100% Best of 2008 - Part 1

Will you be getting a new mobile for Christmas? If you are, you’ll undoubtedly be keen to get it pimped out with the best mobile games on offer, and that’s why we decided to put together a two part 100% Mobile feature showcasing the Best of 2008.

This year has undoubtedly been dominated by pocket gaming, and not just because of the launch of the iPhone. In 2008, the world racked up a staggering three billion mobile phone users, meaning half the population of the planet can now phone their partners from the train to tell them they’re on the way home.

More than that, it means the mobile is easily the most prolific gaming platform ever seen, and there’s been some great titles in 2008 to celebrate this technological explosion.

We’ve seen immortal classics like Tetris, Bejeweled and Monopoly retain their positions as leaders of the mobile gaming pantheon, while games like SimCity Metropolis and World Championship Pool prove that our mobiles can still bring something new to our favourite types of games.

Indeed, there’s been so many hot titles in 2008 we need two features to really show them off properly, so check back next week for the second part of 100% Mobile Best of 2008, and why not let us know your top mobile games list right here in the comments section.

Merry Christmas!

The 100% Best of 2008

Monopoly Here & Now (EA Mobile) The seminal property tycoon boardgame gets a modern twist. Again. Now under the EA Mobile banner (previously released by Glu in 2006), this new version features all-new locations from today's world. Read the Monopoly Here & Now review
Bejeweled (EA Mobile) The classic gem-swapping puzzle game Bejeweled comes to mobile with enhanced graphics and more fun than ever. String together three or more gems to rack up points in a fast-paced treasure hunt. Advance through levels in normal single-player mode or race the clock in timed mode. It's a treasure trove of mobile fun! Read the Bejeweled review
Real Football Manager 2009 (Gameloft) The first name in football management simulations on mobiles is back for another season! Real Football Manager 09 features a new, simplified interface and improved artificial intelligence for maximum realism. Choose your club from one of 8 different leagues and more than 200 teams. All transfers are updated for the 2008/2009 season. Read the Real Football Manager 2009 review
Deal or No Deal (EA Mobile) Experience tempting offers and heart-pounding dilemmas in the official mobile game of the popular game show hosted by Noel Edmonds directly on your mobile phone. In this unique game, you'll have the opportunity to play with the regular rules as if you were on the stage or go through qualification rounds for extra challenges. The tension will be at its highest peak! Read the Deal or No Deal review
World Championship Pool 09 (I-Play) The new official World Championship Pool game takes you to the heart of the battle for the World Champion's crown. Compete against 32 of the world's best players in the official world championship!
Ms Pac-Man (Namco Bandai) The Queen of Videogames is here! Help Ms PAC-MAN eat all the PAC-dots and bonus items from each of the four mazes. The mobile version of the best-selling arcade machine of all time! Read the Ms Pac-Man review
SimCity Metropolis (EA Mobile) As recently appointed major it is your role to keep your cities Sims happy. Determine the look and feel of your city as you watch the cities neighbourhoods evolve. Choose from an extensive range of buildings and shape the residential, financial, cultural and industrial districts. Be sure to manage your assets wisely as you solve humorous scenarios and handle unexpected crises. Read the SimCity Metropolis review
Bubble Bash (Gameloft) Take off for Bubble Island and make your way through the 100 levels of this surprising puzzle game. Join Temaru and Maeva in their quest to find the Island treasure. Take a break in Bubble Bash's tropical setting and have ultimate fun as you test your skills. Burst bubbles by forming rows of at least three of the same colour. But watch out, because there will be lots of obstacles along the way. The island's animals are rather determined to slow you down, see. Read the Bubble Bash review
The Crystal Maze (Player X) Let Richard O'Brien guide you through the Crystal Maze four zones (Medieval, Futuristic, Aztec and Industrial), playing the famous games from the show: Physical, Skill, Mental and Mystery. Collect crystals to buy crucial time in the Crystal Dome and, once in there, frantically grab the golden tokens swirling around inside. Collect 100 and you win the ultimate prize! Read the Crystal Maze review
Tetris (EA Mobile) Tetris is one of the most popular games on mobile phones. What started as a simple Russian computer puzzle game became the addiction of millions of players worldwide. In addition to the classic Marathon mode, two extra modes have been added - Ultra and Forty Line - to fit the way people play games on phones. Read the Tetris review
Want more games? Get more 100% mobile games by checking out the wap portal now. Visit www.100percent-mobile.com or text TRYGAMES to 2020 for an SMS with a direct link.
Get the 100% gaming magazine! There's even more 100% mobile gaming available in our new digital magazine, including news, features, reviews and the ability to buy off the page and have links sent to your phone. Click here to check out the 100% Mobile games magazine now!

Four ways to get 100% from your mobile gaming

100% Mobile isn't only about delivering the best games. The service also offers a whole host of new ways to get hold of them.

You don't have to pay a one-off charge for your mobile gaming thrills. 100% mobile has plenty of ways for you to enjoy the entertainment on your own terms.

Try Before You Buy: Not sure if the game's really what you're after? Then download a completely free demo version to test it out first.

Discover this now on the O2 UK www.100percent-mobile.com portal or check out our handy 'How to' guide to try b4u buy on 100% Mobile.

Pay Per Play: Remember those arcade machines at the seaside? This is just the same principle. Rather than stumping up the whole price up front, you just pay a small fee for each time you play a game.

Discover this now on the O2 UK www.100percent-mobile.com portal or check out our handy 'How to' guide to pay per play on 100% Mobile.

Rental: Faced with a long train journey and think you'll be able to finish the game in a day? Why not simply rent the title for 24 hours?

Discover this now on the O2 UK www.100percent-mobile.com portal or check out our handy 'How to' guide showing you how to rent games on 100% Mobile.

Subscription: The perfect option for people who want to change games every couple of days, the subscription model allows you to pay for the days you want the game. You can cancel at any time.

Discover this now on the O2 UK www.100percent-mobile.com portal or check out our handy 'How to' guide to subscription on 100% Mobile.

Note: 100% Mobile is currently only available to O2 customers in the UK. Hopefully we'll see more of it soon!