N-Gage: FIFA 09 & Boom Blox

Want some gaming on the go? Check out the below N-Gage game reviews!

In a new regular feature for NZGamer, we're taking on the latest N-Gage games to see how they fair. From the latest blockbusters to the simplest of puzzlers, we'll be providing our take on how they fair. All our N-Gage reviews have been performed on a Nokia N96.

FIFA 09:

After selecting Manchester United as my preferred team (and NZGamer staff champions), I threw myself into a game, and quickly found myself confused and frustrated at the gameplay. It was difficult to move, the camera was too close to my players, and passing felt clumsy.

Fortunately, no matter the platform, EA packs in the features when it comes to their sports titles, and this one is no different. After spending some time in the options menu, I set the default camera to be further zoomed out and learnt the what now seem to be very simple controls – the A button for passing and the B button for shooting. My second game was more rewarding. I passed the ball between players, and even had a few shots on goal.

Compared to the console platforms, the N-Gage version is harder to play, largely due to the tighter buttons and the click wheel for moving your player.

Luckily, the learning curve and awkward moments in the gameplay are offset by the huge variety of modes packed into the miniature game. With the streamlined menu system similar to the console iterations, modes include scenario, challenges, season, tournament, penalty mode, along with the standard friendly match-ups. Each of these modes are decently bulked out, there are multiple tournaments to partake in, and the season mode offers a complete normal season of play time featuring 11 leagues.

Statistics are also kept of your progress, with how many goals scored, cards been given, injuries, and total playing time all on hand. The ability is also there to view world statistics and rankings by connecting to the internet.

FIFA 09, while at times frustrating, is still fairly fun to play and for football fans looking for a portable fix of their beautiful game, this is a decent choice.




Boom Blox:

Sometimes simple is good. And this is what Boom Blox is. You’re only presented with a few options: New Game (later turning into Continue), Level Select, Level Editor and N-Gage Arena. But you’ll soon realize that this is a game you’ll be able to jump into when you’ve got only a few spare minutes.

The aim of the game is to shoot with your target cursor to knock bricks (or should that be blox?) marked with stars off of their perch to receive points. Garner enough points for that level and you may move on. Each level will outline how many points you need for bronze, silver and gold medals, along with how many shots you have to complete the feat.

If it sounds simple that’s because it is… initially. As the game progresses, more types of blocks are introduced, such as skull ones that will take points away if you knock them off their platform, arrow ones that move in only particular directions when hit, and some that just won’t move at all. In addition to these are a variety of other objects; wormholes for the bricks to teleport through, magnets to keep the bricks almost stuck in place, and bombs that generally blow things up.

Boom Blox becomes addictive. You find yourself needing to work out how it’s even possible to get three points, while keeping the skull blocks in place, yet stopping the wormhole taking your precious block to another area. There aren’t any sorts of limitations on how many times you can retry a level, thankfully. You’re also free to go back and replay and of the previous levels through the level select.

The level editor is a nice addition, with a simple brick placement method using a grid-based system levels can be put together fairly quickly. You’re also able to test them choosing how many shots should be required and make those final tweaks before saving and having them selectable in the Level Select menu.

Boom Blox is one of those very simple, yet addictive and fun games to play. It’s easy to pick up, if even only for a few minutes at a time. Those that enjoy the occasional puzzler should check this out.