Easy-to-learn and play short-session games.
When you travel, you probably have some downtime, whether it's waiting to board your flight or killing time at the hotel. During these times, you want your entertainment to be fast and not too complicated. With that in mind, I had three criteria for the games in this issue: they needed to be familiar or very easy to learn, they had to allow quick sessions of five minutes or less, and they had to have simple game play.
Acky's XP Breakout (A)
Acky's XP Breakout is the most developed breakout clone I've ever seen. Based on the PC game of the same name, it has great visuals, crisp sound effects, and background music consisting of multiple songs. XP Breakout has 150 levels, positive and negative power-ups, point bonuses, gems (which boost your weapons), super powers, trophies, and point bonuses for performing certain actions (like hitting ten bricks in a row without using the paddle). The game looks and plays great, and your progress is automatically saved. Since you have unlimited lives, you can play the game for a couple of hours or squeeze in a level or two in a couple of minutes. It is a very innovative and enjoyable effort.
A lot of hard work and innovation make Acky's XP Breakout shine in a category full of mediocre titles.
For more information on Acky's XP Breakout, visit the Isotope 244 Graphics Web site (http://www.isotope244.com/games/ab/ackys-xp-breakout.html). The game supports Pocket PC 2002 and newer devices. A demo is available, and the full version can be purchased for $12.95.
Flux Challenge (A-)
Flux Challenge is a futuristic fantasy racing game involving ships flying through tubes. Featuring three game modes (practice, time trial, and a career mode), it offers many hours of game play. Courses are flashy and well designed with obstacles, bonuses, and multiple routes to keep them from getting dull. Automatic saving of games allows you to play a quick race whenever you'd like. Speedy performance, great visuals, and terrific audio (including an announcer) make the game very enjoyable and one of the best racing games I've seen so far for the Pocket PC.
Flux Challenge is one of the best racing games yet made for the Pocket PC.
For more information on this game, visit the PDAMill Web site (http://www.fluxchallenge.com). Flux Challenge supports Pocket 2000 and newer devices with StrongARM or XScale processors. A demo is available, and the full version can be purchased for $19.95.
Sky Force (A-)
Sky Force is a plot-less vertical shooter that's known primarily for its eye-popping graphics. Game play involves blasting a large variety of enemy air and ground targets while collecting power-ups and rescuing POWs (be careful not to shoot them)! It lacks the ability to save games or replay levels, which is a hindrance to mobile gamers looking for a quick fix. But its straightforward shoot'em up style of game play makes it ideal as a no-nonsense diversion.
Sky Force is a simple game targeted to those who enjoy having a lot of firepower.
For more information on this game, visit the ClickGamer Web site (http://www.clickgamer.com/moreinfo.htm?pid=841). Sky Force supports Pocket PC 2002 and newer devices. A demo is available, and the full version can be purchased for $9.95.
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