The Rise of Mobile Gaming

Kevin Brock • May 16, 2009 • Comments ()

Recently, we've noticed that many established console franchises are being ported over to mobile devices. Can console favorites really transition successfully to tinier screens? The answer is yes! Already, popular titles like "Assassin's Creed" and "Need for Speed" are available with high customer reviews. The two devices leading the mobile gaming platform are Apple's iPhone & iPod Touch.

Apple's iPhone & iPod Touch are unrivaled to competing MP3 players and cell phones. Contributing to their "touching" success is the flawless ecosystem between portable device and convenient online shopping experience via iTunes Store; key component for American immediacy - the "I want it now" mentality.

Within nine months, Apple achieved their one billionth downloaded application via App Store. Here at GameFlavor, we've monitored a growing trend of well-known developers steadily porting console hits onto iTunes App Store. Also, developers of any programming skill may contribute their creativity to App Store via Apple's Developer's Program. Of course, Apple receives 30% of sales. However, this nominal fee hasn't prevented EA, Gameloft, Capcom, Konami, or Namco from porting hits onto the mobile market.

assassin's creed (app).png

With console games porting onto mobile devices, tinier screens doesn't hinder gameplay. All aspects of console games from graphics to soundtrack fluidly transition with minimal degrade in quality. Keep in mind, iPhone & iPod Touch are not miniature PS3 or XBOX 360. Some games opt customized soundtracks by listening to iPod Library, instead of in-game soundtrack.

And despite iPhone & iPod Touch lacking tactile support, innovative input responses: finger gestures, shaking, and microphone incorporation have proven effective. Plus, Apple's upcoming 3.0 software update permits developers to access previous locked 16-pin dock connector for add-on accessories. This upcoming feature allows possibility for a control pad, as demonstrated by iControlPad. [video]

Without tactile control equivalent to PSP buttons or DS stylus, iPhone & iPod Touch simplicity of finger gestures and shakes maintains a pleasant gaming experience from casual gaming to ambitious titles of "Assassin's Creed." Clearly, iPhone & iPod Touch are becoming a threat to both Sony's PSP and Nintendo's DS for portable gaming authority. Will the rumored PSP Go at E3 2009 change the game to Sony's favor? Can the DS maintain supremacy in the portable gaming community? Or has Apple already won? Share your thoughts in the below comments section.

We compiled a list of ported favorites and titles similar to consoles hits in parenthesis. "Lite" versions are free demos and unknown availability. Prices may change at developers discretion. If you recommend or discover any other titles, include title and link in our forums.

Electronic Arts
Need for Speed Undercover $9.99
Sim City $4.99
Tetris $4.99
Spore $4.99 & Lite
Tiger Woods PGA Tour $9.99

Apex Designs
Payback $4.99 (GTA) & Lite

Konami Digital Entertainment
Dance Dance Revolution S $6.99
Silent Hill: The Escape $7.99
Metal Gear Solid Touch $7.99 & Lite
Frogger $5.99

Gameloft
Oregon Trail $4.99
Siberian Strike $2.99
Assassin's Creed: Altair's Chronicles $9.99

Tapulous
Tap Tap 2 Revenge Free (Rock Band)
Nine Inch Nails Revenge $4.99 (Rock Band)
Tap Tap Coldplay $4.99 (Rock Band)

Namco Networks America, Inc.
Dig Dug Remix $5.99
Galaga Remix $5.99 & Lite
Time Crisis Strike $4.99 & Lite
Pac-Man $5.99 & Lite
Ms. Pac-Man $5.99