Nokia Keeps Game Alive With New N-Gage Titles

Nokia has hosted an event in Barcelona at which it announced two new notable games for its oft-maligned N-Gage handheld entertainment device, which it continues to support directly by commissioning and publishing portable titles from notable developers, having hinted earlier this year that it may add N-Gage compatibility to other phones in its line. Despite relatively negative buzz for the N-Gage QD hardware and a complete lack of third-parties publishing games for it, presumable due to the low installed base and demand for games, this year has seen relatively positively-received Nokia-published titles such as piratical strategy game High Seize, Capcom's portable conversion of classic board game Catan, and racing title Glimmerati from FlatOut developer Bugbear. Also forthcoming is pen and paper RPG adaptation Rifts: Promise of Power from Death Jr. developer Backbone Entertainment, and it's another Backbone-developed N-Gage title, Shadow-Born, announced in Barcelona this week, which looks to be relatively evolutionary. According to Nokia, Shadow-Born "is set to change the way gamers use their mobile phones for gaming by integrating smartphone functionalities into the game", mirroring concepts found in 'alternate reality games' and PC games such as Electronic Arts' Majestic. In the game, which is "set in a world where vampires control corporations and werewolf gangs roam the streets at night", in-game characters can leave text messages, schedule calendar appointments or set alarms in your smartphone. Also announced this week was Habbo Islands, an extension of the extremely popular Habbo Hotel virtual chat environment for the PC. According to Nokia, the game, developed by Sulake Labs, is a single player adventure world, but players will also be able to connect with friends in Habbo Hotel via Habbo Console, a chat and interactive bridge from the N-Gage mobile phone to the PC. "We are very excited to extend the Habbo community to a new kind of platform, offering a new Habbo experience for both our existing users as well as totally new audiences. On Habbo Islands players can experience unique and fun adventures on the go, and at the same time keep in touch with their Habbo Hotel friends," said Sampo Karjalainen, Chief Creative Officer and Founder, Sulake