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Top 10 Games Phones: September 2008

Apple storms to the top in this latest mobile gaming-related round-up

Top 10 Games Phones: September 2008
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When it comes to mobile games, not all phones are created equal. Some handsets are painstakingly engineered with portable entertainment a priority, but others lamentably seem to treat it as something of an afterthought. With this in mind, permit us to educate you regarding which mobile phone is worth your hard-earned cash should you possess a hankering for some gaming on the go.

Since we last cast our beady eyes over the mobile gaming landscape one earth-shattering event stands out: the release of the Apple iPhone 3G and the much-hyped App Store. As we hinted in our May 2008 gaming phone Top 10, the sheer latent promise of Apple's phone as a gaming platform is staggering and we're now seeing it fulfill that potential.

Elsewhere, things are very much as they were, but don't take our word for it – read on…

1. Apple iPhone
It shouldn't come as much of a shock to discover that Apple's iPhone comfortably snatches the premier position from bitter rival Nokia. After some mild technical hiccups the launch of the 3G variant of the MP3 player/phone hybrid has recently taken place and with the near-simultaneous introduction of the App Store Apple has performed a devastating one-two that is sure to leave other manufacturers reeling. Sure, there are still question marks over the suitability of the iPhone's unique interface when it comes to more traditional 'pad and button' gaming experiences (although the upcoming iControlPad could put that complaint to rest), but few would argue that Apple's phone is anything but the best gaming device of its type right now. (Read our review.)
Apple iPhone mobile phone
2. Nokia N81 8GB
Poor old Nokia. After months of hyping the re-launch of its 'back from the dead' N-Gage gaming platform, the Finnish veteran has had to watch industry newcomer Apple effortlessly stride in and steal its thunder. There's no denying that the N81 is still an awesome prospect when it comes to portable entertainment, with a dedicated gaming interface as well as motion-sensitive controls, but Nokia has failed to truly push N-Gage and as a result the service is looking very bare when compared to the stunning selection of games available on Apple's App Store. You could argue that it's quality rather than quantity that counts, but your voice would be drowned out by the whoops and hollers of millions of Apple fans as they download the latest arcade hit to their shiny new 3G iPhones. Still, of the more 'traditional' handsets, the N81 is still the one to go for. (Read our review.)
Nokia N81 mobile phone
3. Sony Ericsson W760
It's hard to choose between this phone and its excellent stablemate the W910 as both showcase the same aptitude for mobile gaming; there are dedicated 'gaming buttons' above the display which mean the phone can be held in 'landscape' fashion, motion-sensitive controls and both phones boast incredibly sharp 3D visuals. However, the W760 wins out because it's a better package overall and comes with GPS technology built-in – this is a feature that could prove to be decisive if developers choose to integrate it within their games. (Read the review.)
Sony Ericsson W760 mobile phone
4. Sony Ericsson W910
Beaten into 4th place by its sibling the W760, this phone still ranks as one of the best gaming handsets money can buy. Effortlessly scooping up the torch from Sony Ericsson's excellent W550 handset, the W910 has clearly been constructed with gaming in mind, which is more than can be said for most mobile phones. The games look fantastic on the pin-sharp screen and being able to play Marble Madness 3D just by tilting the phone is highly impressive (although it's now not that unique given the proliferation of accelerometer-enabled devices available on the market). (Read our review.)
Sony Ericsson W910 mobile phone
5. LG KF750 Secret
LG's latest phone is all about slick looks and sheer desirability, but we were pleasantly surprised to discover that it's no slouch when it comes to portable gaming, either. A built-in accelerometer permits refreshingly accurate motion-controlled entertainment, with the pre-installed 'M-Toy' program offering six different titles. Granted, the actual quality of these games varies a great deal but we can personally guarantee that like us, you will lose hours of your life playing the incredibly addictive fishing game. The touchpad makes playing more traditional Java games a little uncomfortable but the massive screen and high quality sound just about negate this issue. (Read our review.)
6. Nokia N95 8GB
We still harbour intense feelings of displeasure over the N95's lack of proper gaming buttons, as witnessed with its brother the N82 (which has fallen out of this chart, unlikely to be seen again). Still, not all games are intended to be played in landscape mode and the N95's specifications are truly extraordinary; this phone will take pretty much any J2ME or Symbian game you care to throw at it. The N95 is a typically robust and polished offering from Nokia, but it's getting on a bit now and we fully expect it to slip quietly out of subsequent Top 10 charts that we compile – especially when you consider that N-Gage support is coming to newer phones like the N96. It's had a good innings, though. (Read our review.)
Nokia N95 mobile phone
7. Sony Ericsson W960
The W960 may have been beaten pretty comprehensively by Apple's iPhone when it comes to touchscreen gaming but it still ranks as a worthy purchase for game freaks. As we feared when we reviewed the phone, support for the touchscreen has been somewhat muted but what few games are available make good use of the technology. If you can put up with the fact that very few titles will be released that make use of the unique hardware then this is well worth a look – gaming aside, it's a spectacularly well-produced piece of electronics.
(Read our review.)
Sony Ericsson W960 mobile phone
8. Sony Ericsson K850
We're still reeling from the shock of seeing the K850's bizarre D-pad but time has proven that Sony Ericsson's design choice was in fact an inspired one. Gaming on the K850 isn't anywhere near as awkward as you might otherwise think and it's nice to see that motion-sensitive titles are also supported. We've ranked this lower this time around because it's getting on a bit and other phones comfortably outclass it when it comes to portable entertainment, but when you consider how cheaply it can be acquired for these days there's no reason to ignore the K850 if you're looking for a phone to satisfy your appetite for thumb-related action on the go. (Read our review.)
Sony Ericsson K850 mobile phone
9. Sony Ericsson W890
The fifth Sony Ericsson phone in our list and the third in a row, but don't let this statistical supremacy fool you – with the exception of the W910 and W760, the company's phones tend to be merely good at gaming, rather than great. The W890 is a good example of this – small but passable D-pad, impressive technical specifications and some neat pre-loaded games, but ultimately it lacks the killer edge that all true gaming handsets possess. Still, it's a super-slim effort that possesses drop-dead gorgeous looks and is bound to impress your friends and colleagues when you're not playing a particularly impassioned game of Lumines. (Read our review.)
Sony Ericsson W890 mobile phone
10. LG U990 Viewty
We ranked this quite high in our previous chart but it's dropped to a disappointing tenth place this time around. The reason is simple: despite the massive touchscreen and excellent built-in accelerometer, very few quality games have emerged since the phone was released. We had feared the potential of the Viewty might be squandered but we like the handset enough to include it here; the games that come pre-loaded with the phone are enjoyable and if you're only after casual portable entertainment then you might find these are enough to keep you contented on your travels. Click 'Track It!' to be notified whenever we update this list, or bookmark our regular Top 10 game phones rundowns.
NoLG U990 mobile phone

Damien  McFerran
Damien McFerran
Damien's mum hoped he would grow out of playing silly video games and gain respectable employment. Perhaps become a teacher or a scientist, that kind of thing. Needless to say she now weeps openly whenever anyone asks how her son's getting on these days.