More Reset Generation (nee Project White Rock) N-Gage details surface

Last Friday we reported that Nokia's shadowy 'Project White Rock' had been given the title Reset Generation and a release date of some time in summer. Details were scant, but the story contained a couple of keywords: 'user-generated content' and 'spoof characters.' The game was officially unveiled later that day, so here's what more we know.

According to game site Gamecyte, Reset Generation is named for long-time gamers. It contains a set of ten characters that resemble "legendary champions" like Sonic, Mario, Bomberman, Master Chief, and even a lone space invader, all designed by notable industry artists. Apparently this cast will collectively appeal to the full spectrum of players, from casual to hardcore, old to young.

The characters are feisty and the dialogue promising, with Ninja spurting Engrish constructions like "Rescue? Forget it! Try my fist!"

Tech site Gizmodo has uncharitably described this cast as a shower of "knock offs," but Nokia is of course going for a blend of homage and parody. You know, like in Shrek. (Interesting fact, literary theory fans: this is called 'intertextuality.')

Nokia has said that Reset Generation is the "world's first videogame about videogames," and while this isn't strictly true (The Simpsons jumps immediately to mind) it may well be the first such game on mobile, and in any case it's a neat idea.

The music comes from celebrated retro ensemble 8 Bit Weapon (well, insofar as people with programming ability and an interest in '80s computer games are 'celebrated' in this topsy turvy world of ours). They write the kind of bleepy music that used to accompany C64 games back in the day.

From the screenshots, it's looking pretty good, although how well the 'homage' characters come across remains to be seen.

Gameplay-wise, it's going to be a mash-up of puzzle and turn-based strategy. More on that later, when our American correspondent brings you the full preview. Click 'Track It!' to get the heads up.