i0d3 N-Gage Blog

Worm's World Party Demo!

2005-02-05T08:43:00.000Z

We can finally have a sneak-peak at this eagerly awaited game. Download it now!

The Snakes Outbreak has begun

2005-01-26T13:39:00.000Z

Get over to The Snakes Outbreak and have a look - I am too busy reading about this amazing new game to even be writing this. Also, I am at work, so I can't bloody download the thing until tonight. Expect a lengthy rant about Snakes in the coming days when I actually get some time to write it!

Snakes 3D - How Mysterious!!!

2005-01-24T13:42:00.000Z

This is a weird one. There isn't much information out there about Snakes3D other than it definitely exists and is due for release imminently. Read on for more....

I first saw Snakes3D when I bought my NGageQD. On the CD that came in the package there was a video promoting up and coming games, such as Pathway To Glory and Pocket Kingdom. There was also footage of a 3D snake sliding around a colored grid - there wasn't much to see, but it was certainly a "new" game I had never seen before.

Since then there hasn't been much information about it other than the page at Allack.co.uk which interestingly enough has a release date of January 15th so it's obviously late!

The guys at All About N-Gage have recently been searching in the darkest corners of the NGage site and found this which is very mysterious! Only the URL gives an indication that it's related to the new Snakes game and what about the date? Does that mean Snakes3D will now be released on the 25th of January? Who knows? In fact, the page is so vague it could be an advertisement for something completely different!

Regardless, the new Worms3D is looking very promising, mainly because it will be free! Yep, you heard me right, F-R-E-E! Apparently, not only can you can download it, you can also send a copy of it to your friends. Definitely one to keep an eye on.

SSX: Out of Bounds Released and Reviewed!

2005-01-21T13:37:00.000Z

SSX: Out of Bounds is available to buy from Allack.co.uk now for £24.95 and has already been reviewed by two websites. Read on for more details...

GameMethod - 79/100:
"Easily the best example of successful three-dimensional gameplay on the N-Gage, SSX: Out of Bounds successfully translates the console versions of Electronic Arts’ outstanding snowboarding series to the handheld space. Distinctly superior to the Game Boy Advance version, SSX: Out of Bounds brings the spirit of SSX 3 to the N-Gage with few compromises. As expected, technical limitations cause the visual presentation to suffer, occasionally impeding gameplay; moreover, the game’s soundtrack, while large, consists of shortened tracks that loop annoyingly during play. While it doesn’t provide the same level of polish and detail found in the console versions, SSX: Out of Bounds is a solid offering that N-Gage owners should not miss."

Game Daily - 3.5/5
SSX: Out of Bounds isn't going to necessarily "Wow" anyone. Its 3D engine, while good by N-Gage standards, doesn't run nearly as smoothly as games showcased on the superior Nintendo DS and Sony PSP hardware, and the pop-up is annoying. But despite its shortcomings, SSX: Out of Bounds retains just about everything that made the console versions such huge hits, and the ability to play wirelessly with friends is a huge plus. Taken into the grand scheme of things, the game will be nothing more than a footnote in the N-Gage's history, but if you own Nokia's hand held and are looking for a fun game to take with you, Out of Bounds will provide many hours of enjoyment."

Two new worms Reviews!

2005-01-17T13:50:00.000Z

Worms World Party - not released here in the UK until March 11th - has received two new and very positive reviews. Read on for details...

1UP.com awarded the game an excellent 9/10 stating that "Worms World Party for the Nokia N-Gage is an outstanding port to the handheld system from its PC and console roots."

Also, GameAxis has awarded Worms World Part a respectable 8/10 in an interesting and up-beat review including quotes such as this:

The N-Gage is probably one of the few platforms that can and are capable of carrying Worms well, especially through its built-in wireless Bluetooth technology that will allow up to 4 players to engage in some blasting good time. Worms World Party is also Arena-enabled which means that players can access the N-Gage WAP service to access leaderboards to see whos the top Worm player, download custom Worms teams or even manage individual Worm stats. The mind boggles at the sheer amount of online play that Worms provides...

New Colin McRae Demo

2005-01-04T13:59:00.000Z

If you don't believe me when I say Colin McRae Rally is a fantastic game, why not try it out for yourself over at the N-Gage Game Download page.

Please let me know how the demo plays and whether it has convinced you to buy the game. I haven't bothered downloading it as I have the full game already - lucky me :)

**Text entered here will ONLY appear in the full post.**

My Happy New Year Rant!

2005-01-04T13:41:00.000Z

Well, now that I am sober, I thought I would just send a message to all you NGage lovers wishing you a happy new year. There haven't been many posts over the festive season mainly because I have been away from my computer (also due to excessive amounts of alcohol!). Read on for more babbling!

I have finally removed Pocket Kingdom from my N-Gage as to my surprise I was given Colin McRae Rally for Christmas! It's an excellent game, perfect for showing off what the N-Gage can do, but for some reason I am missing Pocket Kingdom!

The thing about PK you see is that it's THE perfect mobile game - you can spend as little as one minute setting up your kingdom while on the loo at work if you like! It's this mechanic that many critics have failed to pick up on - the accessibility factor is HUGE and something Nokia should emphasize.

In comparison I find it awkward to pause a session Colin McRae half way through a race so I usually just end up playing one race at a time. This is fine of course as a race usually last between 5-10 minutes, but it does remind you just how accessible PK is.

Anyway, accessibility factor aside, both games are fantastic! It looks like for the first time since buying my N-Gage, I am going to actually make use of the hot-swap feature as I am going to be swapping between PK and Colin McRae for a few months to come!

GameSpy Game Of The Year 2004

2004-12-17T13:15:00.000Z

GameSpy included an N-Gage section in this year's Game Of The Year and guess which game won? ...

Of course, it was Pocket Kingdom. Actually, I was extremely suprised at this announcement. I am please PK won, but I honestly though Pathway To Glory would beat it, simply because it's a more popular style of game (and more hyped). Still, PTG did come in a respectible second. Finally, Colin McRae Rally 2005 made third place (which is good news because I think the wife is buying me it for christmas !!!).

Pocket Kingdom for £9.99

2004-12-17T11:54:00.000Z

As reported by All About NGage, Play.com have slashed their N-Gage prices to £9.99 for the older titles and some recent ones also. Amazingly, Pocket Kingdom is in there for £9.99! I wish I waited before buying it now!

Amazing! My own PK Site

2004-12-14T13:06:00.000Z

This is amazing, believe me - I have just been over to the Pocket Kingdoms site and noticed it's been updated...

In the top right corner of the site there is a link allowing you to login to "My Kingdom". When I clicked on it, a page dedicated to me and my Pocket Kingdom was displayed. Not only that but there was a full report of a battle I had last night where I lost - the report was quite accurate as well. Amazing!

The "My PK Site" is a fantastic addition to the Pocket Kingdoms universe - not only does it provide useful information about your own Kingdom, but it also tells you find out where other kingdoms can be located!

Worms World Party Delayed!

2004-12-13T13:24:00.000Z

Allack - the excellent online N-Gage store - has received the latest release dates from Nokia, which confirm that Worms World Party has been delayed until 11th March 2005.

The highly anticipated Worms game was originally due for release during the Christmas period. Then rumors circulated that there would be a delay and the new expected release was January. Now, we must wait until March! Oh, well, it just means I have more time to strengthen those Kingdoms in my Pocket!

Yet another Excellent PK review!!

2004-12-12T14:28:00.000Z

Yep, Pocket Kingdoms is definitely grabbing the media attention - 1UP.com have awarded the game 90/100 in their brief but very positive review.

Pocket Kingdoms FAQ Updates

2004-12-10T13:17:00.000Z

I have updated the PK FAQ (see sidebar for link) and added a section for unanswered questions (there is only one at the moment, but soon there will be many!). Please, if you can help lets make this the ultmiate FAQ providing answers to every question a n00b could possibly ask!

Pathway To Glory Reviews

2004-12-10T13:09:00.000Z

Three new (ish!) Pathway To Glory reviews have appeared! Wow, N-Gage reviews are coming in thick and fast now, but what's the verdit? .....

Here they are:

eToyChest - 90% (wow!)
Wireless Gaming Review - 8.1
GameSpot - 8.1 also.

Official Pocket Kingdoms Tournament!

2004-12-09T21:08:00.000Z

Get ready to own the world, officially! Registration for the Pocket kingdoms Tournament is underway so make sure you get your name down if you want to pwn the w0rld and maybe make some "real" l00t in the process!Registration ends on the 1st of January then all online battles are recorded and you are ranked in a regional "monthly" leader board! So I suppose it's time to start taking this seriously then :)

Even More Pocket Kingdom Reviews!!!

2004-12-09T20:56:00.000Z

Two new Pocket Kingdom reviews have appeared. It seems the media can't make their minds up about the game...

Console Gameworld awarded PK a respectible 88/100 commenting that overall they were impressed but there were some "minor gripes".

The other review from Wirless Gaming Review is slightly more negative, awarding the game 6.8/10.

So overall, it seems Pocket Kingdoms is getting mixed reviews, which is pretty fair really (and obvious in hindsight).

Blog Updates

2004-12-09T13:26:00.000Z

Just a few blog updates to tell you about...

Firstly, the Pocket Kingdoms FAQ is now online. It's a very early stage and I should be adding more questions on a daily basis. It's accessible from the "Sections" heading in the sidebar - keep and eye on the sidebar by the way - I will be added more sections to the site soon.

You may have noticed that the main page now only contains a brief section of each blog - just click on the "Read More" link to see the full post.

Finally, there is now an email icon at the end of each blog which allows you to send a link to the blog to a friend!

Another Pocket Kingdoms Review

2004-12-09T13:20:00.000Z

Gamespot have now reviewed Pocket Kingdoms and it seems they didn't like it much.
Still, it's a well written review and worth checking out. Most of their comments are true, although I bet they would eventually become hooked if they persevered with it for a bit longer :)

New Worms World Party Interview

2004-12-08T13:37:00.000Z

Checkout the new Ask the Worms World Party Team article - there is some interesting information regarding not only the Worms game but also latency and GPRS issues.

Also, there is a new entertaining website for the new Worms game, complete with an excellent interview from the producer and some other neat videos and screenshots.

Looks like this is gonna be another must have N-Gage title! Hey, a couple of months ago I never thought I would be writing that sentence!

New Pathway to Glory Review

2004-12-08T13:13:00.000Z

Gamespot have reviewed Path Way To Glory. The Verdict is...

They awarded it 8.1 complaining that online connectivity is unreliable but in general the game is excellent. Check it out for yourself.

Pocket Kingdom FAQ

2004-12-06T13:47:00.000Z

Well, here it is - everything you ever wanted to know about Pocket Kingdom!

Well, not quite. As a n00b myself I don't have all the answers so I would appreciate it if other PK'ers could help gradually improve this FAQ. There is one rule: Please don't ask questions or provide answers in the comments - I would prefer to update the FAQ myself so if you could send me your questions/answers it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Before asking questions please browse the pk.warcry site thoroughly - it is extremely thorough and you will usually find your answer there, or in FAQ below. If not, by all means send me your question.

Note this FAQ is always under development - more questions/answers will be added regularly.

Unanswered Questions - Please help!
General Questions
Menu System Questions
Gameplay Questions

General Questions

How much will Nokia charge me to play Pocket Kingdom online

Pocket Kingdom forum

Is it worth buying Pocket Kingdom for the offline mode only?

What's the difference when playing online?

I can't find anyone online. Why?

But I am getting bored with the offline mode. If online is pretty much the same then I may just give up and play Pathway To Glory instead.

The Terrible Menu System

The menu system in Pocket Kingdom is a bit shit. Why?

But those transitions! Can't I turn them off so the menus appear instantly?

But what about Ranking up? Currently I must create an emblem, then remove my unit from the party, then perform the RankUp then replace the unit in to the party. There must be some menu shortcuts or something?

What about the shop? Are you seriously telling me if I want to buy or sell multiple items, I must do it one item at a time

Jesus! That's frustrating. There must be at least one tip to make this less painful, no?

Gameplay Questions

I am just starting out and I can only buy Soldiers and Nobles. How do I get better units?

Unit Guide

The N-Gage arena option is disabled in the main-menu! What is going on?

No matter what I do I can't RankUp. What's I am doing wrong?

Unit Guide

details

When I look at my units stats in the List option, I don't understand all the abbreviations. What does AGI, DEF, etc mean?

Name = Unit name (e.g. Cheat Code)
Class = Unit type (e.g. High Priest)
Race = Unit race (e.g. Priest)
Rank = Unit rank (e.g. 5 bars)
Move = Movement type (e.g. Walk)
Slot = How many slots this unit occupies (e.g. 1)
HP = Hit points (aka health points; e.g. 62/62)
Level = # of battles this unit has survived (including KOs)
ATK = Attack; governs hit strength
DEF = Defense; governs hit resistance
AGI = Agility; governs evasiveness and search power
DEX = Dexterity; governs accuracy
WIS = Wisdom; governs Ability power
INT = Intelligence; governs Ability accuracy
Ability = Any special attack/spell this unit can perform (e.g. Restore)
Hit Rate = % chance of landing a successful attack (e.g. 28%)

Answer provided by ch3mical fusi0n

Unanswered Questions

What are the rules that govern whether a unit is OUT or OWNED? Is it just a random thing or is there some logic behind it?

Does race or class affect what items can be put on a unit?

The N-Gage Massive Fight Back

2004-12-06T13:32:00.000Z

LOL! LOL! LOL! I have never laughed so much! It seems our advice for all N-Gage and PK lovers to get over to Gaming Headlines and slate their terrible review did the trick.

That Tobias bloke actually responded to all the flames telling everyone that he didn't care about their opinions! Not only did he write a terrible review but he further tarnished his reputation (if that's possible) by responding in such an amateurish way.

When I first saw this review I was angry about it. Now, I can't stop laughing at it! If I didn't know any better I would say Tobias is a comedian and he did this on purpose to make everyone laugh until their kidneys burst!

My Pocket Kingdoms Rant

2004-12-06T13:20:00.000Z

It's time. Time for me to babble on about how fantastic Pocket Kingdoms is. For those who are unaware, the N-Gage has not been very successful since it's launch in 2003 (some might say that's a substantial understatement!). Despite all the claims from the media that the N-Gage was a failure Nokia seemed strangely calm. Within roughly six months a new machine was launched to address some of the issues with the original, and at around the same time, news filtered through regarding new titles.

Two titles stood out from the crowd mainly due to their N-Gage specific features. Of course these games were Pathway to Glory and Pocket Kingdoms. Now, these games are released and Nokia is 100% relying on their success - they are certainly intended to be the killer apps for the N-Gage. Today, I am focusing on Pocket Kingdoms, so is it any good?

Put it this way, it's very different and many typical gamers will hate it, but I am not one of them. This is great stuff, so much so that I am trying to MAKE time to play it which can only be a positive thing.

I am not going to rant on about how the game plays - this is not a review. If you want to read reviews about PK then check out the following sites:

And completely ignore the Gaming Headlines UK review :)

If you already have PK and are finding it difficult to progress then check out pk.warcry - an excellent site with all the information you need to know to owning the world!

I am certainly finding the game difficult, but I think it's because this is totally new territory for me. I have never been interested in RPG's or strategy games before, preferring FPSs, Adventures and pick-up-and-play games like Super Monkey Ball (GameCube version). Currently, I have 50 Victory Points (don't laugh!) and that's why I am finding the game difficult. I am unable to rankup my characters until I improve my rating. You see, until I started studying the pk.warcry site I was unaware of this! I was totally lost - when I tried to rankup I couldn't seem to get any unit/emblem combination to work and when I attacked a kingdom all my units were being owned by other kingdoms! For a long time I just coudln't get anyway in the game. But pk.warcry has come to the rescue so thanks a lot guys!

I must say, the PK instruction manual or the tutorial could have pointed some of these things out for us n00bs (or am I too crap to be in that category!). I have decided to write a FAQ for Pocket Kingdoms so keep your eyes peeled - I will post it here soon!

New Pocket Kingdoms Review (5/10)

2004-12-03T13:56:00.000Z

Pocket Kingdoms has been awarded 5/10 by Gaming Review UK.

Never heard of the site before, and judging by the quality of the review, it's obvious why. Take a look for yourself and you'll see what I mean. I urge all the N-Gage faithful to add a comment trashing the review ASAP!

Of course, I am not going to go around trashing all sites which award PK a bad score - everyone is entitled to their own opinion. However, it's sooooooOOO frustrating when reviewers abuse their position and write bias, inaccurate reviews which damage the N-Gage's (already shocking) reputation unnecessarily. Damn Them! :(

The Welcome Rant

2004-12-03T13:33:00.001Z

I have decided to start this blog as I am constantly surfing the N-gage websites for information, so much so that sometimes I notice things like new websites, new information etc, before they appear in other sites. So I have decided to share my knowledge and create a blog which is updated daily (except when I am out getting pissed!) with all the news in the N-Gage community. Enjoy :)

For this first blog it's tempting to rant on about Pocket Kingdoms which is taking over my life, so much so that the wife is threatening to leave me! Well, not quite but if I keep on the way I am - honestly, it looks like the N-Gage is glued to my hands! - it will happen, I'm sure. Anyway, I will resist the urge and leave my PK rant for another day.

Instead, I would just like to mention how healthy the N-gage lineup is heading into the Christmas season. The N-gage faithful have stuck by Nokia for a year without hardly any releases, then all of a sudden we get about a dozen in the space of a month. I mean, what are we N-gager's supposed to do? Do Nokia think we are all millionaires? I'm only joking of course, because such a healthy release schedule can only be a good thing for Nokia. In fact, many critics in the media - who dismissed the N-gage when it was launched - are really surprised by the steadily slew of releases. Why? Because they all thought the N-gage was dead and buried about 3 months after release. They were unaware that Nokia were working night and day for almost a year preparing not only a new version of the N-gage, but also a bunch of innovative, high-quality games.

Without a doubt, Christmas 2004 is a good time to be playing N-Gage.

i0d3 N-Gage Blog

Worm's World Party Demo!

The Snakes Outbreak has begun

Snakes 3D - How Mysterious!!!

SSX: Out of Bounds Released and Reviewed!

Two new worms Reviews!

New Colin McRae Demo

My Happy New Year Rant!

GameSpy Game Of The Year 2004

Pocket Kingdom for £9.99

Amazing! My own PK Site

Worms World Party Delayed!

Yet another Excellent PK review!!

Pocket Kingdoms FAQ Updates

Pathway To Glory Reviews

Official Pocket Kingdoms Tournament!

Even More Pocket Kingdom Reviews!!!

Blog Updates

Another Pocket Kingdoms Review

New Worms World Party Interview

New Pathway to Glory Review

Pocket Kingdom FAQ

Contents

General Questions

The Terrible Menu System

Gameplay Questions

Unanswered Questions

The N-Gage Massive Fight Back

My Pocket Kingdoms Rant

New Pocket Kingdoms Review (5/10)

The Welcome Rant