N-Gage First Access finally goes live

It's taken a while, but Nokia has finally released the First Access N-Gage application... but only for N81 and N81 8GB handsets. If you've got one, you can download the client by visiting the official site.

The app lets you try and buy full N-Gage games, as well as give Nokia your feedback on the experience. There are three game trials available with the client: shoot-'em-up Space Impact: Kappa Base, futuristic racer System Rush: Evolution, and fishing title Hooked On: Creatures of the Deep.

It's very much a temporary thing though: before downloading the First Access application, players are warned that "N-Gage Player Names (created on device), N-Gage Points, and N-Gage Game Ranking will only be valid for the duration of First Access. Once First Access ends, the N-Gage databases will be reset."

Don't get attached to anything then.

Check the screenshots above for a glimpse at the First Access application - they were posted in the official First Access forum by David Kinsella.

Rest assured, Pocket Gamer is on the case for a report on the First Access experience, and reviews of the launch games.

We also expect to get plenty more from Nokia at the forthcoming World Mobile Congress and Game Developer Conference shows.