N-Gage: Pademonium & Age of Empires III

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

In our regular feature, 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 fare. All our N-Gage reviews have been performed on a Nokia N96.

Pandemonium

Those who can cast their memories back the PS1 will remember Pandemonium fondly as a 2D platformer. After various reincarnations on different handheld consoles and an outing on the first N Gage way back in 2003, Pandemonium returns to the N-Gage in 2009.

So, is it any better than the previous versions?

In a word – yes, but it still lacks a little something that we’ve come to love about the charm of 2D platformers. The levels at times feel a little monotonous and numerous elements are literally cut and pasted from level to level. After playing a good dozen levels, no particular level really stood out.

At times the control system can feel a little clunky, with the buttons mapped out oddly to the phone. It doesn’t add to the overall gaming experience and makes playing the game tiresome. It should be noted that for those who are fans of the original PS1 title there’s a lot of unlockables and various ways to go through the levels, and literally hours of things to complete. However, those who are aren’t into to completing 100% of a game will just see this a fun novelty.

While Pandemonium isn’t a great 2D platformer that we’ve come to know from the likes of Mario and his brother, it still is a good, half decent game. It might be harsh to compare Pandemonium against the likes of Super Mario Bros and Sonic, as they’re great games in their own right.

We’d recommend you keep to your Xbox Live Acrade, PSN and Wii Virtual Console for all your 2D platform games, where undoubtedly there are many great titles in this genre.




Age of Empires III

The classic real time strategy game Age of Empires III has ported onto N-Gage.

Graphics wise the game isn’t as pretty as its next generation and PC cousins, but the game still has the various elements that makes Age of Empires III are great title. It’s something that you can play for minutes on the bus, or for hours going through the campaign mode.

While people will be put off by a slightly watered down version of Age of Empires III, the developers have been very smart making the N-Gage version a prequel to the events that happen in the console and PC version of Age of Empire III.

The best mode in our opinion is the skirmish mode that allows players to head online via the N-Gage network and is easily the most lag free title we’ve reviewed to date. Whilst the game is a simplified version of the RTS classic, those we’re into RTS titles and Age of Empires, will be at home with a familiar look n feel to a game they’ve undoubtedly come to love.

The single player mode will find you defending your home of Malta from the invading Turks and those who know RTS games will know what to expect from Age of Empires III wireless, as the menu and gameplay follows the traditional mould.

Surprisingly Age of Empires III transfers very well to the cellphone format, and fans of the series will love the nature of game. Those gamers who are fans of franchise would be urged to pick up this game, it’s a great deal of fun, and adds something to the overall series.