Features

Today's gamers are used to seeing detailed graphics and seamless gameplay on their PlayStations and Xboxes. They now expect the same gaming experience on a mobile phone. To meet this demand, developers have introduced the Mobile 3D Graphics (M3G) standard, enabling them to produce high-quality 3D games on a limited size screen and at low power consumption.

M3G is a specification that defines the way 3D computer games are created for the mobile phone and is an extension of the Java platform. Advanced technology such as increased processor speed, 3D hardware accelerators and dedicated graphics chips enable handsets to process the graphics quickly and smoothly, offering high frame rates, smooth gameplay and a rich user experience.

One of the first 3D mobile games was Doom, a port of the original first-person shooter that was so popular in its PC format. However, this is a basic title, and although the action is represented in true 3D it is turn-based so the user simply types in text commands for the character to act.

More recently, the genre has improved considerably with the excellent Orcs & Elves. This is more action-based, and you actually slash and fight your way through enemies in real time. Elsewhere, there is a multitude of 3D titles available. Top picks include the racing game V Rally 3D and the football simulation Pro Evolution Soccer 2008.

Getting smart

3D gaming capabilities will almost certainly be a feature on advanced smartphones such as the Nokia Nseries and other Symbian Series 60 models, where the more powerful processors can handle accelerated gameplay with ease. 3D also appears on many other high-end handsets on the market. Top picks are the Sony Ericsson W910i and K810i, the Samsung G600 and the Motorola RIZR Z8.