Database Info

Gaming news as of 03/13/2007

There is a lot of Windows Mobile gaming news to report on:
After Ben Stanley’s excellent review, Just Another Mobile Monday has also published a review of probably the best and, what is more, TCP/IP multiplayer-enabled, turn-based strategy game even released for the Pocket PC, Orions: Legend of Wizards. It's available here and is highly recommended. Note that I'll also publish a Strategy Guide to the game (I'm also an author of several Starcraft Strategy Guides so the genre, the ideas of micromanagement etc. are pretty well-known to me) later, as soon as I have some free time (not in the next two weeks, I'm afraid). (News source: PPCT).
BTW, note that a new, 1.01 version of the game was released some days ago; it, among other things, fixed the multiplayer functionality, which was entirely useless in the initial version. Now, multiplayer is working just great and, as it's IP address entering-based, really flexible and even allows for playing people in another continent (that is, it's not local-only). (News source: I worked very closely with the excellent Moregames Entertainment folks to quickly iron out the bug.)
Pocket Fallout, the highly recommended, free (!) Fallout clone (review here) has just received a dedicated website. (New source: private e-mail from the developer.)
[email protected] is working on a real (!) Pirates! clone Caribbean Adventures 1600AD. Unlike the other two piracy-related games on the Pocket PC, High Seas and Tradewinds (please read the full story here), this is promised to bear much more similarities with the classic Pirates! (News source: have run into the announcement while checking out the following title.)
The same developer, [email protected], has just released a space shooter Space Prospector. I haven't tested it as yet; based on the screenshots, it doesn't seem to be as good as SkyForce Reloaded, the best vertical scroller game available for the Pocket PC. I may be mistaken, though. (News source: PocketGamer.org)
The excellent Doom port (which, as can also be seen based on its name, supports the 3D hardware built into Intel 2700G and GoForce-based Windows Mobile devices) DoomGLES has been updated to version 0.5. There are two main things of interest in here (among other things):
- music support (at last! Previous versions only offered sound effects)
- can be played in Portrait mode, which is certainly very good news for Dell Axim x50v/x51v users sensitive to the polarization problems of the cheapo Dell screen in Landscape mode.
All in all, checking out the new version is a MUST for all 3D hardware accelerated Windows Mobile device users. (News source: forum announcement over PocketGamer.)
Interactive E Books Ltd has released Jurassic Adventure. It's an interactive e-book where you play the role of a research physicist sent back in time one hundred and fifty million years into the past. Don't, however, expect anything like a "real" adventure game. In my opinion, Interactive E Books's games are far inferior to that of, say, Legend Entertainment on the PC or, on the Pocket PC / Palm, Fade Team (Fade on the PPC / Acedior on the Palm - do they ring a bell?). However, it's pretty cheap and, if you're into the genre, you may want to give it a try. (News source: PocketGamer)
The free, highly recommended Transport Tycoon Deluxe has also been updated; the new features are as follows:
- Now works on VGA devices
- Loads the PC version of OpenTTD's save game files!
- Right-click emulation via hard buttons.
- Fast landscape graphics via custom raw frame buffer drawing routines.
- Full threaded sound effects and music.
- Palm TTD provides full 480x320 Tapwave API accelerated graphics
(News source & related discussion: PocketGamer)
Tetraedge has released the long-anticipated multimedia (which is bad news for fans of the "traditional" textual or Lucasfilm/Sierra-like genre) adventure game Syberia 2 in both English and German (French, Spanish and Italian versions will follow later). Note that I can only provide you a ClickGamer link (and this one for the German version) because the official homepage of the developer still doesn't have any information on the new game. Note that, while originally there wasn't, now, a trial version is also available. (News source & related discussion: PocketGamer)
PocketGear offers a 20% rebate for all their products in March with the coupon code MARCH20 (News source: PocketGamer)

UPDATE (later the same day): as is announced at AximSite, DoomGLES V0.54 has just been released. Make sure you upgrade!

Whatever happened to Live Anywhere? I would love to unlock achievements while i play zuma on my WM device and be able to chat with my xbox live friends when i'm bored in class... or customize my car on Forza Motorsport as their developers showed in the "capabilities" of live anywhere.

Games news (11/17/2007): New Orions & Azgard update, free, decent Bejeweled-clone etc

Games news (11/17/2007): New Orions & Azgard update, free, decent Bejeweled-clone etc
1. Azgard Defence and the two Orions (Legend of Wizards and The Second Age) have been updated!
These three (unfortunately, Pocket PC-only – no Smartphone / Symbian / etc. versions are available) astonishingly good games (Orions: Legend of Wizards and Azgard Defence won this year in the Turn-based Strategy and in the (plain) Strategy categories, respectively - and they certainly deserved it!) are a must-get for all Pocket PC users. (See my review of the latter HERE and that of Doug Goldring of the former HERE.) Now, they have received updates.
The changes to Orions are as follows (with my remarks in italics):
Balance Changes:
* Tython is now slightly stronger. (More HP and attack damage)
* Tython's casting no longer costs water elements. I’m not entirely sure this, along with the previous balance change, was a nice idea – after all, Tython has already been THE best way for mass re-healing. Now, a player having this card will be next to unbeatable (if he’s playing using the right strategy and is, otherwise, decent)
* Lightning Bolt damage increased to 6.
* Remade Avatar. The most important change as I really didn’t see the point in this card at all. Nice the developers have listened to me.
* Guardian: now loses less health each round. Great, now, it’s much more useful because it won’t die that fast
* Fixed cast cost for Spider. This was more of a bug and should belong to the “Common bugs” section IMHO
* Imp: Health increased. Nice idea because it was REALLY weak – now, combined with Diablo (which, unfortunately, has been made pricey), it’s much better than before
* Infernal: Level lowered to 10.
* Diablo casting now cost 1 Fire and weakened a little. Oh dear, it used to be SO cool to quickly make other Fire creatures unbeatable...
Common Bugs:
* AI no longer casts Scylla's abilities too much. Oh dear, now, we can’t take advantage of this bug to quickly bump up our Water elements…
* Leviathan, Nixie, Demon - elemental issues solved. (No more exchange nothing for fire/water). See previous remark
* Fixed Black Market issues.
* Fixed Necromancer multiplayer issue.
Incidentally, the homepage of the developer has a poll called “What game would you like next?”. Currently, “Orions: Duelist Edition (No campaign, all new cards)” has 95% of the (currently, 365) votes. This is certainly good news: we DO want more and even more cards (and, preferably, lounge-based multiplayer support!) Personally, I haven't played the campaign part of the game much - I like the dual gaming much more. Therefore, I'm absolutely satisfied with the (current) poll results.
2. A VERY decent, really multiplatform, freeware Bejeweled clone, Snowed In 6: Deep Freeze, has been released!
Last year, I’ve reviewed the previous game, Snowed In 5 - Flaked Out, in the sequel and kinda liked it – except for the lack of music.
The new sequel is available HERE for download for ALL (!!!) non-Java mobile platforms – even for Symbian S80, S90 and GP2X (not only the "traditional" ones like Pocket PC, MS Smartphone, Symbian S60(v3) / UIQ)! Quite a feat, isn’t it?
The Pocket PC version, as with the previous sequel, supports all screen resolutions (even square screens) and the VGA version natively supports hi-res, which is also very good news. Unfortunately, it (still) has no in-game music, in which it’s certainly inferior to the two Bejeweleds, the absolute star in this category (mostly because of its music). But, after all, you can run a MOD player in the background, playing back the music of Astrware’s classic as is thoroughly explained in my related tutorial. Then, you'll get a 100% - in high resolution if you have a VGA device (again, Bejeweled doesn't support high resolution on VGA devices).
3. OmniG Software has released Super-G Stunt for both the Pocket PC and the MS Smartphone platform
Unfortunately, OmniG Software's new title doesn’t support the 3D accelerators (the 2700G in the Dell Axim x50v / x51v Pocket PC's (or the GoForce 5500 in the O2 XDA Flame / Toshi G900.) Their only title to support the 2700G (but not the 5500) was Chopper Fight reviewed HERE.
As these games heavily depend on 3D, this is pretty much a showstopper for me, mostly because the new game is suffering from the same problem as ALL the other OmniG Software titles; most importantly, the REALLY repetitive music and pretty dull gameplay. Not recommended - if you want to play something like this, go for for example Warelex' Sky Racer instead (reviewed HERE) instead (not that that title were THAT good...).

Gaming news: PDAMill’s Wild Gears; Resco Table Soccer for free; GF5500 in DoomGLES

1. PDAmill has released Wild Gears, a Micro Machines clone
Famous game developer company PDAmill has just released Wild Gears, a pretty decent top-down racing game certainly worth a try. The features include:
• Gorgeous Cartoon Art
• Four different cars
• Intuitive controls that make full use of Windows Mobile touch screen
• 15 awesome tracks to race on
• Rockin' Soundtrack with over 20 minutes of music
• Four different Cups to compete in!
• Records Menu keeps track of all your best track and lap times
• Auto-save
Your first question will surely be (if you’re into gaming, that is): How does it compare to K-Rally, the King of all top-down racing games on all mobile platforms, including Windows Mobile (see review HERE)? Well, it has both cons and pros.
Compared to K-Rally...
It’s worth pointing out that the PDAMill folks pay special attention to their titles’ flawless running on low-end Pocket PC’s plagued with the infamous touchscreen bug I’ve elaborated on, for example, HERE. I’ve thoroughly tested the game on my non-overclocked HTC Wizard and found it extremely well done and the graphics not stuttering at all even with the stylus resting on the screen. This certainly wasn’t the case with K-Rally. On the other hand, I’ve found the game slightly slower on my VGA Dell Axim x51v than on my (even low-end!) QVGA devices. In this regard, K-Rally might (still) be a better choice.
Pros:
- runs definitely better on low-end Pocket PC’s with touchscreen CPU usage issues
- the control scheme may turn out be better for many (see below)
Equal:
- in-game music (both games have very cool music; PDAMill’s musician is Jaybot, after all, which guarantees high-quality, non-repeating music. And we all know how nice the “scener”, “retro” music in K-Rally really is.)
- no multiplayer in either titles. iDreams still haven’t implemented this in their title (too bad) and PDAMill surely won’t. Let me cite Jaybot from PDAMill: “You know my opinion on multiplayer support on windows mobile devices already: nobody uses it It's a nice extra feature to have, but we've never been able to justify it since Snails.”
Cons:
- (no MS Smartphone version: bad news for touchscreen-less Smartphone users)
- slightly slower on some? all? VGA devices - in this regard, K-Rally is better optimized
- no weapons, which really restricts the strategies you can use. In the initial design documents, the PDAMill folks did have lots of different things planned, of course (including battle mode, stunt mode, etc). They, however, simply didn't have time to fit it all into this release. So definitely in an update, sequel, whatever. Let's hope for the best
- Landscape mode only – bad news for users with devices with landscape polarization issues like the Dell Axim x50v / x51v. In K-Rally, you could switch between the two modes (that is, you could just stay with Portrait if your eyes are sensitive to the polarization issues)
There isn’t much point in comparing it to Gangsta Race and Dreamway (old Micro Machines clones) - this title is FAR better, particularly music-wise (just like K-Rally).
Controls
The car (as opposed to most other racing games, where the D-pad can also be used) can ONLY be controlled via the touchscreen. There is a compass on the bottom of the screen, which lets you set both the speed and the direction of the car. That is, the touchscreen controls are WAY different from all the Pocket PC alternatives. In K-Rally, for example, the stylus’ distance from your car sets the speed of the car and the car always accelerates in the direction of it. This is entirely different in Wild Gears. If you’ve been a K-Rally player, the new control scheme takes a few minutes to get used to, but after awhile it grows on you and you may actually prefer it to the full screen controls (especially on tight turns, and... when intentionally ramming another car out of the way). In addition, the PDAMill folks want to get everyone used to the on-screen analog stick idea, as it's something they foresee being very, very useful in future titles (for example in a 3D platformer, along the lines of Mario64).
Of course, this approach has (other) major advantages too; most importantly, no cars will ever be hidden under the stylus (some people have complained about this with K-Rally).
Verdict
All in all, go give the trial version a go – it’s certainly worth a try. It’s available HERE.
2. Resco Table Soccer, which is a very nice game particularly on high-resolution VGA devices, is free (!!!) until 03/12. Get it HERE - it’s REALLY worth it!
3. DoomGLES, the only 3D hardware accelerated and, what is more, free (!!!) Doom port for Pocket PC, has been updated to support the GoForce 5500 hardware chip in some models like the O2 XDA Flame and the new i-mate Ultimate 6150 / 8150 (see review of the latter HERE).
So far, very few (only two: Call of Duty 2 and GeoRallyEX), otherwise, Intel 2700G-enabled 3D titles have had support for GoForce 5500 (see THIS compatibility list). Now, you, at last, have an excellent Doom clone as well. Hope Kokak also manages to make his recently-released HereticGLES. Also see THIS PG thread if interested. Finally, please don’t forget to donate some money to Kokak if you would like to see future development – I’ve just done so.

UPDATE (03/09/2008): I've forgotten to directly compare the graphics of Wild Gears and K-Rally. In this regard, K-Rally is way better with its excellent light and particle effects, pseudo-3D environment (for example, trees) and scrolling. (Thanks to my blog reader Natestera for pointing this out!)

Thanks for the info and links.

T-Mobile G2x, stock android?

so i was reading this article
http://newsroom.t-mobile.com/articles/T-Mobile-G2x-with-Google
and it says "Powered by a stock version of the Android™ 2.2 operating system", does that mean there's no bloatware and it's just like the Nexus? if so, there seems to be no greater phone than this one.

The G2 is stock android and it still has some bloatware not a lot but its still there. This will probably be near stock experience just like the G2!!
Seems like a great phone tho!!! But im sticking with my Nexus, there is nothing like a google supported phone!
Edit:
These are all the apps that will be preloaded on the device
* Need for Speed™ SHIFT HD, developed by Electronic Arts (EA), is an award-winning, authentic racing game that combines the true driver's experience with real-world physics, pixel-perfect car models, and a wide range of authentic race tracks.
* DTS Ultra Mobile™, which includes two innovative audio technologies – DTS Envelo™ and DTS Boost™ – for a premium surround sound experience. When listening to music or playing games on the T-Mobile G2x, customers will enjoy rich, enhanced sound that adds depth, dimension and volume levels that are robust without distortion.
* A demo of Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance - N.O.V.A., developed by Gameloft, is a fast-paced sci-fi action game in which players operate as Kal Wardin, an elite soldier established to protect humanity from alien threats.
* T-Mobile TV, offering live and on-demand TV including news, sports and full-length entertainment, plus full episodes of your favorite shows.
* Zinio eReader, the largest online newsstand, enabling customers to shop for, search inside, read, share and save digital content in new ways with more than 75,000 digital magazines from 26 countries.
* T-Mobile Video Chat powered by Qik™, enabling video conversations with friends and family through T-Mobile's network and Wi-Fi.
Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/22/lgs-t-mobile-g2x-announced-available-later-this-spring/

Stock Android but I prefer by updates being handled and maintained by Google especially with open sourcing kernels etc.
Although, LG does look really good in the Android game. If they live up to updating their phones in a timely matter. They're definitely going to gain the respect from the Android modding community.

bcl0328 said:
so i was reading this article
http://newsroom.t-mobile.com/articles/T-Mobile-G2x-with-Google
and it says "Powered by a stock version of the Android™ 2.2 operating system", does that mean there's no bloatware and it's just like the Nexus? if so, there seems to be no greater phone than this one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I owned a G2 and it looked like stock android but it totally wasn't. Cyanogen actually commented on this issue when porting CM6 to the device, he said it was not stock android and had lots of htc elements in the build. You will only find stock on the n1 or the ns natively
JD
Sent from my Google Nexus Magic Wand S

[Q] advice please

I am thinking about getting one of these can anyone who has one give me some feedback please
JoyTAB 9.7 inch HD Dual Core 16GB Android 4.1 Jelly Bean Tablet with Bluetooth Keyboard, Sleeve and Stand
Here's a powerful, responsive, sturdy tablet PC in a perfectly portable 9.7" package - and it comes with Google Play Store, enabling you to choose from all of the top apps and games!
Connect and share with Wi-Fi, HDMI & USB: this JoyTAB tablet features a selection of connection options! As well as super-fast Wi-Fi for wireless access around your home, you can connect to your PC via USB for transferring files, and to your TV via the HDMI 1.3 port for watching videos. A micro SD slot allows you to share files with your friends and transfer photos from your computer with ease.
Connect to the world with the touch of a fingertip! The JoyTAB Duo Pro Tablet is a powerful and flexible Internet and Entertainment solution, with a generous 9.7 inch capacitive touch screen and intuitive Android™ 4.1 operating system (Jelly Bean).
Access thousands of applications from Google Play with plenty of games, social media, and productivity tools to meet the needs of today’s users. With our sleek and stylish JoyTAB you are able to relax and enjoy your favourite content: music, 1080P HD videos, E-Books and photos. Enjoy doing more with JoyTAB!
Contents:
JoyTAB tablet
Tablet AC Charger
Bluetooth Keyboard Case
USB cable (mini USB to male USB)
USB cable (mini USB to female USB)
Document pack
Sleeve
Stand (colour will vary - black, white or blue)
Colour:
Black
Size:
W x H x D: 24.2 cm x 18.5 cm x 0.98 cm
Weight:
632g Tablet, 320g Keyboard
The way the web was meant to be
More than ever, the web is part of our daily lives. The JoyTAB tablet allows us to shop, check the weather, get recipes, keep in touch with our friends and family and more. Now you can experience your personal web, up close, with a lightweight tablet that powers on instantly, anywhere (your own Wi-Fi Connection required).
Email from me to you from anywhere
Fire off an email from your lounge, kitchen - even the garden. With the built-in email app, our tablets make it easy to stay in touch (your own Wi-Fi Connection required).
Music and Tunes
The built-in music app lets you 'swipe and tap' through your music by artist, album, song or playlist. Listen to your favourite tunes at home or on-the-go
The Internet with no strings attached
Surf, watch and play: do what you want, wherever you want. These tablets connect quickly and easily to Wi-Fi networks. Whether at home, at your local coffee shop, or maybe even on a plane or train, you'll enjoy the Internet - unbound by wires!
Intuitive Interaction
With capacitive, multi-touch technology, these tablets respond quickly and naturally to your touch. Interact directly with what's on the screen by pinching, tapping, dragging, or swiping. Spend more time reading, playing and visiting your favourite sites without any hassle
Go full tilt
Take advantage of the most creative apps available for Android with the built-in accelerometer. From unique and exciting games to handy utility apps, you'll be amazed at what your tablet can do.
Read more. Carry less
Imagine a library in the palm of your hands! These tablets let you access countless volumes of books including best sellers, new releases, classics, modern classics, and books from public libraries. The future of reading is here, and it fits comfortably in your hands
Take time out for fun!
Whether it's for you or your loved ones, you'll find great games in the free Android apps store. Browse and download thousands of the most popular apps. With puzzles, strategy, action, racing games and more, there's something for everyone
Get things done
Check e-mail, write proposals and crunch numbers 'from the road'. These tablets make the perfect light-weight work companion. Just visit the Android apps store to be amazed at what you can do.
Now playing everywhere
Experience up to 1080P High Definition video with high-resolution advanced media processors. With the built-in HDMI terminal, watching the latest movies in HD is easy. Simply connect your Tablet to your HD TV with an HDMI Cable is the ticket to the best seat in the house, no matter where you are!
The best screen is the biggest one you already own
Watching movies 'on the go' may be great - but watching on your giant TV at home is even better! HDMI is built into these tablets: no expensive adapters to buy and lose! Simply connect with a single HDMI cable, then lean back and enjoy stunning HD video from the comfort of your couch!
Need more room for music, movies, or pictures? Just insert a microSD or microSDHC card and increase your memory up to 32GB. The right size is up to you
Bluetooth Keyboard included!
A 160 mAh battery is built in for up to 60 days standby time and 50 hours working time. Acts as a wireless stand when it is open and a protective case when closed. No fiddly connections to use when using as a keyboard - Bluetooth is wireless!
Please see also the Specification tab, above

Bump
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app

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