3D Games for the Android
Up until recently, most of the games available for mobile phones were fairly basic two dimensional affairs, due to the limited processing power of the devices. However, recent advances in cell phone technology have opened up a whole world of 3D gaming to the avid mobile gamer. In particular, the new range of Google Android smartphones, such as the HTC Hero, available from Vodafone UK (check their online store for mobile phone deals), has already managed to amass a number of exciting 3D games which show off the immense graphics processing power of these units. Here are a few that might be worth checking out.
3D Cube Race
The aim of this game, developed by ESC mobile, is to guide your plane through level after level of 3D cubes using the Android’s built-in accelerometer, a control system which is very well implemented here. A great way to show off the capabilities of the Android phone, and have a little fun into the bargain, 3D Cube Race is available from the Android market for £1.
iPingpong 3D
This ping pong simulator, by Octane Technologies, uses the touch screen as a control device. You move the bat using your finger, and you can hit the ball just by placing the bat, although you will lose power and speed in this way, or by tapping the screen to give it a harder hit. The graphics are very impressive indeed, and the controls are responsive and satisfying. The lack of a multi player link up mode is a little disappointing, although the computer opponents are good enough to keep you interested for while. iPingpong 3D is available from the Android Market for a mere £1.99.
3D City Stage
This racing game, by OmniG Software, features some of the most stunning graphics ever seen in a mobile phone game, and could be worth downloading just to give you an idea of the graphics capabilities of your phone. The game uses the trackball as a control surface, which can take a little getting used to, as you need to push forward with the trackball to accelerate, which is hard to do while steering, although you can use the keyboard instead if you wish. However, this is only a demo version, available as a free download from the Android Market, so maybe the full version will make use of the accelerometer, which would be a far more logical choice of control device for a game of this type.
3D Super-G Stunt
The aim of this stunning 3D flight simulator game, developed by OmniG Software is to guide your jet plane through a series of rings using the trackball. The controls can take a little getting used to, but once you do the game becomes very addictive indeed, and the graphics are nothing short of breathtaking. As with 3D City Stage by the same developer, this is only available as a free trial version at present, but if this demo version is anything to go by, the full version should be well worth a download when it finally appears.
