The games reviewed in this issue tend to have excellent graphics. Anthelion, for example, has 3D enemy spacecraft and detailed, colorful explosions. Quigley’s Quest has nice lighting effects and speedy performance. Z-Raid has 16-bit graphics with a full color palette complete with shading.
Toshiba recently introduced the e800, capable of displaying higher-resolution VGA graphics (480x640 pixels). As more VGA-capable Pocket PCs are introduced, it’ll be interesting to see what game developers are able to come up with.
In Anthelion, you’re a member of the Bedouin, a gang of space-pirate cockpit jockeys caught between the Federation and a race of bug-like aliens called the Locusts. Although the missions are engaging and varied, the game’s plot is weak and the subplots a little silly. Jack, the pirate captain, speaks in this awful “Argghh, matey!” dialect that gets irritating quickly.
A lot of people said it couldn’t be done, but Anthelion is a decent space shooter for your Pocket PC.
Anthelion lets you fly five ships, and most of the 16 missions allow you some choice of which ship you’ll fly. You can also choose weapons, including missiles and torpedoes. Controls are effective and highly customizable, which should allow the game to be suitable to a number of different play styles and devices. The enemy ships are rendered in terrific 3D graphics and the game includes nice lighting effects in the explosions and engine trails. Overall, Anthelion is a lot of fun and bodes well for the future of Pocket PC gaming.
For more information on this game, visit the PDAmill Web site (http://www.pdamill.com/prod_an.shtml). Anthelion supports Pocket PC 2002 and Windows Mobile 2003 devices. A demo is available, and the full version can be purchased for $19.95.
Crazy Kart is a clone of the Nintendo console game Mario Kart. In this genre you race go-karts around surreal racetracks while collecting points and power-ups. The game looks good and runs fast. Although you can’t configure the buttons or the d-pad, you can have the karts accelerate without having to push any buttons, which makes the game easier.
Crazy Kart is in the tradition of console-based racing games like Mario Kart and is almost as much fun.
Play modes include quick race, championship, and time trial. You can race on the moon, at the beach, or in all sorts of other interesting locales, all of which look good. The power-ups and jumps make the courses challenging, even after you’ve been around them a few times. In addition, several add-on courses are available to registered users for free. The game screen is laid out pretty well, with icons showing your current rank, your speed, and your position on the course. Although it doesn’t take very long to finish all the tracks, it’s fun while it lasts.
For more information on this game, visit the INT13 Web site (http://www.int13.net/crazy.htm). Crazy Kart supports all Pocket PCs. A demo is available, and the full version can be purchased for $15.
Quigley’s Quest is one of the best platform scrollers around. Your quest is to find the five fabled golden chalices. In the process, you explore the 17 levels of Quagmire Island, collecting rings, gems, and power-up potions to help you on your way. Although most of the levels don’t have much variety, they have some interesting graphical and lighting effects. Most levels can be solved in a few minutes, although you can spend a much longer time collecting more goodies and a higher score if you like.
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