Getting N-Gaged: Saying "I Do" To Nokia's New Platform

by Louis Bedigian

In Part 1 of our N-Gage Blowout, GameZone examines the console for the very first time.

There is no better time for gamers than when a new console launches.  Whether it's a home unit or a portable device, new consoles mean new kinds of game experiences.  It also means that to compete, the manufacturers of the "old" game consoles will do all they can to compete.  It happened with the Sega Genesis and the SNES; PSone and Nintendo 64; and most recently, Xbox and PlayStation 2.  The resulting flood of great games made everyone happy.

With Nokia's N-Gage, things are a little different.  Nintendo is no longer competing on even ground.  You've probably heard a lot about the system by now, but it's unlikely that you're aware of its full gaming potential.  When the 8-bit Game Gear was released, Nintendo had no problem keeping up.  But with N-Gage, you're going from a 2D unit that is capable of basic 3D images (Game Boy Advance), to a system that is close to being a portable PlayStation (N-Gage).  It's the equivalent of the PSone competing with the SNES.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater is a prime example.  For the first time we are finally able to have a full-3D experience on a tiny, take-it-anywhere-you-want game system.  To illustrate this point, here are two comparison shots:

Gaming On The Go

Before N-Gage           

 After N-Gage

We've gone from black and white to color.  From semi-sweet chocolate to delicious chocolate chip cookies.  From Ben and J-Lo...to Ashton and Demi.  It's evolution in its purest form!

Taking the Plunge

We gamers feel a special attachment to our game consoles.  It's a deep relationship that involves give and take from both sides.  You give us great games and we'll take them!

The question that everyone asks themselves when buying a new console is always the same: Which game(s) should I buy?

To answer this tough question we immersed ourselves in the world of N-Gage.  During the coming weeks we'll be reviewing every launch title to ensure that you know which games to take home with your new system -- and which games to leave on the shelf.

Until then, let's take a look at the N-Gage itself.  It has multiple personalities you know.  I think you'd enjoy meeting them.

Technological Advancements

N-Gage is the smallest game system to date.  It's a little bit smaller than the standard Game Boy Advance, and makes most other mobile units look enormous.

The screen – which is about 1.3 x 1.6 inches – looks absolutely amazing.  It seems too small but only until you turn it on.  It's very bright and the picture quality is crystal clear.  You can play in complete darkness without having any visibility issues whatsoever.  All of the buttons light up, making it easy to find what you want in any lighting condition.

I must point out that my eyes did not become sore after playing in the dark.  My eyes are usually bothered by watching TV or a computer monitor in the dark, but N-Gage didn't cause such adverse effects.  I'm not saying that you should play in the dark on a regular basis (it can cause eye strain), but if you want to, it's nice to know you can.  If only I had had this during the blackout...

The bright light may seem like old news to owners of the Game Boy Advance SP.  "Mine is back-lit, and it doesn't make my eyes sore!"  Actually, the GBA SP is front-lit, and while it hasn't bothered my eyes, the screen doesn't look so good in great lighting conditions (kind of ironic if you think about it).  N-Gage is back-lit, so that's less of a problem.  You can't see the screen if you shine the sun directly on it, but why in the world would you want to do that?

The thing that makes the screen look really impressive is the games.  The menus look nice, but they're just menus.  Once you see a game like Tony Hawk's Pro Skater in action, you'll never want to go back to 2D.  There will always be the classics like Sonic (which is on the N-Gage -- look for a review very soon) and Mario, but other than that I think the world can live without 2D.  Innovative, fully-interactive gaming is where it's at, and that's what N-Gage is all about.

Take a brief look at Tomb Raider.  Whether you like the series or not, you can't help but be amazed by how good the game looks on the small screen.

Gaming On The Go

Before N-Gage       
   

 After N-Gage

What we're seeing is a huge step forward in not only graphics, but most importantly the gameplay as well.  And these are just the launch titles.

We could continue to marvel at all the little wonderful things this system has to offer, but we'll save the rest for Part 3.  Tune in tomorrow for Part 2 – What's On The Menu?: A Look At The Games.