Instead of rattling on about myself in my first column, I thought it would make more sense to let you see me (or read me) in action. This edition of Games Roundup looks at my top 10 Windows Mobile games of all time.
To prepare for this, I looked over the more than 100 games I have reviewed and eliminated anything that received a score of six or less (out of 10). Then, I reread the remaining reviews to refresh my memory. While audio and visual elements influenced my final selection, the most important thing for me was great and unique game play. Some of the games I looked at were addictive and fun to play, but really didn’t bring anything new to their respective genres. While there’s nothing wrong with that, I don’t think that earns them a place in a top 10 list. Finally, for each game, I asked myself: “would I go back and play this again?” The answer had to be “yes” or it didn’t make it into my top 10. I have listed the games from 10 to 1, with each subsequent game in the list more likely to find its way back on my PDA than the last. Of course, if I had the time I’d keep playing them all, but then I’d never have time for new reviews!
10: Atomic Battle Dragons
isotope244.com
Touch screen only
In its basic action elements, this game pays homage to the classic 1982 arcade game Joust. You ride your steed (dragons instead of the ostriches found in Joust) and try to eliminate enemies by knocking them off of their steeds. However, Battle Dragons has so many enhancements that it is worlds apart from Joust. For example, its decent storyline actually gives you some purpose for playing. Its power-ups help you defeat your opponents more quickly (but can also be used against you if the enemies get to them first). The “bosses” that show up from time to time provide a sense of progression and keep you from feeling like you’ve fallen into a rut. There’s even a mini RPG system where you can build up three different stats to make your player a stronger, faster, or more resilient combatant.
All this breathes some exciting new life into a 25 year-old concept. Throw in an arcade mode with virtually unlimited levels, and this game will keep you busy for a long time. The in-game graphics are top notch, and with the exception of a couple of oddly rendered characters, the images that go along with the story are also quite gorgeous. The sound effects really enhance the game play, instead of just being there for the sake of being there. The music is decent if a bit repetitive. However, in the long run it doesn’t detract from the game. The overall concept may not appeal to you, but once you get into playing Atomic Battle Dragons, you’ll be hooked.
9: ClayGun
claygun.com
Touch screen only
ClayGun is my favorite scrolling shooter for the Pocket PC. There’s nothing revolutionary about the game, but the developer did so much right with this one that it doesn’t matter. You get a choice of four characters, each of which actually feels different when you’re playing the game. Each character’s story is also unique, complete with two alternate endings depending on whether or not you uncover the hidden sixth level.
Refreshingly, the developers actually implemented some level design in ClayGun instead of just throwing wave after wave of bad guys at you. In each level, you have to battle a mid-level boss as well as one at the end of the level. (The end boss goes through two transformations before it’s finally dead.) And in the final level, you get to face off against all the bosses from the previous levels one more time.
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