2005 Top 10 Games by Clinton Fitch (Dot) Com!

2005 Top 10 Games

When I ask most Windows Mobile users what type of applications they would like to see for the platform, the answer is almost always the same: A better PIM (Personal Information Manager) and games. Like it or not – or admit it or not, most of us like gaming. All of us have down time at some point, either in the evenings or while waiting for that next flight to wherever we are going.

With the development of the hardware in Windows Mobile Pocket PCs and Smartphones, gaming is now a viable option. Some of the more advanced devices have terrific video rendering and the game play can be very entertaining.

Seeing this, Clinton Fitch (Dot) Com! is proud to release our first ever Top 10 Games review. The 2005 edition has a wide range of games and genres and are games that we play. Like the Top 10 Applications review (you can read it at http://www.clintonfitch.com/reviews/clinton/top10-2005/default.asp) this is our list so you may not agree with every one of our choices. But it should give you a solid basis and some suggestions for the Pocket PC gamer in your life!

As you read the Top 10 Games list, you will note that there are screenshots of each game, some in QVGA (230x320) and some in VGA (480x640 or 640x480). If you have a VGA device (such as the Dell x50/x51 series), you will be able to play the VGA games that are in the review. Be sure that you check your devices abilities before you make a purchasing decision.

10. Ballshooter's Brickslider

Brickslider was one of the first games I ever reviewed and it is just as fun to play now as it was two years ago. The object of the game is to get 3 or more like colored bricks into the middle of the screen. When you do, they disappear with the goal of eliminating all of the bricks to advanced to the next level. Each level gets progressively more difficult and there are 100 levels to complete. Translation: You will be playing this highly addictive game for a long while!

Current Version: 2.01
Price: $9.95
Mobile Device Requirements: Pocket PC 2002, Windows Mobile 2003, 2003SE, 5.0, Handheld PC 2000
URL: http://www.ballshooter.com/games/?prod_id=6
Trial Available: Yes
Review: http://www.clintonfitch.com/reviews/ballshooter/brickslider-2-0/default.asp

9. Ellams Software Air Hockey 3D

In the great book of Pocket PC life, I've yet to find where it says a game has to be high end graphics and overly complicated to be good. If there is a testimony to the simple life in Pocket PC gaming, it is Ellams Air Hockey 3D. The object is pretty straight forward: Score more goals than your opponent. By using the stylus to move your paddle around the air hockey table, you score goals until you reach the required number to advance to the next level of the game with each level getting progressively more difficult. Be warned! Have a screen protector on your Pocket PC when you play this game! The action in Air Hockey 3D can be fast and furious!

Current Version: 1.0
Price: $4.00 (US)
Mobile Device Requirements: Pocket PC 2002, Windows Mobile 2003, 2003SE, (5.0 Not Officially Supported)
URL: http://www.ellams.com/ppc2.htm
Trial Available: Yes
Review: Not Available

8. IonFx GeoRally 2005 / GeoRally EX

I love racing! My favorite sport in the world is Formula One (go Kimi and McLaren!) but a close second is World Rally. I admit, part of it is for the "wreck" factor. The idea of driving a car at 200KPH through a forest is morbidly fascinating to watch.

The best rally game I've seen for the Windows Mobile platform is GeoRally by IonFx. GeoRally 2005 (for Pocket PC 2003 and 2003SE devices) and EX (For Dell x50v only) are just outstanding both in graphics and in game play. The object of the game is to win each stage to progress both in terms of money (better cars) and increasingly difficult levels. What makes GeoRally so great is the game controls are outstanding, utilizing the D-Pad and the action buttons to help control the car as you push it to the limit. If you like Rally racing, you will love GeoRally!

GeoRally 2005

GeoRally EX

Current Version: 2005 & EX
Price: $12.95 (2005) and $19.95 (EX). Both prices in US Dollars
Mobile Device Requirements: Windows Mobile 2003, 2003SE (5.0 Not Supported). GeoRally EX requires Dell x50v device
URL: http://www.ionfx.com/
Trial Available: Yes (2005), No (EX)
Review: Not Available

7. Handmark Monopoly

Monopoly has been around for what seems like a thousand years and has come out in a variety of "flavors" along the way. Yes, I represent true geekness: I have the Star Wars version of Monopoly!

The Pocket PC version of the game is focused on the classic board game with up to 4 players buying, trading and selling property. The object of the game is the same as you have known for years: Get the most money! The game play is simple and there are several customizable ways to play the game including adding a jackpot for landing on Free Parking.

Current Version: 1.01
Price: $19.99 (US)
Mobile Device Requirements: Pocket PC 2002, Windows Mobile 2003, 2003SE (5.0 Not Supported).
URL: http://www.handmark.com/products/detail.php?id=116
Trial Available: Yes
Review: Not Available

6. PDAMill's Tower Mogul

If you like "life simulators" such as The Sims® then Tower Mogul should be of interest to you. Tower Mogul has you build a tower. Simple enough, right? Well, not exactly. You build the tower, attract businesses and residents, resturants, coffee shops and so forth, trying to build the best building in town! The object is to get your tower to a 4-star rating. With helpful tips and an easy-to-use interface, Tower Mogul is addicting and challenging.

Current Version: 1.21
Price: $19.99 (US)
Mobile Device Requirements: Pocket PC 2002, Windows Mobile 2003, 2003SE (5.0 Not Supported).
URL: http://www.pdamill.com/prod_to.shtml?ref=prboxs
Trial Available: Yes
Review: Not Available

5. PDAMill's Flux Challenge

As we enter the Top 5 games, we start with another racing game and another outstanding product from PDAMill.

Flux Challenge is a futuristic, 3 dimensional racing game that requires a lot of skill, speed and "seat time". The object of the game is to fly one of five ships through a series of tubes while doing your best to stay away from obstacles and walls and finishing ahead of your fellow racers. You win, you receive prize money which allows you to purchase more advanced ships and go deeper into the game. This is one of the more challenging games out there as you have to think in 3D to be successful. Even better, Flux Challenge is available for Windows Mobile Smartphone as well!

Current Version: 3.1
Price: $19.99 (US) for Pocket PC, $9.99 for Smartphone
Mobile Device Requirements: Pocket PC 2002, Windows Mobile 2003, 2003SE (5.0 Not Supported)
URL: http://www.pdamill.com/prod_fl.shtml?ref=prboxs
Trial Available: Yes
Review: Not Available

4. Just Mobile Games' Curse of The Pharaohs

This game is billed as a "Classic retro action and adventure" game and it is just that. The graphics are simple – but outstanding - and you play on a 2D scrolling screen but boy is this game addicting! The object of Curse of The Pharaohs is to duck, dodge, dive and kill your way to the next level. Along the way you will have puzzles to solve and will run into scorpions, vipers and other various creatures and beasts. The game is a challenge for the start and it's hard to grow tired of it. Just Mobile Games did a great job on the game controls as well – they are very intuitive.

Current Version: 1.1
Price: $19.95 (US)
Mobile Device Requirements: Pocket PC 2002, Windows Mobile 2003, 2003SE (5.0 Not Supported)
URL: http://www.justmobilegames.com/
Trial Available: Yes
Review: Not Available

3. PDAMill's Plumbin' Frenzy

I'm not sure which is worse: The addiction to Plumbin' Frenzy or the sheer madness it causes when trying to solve a difficult puzzle! Plumbin' Frenzy is a classic "pipes" game where you have to complete the pipes to make the water flow from the starting point to the end. Sounds simple but as you go further into the game, the puzzles get increasingly complicated and challenging. I spent nearly a week working on level 48!

This is one game that is a must have. It truly makes you think "out of the box" to solve the puzzles and brings hours of fun!

Current Version: 1.0
Price: $14.95 (US)
Mobile Device Requirements: Pocket PC 2002, Windows Mobile 2003, 2003SE (5.0 Not Supported)
URL: http://www.pdamill.com/prod_pf.shtml?ref=prboxs
Trial Available: Yes
Review: Not Available

2. Tetraedge's Egyptian Prophecy - The Fate of Ramses

The first thing that will strike you about Egyptian Prophecy is the absolutely stunning visuals. Tetraedge did a terrific job on them and the game play is equally impressive. In the game, you are Ramses II, a pharaoh who is in the last days of life. The sun god has promised to extend his life if he builds a magnificent temple to him. Problem is that there are evil events happening on the temple site and a young priestess by the name of Maia must work to solve them in order to save Ramses' life. Throughout the game you visit with other characters and other god of Egyptian mythology along with traveling the Nile to solve the mysteries.

Egyptian Prophecy is a long and challenging game that will keep you busy for a long time. The game controls are easy to use as well. Be warned that the game really needs a lot of processing power and memory to run well. Also, be ready to set aside just over 200MB of storage space for the game. Believe me, it's worth it!

Current Version: 1.2
Price: $18.75 (US)
Mobile Device Requirements: Windows Mobile 2003, 2003SE (5.0 Not Supported), 300Mhz, 20MB Free Memory, 210MB Storage
URL: http://www.tetraedge.com/prophecy/
Trial Available: Yes
Review: Not Available

1. PDAMill's Anthelion 2

The number one game for 2005 has to be Anthelion 2 from PDAMill. The sequel to the original Anthelion, this game is stunning in graphics and game play. The sound track is terrific and fits the game well - something that many games seem to be lacking.

As a fighter pilot in the Anthelion Federation, your job is to protect the galaxy from Bedouin Traders who have discovered an ancient and deadly secret. To do so, you fly and fight in space using various ships while gaining new technology along the way. This game is just awesome when in a heated dog fight!

Anthelion 2 is a VGA game and takes full advantage of it. If you were a big fan of the original, the sequel will blow you away!

Current Version: 1.1
Price: $19.95 (US)
Mobile Device Requirements: Windows Mobile 2003, 2003SE (5.0 Not Supported), VGA Compatible Windows Mobile Device
URL: http://www.pdamill.com/prod_an2.shtml?ref=prboxs#buy
Trial Available: Yes
Review: Not Available

There you have it, my Top 10 Games of 2005. I hope you will take the time to download the demos and give them a try. I think you will find out why I've chosen them.

Clinton Fitch
Clinton Fitch (Dot) Com!