Latest blog entry
Chess Pro II as the name suggests is a Chess board game that you can play on your Nokia 5800. The game has a feature rich design with a customizable user interface. You can choose between a number of designs for your pieces. You can even change the screen layout and boards to different shades of color. If you are an expert player and understand the movement notations then you can change your view mode which allows you see the corresponding notations of all of your game moves. This game allows you to enjoy your play with the computer as well as your friends. You can switch on your Bluetooth and set the game to listen for new users in the preferences and play via Bluetooth with your friend. You can even play the game with your friend via SMS, you simply create a new human user and select it from your contacts.
You have a number of AI (Artificial Intelligence) users already created in the game with different proficiency levels (Expert/Intermediate/Beginner). Playing with the AI users is just amazing and you can spend hours playing this game. The very first game i played on my mobile i spent an hour because it is really addictive when you don't wanna lose and play till your very last piece is gone. Speaking about the stability of the game and resource consumption, it is designed for Nokia 5800 and runs smoothly and never gets your phone stuck.
Upon checking the Nokia Ovi Store, I happen to browse upon another traditional game that has been migrated to the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic phone platform. This is Tic-Tac-Toe. In the past posts, I have reviewed a similar game created by OffScreen Technologies. This time, I will be reviewing not one but two – Tic Tac Toe Relax and Tic Tac Toe Touch.
Tic Tac Toe Touch
Tic Tac Toe Touch is developed by NYP. The premise is basic: win by forming a three connecting pattern of O or X in a three-by-three game area. Each one takes a turn in forming this pattern.
What I like about the Tic Tac Toe Touch is that it has a scoring mechanism. It counts how many times you win. The problem is that you are stuck at being the “X” all thorough out the game. If there is a tie, then the game also counts that too. Other than that, there’s not much bells and whistles in the game. Even the “Game Help” button doesn’t even work.
Then there is the Tic Tac Toe Relax from XIM. Now, the people of XIM know how to reinvent a game. They have put more visual appeal and options in this game than any others I have seen so far in the Nokia 5800 platform.
For instance, you can choose how many players can play in this game. You can play alone against the computer or play against a friend in two-player mode. Then, you get to put your own name in the game. Talk about making the game personal. Afterwards, they will ask you what sign do you want to play – O or X and if you want the other player to go first.
The game is played on the beach, which is what we sometimes do on the sand. You choose the spot and a writing animation happens. It is so cool to see it being written on the sand and not just popping out of nowhere. Once the game is done, the application will display a cute sand drawing depending on the outcome. If you win the round, you get a smiling face. If you lose, then you get a frown. A tie also gets a corresponding picture.
Tic Tac Toe on the sand.
The game does take score so you will know who is leading.
When you want to play another game, water from the sea washes the O’s and X’s away just like in the beach. Now these happen complete with beach sound effects.
Comparing all three tic-tac-toe games, I would say that “Tic Tac Toe Relax” is the winner. Not only does it have cool graphics and sound, but it takes the game to the next level. It makes an old game look interesting and fun again.
You can download “Tic Tac Toe Touch” and “Tic Tac Toe Relax” at the Ovi Store. Just log in using the Ovi Store application in your Nokia 5800 Xpressmusic phone and search for “tic tac toe”. It is better to download it straight to your phone and install it.
Eliminate the threat by shooting colored balls in the path.
The Nokia 5800 XpressMusic phone not only makes phone calls but is also a good source of fun especially in games. If you want a heart-pumping game that will test your finger skills and quick thinking, perhaps you can try your hands on Zum Zum from innerActive.
What is Zum Zum?
The game is situated in the ancient city of Egypt where pyramids tower the lands and pharaohs rules the kingdom. The game presents you with a “game board” that has a carved pathway in stone. On one end is a hole that releases multi-colored balls that move towards another hole at the end of the path. Your task is to shoot different multi-colored balls towards the path and hope to form three-colored balls. When you do, this will eliminate that set of balls and lessen the chances of the ending the game. How will it end? Once the balls stack up and it reaches the end of the hole, then the game is over.
At the left side of the screen is the up and down arrows that guide your shooter’s movement. When you are ready to shoot, press the icon that looks like a target.
To know the color of the balls you will be shooting, check out the roster located at the lower right portion of the screen.
There are special items you can use. Sometimes, you can use a rocket to eliminate certain balls in the path. Or you can also use this colored beach ball to eliminate similar colored balls in the path.
Each stages brings you closer to your prize.
My Take on Zum Zum
Zum Zum is similar to the game Zuma by PopCap games.
Zum Zum is addicting. I’m not too sure how many stages this game has. But it is so fun to play. It does need some strategy, cunning and precision.
The graphics are very well done though it does look like an old 8-bit Nintendo inspired screen. The sounds is also very good which makes use of your Nokia 5800’s internal speakers (which is loud).
However, one drawback is that this game needs to connect to a WIFI or internet connection to play. Apparently, it uses advertisement from sponsors so you can play this game for FREE. Now, the problem is that if you do not have a WIFI internet connection or you are unable to connect to your carrier’s internet connection, you will not be able to play this game at all. I think that is the price to pay to play for FREE.
And, sometimes, a message pops up telling us about the advertisements. For others, this might leave a bad taste in the mouth. For me, it is tolerable since it is FREE and the game is really that good. Why complain?
Controls are good and responsive. You just need to get used to it since the screen is flat with no protruding navigation controls.
My Verdict on Zum Zum
I love playing this game even though it does have its occasional advertising messages. It’s a small price to pay to play for FREE. However, maybe then can consider having a paid version so we can play this game even if we do not have an internet connection.
The Zum Zum game can be downloaded for FREE at the Ovi Store (http://store.ovi.com/content/770085CA419F9C85E040050A87321ACD).
Just register to access the site and download this application straight to your Nokia 5800 XpressMusic phone. Be sure to install the Ovi Store Application in your phone and search for it there.
Guide your spacecraft and beat the enemy.
Various games are appearing left and right at the Ovi Store which are becoming better and better. This one we will be reviewing is a FREE download but is a Demo version of the real game. It is a glimpse of the type of action you can experience by purchasing the FULL GAME. If you like games that involve flying and has guns and explosions, then SKY FORCE RELOADED LITE is for you for your Nokia 5800 XpressMusic phone.
What is Sky Force Reloaded Lite?
Sky Force Reloaded Lite is a “Free to try” game from Infinite Dreams. It let you become the fighter pilot of a spacecraft packed with heavy machinery, weapons and special feature armaments. Each level has special missions that you need to accomplish to get to the next level.
You will be battling different enemies on each level. For starters, there will be other fighter crafts that will try to destroy you both on land and in the air. There are land-to-air missile launchers and other weapons meant only for your destruction.
The way to navigate your sleek red fighter craft is by moving your Nokia 5800 XpressMusic phone. The game uses the accelerometer of the phone. No need to worry about tapping the screen to launch your weapons. The fighter craft automatically fires for you. All you need to do is just point your craft in the right direction and blast your enemies to kingdom come.
If you want to use the touch screen for directions, you can switch it using the options page. But it would be easier if you just leave it to "Accel" mode.
At the end of every stage, you will be fighting the “boss” character. In this case, it’s a big mean machine ready to eat you alive. But you still have a chance to destroy him. Just dodge the things he’s dishing out.
Check out the options of the game.
My Take on Sky Force Reloaded Lite
Sky Force is a great game to play. No wonder it was awarded by Best Software of 2007 by the Smartphone and Pocket PC awards. It is now back with new enemies and new weapons.
Controls are good in Sky Force Reloaded Lite. You just have to get used to the way the accelerometer works. It’s like trying to balance a ball. You don’t want to tilt the phone too much or the momentum might shift the spacecraft too much. It is good that the programmers made the firepower shooting automatic. At least, I just have to focus on the direction of my spacecraft. Learn the physics of this game and you will be victorious.
Though it’s a 2D game, you will appreciate the simplicity of the graphics. The shadows and the lighting give the games an awesome look. The sound and sound effects are excellent. Though it either blasts you back to the 80’s, it’s still a great game to play.
My Verdict on Sky Force Reloaded Lite
Yes. It is just a one level game since it’s a free-to-try game. I guess that's why it's called Sky Force Reloaded Lite. But at least it gives you a glimpse of what this game can offer. This can bring loads of hours of gameplay to your Nokia 5800 phone. Not a lot of people may like this demo version but it does show you that it can be worth the price.
Now the only thing that bothers me is that the game intro shot shows a helicopter but the game has a spacecraft. Go figure.
The Sky Force Reloaded Lite game is a try-to-buy demo software that can be downloaded for FREE at the Ovi Store (http://store.ovi.com/content/759BC9F221024C51E040050A85327DBF). Just register to access the site. You can also download this application straight to your Nokia 5800 XpressMusic phone by installing the Ovi Store Application.
Be ready to overcome the odds.
When we visited the Ovi store recently, major applications and games have sprouted out. One of the most noticeable in the roster is a game title I would not have thought would be dipping its fingers in the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic realm. Today, we talk about Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed.
What is Assassin’s Creed?
Assassin's Creed is a third-person action-adventure video game created and developed by Ubisoft and was released worldwide on different gaming platforms such as the Playstation and Xbox 360. In the game, you take the role of Altaïr as experienced by Desmond. You are a trained assassin and are given different missions to kill different people of influence in the city.
You will be going from different stages, jumping across obstacles and walls, obtaining items along the way and solving some puzzles. You are armed with a sword, which you use to veer away your enemies.
To navigate your character in the game, there is a typical gamepad placed on the lower left corner of the screen. Then, the action button is found on the lower left corner of the screen. At the upper left corner, you will see your life meter and the type of weapon you are using currently. Opposite this (the upper right corner), you will find the universal symbol for “Home”, which will take you to different options in the game such as quitting or adjusting the sound.
My Take on Assassin’s Creed
Assassin’s Creed truly blew away everyone when it first came out and I was excited to try this game on the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic phone.
Don’t expect 3D graphics here. Unfortunately, the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic phone does not have the 3D capabilities of a Playstation Portable. So Ubisoft went for the traditional 2D sideways reminiscent of the old game portals such as Nintendo Super Family Computer. Graphics are quite jagged but it does try to do it’s best to bring the fluidity of the game into the phone.
The sound is pretty much 8-bit style. Frankly, you do feel like playing an old-school game but with the new generation titles.
I do have some problems with the control system. Since the game displays the controls on the Nokia 5800’s flat surface, it doesn’t feel as responsive as I had hope it would me. The control keys are small and sometimes your character does not follow your commands because you touched the wrong direction button. Plus, I was quite cautious because I might be putting too much pressure on the screen and it might break. It does take some getting used to and you will take some retrials before you get the hang of it.
Get instructions from your master.
Game play wise is pretty basic but admirable. It has a mixture of puzzles to solve, enemies to battle and walls and chains to climb. It’s not just a hack-and-slash game but a game it does require some skill and some common sense. I like games like this.
My Verdict on Assassin’s Creed
Assassin’s Creed is a wonderful addition to your game roster. Just make sure you take it easy on the controls because you might break your Nokia 5800 screen from too much intense playing. Though it is FREE to download, one cannot but help to think if this is just a demo or a full game. I have played about three levels and I have not received any hints of a demo.
The Assassin’s Creed game can be downloaded for FREE at the Ovi Store (http://store.ovi.com). Just register to access the site. You can also download this application straight to your Nokia 5800 XpressMusic phone by installing the Ovi Store Application.
They are everywhere.
This is our final offering to complete your Halloween experience. There is nothing so terrifying than playing a scary video game on your Nokia 5800 XpressMusic phone. The Ovi Store has in its roster a game from Game Loft that you can download for FREE and try out the game. We bring to you Game Loft’s Zombie Infection.
What is Zombie Infection?
Zombie Infection is a downloadable game from Game Loft.
It’s 2011 A.D. and you are in New York City.
While patrolling the streets of New York as part of a team of trained officers, you are plunged into the height of bloodthirsty zombies killing everyone on sight. This is caused by the release of a frightening virus that turns people into flesh-eating zombies.
You go in as three people: a military officer, a news reporter, and a hand-to-hand combat specialist. You also have all the latest weapons at your disposal including a Rocket launcher, Katana, Grenades, Laser Gun and Machine Gun.
In the actual game, there are 36 missions to finish and save the city (and the world) from the deadly virus and its zombies. You can even use lights & shadows to avoid or attract & kill zombies allergic to light and not just your ammo and high-powered armaments.
You can use the environments to finish your mission. You can break through walls, burn trees in your way and open doors.
My Take on Zombie Infection
Zombie Infection takes you back when video games are pixilated and are two-dimensional. But this did not stop Game Loft from producing one of the scariest mobile games out there.
The sounds effects, soundtrack and the graphics are very good for this genre. It does have a very high scare factor.
For the controls, you can use the keypad that comes with the application or your stylus to guide them via the screen. Sometimes, the control can get haywire and your character starts shooting even if you don’t want him to.
I would have love the game done in landscape mode to maximize the real estate of the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic phone. This would have been a better gaming experience since most game are done landscape mode.
Blast those creep's heads.
Verdict on Zombie Infection
Download this game. It will give you a sneak peak on the world of Zombie Infection. There is some realism to it and does have a great story that can get you so involved. If you like this game, get the full version at the Game Loft website (http://www.gameloft.com/ps3-games/zombie-infection/). We suggest not to play this in the dark.
The Zombie Infection game can be downloaded for FREE at the Ovi Store. Just register to access the site. You can also download this application straight to your Nokia 5800 XpressMusic phone by installing the Ovi Store Application
Take a chance in the Magic 8-Ball.
For years, the power of the magic 8-Ball has captivated the minds and the heart s of man. Many have relied on its mystical powers to tell them a forecast of the future. For others, they have used this as gauge in making the right choices. This toy has been a staple in toy stores for many years. It has even come up in different styles and variations. Now, the Magic 8-Ball can be yours for FREE using your Nokia 5800 XpressMusic phone.
Match the candy icons. Get points. Yum!
One of the fortes of the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic phone is the ability to present games in full graphics and sound. The phone most notably excels in the field of puzzle games. If you are looking for a simple yet addicting game that brings an alert mind and sharp pair of eyes into the picture, then the Candy Shop game is for you.
What is Candy Shop?
Programmed by Play Tomo, this game is both good for the eyes and for the brain. The object of the game is to align three (3) or more of the candy icons to reach the stage’s score objective. A running time sets off once the game starts. To align three of more candy icons, one must touch an icon and swap it with a neighboring icon either above, below, at the left or at its right. Then, the similar icons disappear thereby bringing the above row of icons to go one level lower. This gives us more options to mix and match the icons and get more points.
BlockGo Lite mixed fun and logic.
As much as the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic phone is a great piece of technology, it also has the potential of becoming a great gaming platform. A company called Frienzplay has brought a simple yet challenging game to the Nokia phone called BlockGo Lite.
What is BlockGo Lite?
BlockGo Lite is a creatively program game that will challenge your logic and thinking. The object of the game is very simple. Inside the gaming area, you will see the red block with a face on it. You must bring him from one end of the room towards the exit way. But this will not be easy as there are Different colorful boxes with very unique patterns obstructing his path. You must move these blocks so much so to make way for the Red Block to leave the room. He can only move from left to right.
Zum Zum is a simple yet attractive arcade game which has an egyptian backdrop in the way the menu options and the entire screen has been designed. If you have played those bubble arcade games, you will find a lot of similarity in the way the whole gaming logic works here. Here, you find a series of multi-coloured balls racing from one hole to the other in a spiral path. You have to shoot a matching coloured ball in the collection of running balls in such a way that it hits the same colour adjacent balls (minimum 2 in number). The combination of three or more same colour balls result in a collapse thus reducing the length of the running ball collection thus preventing it from reaching the other hole. If the running ball reaches the other hole, your game is over.
Chess Pro II as the name suggests is a Chess board game that you can play on your Nokia 5800. The game has a feature rich design with a customizable user interface. You can choose between a number of designs for your pieces. You can even change the screen layout and boards to different shades of color. If you are an expert player and understand the movement notations then you can change your view mode which allows you see the corresponding notations of all of your game moves. This game allows you to enjoy your play with the computer as well as your friends. You can switch on your Bluetooth and set the game to listen for new users in the preferences and play via Bluetooth with your friend. You can even play the game with your friend via SMS, you simply create a new human user and select it from your contacts.
:| 
, 2 days passed