The games in this issue show how willing developers still are to recycle older desktop PC games for the Pocket PC. Although I generally don't like this trend, it occasionally results in some good games. Along with a few original titles, we have Boxikon, an old Amiga game that introduces strategy to the Tetris/puzzle game genre. We also have retreads of two great adventure games: Tower of Souls (an Amiga port), and Uninvited (a port of a desktop PC title).
Boxikon is a Tetris-inspired puzzle game originally created for Amiga and dating back to the late 80s. Boxikon is unique, however, because it allows you to "drag and drop" the puzzle pieces anywhere on the board, and lines can be vertical as well as horizontal. Boxikon
is still a relatively fast game, but the added dimension makes it more than a
test of hand-eye coordination--more planning and strategy are required.
Boxikon's great presentation and elements of strategy make it worth a look.
This version of the game shows a rich Amiga heritage in its construction.. The game pieces and board are well drawn and colorful, and the pieces themselves become more complex as the game progresses. The background changes color periodically. Sound effects are pleasant and give audible confirmation of what's happening on the screen without being harsh or irritating. To top it off, three difficulty levels make this variation on an admittedly overdone theme a surprisingly enjoyable diversion.
To learn more about Boxikon, visit the Shoecake Web site (www.shoecake.com/games.html). Boxikon supports all iPAQs and all Pocket PC 2002 devices. A free demo is available and the full version can be purchased for $12.99.
Handmark's recent release of Scrabble pleased many who enjoy classic board games. Now they're back with an officially licensed Pocket PC version of Monopoly, one of the most popular and recognizable board games ever.
Handmark's version remains true to its namesake while making a few minor compromises, but adds features that only a computer can support. The game only supports four players, but you can have human or computer-based opponents, or any combination of the two. All of the game's artwork is there, right down to the bright silver game pieces. The board is detailed and accurate, but it's a little small because of the constraints of the Pocket PC display and the fact that it shares space with the status window at the bottom of the screen. The status screen displays just what you need to know--the current player's token, owned properties, and available cash--without being cluttered.
Most menus (games, action, and help) are accessed by tapping on the small menu tab located in the upper left corner of the screen, above Jail and Kentucky Avenue. Pop-up windows in the center of the game board display what's going on in the current turn and show off Monopoly's trademark artwork. One of the neatest features of the game is the auctions, which are handled via a separate screen and are almost as challenging as bidding on eBay. You can also propose trades. It's not quite as much fun as sitting around a Monopoly board on the living room floor, thumbing through the $500 bills, but this version still manages to capture most of what makes Monopoly a fun game.
Within its limitations, Handmark's Monopoly does a commendable job of reproducing the legendary board game.
To learn more about Monopoly, visit the Handmark Web site (www.handmark.com). Monopoly supports all Pocket PC and Pocket PC 2002 devices. A free demo is available, and the full version can be purchased for $29.99.
Printer-friendly version
