Mobile Game Faqs Awards 2005
Ok, folks, it's here. We've been deliberating and cogitating, ruminating and procrastinating and we've finally managed to agree on what we think are the best games of 2005. Let's just gloss over the fact that it's 2006 now and as usual we're a bit later than most but its quality that counts and not tardiness. At least that's what we've tried to use as a yardstick when picking our finalists and winners. Yes, you heard right, there are finalists as well! See, 2005 has seen a whole gamut of games come out. In fact the rise in mobile gaming has been nothing short of meteoric.
We started off with simple games which really made me wonder where the industry was going (apart from Colin Mcrae) and have now progressed to 3D graphics, Bluetooth capability, multiple save slots, multiple endings and even online playability. And I remember reviewing games at the start of year wondering why so many couldn't be suspended / resumed! The developers have been incredibly busy over the year churning out great titles, but there's been plenty of movement there as well.
We've seen some great small companies and some great large companies and then we've seen some great large companies combine with some great small companies. Those of you in the know or who visit the site regularly will recognise the names. Sorrent and Macrospace have merged to form Glu Mobile, EA and Jamdat are on the verge of something huge, Infospace obtained Iomo and Elkware. Even Disney got in on the act and bought Living Mobile and last but not least, Real Networks acquired our friends at Mr Goodliving. There's no doubt that the big boys are finally realising the potential of the mobile market. Then there are quality developers who've been with us from the beginning such as I-Play who we always have time for.
Mobile phone games have branched out in every genre and we've seen all kinds of titles, some of which must surely have been borne out of the capricious whim of an alcohol induced haze. I'm talking about the Love Match games, Horoscope matches and even the ridiculous Baby Grow. And let's not forget Hot College. Actually it's probably best that we do. Then there have been some absolute stunners that have had us hooked for weeks on end, playing them everywhere and annoying most people around us. I'm not going to mention these names as many have made our finalists category, but it's safe to say that there have been some real gems this year. And 2006 looks set to be even better.
We've got some sneak previews of what's coming and it's certainly got us excited. All the big boys and big girls have plenty of plans again for 2006 and if the latter titles of 2005 are anything to go by, you'll all want to stick around. The graphics are going to get better, much much better. I think some of the developers are even listening to me drone on about the sound in games (geddit?) as it's definitely improving.
But the real prize in 2006 will be online gaming. With the increased speed of data packet access coming with the new i-mode system which has finally been launched here in the UK (it's been out in Japan for 6 years!) hopefully we'll see a rise in tournaments like the online Pacman tournament we recently went to. And then there's MMORG which stands for Massively Multiplayer Online Roleplayer Gaming for those who don't know (of which I was one about ten minutes ago). Yep, I'm talking about games like Warcraft and the like which have been online for ages but which should hopefully be hitting mobiles in a big way.
And finally we shouldn't forget the phone developers who are bringing out more dedicated handsets that are making phones more like GBA's and N-Gages every day. This all should lead to a rise in support for games including more casual gaming bringing even greater choice to people like you, the consumer, who is the person we all do this for in the first place. So enough rambling, without further ado, let the awards begin!
