You may have heard about the Phase rhythm game that Harmonix made for the iPod. It was meant to give a near Guitar Hero-like experience for you while on the road, but it’s still not authentic. Now you can rock out for real, because Verizon Wireless has picked up the exclusive rights to Guitar Hero Mobile, bringing the musical experience onto the small screens of mobiles across the nation.

Naturally, the mobile version of the rhythm game isn’t quite as full or complete as its console counterparts, but it looks to be pretty darn good nonetheless. There are only three fret keys (like those found on Guitar Freaks by Bemani) instead of five, but you still get a rock meter, a multiplier, and Star Power.

There are 15 tracks taken from the console version of Guitar Hero III, including “Rock You Like a Hurricane” by the Scorpions and “Suck My Kiss” by Red Hot Chili Peppers. There are also four guitars and three venues.

Guitar Hero Mobile is available now via Verizon’s Get It Now service for $4.49 per month or $11.99 outright.

via mobilemag

Popularity: 25% [?]

Posted by phonePlus | No Comments »

With everyone shouting about the potential for iPhone games and whether the new N-Gage platform is going to be any good, the prospect of Google’s forthcoming Android operating system being a viable gaming platform is a notion that’s been somewhat lost in the noise.

But W2Pi Entertainment has begun development in earnest of a very unique sounding location-based FPS game for Android, called Wi-Fi Army.

The basic set-up sees you search for players when you’re out and about, and if your phone detects anyone with an Android handset that is running Wi-Fi Army within a 300-foot radius, you can invite them to the game.

If the player accepts your invite, their profile is sent to you including a photo of what they look like. The idea is that you then have to track them down. But the really clever part is that when you spot the person you are playing with, you have to take their picture with your Phone’s camera which is then automatically uploaded to the Wi-Fi Army server that compares the picture against the picture of the player that’s in the database. If a match is found it counts as one hit.

The beta version will only support up to 500 players per city, although it will be free. Apparently weapon upgrades (Lord knows how those work) and other power-ups will be available for a nominal fee.

It’s extremely ambitious sounding stuff and making use of wi-fi, GPS and camera functions in one game is something that has mostly been the stuff of the drawing board up until now. If this game actually ships, then there will certainly be little else like it out there.

We have our reservations regarding the reality of getting such a complicated system to run smoothly, not to mention the slightly creepy nature of tracking down complete strangers in real life to take their photo.

That said, there’s no denying the idea is fiercely original and if it works the way the developer intends it to, it bodes well for the power of the Android platform and its future credentials for gaming.

via PocketGamer

Popularity: 21% [?]

Posted by phonePlus | No Comments »

Sony Ericsson games boss Peter Ahnegard has said the company has recently decided to move forward with plans to launch a PlayStation-branded mobile phone. The gaming phone will join the likes of Sony Ericsson’s Cyber-shot range of camera phones, and the Walkman range of music phones.

Speaking to Pocket Gamer, Ahnegard said that the final decision to move ahead with the project was made at Games Convention in Leipzig last week.

“Up until today we haven’t felt we could launch a PlayStation phone because it wouldn’t be recognised as a true continuation of that brand of products”, he said.

“To explain our position I need to look at the brands we’ve developed so far, in particular the Cyber-shot and Walkman phones. When we looked at all the assets we could muster for music and imaging, the services, downloads and overall proposition, we felt that we could create something that really lived up to the values of the brand and fill all the required boxes.

“We’re not launching a brand of handset simply because we can, but because we can lead [sic] up to the expectations of the consumer.”

Sony Ericsson PSP phone coming

However, Ahnegard would not give any details on when the Sony Ericsson PlayStation phone will go on sale.

“It’s obviously something that we’re looking at but right now I can’t really comment. Before Christmas, certainly… but exactly which Christmas I can’t confirm!”

In June, Sony Ericsson moved to quell speculation about the PlayStation phone, saying that it was not in production and would not be for some time.

Sony Ericsson is also said to be toying with the idea of a Bravia-branded phone in the UK. Such phones already exist in Japan where the Bravia brand is strong.

Source: tech.co.uk

Popularity: 11% [?]

Posted by phonePlus | No Comments »

Today, Nokia revealed that mobile entertainment company I-play will be launching a line-up of casual games for Nokia’s N-Gage platform.The first two casual game titles to be introduced for the Nokia N-Gage phone are “World Rally Championship” and “Super Mah Jong”.

Interestingly the game “World Rally Championship” has acquired the official license of the FIA WRC. “Super Mah Jong” will need no introduction to most people, but incase you aren’t a fan then you must know that the game revolves around an epic tale based on eth ancient spiritual game Mah Jong. Also, “Super Mah Jong” has been created by the makers of the highly addictive casual game “Jewel Quest”.

According to Gregg Sauter, Director, 3rd Part Publishing, Nokia, “I-Play brings a diverse games portfolio to N-Gage, and we’re excited to have them on board. The N-Gage toolset provides the opportunity to deliver new features and richer experiences to consumers through I-play’s strong portfolio of content. We look forward to this cooperation.

Now that I-Play has struck the deal, the company will be providing a big line-up of casual games for Nokia’s N-gage mobile phone. In fact, they will concentrate on casual, ‘one-thumb’ games for the mass market.

I-play’s “World rally Championship” and “Super Mah Jong” for the Nokia N-Gage mobile phone will be introduced in 2008.

Source: TechShout

Popularity: 11% [?]

Posted by phonePlus | No Comments »

iGiki.com is pleased to announce the immediate availability of the Ultra 3 Pack - Solitaire, Sudoku, and Magic 8 Ball - affording Apple iPhone users the enjoyment and convenience of playing these classical games on such a revolutionary device.”We feel these applications will keep iPhone users entertained in all types of environments” said Everett of iGiki.com. “The term “Play” becomes a triple dose of fun. “About Ultra 3, An iPhone Game:Mystify yourself with the Magic 8 Ball. Play Solitaire. Challenge yourself to a game of Sudoku.Pricing and Availability. The Ultra 3 game pack is instantly available starting today for a small donation to the developer. In addition Solitaire and Sudoku are available separately.

Popularity: 12% [?]

Posted by phonePlus | No Comments »