3D Darts

Whilst Darts might not qualify in everyone’s definition of sport, there’s no arguing that the essential mechanics of the fat-man’s pub pastime are suited to Java gaming. Short matches, aim-based controls and a simple target make it one of the more successfully recreated phone game genres and 3D Darts, packaged with the Sony Ericcsson K700i, is as closer to the bulls eye as any other. In truth the 3D element is both misleading and wholly unnecessary. With a heads-on view of the board to aim at, the game plays out in glorious updownleftandrightovision with only replays viewed from an angle. The control system employing a cross-hair and constantly circling aiming dot works well, offering a bit of a challenge (especially on public transport!) without being too frustrating, whilst the addition of a ‘pressure’ guage which speeds the dots movements as your opponent nears a check-out is a clever one.

The challenge is well-balanced with 4 levels of computer competitor from hopeless (can barely hit board) to Pro (one-huuuuunnnnndred and aaaaaaaighty!) and presentation fine. In fact, aside from the slightly annoying dart sounds, the only real annoyance is the lack of a proper match or tournament setup, after a check-out you can either replay or return to menu.

Then again darts has always been more of a social experience and the presence of a multiplayer option with up to 4 of you chucking arrows and handing the phone around just about atones.