Short reviews from Games Editor, Allen Gall
Pocket PC games you can play wirelessly (allowing you to join players on nearby devices or over the Internet) aren't as easy to find as you might think. For our special wireless issue, I focused on games that were both innovative for single players and offered good multiplayer capability through one of the three major formats: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or infrared. (If you're a little fuzzy on the different formats, please see the Sidebar in this article, "Wireless Formats Explained.") I included only games that allow wireless play on multiple devices rather than games where multiple players take turns on the same device. Enjoy!
Rocket Elite Gold (A)
This is the game that started it all for Digital Concepts, and still Doug Beck's best effort to date. Blending elements of Choplifter and Lunar Lander, RocketElite Gold is a fantastic-looking game that plays well on newer devices as well as older ones. Special graphical effects and innovative game play make this one an all-around winner. Rocket Elite Gold has robust wireless support, supporting both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (including Internet play with EliteNET, Digital Concepts' own gaming server), plus infrared. It's a few years old now, but it's still a winner.
For more information on this game, please visit the Digital Concepts Web site (http://www.rocketelite.com). Rocket Elite Gold supports all Pocket PCs and Windows Mobile Smartphones. A demo is available, and the full version can be purchased for $18.99.
Rocket Elite Gold supports terrific multiplayer capability.
Bowling Master (A-)
Most of the bowling games available on the Pocket PC get a little tedious after a few dozen frames. Bowling Master is probably the most enjoyable bowling game I've seen for three reasons: it's easy to play, it's livelier than similar titles, and it supports multiple players through Bluetooth. The graphics are very well done, and you get to bowl in four locations: a standard bowling alley, a seaside pier, outer space, and in the middle of the jungle. BM's simple interface involves dragging a line where you want the ball to go, and the length you drag determines the force of your toss. Although the ball and pins seem a little flimsy, Bowling Master is very playable, and the ability to play against someone on a nearby device through Bluetooth adds value.
For more information on this game, visit the Digys Web site (http://www.digys.com/product.asp?id=102). Bowling Master supports Windows Mobile 2003 and newer devices. A demo is available, and the full version is $14.95.
Bowling Master allows you to play against a friend through Bluetooth
Warfare Incorporated (A-)
Warfare Incorporated is one of the better RTS games available. The storyline involves two warring corporations trying to gain a foothold on a new planet, Icarus, which contains a critical substance called "Galaxite." You are Gordon Fox, a member of the nascent ACME Corporation sent to establish a base on the planet. The graphics aren't eye-popping, but the game has a good interface and plays well. After you finish Warfare Incorporated's 20 single-player missions, you can join up to four other players on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for some nice head-to-head action.
For more information on this game, visit the Handmark Web site (http://www.handmark.com/warfare). Warfare Incorporated supports Pocket PC 2002 and newer devices. A demo is available, and the full version can be purchased for $29.99.
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