5/10

This is the sort of a self help or personal development game. It’s hard to classify since we’ve never tried anything like this before. Essentially you enter you physical details in and answer a series of questions and Mya the model will sort you out with various health recommendations.

Mya acts as you host throughout the program telling you lots of stuff in big blue talk bubbles. She is probably more attractive in real life than on your small phone screen.

There is nothing new about dieting or health that we haven’t heard before. But if you under 16 you may not have heard any of it. Mind you we think watching a TV series like ‘The Biggest Loser’ will teach you much more.

The games is targeted at ladies or girls since the graphics used to describe yourself are all female based! That said there is clearly a problem with the questions the game asks you – they are from a male prospective! The stress on using chocolate as a humorous line is frequent and disturbing. Our partners who tried the program thought it was quite silly overall and dismissed it as purely a game. There are a few serious errors too – like claiming sunless tanning is safe but not saying what type.

It’s missing a lot of health info like fat and nutritional content and showing only calorie values.  Implying that after 2 weeks you could look like her confirms that there is something quite wrong about the whole thing.

What we frown upon is the use of the AMA acronym. You see we thought that it was supported by the real AMA namely the American Medical Association or Australian Medical Association because it is promoting a a diet and health program. I’m quite sure the the lawyers will have something to say about that.

Nevertheless there are a few good things about the game namely showing you some simple exercises that you can do to burning so calories.  Also it is the first of this gaming genre we’ve seen.

The controls are simple and the graphics are quite good but there are better. Other than that it not bad ‘game’ just remember don’t take it seriously. Maybe you could use it as a motivation tool?

NAME: Stuntman Ignition
COMPANY: THQ Wireless – Universomo
PLATFORM: JAVA
GENRE: Action
SIZE: 134 KB
TEST PHONE: LG U310
RATING: 5/10

Stuntman Ignition (JAVA) is a mobile version of the console game. However this is not a clone of the XBOX or even the PS2 versions, we feel that only in concept and logos make them related.

Unlike out other game reviews, we can’t really say too much about this one because we weren’t captivated by gameplay.

It is very much like Johnny Crash except you’re in cars rather than an actual person.

Essentially make your car go as fast as possible whilst collecting the various ‘stars’ literally, while doing various jumps. There are 9 different scenarios in each level and all have the same task. However the fact that we had difficulty even getting the car going was not a good sign.

The game isn’t hard but the control accuracy, timing and perhaps un-interesting goals are the main issues we think.

It’s OK but there other games that are easier and more fun to play.

NAME: AquaDig
COMPANY: Viva La Mobile
PLATFORM: JAVA
GENRE: Action
SIZE: 142 KB
TEST PHONE: LG U310
RATING: 6.5/10

AquaDig – Journey to the Core for your mobile phone is a Dig Dug like game. You control a mini-sub that you use to dig the bottom of the ocean seeking treasure and to dig down the furthest. As you collect more treasures you then sell them to buy upgrades to your mini-sub.

We have a few issues with the gameplay, mainly because the upgrades cost too much! You have to spend at least 15 minutes before you can consider substantial upgrades. Furthermore you can’t dig upwards which means you’ll have to be careful when oxygen is running low.

Speaking of which, you are limited by how much oxygen and cargo space your sub can carry. So you’ll find your self surfacing quite often. Until you collect and sell enough treasure. The save feature comes in very handy here.
The various treasures you collect have different values, they include things like gold, opal, silver and the very popular quartz. Bombs extra air tranks can also be bought, upgrades like air tanks and drill bits can also help unfortunately the high price of items and lack of enough treasures limit playability.

Graphics and sound quality are not the best considering that it is was released in 2007.

We played a few times but the cost of upgrades restricts the ability to create strategies. You can save the game which is useful but not the ideal solution to the cost ratio issue. Due to the length to time it takes to get started we cannot fully recommend that game.

Nevertheless the concept is sound it needs a rework for it to be more enjoyable on the mobile phone. If you enjoy the challenge of a slow start and willing to persist then perhaps this game is for you

NAME: Dogz
COMPANY: Gameloft
PLATFORM: JAVA
GENRE: Simulator
SIZE: 318 KB
TEST PHONE: LG U310
RATING: 8/10
DEMO: Gameloft – Dogz

Dogz is a puppy owning simulator for your mobile phone. We tried the 2D version because we thought it was much cuter.

In our version you get to choose a Labrador or a Jack Russell. We chose the Labrador because we like them! They come in different colors too! Opening the kennel on the screen we where actually smiling as the dog like icons moved randomly on the screen. We where then treated to a quick summary of the breed of dog we chose – Then pick a name!

The game guides you through these first steps. Then it’s time for food, water and bonding. Petting him a photo realistic image fills the screen and you can pet him anywhere you want! The cute blinking eyed and woof are nice touches. Puppy does a poo after the frist feed so make sure you follow the steps to discipline your dog!

Then its off outside to play with the Frisbee in the garden, then to the beach and playing rope, and of course giving your puppy a wash, take your puppy swimming and so forth. Once through the long tutorial your on your own. There are things like competitions for swimming and Frisbee you can do with your dog in the game so it’s quite interactive. We didn’t play through the whole thing because we simply ran out of time.

Graphics are cute with FMV like animations of pooing a peeing tag of war with the rope, Frisbee and so forth. Most are 2D animated GIF like images but some are photo realistic. The mix is very well done. It’s just so cute.

Game sounds/music are essentially BGM and there aren’t any ‘woof’ or things like that. There is nothing outstanding about the game in this regard. We would have like a real woof instead of MIDI tracks is the only criticism we could make.

Game controls are simple and one handed operation is simple to master.

Dogz is a much better game than Tagamotchi series and even when comparing it to The Sims the Dogz game is superior. Dogz is simply fun.

This is quite a detailed puppy owning simulator! We think it’s a great idea especially if you can’t get a real dog. We loved it and so recommend getting Dogz even if you’re not into this gaming genre.

NAME: LOST COMPANY: Gameloft PLATFORM: JAVA GENRE: Adventure/TV tie-in SIZE: 316 KB TEST PHONE: Nokia 6233 RATING: 8/10 DEMO:

LOST the mobile phone game was a bit of a surprise package. The adventure is based on the first season of the TV series which most of us here at hyp4mhz watched. Sure we didn’t watch every episode but we watched quite a few!

Premise – you control Jack the doctor from the series as tries to make sense of the surroundings just like the TV series.

The graphics of the game are great. Similar in fashion to the Stranded game by Glu except that they have managed to up the standard! Characters are almost 3D like and thankfully they move really fast. (It could just be the fast CPU of the 6233.) The save game feature is automatic and activates at the end of every game chapter.

Control systems of a mobile phone game make or break the game and Gameloft have done a fantastic job of keeping the number of keys to the basics. The direction keypad and the ‘Enter’ button are all you need! Thumb control only is the best control system for a mobile game especially since mobile phones are getting so small these days. Response and change of movement icons are honestly really good.

However like most games it does have a few flaws. Namely some of the tasks like walking on logs are a bit vague. Also the in-game direction icon takes the raw adventure game feel away. That is instead of feeling freedom of movement in the game it seems like follow the arrows.  It feels like Glu’s Stranded game but with the resource collection part.

Anyway we found the game enjoyable although a little straight forward. The game is not just for fans of the TV series but for newbies too! Perfect for those moments on the train or bus.

NAME: Ghost Rider
COMPANY: Hands-On Mobile
PLATFORM: JAVA
GENRE: Movie Tie-In
SIZE: 292 KB
TEST PHONE: Nokia 6233
RATING: 6/10

Ghost Rider mobile/JAVA games is based on the Marvel comic character. It was release to tie in with the movie. Let’s start by saying that we have never read Ghost Rider comics let alone considered watching the movie. It is just not our thing…

Presentation of the game is very good, certainly up with the best. Its dark backgrounds with flames highlighting the given theme of Ghost Rider. Graphics look 3D-ish and mostly well done. Sound effects and BGM are very limited as per all mobile games.

So its good but does Ghost Rider play well? The answer is no. There are just too many things you can do or rather have to do to play the game. Aside from steering there’s speed up, slow down, power slides, weapon choice and wheelies. Combined with avoiding obstacles, and ‘killing’ enemy bikers, and the end of level boss there’s some precision direction control to do as well. The game is a definite two handed job and demands your attention completely. BTW the games takes too long to load…

This like so many other mobile games derived from movies Ghost Rider is for fans only. There’s just not enough entertainment reward for playing. We gave it a 6/10 because the graphics are really good.

NAME: Lode Runner
VERSION: 1.0
COMPANY: Free
PLATFORM: JAVA
GENRE: Classic Platfrom
SIZE: 150KB
TEST PHONE: Nokia 6500, E71
RATING: 7/10
DEMO:

We looked for the fabled Lode Runner game for free and we found one!
This version will work on any phone that can install and runn JAVA applcations.
The JAVA version of Lode Runner we found is a duplicate original.
We know we played the original.
We enjoyed the simplicity and playability of the original back in the 80’s!

Download Lode Runner

The game’s premise is simple run around and collect the gold boxes. Classic gaming!

Admittedly this version lacks a save feature but its free so don’t complain.
It’s in Java and works on the benchmark Nokia 6233 and even E series Nokia’s.