MOBILE and CASUAL GAMES

Our first review of a mobile game

This month (April 2007) we present the first review of a Mobile game, TeamUp - a game that can be played on your cellphone or PDA. These types of games are getting increased attention as the combination of game developers and cellphone service providers team up to give you something to do when you have nothing to do.

Unlike computer-based or console-based games, the mobile games (in the US, at any rate) do not come in boxes and are not sold in stores. Rather, they are either shown as available by using your cellphone to query your service providers "store" (On my Cingular phone, the menu item is called "Cingular Mall"), what is called being 'in the deck', or by accessing the game's web site. In almost all cases, to get the game you download it directly to your cellphone, by using the web browser built into many phones, or by requesting and accepting some sort of MMS message.

The costs to you of getting and playing a mobile game have several components. The information here is typical in the US but may very well not be correct in other countries. First, the download process will run up your data/message bill from your cell service (unless you have some sort of flat rate data/message plan). The cost of acquiring the game itself will be added to your cell phone bill by your carrier (by an arrangement with the game's distributor). It is common for games to be offered with two pricing options, monthly rental or outright lease. I don't use the term purchase, because your 'purchase' will verly likely only be valid for a single download onto a single cellphone. If you lose or change your cellphone you may have to repurchase your game.

Because there are hundreds of different cellphone models, and because the cellular networks have different modes of operation, you must check that the game is available through your cell service and also that it is compatible with your particular phone. In our reviews we will indicate which cellular services offer the game, but it is up to you to verify that a particular game is available for your phone. Typically, you will not even be able to download the game if your phone cannot support it.

What makes a game a casual game?

• Minimal learning time --there are no manuals included and any instructions are done within the game itself.
• Short incremental wins and satisfying even for short plays.
• Colorful and appealing graphics. Jewels is a good example.
• Satisfying sounds. Clicks as you proceed and booms and crashes as you win.
• While it looks easy -- it should surprise you as being harder than it first appeared to be. The challenge should increase as you play.
• AND - You can try before you buy.

There are many sites for casual games where you can play a game for between a half-hour and an hour free, by downloading it onto your computer. They are relatively small -- around 10 Mb -- so download time is minimal. The clock does not keep running if you pause the game or quit before the time runs out.

The games are un-rated but I saw no "M" games, and they all -- so far -- are devoid of violence. The age range is truly "Everyone", from kids to seniors. The genre is made up of action games, card games, puzzle games, strategy games and word games. Many are surprising in their inventiveness. If, after you sample, the time is up, and you wish to continue, you can purchase the game on line and keep going - you do not lose your progress. Most of these games are under twenty dollars.

We have started with PlayFirst, (http://www.playfirst.com) home of Diner Dash and Diner Dash 2, the games that brought casual games to public attention.

Dream Day First Home	7 Wonders of the Ancient World	Maple Story	TeamUp	Diner Dash
TriJinx	Oasis

Ordering:
For ease in purchasing any of the items we have reviewed here, we have linked to various web sites. Be advised that your personal information may very well be considered by these sites to be their asset - and they may use it as they see fit.