In space or on the farm: the new mobile games

By Benjamin Krueger Sep 25, 2011, 3:06 GMT

Berlin - You're interested in foxes and aliens in outer space? Or being an undercover cop racing through New York and taking care of business? Then you're in luck, since the newest mobile games are offering some serious action.

Of course, if you like to take things down a notch, then there are other options, like a 3-D fishing tournament or the chance to play at being a farmer.

Outer space is always a good setting for a game, which is exactly what Nintendo thought when it put together Star Fox 64, which comes in 3D for the 3DS.

Like the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, this is Nintendo's latest 3D remake of an N64 classic for the 3DS. Fourteen years after his first flight, pilot Fox McCloud has to take to the skies with his animal allies, this time to save the Lylat star system from the evil Andross.

The family-friendly space adventure has been painstakingly reworked to make full use of the 3DS' capabilities. The galaxy positively glows with its new graphics, while the sense of space impresses. Motion sensors also provide some advances, letting pilots guide their space fighters intuitively. Of course, the option remains to use the button controls.

Star Fox 64 3D allows a multi-player mode for up to four people. As an added touch, players don't just see their allies' ships, but also their faces, thanks to the built-in 3DS camera. The adventure costs 43 euros (59 dollars).

Also set in outer space, but in much darker surroundings, Sega's newest is yet another take on Aliens - Aliens: Infestation - for the DS, with a never-ending stream of Marines fighting the namesake villain.

The title takes players directly into the world of the classic horror movie. Specifically, it is linked to the second movie in the series, which continues the tale of the fight with the sleek, black aliens.

Players take a team of four Marines through a completely new story, which nonetheless includes a lot of familiar sites from the movie. The gameplay is reminiscent of Metroid or Castlevania, with players forced to explore giant, labyrinthine areas.

Of course, aliens pop up to make the mission even more difficult. Players will need steady nerves, as well as a sense of tactics, since every Marine has his own strengths and weaknesses.

The game was designed by comic book artist Chris Bachalo, known for illustrating the popular X-Men comic books. The hunt for the outer space threat will come out on September 30 from Sega and cost about 40 euros.

Things take a slower - and safer - pace with Angler's Club: Ultimate Bass Fishing. The fishing simulator from Namco Bandai is set for a September 30 release for the 3DS, costing 44 euros.

That means fishing fans don't have to travel any more: they can fish in 3D whenever they want. Players are invited to participate in 40 tournaments and championships.

Of course, players have to train extensively and pick from more than 500 options for the ideal equipment for each individual site. As a bonus, any knowledge gained in the game can be used, eventually, for real-life fishing.

If you need more action - or especially more speed - then check out Driver: Renegade 3D from Ubisoft. The action racing game with a gangster theme goes into its next round on the 3DS.

This time, players take on the role of frustrated undercover cop Tanner, who previously saved well-connected Senator Ballard. Now Ballard has given Tanner the task of cleaning up New York, secretly and unofficially.

The game plays out over 20 missions, which take place between the first and second part of the Driver series. As the game implies, the racing is in 3D this time, through the alleys of New York City. There are 50 different cars from which to choose, although many only become available after players have built up enough experience or points.

Along with the main story, there are also challenges like timed races, crash courses or stunts to be met. To press the pedal to the medal, players will have to pay 45 euros.

If you prefer the countryside to the city, you won't be left out this month, since dtp Entertainment has brought out a new version of Harvest Moon for the Nintendo DS.

This new trip to the farm is officially dubbed Harvest Moon DS: Grand Bazaar, which indicates from the get-go that trade is the central part of this game. Along with the usual mix of farm simulation and role-playing, the bazaar in the city of Zephyr provides a lot of new twists to the game.