This issue's selection of titles shows how developers are really starting to innovate in terms of game play. Motocross Street Racer has sophisticated 3D graphics, good track design, and a very intuitive input method; Gangsta Race allows the player to switch between three distinct styles of game play; and Rayman Ultimate is an excellent port of a high-quality console arcade game.
Rayman was originally ported to the Pocket PC by Gameloft, but it received lukewarm reviews from many gamers. Gameloft is now back with Rayman Ultimate, designed to take advantage of the capabilities of the newer Pocket PCs.
No question about it--Rayman Ultimate's graphics are incredible.
On the Playstation, Rayman was a simple but visually appealing platform (side-scrolling) game in which you'd collect power-ups in order to rescue the Electoons (energy-creating creatures) from Mister Dark and his minions. Very little of the original was sacrificed in this version of the game. The graphics are the best I've ever seen on the Pocket PC; the lush, color graphics of the levels are especially good. The animation is smooth, the sound effects are brisk and plentiful, and the soundtrack (specifically made for the Pocket PC version) is a pleasure to hear. Gameloft claims that the game provides up to 60 hours of play, which for many will make the price and the fairly steep storage requirements (8.4 megabytes) worthwhile.
My one complaint about the game is that there's no way to modify the controls. The default layout works fairly well, with virtual buttons at the bottom of the screen for devices that can't handle multiple button presses. Since the game runs in landscape mode, I'd like to map one of the buttons to my record button so I can place my right hand in a more natural position. Still, the game is a blast and looks simply amazing.
For more information on Rayman Ultimate, visit the Gameloft Web site (www.gameloft.com). Rayman Ultimate supports Compaq and Casio Pocket PC devices and all Pocket PC 2002 devices. A free demo is available, and the full version can be purchased for $29.95.
Some games involve racing and some involve shooting. Some involve both. Gangsta Race is one of those games, much like the runaway desktop hit Death Rally a few years ago. The story behind this one is that you're a young gang leader recruited by "The Boss" to take part in a legendary race in which the stakes are incredibly high.
The cars in Gangsta Race may look like toys, but the competition is ruthless.
Gangsta Race is more an arcade action game than a driving simulation. Your goal is to make it through a number of levels driving "tricked-out" cars and competing against ruthless opponents. The neatest feature of the game is the "have it your way" approach, which allows you to select from three different play modes when beginning the game. In race mode, you focus on simply being the fastest car on the track. In shooter mode, you collect power-ups and weapons you can use against other cars (while avoiding their bullets, of course). In survival mode, you simply try to stay alive.
I played the game in race mode, since I found coordinating driving and shooting to be a bit too difficult on a handheld. Fortunately, the game holds up very well as a simple racing game, with some well designed tracks and great audio out put. The game's story line and smooth presentation are likely to hook many gamers.
For more information on Gangsta Race, visit the Garga games Website (www.gargagames.com). Gangsta Race supports iPAQs and Pocket PC 2002 devices. A free demo is available, and the full version can be purchased for $19.95.
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