I have started reviewing Smartphone Games, and while they're no match for Pocket PC games, they're better than I expected. The combination of decent Smartphone games and 3D accelerated Pocket PC games bodes well for the future, when the two platforms eventually merge.
Anthelion 2 and Atomic Battle Dragons are noteworthy, but the most significant new release is Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2, a virtual skateboarding game. Unfortunately, that game is designed for Pocket PCs with 600 MHz processors and 2700G 3D graphics accelerators, so most of us won't be able to play it.
Anthelion 2 (A-)
PDAMill is back with a sequel to Anthelion, the terrific space combat game. Anthelion 2 has better graphics than the original (including VGA support), more ships, and a new storyline. This time, you're a pilot in the Federation out to stop a mysterious group of enemies called the Watchers. New features include in-game power-ups and UI enhancements that make it easier to track down your enemies. Anthelion 2 plays like a winner and will keep you hooked through the game's 15 levels. Although the game seems to end all too quickly, bonus game modes—including a never ending arcade mode and the ability to replay past levels—keep it interesting. If you can overlook the weak storyline, Anthelion 2 is a very enjoyable sequel.
Anthelion 2 has all the action of the original plus better graphics and more features.
For more information on this game, visit the PDAMill Web site (www.pdamill.com). Anthelion 2 supports all Pocket PCs. A free demo is available, and the full version can be purchased for $19.95.
Atomic Battle Dragons (A-)
At first glance, Atomic Battle Dragons looks like a clone of the old PC game Joust, where knights on birds tried to knock each other off of their mounts. However, ABD is much more sophisticated, featuring power-ups, RPG-like character development, the ability to walk around on foot, upgradeable weapons, and a ton of other features. Great audio and excellent graphics (including VGA support) make ABD one of the most innovative titles of 2005. Multiple screen modes (portrait and landscape) and configurable controls combined with good level design and fantastic rendering make this one an instant classic. I'd place it alongside Acky's XP Breakout (also from Isotope 244) and Rocket Elite as one of the best Pocket PC games.
Atomic Battle Dragons is an innovative remake of Joust.
For more information, visit the Isotope 244 Web site (http://www.isotope244.com/atomic-battle-dragons.html). Atomic Battle Dragons supports all Pocket PCs. A free demo is available, and the full version can be purchased for $19.95.
Obulis: The Second Epoch (A-)
The goal of the original Obulis was to cut the chains on swinging balls and rely on gravity and inertia to get each colored ball to swing, drop, and roll in the right kettle. Multiple balls, complicated platforms, and tricky gimmicks often required a lot of careful planning to get the balls where they needed to go. Obulis: The Second Epoch features the same graphics and interface, but the levels are new and likely to entertain those who enjoyed the first incarnation of the game.
New levels make Obulis: The Second Epoch a worthy successor to the original.
For more information on this game, visit the IonFX Web site (http://www.ionfx.com/product_obulistse.php). Obulis: The Second Epoch supports all Pocket PCs. A free demo is available, and the full version can be purchased for $11.99.
Itsy Tipsy (B+)
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