Nokia's N-Gage is a new concept in video games -- combining a telephone with a handheld gaming machine. We've already gushed about the positives in our 7 Virtues of N-Gage feature. However, we have to be objective and talk about seven not-so-peachy things regarding the game deck, too. We're fair like that.
Sin #1: Second-Hand Library
Buy the N-Gage version, or get the first three Tomb Raiders on PSone -- your choice, same price!
Since its release in October, N-Gage has only released a little over a dozen titles. On top of that, almost all can be found on different platforms. For example, Splinter Cell, Rayman 3, Super Monkey Ball, and Puyo Pop can all be found on Game Boy Advance. Others, like Tomb Raider, Pandemonium, and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater are all PSone ports. Most gamers have one of these consoles -- if not both.
This isn't awful, per se, but exclusive content is vital to a platform's success. Not many gamers will want to spend $200 on some hardware to play games they can already be played on something else -- especially if it's something you own. Nokia is working on this for later in the year, but could that be too late?
This isn't awful, per se, but exclusive content is vital to a platform's success. Not many gamers will want to spend $200 on some hardware to play games they can already be played on something else -- especially if it's something you own. Nokia is working on this for later in the year, but could that be too late?
Sin #2: Screen Scream
It's true that N-Gage can produce some of the sweetest graphics ever seen on a handheld platform. The problem is, the screen where these visuals are viewed leaves a little bit to be desired.
On the plus side, it's backlit, unlike the side-lighting of the GBA-SP. However, that backlight is pretty finicky, and will go out before you're finished watching the opening demo of your game. The color palette of N-Gage can only display about 1/8th of what the GBA can show. Thankfully, that's not too big of a deal, as it's virtually impossible to notice (hey, they had to use umber sienna #3 instead of #6!).
It's true that N-Gage can produce some of the sweetest graphics ever seen on a handheld platform. The problem is, the screen where these visuals are viewed leaves a little bit to be desired.
On the plus side, it's backlit, unlike the side-lighting of the GBA-SP. However, that backlight is pretty finicky, and will go out before you're finished watching the opening demo of your game. The color palette of N-Gage can only display about 1/8th of what the GBA can show. Thankfully, that's not too big of a deal, as it's virtually impossible to notice (hey, they had to use umber sienna #3 instead of #6!).
What a waste of screen space!
The most bothersome is the dimensions of the screen. Take letterbox format and turn it sideways. It doesn't sound like a concern, but trying to play most games is a pain, as your field of vision is limited. First-person shooters are narrow enough without further handicaps. Sonic N even had to letterbox the game to keep from looking disproportionate.
Really, the only type of games that would benefit from this layout are horizontal shooters. Strange, then, that there haven't been any released on the system, and only Super Space Invaders in the Taito Memories compilation is planned. Where's Ikaruga or Blazing Lazers?
Really, the only type of games that would benefit from this layout are horizontal shooters. Strange, then, that there haven't been any released on the system, and only Super Space Invaders in the Taito Memories compilation is planned. Where's Ikaruga or Blazing Lazers?
Sin #3: Game-Change Chaos
Do you like the game that's in your N-Gage right now? I hope so, because switching to another one is infinitely more bothersome than it should be. Only Nokia knows for sure why it chose not to make a quick slot to slide games into and out of. Instead, you have to all but dissect your system.
Do you like the game that's in your N-Gage right now? I hope so, because switching to another one is infinitely more bothersome than it should be. Only Nokia knows for sure why it chose not to make a quick slot to slide games into and out of. Instead, you have to all but dissect your system.
In the architecture of the N-Gage, games lie flat underneath the battery. That means, when you're done with hitting balls with a racket in Virtua Tennis and want to hit balls with a bat in MLB Slam, you must do the following: Take the back panel off the system; remove the battery; slide out one game; replace it with another; put the battery back in place; and pop the panel back on.
For N-Gage veterans, this process takes, on average, about 20 seconds to complete. Double or triple that time for new users. That's not an insane amount of time in the grand scheme of things, but it's way more than any other game system, and way more than it should be. Plus, these are tiny games. Having to keep track of two of them and the battery -- especially in a car or on a plane -- is a dangerous task. Drop one of those little suckers, and you'll be out $35. D'oh!
For N-Gage veterans, this process takes, on average, about 20 seconds to complete. Double or triple that time for new users. That's not an insane amount of time in the grand scheme of things, but it's way more than any other game system, and way more than it should be. Plus, these are tiny games. Having to keep track of two of them and the battery -- especially in a car or on a plane -- is a dangerous task. Drop one of those little suckers, and you'll be out $35. D'oh!
Sin #4: Talking Taco
The analogy that N-Gage resembles a taco has become more tired than Janet Jackson halftime jokes, but it fits so perfectly. It's the most cumbersome cellphone you'll ever use, as you're forced to hold it the slim way.
The analogy that N-Gage resembles a taco has become more tired than Janet Jackson halftime jokes, but it fits so perfectly. It's the most cumbersome cellphone you'll ever use, as you're forced to hold it the slim way.
Violent Lee looks dorky enough without the phone.
There's no way to look and/or feel cool having a conversation in public using the N-Gage. Depending on the angle, it looks like you're talking to a shoe, a glasses case, or a calculator. On top of that, it's difficult to hear the person on the other end. Getting a Bluetooth adaptor for the phone helps matters immensely, but will cost a pretty penny (see Sin #5). The only other way to go is playing Captain Kirk with the speakerphone option.
N-Gage is just too large to be a "compact" phone. You won't be able to fit anything else in a pocket containing one; and for ladies that want to keep it in their purse, be prepared to keep some of your makeup or other essentials at home, since there won't be room for them.
N-Gage is just too large to be a "compact" phone. You won't be able to fit anything else in a pocket containing one; and for ladies that want to keep it in their purse, be prepared to keep some of your makeup or other essentials at home, since there won't be room for them.
Sin #5: Pricey Platform
In the hype of Nokia's press conference announcing the N-Gage at least year's E3, a girl marched out, peeled off her shirt, and proudly displayed "$299" on her stomach. Those of us in attendance couldn't believe our eyes. No, it's not because we had never seen a female's bare stomach before; it was because N-Gage was going to debut for $100 more than you could purchase any of the next-gen consoles at the time.
The price quickly dropped at major gaming outlets, and N-Gage is now running for $199 bundled with three games. That's more like it, but the damage was done. Ask most gamers, and most won't know about the bundle deal -- strange, considering the initial marketing blitz by Nokia. In the hype of Nokia's press conference announcing the N-Gage at least year's E3, a girl marched out, peeled off her shirt, and proudly displayed "$299" on her stomach. Those of us in attendance couldn't believe our eyes. No, it's not because we had never seen a female's bare stomach before; it was because N-Gage was going to debut for $100 more than you could purchase any of the next-gen consoles at the time.
Even if the hardware is more affordable, there are other ways N-Gage will suck your pocketbook dry. If you're serious about using it for a phone, you'll have to get a Bluetooth adaptor, which is at least another $100. To play MP3s, you'll need to pick up a memory card, which is another C-note. Games themselves typically release for $35, which is more than the average Game Boy new release.
Sin #6: Not A Pretty (Inter)face
Check out the alien technology!
Want a good laugh? Hand someone without a PhD in technology an N-Gage and watch him or her try to operate it. To begin with, the non-numbered buttons on the unit are extremely confusing. You've got a crackly music note, a radio-controlled robot (?), and a button with a black circle, a white square, and two curvy lines on it.
Once you figure out how to access the OS, the going is a little easier. However, trying to find things like the calculator or web browser will take trial and error to locate. Of course, these things are detailed in the instruction book, but who reads those? Also on the non-obvious tip is that you can press in the digital pad to do the equivalent of clicking a mouse pad.
These hurdles are overcome with time and patience, but like many things in regards to the N-Gage, there had to be a better way to do things.
Once you figure out how to access the OS, the going is a little easier. However, trying to find things like the calculator or web browser will take trial and error to locate. Of course, these things are detailed in the instruction book, but who reads those? Also on the non-obvious tip is that you can press in the digital pad to do the equivalent of clicking a mouse pad.
These hurdles are overcome with time and patience, but like many things in regards to the N-Gage, there had to be a better way to do things.
Sin #7: N-Gage vs. Goliath
Perhaps the biggest thing going against the N-Gage is the competition. For people wanting portable game devices, the options are bountiful. The same can be said for mobile phones, but since we're GameSpy, not PhoneSpy, we'll stick with the gaming angle.
Game Boy has dominated the market since its release date in 1989. Many more powerful portable platforms have come and gone, and all had to bow down to the sheer power of Nintendo. The GBA-SP is the newest incarnation, and is stylish and sexy -- not to mention having the largest library in video games and the biggest installed base.
That isn't the only competition. The Tapwave Zodiac is a powerful dark horse candidate that has better resolution and a sleeker look. Like N-Gage, it's a jack of all trades, and can be used quite effectively as a PDA.
Perhaps the biggest thing going against the N-Gage is the competition. For people wanting portable game devices, the options are bountiful. The same can be said for mobile phones, but since we're GameSpy, not PhoneSpy, we'll stick with the gaming angle.
Game Boy has dominated the market since its release date in 1989. Many more powerful portable platforms have come and gone, and all had to bow down to the sheer power of Nintendo. The GBA-SP is the newest incarnation, and is stylish and sexy -- not to mention having the largest library in video games and the biggest installed base.
That isn't the only competition. The Tapwave Zodiac is a powerful dark horse candidate that has better resolution and a sleeker look. Like N-Gage, it's a jack of all trades, and can be used quite effectively as a PDA.
Sony's PlayStation Portable: You gotta have it.
N-Gage is struggling to carve out a niche for itself already -- scratching and clawing for every unit sold. Once PSP releases, and if Zodiac ever becomes more mainstream, that uphill battle will become akin to climbing a sheer wall armed with toothpicks.
**suorce : http://archive.gamespy.com/
2 komentar:
thx 4 your visits. .
i like it
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