June 30 11:25 A.M.
Got iPhone envy? You're not alone. In fact, you're currently in the vast majority. While it seems everyone and their mother is merrily prodding away on one version or another of Apple's touchy smartphone, the truth is that the roughly 6 and a half million iPhone users out there (source: Nielsen, April 2009) are dwarfed by the throngs of us not smart, dumb, cool, lame, or wealthy enough to own one.
But just because the App Store is closed to you doesn't mean there aren't some awesome, big-name games out there for your non-iPhone. Here are eight titles well worth sacrificing a few minutes of talk time to download. Note: prices will vary based on provider, and be sure to double-check prior to purchase to make sure they'll work with your particular handset.
Sony's deity-destroying madman has thrilled millions of Playstation owners, and as luck would have it, he took his act to cell phones in this terrific portable outing. Taking place between the events of the first two God of War games, Betrayal is a 2D action romp that falls perfectly in line with its big brothers. What it lacks in fancy graphics it more than makes up for in smooth gameplay, even prompting review site IGN to dole out a 9/10 while noting that "if you are any kind of God of War fan, you'll put aside whatever grudge you might have against mobile gaming and seek out this download ASAP."
You probably know that The Sims 3 is a smash hit on the PC and iPhone, but it just so happens to have been developed for other mobile phones as well. And despite the comparative lack of power, the portable version is up to snuff, putting nearly every facet of the game's deep, addictive gameplay neatly in the palm of your hand.
If you'd rather waste zombies than manage Sim-waste, look no further than Gameloft's gruesome Zombie Infection. Equal parts Resident Evil and Streets of Rage, this highly-rated horror outing is as well-written as it is action-packed, a smart, clever tale of what happens when reality TV programming meets the shambling, undead masses. Who knew the apocalypse could be so fun?
You don't need a powerful computer to enjoy EA's award-winning, creature-creating epic. Well, technically you do, but if you're on the bus or something, check out this portable version instead. While not as robust as the main game, it still lets you eat your way out of the primordial swamp and customize a unique creature from scratch. Best of all, you can take on other players around the world right from your phone. Now that's a cool evolution.
A breakout hit on Sony's PSP handheld, the adorable, addictive LocoRoco slides over to mobile phones in this solid port. Grow your smiley LocoRoco as you traverse kooky levels, battle enemies and collect all sorts of tasty treats. While it's missing the original's absurdly catchy music, the slippery gameplay is still here, and it's just as quirky and fun as it was on the burlier PSP. Definitely worth a bounce.
Saddle up and head out to this remake of the classic edutainment outing. A serious oldie (the original was created in -- no lie -- 1971) but still a goodie, The Oregon Trail is all about survival. Buy supplies, put together a party and see if you can outlast the myriad dangers of a cross-country journey into an unexplored frontier. Despite the cartoony new graphics, it's still enormously challenging. If the bears don't getcha, the dysentery definitely will.
Speaking of old-school remakes, freshen up your Tetris-ing with this fast, frantic take on the world famous block-builder. Each level is a collection of Tetris-themed mini-games meant to be enjoyed for a few minutes rather than a few hours, making it the perfect distraction for gamers on the go. Give it a shot and you'll be dreaming of Tetrimonoes in no time.
Big things can come in small packages, and when it comes to mobile gaming, it doesn't get much bigger than Galaxy on Fire 2. Boasting the kind of immense canvas usually reserved for huge console role-playing games, this interstellar adventure game lets you run jobs, blast baddies, buy and outfit spaceships, and well, do pretty much whatever else you can think of while exploring the vastness of space.
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Posted: 30 Jun 2009
