I like cell games, they keep me occupied at airports, restaurants, doctor's offices, you name it! They keep my kids occupied whenever I need quiet. But, I've always been a player of puzzle games. Infinitely replayable, short bursts, and nothing really to "lose". Stargate SG-1: Entropy Syndrome is the first linear, story driven mobile game I've played. I think I like it.
The game consists of a series of missions based on situations taken directly from the show. They include familiar enemies such as The Replicators, the Goa'uld, The Ori and even the Lucian Alliance.
You're given a debriefing at the beginning indicating what your goal is and what you'll need to accomplish to succeed. Then, characters from the show using mugshots of the actual actors, will discuss what those goals are and any obstacles you face. I found it interesting when Col. Mitchell was telling Gen. O'Neill what he needed to do to rescue the President…
The missions are quite cleverly done. Using the d-pad or numeric keys, you'll direct your character through the ship or complex or road while solving "puzzles", evading gunfire and completing tasks. Considering the limited input capabilities of a cellular phone, Skyzone has done a fantastic job of providing unique puzzles and game play.
You'll be balancing across narrow chasms, solving key puzzles to unlock doors, manipulating DNA for serum, using stealth to get by guards, blasting with your staff weapon, using steady aim to take out enemies and much more. All of this with the same input and it's done with subtlety, not just "hit the win button".
The graphics are acceptable for a cellular game. I never found myself confused or not able to tell what I was supposed to be working towards. However, I did find O'Neill's stealth animation a little amusing - it was a bit like a zombie walk! Skyzone was also able to obtain the soundtrack from the show - in midi!
If I have a complaint it's the dialogue. It was a little stilted - there was a distinct lack of contractions used. And Carter called O'Neill Jack, not sir. But then, in the middle of a mission Carter was wounded leaving O'Neill to finish the mission. O'Neill blurted out, "Crap, Carter!" Whoever wrote the dialogue may not speak fluent English, but they have seen the show.
The game is only recently available on both Java and BREW platforms so you'll want to check with your local carrier. It does have some replayabilility. It's got three levels of difficulty and the differences between Easy and Hard are pronounced.
As my first foray into linear mobile games, I have to say, Stargate SG-1: Entropy Syndrome was most enjoyable. And not at all because it was Stargate; but because it had great puzzles, challenging fight sequences and kept me on my toes.
I'm a mother of two boys, ages 11 and 13 and live in the chaos that ensues. I've a permanent disability that keeps me homebound, so books, kids, games and books are my constant companions. Oh, and books, too. *grins*
My children both play games so I often play them first, getting to know exactly how something may effect my sensitive and easily stimulated older child vs. my stoic and imperturbable younger.
I like games for games; for the pure enjoyment of them and believe that no game is wholly bad, though some are real stinkers.
I also have the dexterity of a camel in mittens so find playing FPSs difficult (and I also don't like the gore) and RTSs at times can stump me. I just can't seem to move quickly enough to keep up with them. Some of my favorite games are arcade games and I'll spend 3-5 years on the same 5-6 levels because I just never get any better. But, I have fun.
