O2 mobile game download charts and new releases: November 23rd

A good idea is a good idea no matter the circumstance. Actually that's not strictly true: though it might be a good idea to viciously smite your enemies right left and centre with a three-foot longsword if you're a mythical warrior, the same can hardly be said for a milkman or an investment backer. In the latter cases, an angry letter or some choice words are probably better.

Nevertheless, the point is that in culture good ideas last a long time and transcend many different media, something that this week's newest mobile games on O2's download pages are testament to.

We begin with the game based on the film based on the epic poem, Beowulf, which dates back to between the 8th and 11th century (the poem, not the game). Then there's Etch A Sketch, a mobile game based on the classic toy of the '70s and Win at Texas Hold 'em which shows that the easily distracted skittish youth of today can still be entertained with a humble deck of cards.

Of a more recent but still revered lineage are SolaRola, a blatant but astonishing LocoRoco clone and The Weakest Link 2008, probably destined to outlive the TV show which currently is showing no signs of losing popularity.

The charts this week have shown no such thoughtful revisionism, however, with most of the titles set in an ever dustier tablet of stone. Bubble Bash and The Simpsons: Minutes to Meltdown are both out, though, while WWE SmackDown vs Raw 2008 and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire: 2nd Edition are both in.

Perhaps it just means that there'll be a big shake up at the end of the month. It'll take another week until we know what the chart is going to look like going into the festive period but in the meantime, the games below are available to buy via the O2 games portal, or by texting the short code from a compatible O2 handset. Enjoy!
New Releases November 23rd

Etch A Sketch (Player X) Explore the mysterious world of Doodle Caves and guide the loveable Knobbie on his quest through mystical arcade action. Also features crazy drawing game modes. Play. Create. Share. Be Inspired. Read the review Text GAME ETCH to 80202 to download now
Beowulf (Gameloft) Play the powerful warrior Beowulf in a dangerous fantasy world, full of massive sea serpents, giant monsters and dragons. To protect your people, you must face off against the demon Grendel and endure the fury of his menacing mother, a fiendish woman/serpent hybrid who will seduce you in an attempt to give her a son. Read the review Text GAME BEOWULF to 80202
SolaRola (Eidos) Help the two globulous brothers in the new action-adventure SolaRola to roll, jump and slide over 25 unknown and colourful planets as they experience the craziest adventures. Read the review Text GAME SOLA to 80202
Negreanu Pro Poker (I-Play) Jump right in and let three-time World Series of Poker champ Daniel Negreanu show you the secrets you need to compete with the best – and win! Read the review Text GAME NPG to 80202
Weakest Link 2008 (I-Play) The brand new version of the internationally popular BBC game show is available on your mobile. Playing against the clock, you must answer a series of multiple choice General Knowledge questions. At the end of the round the contestants vote off one of the players. Are you strong enough to survive until the Head-to-Head round or will you prove the weakest link? Goodbye! Read the review Text GAME LINK08 to 80202

The O2 Java game download chart (w/e Nov 22nd)

1. Pac-Man (Namco) Navigate the maze, avoiding the ghosts while gobbling up all the yellow pac-dots. Remember: munching on the large power-pellets enables you to turn the table on the pesky ghosts! Classic gaming never dies. Read the review Text GAME PACMAN to 80202
2. Deal or No Deal (Gameloft) A quarter of a million pounds, 22 identical sealed boxes, and no questions, except one: Deal or no deal? Now at only £2.50, you should know the answer to that one. Read the review Text GAME DEAL to 80202 to download now
3. Brain Challenge (Gameloft) Using various, amusing exercises, train your brain whenever and wherever you want! Your coach will follow you everywhere on your mobile phone!Now at only £2.50 you shouldn't have to think too hard to decide on a copy. Read the review Text GAME BRAIN to 80202
4. Monopoly Here & Now (Glu) Play the world's most popular board game as if it were invented today. This is a polished update of the classic money-making challenge. Read the review Text GAME HERENOW to 80202
5. Need for Speed ProStreet (EA Mobile) Steel yourself to withstand the pressures of street racing, build the ultimate race machine and pit your skills and reputation against the world's best street racers. It's no longer enough to rule your neighbourhood, it's time to dominate on a global stage Read the review Text GAME NFSPROSTREET to 80202
6. The Sims 2 (EA Mobile) Play the top-selling PC game on your phone! Create your Sim, then explore and customize their world! Now available for just £2.50. Read the review Text GAME EASIMS2 to 80202
7. WWE SmackDown vs Raw 2008 (THQ Wireless) The most electrifying brand in sports entertainment is back again This latest version takes customization of your favorite superstars to new levels and couples it with classic arcade style gameplay. Streamlined controls keep the gameplay simple for newcomers, yet challenging and rewarding for hard core fans and gamers alike. Read the review Text GAME WWESVR to 80202
8. Tetris (EA) What started as a simple Russian computer puzzle game became the addiction of millions of players worldwide. Still as dangerously time-consuming as ever. Text GAME TETRIS to 80202
6. Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? 2nd Edition (Glu) Test your general knowledge skills as you try to reach the magic million pound question in this fantastic mobile version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. The game includes all the features of the TV show and costs just £2.50 Read the review Text GAME MILLION2 to 80202
10. SimCity (EA) Take on the roles of mayor and city planner as you design and build the city of your dreams on your mobile phone. Choose a map and then zone residential, commercial, and industrial areas. Install roads and railways, police and fire stations, parks and stadia, and more, but be prepared to deal with crime, pollution, fires, tornados, and even the odd attacking monster. Read the Review Text GAME SIMCITY to 80202