Hands on with Nokia's N81 and N95: Testing out the new N-Gage

It's been a long time coming, but Nokia is finally preparing to unleash a new iteration of its high-end N-Gage gaming platform. The launch, which is aimed to hit Europe and North America simultaneously next month, promises to push mobile gaming toward a unified standard.

We've long been covering N-Gage developments and after going hands-on with it at CTIA, we're anticipating it to be one of the biggest innovative steps forward for mobile gaming in a long time.

Six handsets will support the new N-Gage this year, tied together via a common games portal. Nokia's sleek N-series will make up the slate of supported devices at launch with the N73, N81 (both standard and 8GB versions), N93, N93i, N95 (both standard and 8GB versions).

Previously released phones can download an update to install the new N-Gage next month, whereas purchasing a new phone will automatically include the platform. In 2008, expect more devices to come into the fold, although Nokia isn't discussing specifics at this time.

We toyed with two phones running next-generation N-Gage software, testing the application and playing a couple games.

First up was the music-focused N81. The slider, which is currently available for purchase, is surprisingly well equipped for gaming. Along with a traditional orientation that situates the phone upright for play, the device can be tilted on its side for a landscape presentation. This option won't be available for all titles since it isn't native to the device; instead, it'll be supported on a game-by-game basis.

Racing games, such as Asphalt 3: Street Rules, will be a natural fit. Tip the device on its side and you can place your left thumb on the D-pad. A two-button rocker situated above the screen can be manipulated with your right thumb when in landscape mode. Asphalt 3 was quite good playing in landscape mode, using the D-pad for steering and taps of the rocker for nitrous. The only drawback to the rocker in this position is that it forces you to cover up the speaker with your hand during gameplay.

Boasting a gorgeous 2.6-inch display, the N95 offered a different experience from the N81. We noticed a sharper image on the N95, although the distinction is negligible. The slightly better visual quality comes at a loss of the landscape gaming feature that only the N81 supports, though. We played a bit of FIFA 07 on the N95 – which honestly would be more at home in landscape instead of portrait mode – and were impressed by the visual fidelity.

Both devices were running the same N-Gage software, which appeared sleek and easy to use. Games are kept in a special folder, compiled as a stylish list of banners onscreen – simply select a banner and the game launches. Nokia hasn't completely solidified its November games line-up, although expect N-Gage staples like System Rush: Evolution, FIFA, and Asphalt 3 to come before the end of year.

Obtaining new games is amazingly simple and can be done in one of two ways. First, accessing the N-Gage portal via your phone enables you to download demos or outright buy a game. What's great is that you'll have an option to either pay through your carrier's billing service or enter credit card information. The alternative mode of buying games involves going online with your PC and transferring games to your phone.

Of course, community features such as multiplayer gaming, statistical tracking, and unique gamer handles are also being offered. New to the mix are N-Gage Points, an achievement system that rewards you for completing tasks within games.

Much like Microsoft's Xbox 360 'gamerpoint' mechanic, N-Gage Points are set for each game and contribute to a score that is posted to the community next to your handle. Nokia hopes borrowing this concept will energize a mobile community around N-Gage, which it will likely do given the amazing success of Xbox 360 achievements system.

Between the supported devices and impressive set of features, the new N-Gage is looking impressive, although we remain concerned that the high-end nature of the supported devices might be a barrier to entry for more casual gamers. (That and the fact that it may ultimately come at the cost of 2D gaming – a perspective we feel shouldn't be entirely ignored.) However, those who do partake of N-Gage are in store for a fully-fleshed out mobile gaming experience when it launches in November.