Sonic HQ

Detailed impressions of Nokia’s powerful games console/mobile phone hybrid in action

18:40 Following yesterday’s report on Nokia’s unveiling of its N-Gage handheld multimedia system, we can now tell you what it’s actually like to play. After Wednesday’s conference, invited guests were ushered into the capsule of the majestic London Eye, each filled with N-Gage units and, more importantly, free champagne. Or have we got that the wrong way round?

Anyway, after announcing the support of Activision, Sega, Eidos, Taito and THQ, attendees actually had chance to try out both the system and the some of the initial software offerings.

To deal with the system first, in terms of size it’s just a little bit smaller than a GBA when viewed from the front, (as you can see from our comparison pics) and slightly thinner again, (largely thanks to using data cards as opposed to cartridges).

In the hands, N-Gage feels comfortable, if slightly odd, but that’s likely due to familiarity with GBA. The lack of shoulder buttons is a little disappointing, but this is more than made up for by the wealth of front-mounted buttons thanks to the phone keypad. Two main buttons are highlighted as the action buttons, but others were already being used in the demos, to make Lara sidestep in Tomb Raider, for instance.

We found the D-pad – or “Rocker” as Nokia insists on it being called – a little on the disappointing side, with top and bottom, left and right portions slightly raised, causing an odd feel rather like the D-pad on the original Xbox controller.

The screen is positioned vertically as opposed to the horizontal display of GBA – a slightly odd decision – but the backlit screen is crystal clear and allows ultra-sharp, crisp, clear images. Though the back-lit screen naturally has a serious impact on battery life. (Expect 3-6 hours for gameplay.)

But onto the games, and here are brief impressions of the titles we were able to play.

Sonic N
“N” for Nokia, one presumes, Sega’s N-Gage launch title seems to be a version of GBA’s Sonic Advance. There were frequent framerate issues, but the game certainly looks and feels like a Sonic title, and should make an excellent addition to the launch line-up.

Snowboarding
A first-party Nokia title, Snowboarding offered the best example of how games will be able to make use of multiple buttons. Displayed in full 3D, Snowboarding feels similar to Microsoft’s Amped on Xbox, with the boarder able to jump by holding down and releasing an action button, then pulling off a range of tricks via the “Rocker” and other buttons. As a technical demo, the 3D was very impressive and convincing, but the game still requires much work.

Super Monkey Ball
Sega’s classic puzzler was still at a very early stage on N-Gage, but there’s no reason to suspect the game won’t be every bit as enjoyable as the GBA port. Framerate issues again but, as we said, the code was very early.

Pandemonium
Eidos’s 2D/3D adventure looked stunning on N-Gage, offering solid, if a little sluggish, platforming action based on the PSone original. As with Tomb Raider and the other 3D N-Gage titles, the potential shown at this early stage bodes very well for the future of the format.

Virtua Tennis
Sega’s classic tennis sim was present only in demo form, sadly, but tennis players were nicely detailed and smoothly animated and, assuming the title boasts online multiplayer, this could be a real jewel in N-Gage’s crown.

Kart Racing
Another Nokia title which was, frankly, terrible. But – crucially – we were able to test out Bluetooth multiplayer with the game, which worked absolutely perfectly, and although the game itself is a naff Mario Kart clone, the technology supporting it is flawless.

Tomb Raider
The real surprise of the event. Eidos has delivered a near perfect rendition of the PSone original’s visuals and gameplay. The demo offered precious little in terms of action, but made up for it in genuine wow factor, providing a highly detailed 3D world with excellent texture and lighting work of the like GBA can only dream of. Hard. Core.

On the downside, Tomb Raider ran quite slowly and controls felt slightly unresponsive, but with release at least nine months away, Tomb Raider may well be the system seller Nokia is looking for.

There we are, then. N-Gage in all its initial glory. It’s tough to determine if the console will be a success at this early stage, but it’s clear Nokia has done a lot right already. With a great selection of games and a competitive price point, who knows what N-Gage might achieve? Stay tuned for extensive coverage of N-Gage over the coming weeks and months.