Links Pocket PC Edition (shown above) looks gorgeous and plays like the real thing.
Like their other sports games, Links uses Hexacto's trademark control method, which is very well implemented here. To the right and slightly above the golfer is the Swing Gauge, which shows the club you are using, the shot type, and the range of the club. All you do is tap and hold to select the power of your swing, and then tap once more to set the angle. Just like in the real game of golf, you have plenty of control but will still need skill and perception to use it properly. Advanced players can select the club and the type of shot, although the game does a fairly good job of automatically selecting these items on its own. Sometimes it's hard to judge distance on a handheld display, but fortunately the game offers an overhead map, which helps. Players can also modify the rules to make the game a little more strict. Although it's sometimes hard to tell where the ball is and the sound effects are a little weak, Links is easily the definitive golf game for the Pocket PC.
For more information visit the Hexacto Web site (www.hexacto.com). Links Pocket PC Edition supports all Pocket PC 2002 devices, Smartphones, and the free demo worked fine on the Windows Mobile 2003 Pocket PC device I tested it on. The full version can be purchased for $24.95.
GameBox Classics (A-)
PDAmill has released GameBox Classics, which includes:
Blocks: a Tetris clone
Blocks+: a Tetris clone in which the blocks in each piece can have varying colors
Snake: eat the fruits from the screen and keep the snake from touching his ever-growing tail
Jewel Master: click the blocks of the same color to remove them from the screen
Cannons: strategic aiming
Fireball: a Breakout clone
GameBox Classics (shown above) offers a great version of Snake (pictured here), as well as four other games.
Each game in this suite looks great, with smooth animation and nice use of color. GameBox Classics has a great overall presentation, from the introductory splash screen to the scrolling game selection and in-game menus.
All of the games play well. The two Tetris clones have a solid, responsive feel. Snake is an interesting variation on the classic arcade game in that many of the levels reward you for eating one type of fruit and penalize you for eating others. And Fireball uses a balanced approach toward power-ups that prevents the game from playing itself. The only real gripe I have is with Cannons: the abrupt wind changes make the game more difficult than it needs to be. GameBox Classics is a good all-in-one solution for those of you who like some of the older, simpler games. It also wouldn't be a bad gift for someone with a new Pocket PC.
For more information visit the PDAmill Web site (www.pdamill.com). GameBox Classics supports all Pocket PCs, including Windows Mobile 2003 devices. A demo is available, and the full version can be purchased for $9.95.
Insaniquarium (B+)
Insaniquarium is an innovative and original new title developed by PopCap Games and marketed by Astraware. The goal is to tend a fantasy aquarium, raising fish and defending them against aliens. Feeding the fish causes them to drop coins and gems. Collect these to buy food, upgrades, and more fish. You'll have to keep the fish well fed and defend them from aliens, who will either need to be blasted with lasers (using your stylus) or overfed until they die.
Although it's a bit unusual, Insaniquarium is a well constructed and pleasant game.
Fortunately, helper "pets" arrive along the away to perform tasks such as breeding fish and collecting money. Three game modes are offered: Quest (progress through a series of levels and gain helper pets along the way), Time Trial (see how far you can get in the allotted time), and Challenge (simpler rules that get more restrictive as you go). The game's design seems well suited to the Pocket PC, with sessions that are engrossing but typically last only a few minutes. It's not the most sophisticated game out there, but it's nice to see someone come up with an original idea like this and then implement it effectively.
For more information visit the Astraware Web site (www.astraware.com). Insaniquarium supports all Pocket PCs. A demo is available, and the full version can be purchased for $14.95.
Coconut Climber (B+)
Coconut Climber is based on the climb-while-avoiding-obstacles genre of arcade games, one that thankfully doesn't get remade too often. In this game, you must climb up a rope net stretched between two trees, collecting various fruits along the way and avoiding the coconuts thrown by an angry monkey. The coconuts fall faster and more frequently as you progress through the levels. Monkey Island isn't much more than a test of your reflexes, but the interface is colorful, the sound effects respectable, the graphics good, and the animation smooth.
Coconut Climber (shown above) is a simple game with a well-developed cartoon-like look.
Coconut Climber is available at Handango (www.handango.com) and from the PPC Master Web site (http://www.ppcmasters.com/ppcmasters/game2.asp). You may also find it under the name Monkey Island at the PocketGear Web site (www.pocketgear.com). Coconut Climber supports ARM-based Pocket PCs, including all iPAQs, Pocket PC 2002, and Windows Mobile 2003 devices. A free demo is not available; the full version can be purchased for $5.99.
Pocket 3D Blocks (B)
Pocket 3D Blocks is a variation on Tetris in which you watch from above as the pieces fall into a box-like pit and rotate them to fit into the empty spaces below. Other games have done this and there's not much new here as far as game play goes. But Pocket 3D Blocks has some extra features that make it interesting. For example, reflections of the falling pieces appear on the "walls" of the pit, making it easier to judge depth and keep track of where your piece is going. In addition, there's a meter at the bottom of the screen that shows you how far into the pit your current piece has fallen. Next to it are status bars indicating your score and your progress toward the next level. Another nice feature is the ability to adjust the width and depth of the pit, using one of several pre-configured settings or creating a custom size.
Pocket3D Blocks (shown above) is a good implementation of this Tetris variation.
Pocket 3D Blocks runs fast and the controls are responsive. You can't modify the button and navigation-pad controls but the onscreen controls seem to work well enough.
For more information visit the ValkSoft Web site (www.valksoft.com). Pocket 3D Blocks supports all Pocket PCs. A demo is available, and the full version can be purchased for $9.99.
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Where to Get These Games
Unless otherwise noted, games mentioned in this column are available at the following Web sites:
Handango (www.handango.com)
PocketGear (www.pocketgear.com)
Many games are also available at the developer's Web site (check the end of each review for developer information, supported devices, and prices).
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Gaming News
By now, most of our readers are aware that the new Windows Mobile 2003 software has been released by Microsoft. (Read more about this in our Nov 2003 issue: www.PocketPCmag.com/nov03/windowsmobile2003.asp) This latest version of the software that powers Pocket PCs includes a new built-in puzzle game called Jawbreaker (originally Bubblets by Oopsdreams). In addition, Windows Mobile 2003 uses the Windows CE 4.2 operating system, which should take better advantage of the Xscale processors powering most Pocket PCs. The resulting enhanced performance should encourage developers to introduce new games with better graphics, physics, and AI. For example, the cars in racing games may have better handling characteristics and the enemies in shooting games may look more realistic and act more intelligently.
Pocket PC magazine's official games newsletter, "The Week in Games," has been in existence for almost a year now and we have over 4,500 readers so far. I've enjoyed putting it together every week and getting e-mails from many of you. It's a good way to get the latest on games between each edition of the magazine. If you haven't checked it out, I invite you to go to the main page of our Web site (www.PocketP
Cmag.com) and scroll down the left side of the page. A little over half way down you'll find a section where you can sign up for The Week in Games and other good newsletters from Pocket PC magazine.
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Other New Games
Pocket XWord (A-)
Pocket Xword is a small and inexpensive crossword puzzle game that doesn't skimp on features, offering the ability to reveal letters, words, and entire puzzles and supporting the popular "Across Lite" format.
Xword (shown above) is a straightforward and solid crossword puzzle game.
For more information visit the Micaceler Web site (www.micaceler.com). Pocket XWord supports all Pocket PCs. A demo is available, and the full version can be purchased for $12.00.
Atomic Cannon Pocket (B+)
Atomic Cannon Pocket is a game in which you and the computer take turns carefully aiming cannons at each other. Unlike Snails and Battle Dwarves, this game doesn't have any characters or plot. But it plays well and has plenty of levels and weaponry to choose from.
Atomic Cannon Pocket doesn't have the flash of Snails and Battle Dwarves, but it offers plenty of features.
For more information visit the Isotope Graphics 244 Web site (www.isotope244.com/atomic_cannon_pocket.html). Atomic Cannon Pocket supports all Pocket PCs except older HP Jornada Pocket PCs and Windows Mobile 2003 devices. A demo is available, and the full version can be purchased for $19.95.
GameBox Solitaire (B+)
GameBox Solitaire doesn't have the huge number of games that King Sol does, but the 10 games included in this package have great visuals, music, and sound effects, making it a worthy alternative.
GameBox Solitaire includes Golf, Klondike, Freecell, and seven other classic games of solitaire.
For more information visit the PDAmill Web site (www.pdamill.com). GameBox Solitaire supports all Pocket PCs. A demo is available, and the full version can be purchased for $9.95.
Stressed (B+)
Stressed is a game involving nothing more than popping bubble wrap. Although even the author says it's a waste of time, multiple game modes and a variety of things to "pop" make this one surprisingly enjoyable.
Stressed (shown above) is a good tension reliever that's easy on the eyes and effortless on the wallet.
For more information visit the Stressed Web site (www.johnsto.co.uk/pocketpc/). Stressed is freeware and supports all Pocket PCs, including Windows Mobile 2003 devices.
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Allen Gall is from the Central Illinois area and holds a Master of Arts in English from Bradley University. He has worked as a Web content writer, a developer of e-learning courses, and a technical editor for one of the world's largest insurance companies. His interests range from classic literature to computer hardware and videogame consoles. His main interests in PDAs include gaming (of course), e-books, and wireless connectivity. Allen is always interested in reviewing and testing new games and products for the Pocket PC platform. You can reach him at [email protected].
SanDisk's Secure Digital Wi-Fi Card: Easy to Install and Use!
New 802.11b wireless LAN card supports Pocket PC 2002 and Windows Mobile 2003 devices with SDIO—compatible card slots
by Derek Ball
I have lived my life as a road warrior, and there are few people happier than I when mobility becomes lighter and more compact.
That is why I was excited when I read about SanDisk's plans to develop an 802.11b wireless LAN card in the smaller Secure Digital (SD) form factor—a Wi-Fi card the size of a postage stamp! Unfortunately, the time between when I first read about this card and when it actually appeared on the market was very long, leading me to believe that this was going to be yet another vaporware product.
Then just two weeks ago I received one of these miniature marvels to review, and let me tell you I am very impressed.
Works with SDIO-equipped Pocket PCs
The SanDisk Connect Low-Power Wi-Fi Card is a fully Wi-Fi certified wireless access card supporting the 802.11b specification. This is slower than the 802.11g specification which is rapidly being adopted, but most 802.11g access points are compatible with 802.11b cards, so this shouldn't be an issue for you if your wireless network uses 802.11g. This card is designed for low-power consumption to maximize the battery life of your Pocket PC. Dale Coffing from Pocket PC Passion (www.pocketpcpassion.com) has performed a battery of tests on his h1940 with the SanDisk card. He's found the battery to last a whopping 3 hours and 50 minutes with the Wi-Fi card going the whole time.
The card supports Secure Digital Input/ Output (SDIO) in both 1-bit and 4-bit mode. What this means is that you must have a Pocket PC device with an SDIO-compatible card slot. All the newer iPAQs (h1940, h2200, h5100, h5500) have compatible slots; the h1910 does not. Presently there are drivers only for the Pocket PC 2002 and Windows Mobile 2003 operating systems, but drivers for Palm-based devices are promised in the future.
The top of the SanDisk SDIO Wi-Fi card sticks up above the top edge of the Pocket PC. Be careful you don't damage it.
Easy to install and use
The SanDisk card comes with a very easy-to-use setup and installation routine. The CD that ships with the card walks you through the process of specifying the language you use on your Pocket PC, and your operating system. It then installs the appropriate driver onto your Pocket PC. You will need to reset your handheld before inserting the SanDisk card. Once that is done, it will be ready to go. If you are running Windows Mobile 2003 on your Pocket PC, then the card takes full advantage of the new, easy-to-use configuration utilities built into the operating system.
I had no problems connecting to my wireless networks both in the office and at home. The card will automatically scan for available networks and allow you to select the one that you would like to tap into. Unfortunately, it doesn't tell you any other information about the network, such as whether or not it is WEP encrypted, which would be useful to know prior to trying to connect. It will prompt you to enter a WEP key whether the access point is WEP encrypted or not. A future improvement for SanDisk would be to build some intelligence into the program and to prompt for a key only if the access point is using WEP.
Windows Mobile 2003 automatically scans for all available Wi-Fi access points (shown above).
I like the green LED indicator that indicates when the card is connected to a network or scanning for one. A solid green LED tells you that the card is connected to an access point, whereas a blinking light means the card is not currently associated with any access point. Many cards I have seen lack this visual cue and it is comforting to have it.
Although some users have complained about the card's throughput, I found that it had more than enough for the functions I tested, including IMAP e-mail and Web browsing. It also performed well when running connected applications such as Sonicadmin (www.sonicmobility.com), a product my own company developed that lets you manage a network wirelessly from a Pocket PC. I did not try to use it to watch streaming video on my Pocket PC!
Mobile Planet (www.mobileplanet.com) is currently selling SanDisk's SD Wi-Fi card for $109.95 and the SanDisk CF Wi-Fi card for $84.95. You're paying more for the SD card because of its convenient size and the fact that it's new technology.
Wi-Fi card sticks up above top edge of Pocket PC
The SanDisk Wi-Fi card slips into the SD slot on the top of my iPAQ, leaving the top of the card, which contains the Wi-Fi antenna, sticking up above the top edge. It's a thin, plastic card and I'm worried I'll catch it on something and snap it off. This arrangement also makes it difficult to slip the iPAQ into a carrying case while the card is inserted. My suggestion: don't leave the card in the SD slot if you're not using it.
A related problem is that the card does not ship with any kind of protective case. This card is more fragile than CF card Wi-Fi solutions. I'd like to see SanDisk provide a small plastic case to protect the card when it's not being used. I would also like to see SanDisk provide a utility like NetStumbler (www.personaltelco.net/index.cgi/NetS
tumbler), which would scan for networks and give you important information about that network. I travel a lot and sometimes use public Wi-Fi networks that aren't always clearly labeled. It would be nice to be able to turn on my card and have it find and identify public Wi-Fi hotspots as I walk through a mall or down a street in a strange city.
Great value!
The SanDisk Connect Low-Power Wi-Fi Card is compact, functional, and a great value, especially when you consider that it's the first version of the product from SanDisk, and one of the first SDIO Wi-Fi cards on the market. SanDisk also sells a similar CompactFlash Wi-Fi card equipped with 128 MB of memory (click for full article), and has announced plans to release a CompactFlash Wi-Fi card with 256 MB of memory later this year. Socket Communications (www.socketcom.com) also produces an SDIO Wi-Fi card, which retails for $149.00 at MobilePlanet.
Pocket PC magazine, January 2004 Page 12