In just eight years, mobile phone gaming has grown from a black and white Snake
slinking around Nokia handsets to a multi-billion pound global industry. Today’s
3G phones have colour screens, powerful processors and wireless connectivity -
the perfect combination for addictive mobile gaming.
While most handsets come with one or two games built in, a key benefit of 3G technology
is that you can quickly download the titles you’re really interested in
– and there are hundreds available. Games designed for 3G phones can be
larger and more complex than those for 2G handsets, and that means richer sound,
more levels and faster 3D graphics. Games typically cost between £2 and
£5 each to download, although 3 also offers a virtual video arcade where
you pay 50p per play.
Some 3G games are already offering online interactivity (see Scrabble below) and
the first true multiplayer games are just around the corner. But if you’re
after a bigger thrill than just another high score, your Vodafone 3G phone can
now be used to place bets with online bookmaker Blue Square. You’ll need
to register on the internet and visit a Vodafone store to prove your age first,
but then you can manage your bets via the Vodafone Live! service.
Top games for 3G phones
(Note that not all games are available for all phones and networks
– check with your network first)
Scrabble – Test your word-power against a computer-generated
opponent. The game checks your words online against the Oxford English dictionary
so there’s no room for cheating!
Asphalt Urban GT – Race the world’s fastest cars
on eight stunning 3D courses, while avoiding the police. The most realistic mobile
phone driving game yet.
Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow – Frantic anti-terrorism
action with intelligent baddies, detailed graphics and more of a plot than most
shoot ’em ups.
Super Bomberman – Fast paced, ultra-addictive puzzle game
with great sounds, smart opponents and colourful graphics.
Sensible Soccer – This new footie game has been optimised
for the new 3G phones, with improved sound effects and music, more features and
realistic gameplay.
Network round-up
3 – The first network to launch a 3G service, two years
ago. Has the best coverage of any network (over 80% of the population) and also
the most 3G subscribers (over 2.5million). Heavily subsidised phones, cheap downloads
and low voice call charges mean that 3 offers good value for money, especially
for sports fans.
Orange – Currently offers 3G coverage to 70% of the population,
and aiming for 90% within urban hot-spots. A good range of handsets and services,
although sports clips lag a day behind those from Vodafone and 3. Promotions include
a week’s free 3G trial and two 3G handsets for the price of one.
Vodafone – 3G coverage is hovering around 60%, but it makes
up for that with free trailers, ITN news and Premiership highlights on 3G tariffs.
Especially attractive for travellers and ex-pats, with reasonable roaming rates
and international video calls currently at just 55p/minute.
O2 – The most recent network to launch a Pay Monthly 3G
service, but only in 20 cities and towns across the UK so far. Has a target of
50% coverage by June, and will introduce a Pay As You Go service ‘soon’.
Video calls charged at the same rate as voice calls until the end of April.
T-Mobile – Has yet to launch a 3G service, although can
you already buy Nokia’s hot new 3G phone, the 6630, and 3G data cards for
use in your laptop. Plans to launch 3G later in 2005, probably in the run-up to
Christmas.