O2 mobile game download charts and new releases: September 5th

Remember that Skol advert, with the Vikings singing their drinking song? Well, give those lads a fistful of mobile phones and this week they'd be singing, "Spore Spore Spore Spore!"

Yep, it's been a Spore-tastic week here on Pocket Gamer and although Will Wright's evolutionary revolution isn't reflected in the O2 Charts yet, there's no doubt it'll have climbed the ladder by next week. At the risk of 'Sporing' the pants off you (that was similar to a 'pun'), we'll press on past the single-celled gaming phenomenon and cast a bit of light on the poor games caught in its long shadow this week.

Unfortunately for the independent games, there's another giant dominating second place in the new releases: Guitar Hero III Backstage Pass. Its mega-popular predecessor has refused to leave the charts since its mobile release, and although it ducked below the waterline last week, it's now thrashed its way back to sixth place. We won't be at all surprised next week if the Top 10 isn't a Top 8, with two spaces reserved for semi-permanent residence by the rock-tastic wonder.

Death Race seems to come out of nowhere. All of a sudden, there are posters of the movie remake everywhere, which fans of the brutal yet camp 1975 classic (starring David Carradine and a young Sylvester Stallone) will be more than intrigued by. In truth, we're not holding out much hope for the big screen remake, but this is a game that's enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with video game culture. Retro heads should check out Exidy's 1976 film-inspired driving game Death Race (the first game to cause a public outcry) and Stainless Software's Carmageddon for historical interest. That should raise enough of a fascinated eyebrow to make the new mobile movie tie-in quite attractive.

Are You Smarter Than a 10 Year Old returns to the mobile for a second series (though I suspect there aren't that many of us out there who're inclined to shout a resounding "Yes!" to that question) while the Olympics say a protracted farewell by jumping back up the charts a few notches. Otherwise, the Top 10 remains as stable as ever, as we apparently just can't put those classic puzzlers down. The combined might of Spore and Guirar Hero are surely set to give the charts a good old shake up next week, so stay tuned pop pickers.

Oh! By the way - it's probably worth noting the new Monopoly World entry in the charts. This isn't the same game we saw at number 3 last week (now at number 10), so boardgame fans have something new to do with their thumbs, as well.

Spore Origins (EA Games) Thrive in the tide pool as you guide your creature through its early evolution and shape its destiny. Customize your spore from a single-cell to a complex predator increasing its chance of survival as you rise through 18 interactive levels. Gather food in vivid undersea worlds filled with bizarre organisms, but be careful, you will need to avoid larger and more lethal creatures. Does your Spore have what it takes to survive? Read the SPORE Origins review Text GAME 480308 to 80202
Guitar Hero III Backstage Pass (Hands-On Mobile) Pilot your ship through wave after wave of action, collecting crystals and evading the Nasties, unique enemies that emerge from portals on each side of the screen. Collect all the crystals to open the gateway to the next level, but don't forget to gather up the goodies in each wave – from bonus points to extra smart bombs and even an occasional mega-crystal for massive points. Text GAME GHBSP to 80202
Death Race (Gameloft) Become the ultimate Death Race driver in the official mobile game of the movie. Face challenging gameplay featuring a mix of shooting and racing. Seven armed cars are at your disposal, each with a different play style, all packed with a wide arsenal of devastating weaponry. Text GAME DEATH to 80202
Are You Smarter Than a 10 Year Old? 2nd Series (Capcom) Answer 11 questions to avoid the humiliation of having to admit I am not smarter than a ten-year-old! Are You Smarter? 2nd series features new categories, 100s of new questions and new classmates to help you in answering questions. Text GAME AYS2 to 80202
TRANSFORMERS G1: Awakening (Glu) Based on the original story of Transformers, use the strengths of each Autobot to defeat the Decepticons in turn-based strategic battles. Capture sources of Energon power to reactivate, repair or upgrade your Transformers. Featuring up to 23 playable characters and a skirmish mode to play friends as Autobots or Deceptions, there is more to Transformers G1: Awakening than meets the eye! Read the TRANSFORMERS G1: Awakening review Text GAME 474543 to 80202

The O2 Java game download chart (w/e September 4th)

1. 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 Text GAME TETRIS to 80202
2. 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 Text GAME 394408 to 80202
3. Monopoly World (EA Mobile) The world's number one game has gone global. Travel around the world's greatest cities, wheeling and dealing in millions of Monopoly dollars. As you play, discover interesting facts about the world on the Chance and Community Chest cards. Also check out the international inspiration behind the movers, houses and hotels. Text GAME MONOPOLYWORLD to 80202
4. The Game of Life (EA Mobile) Pick a car, choose your character and get ready for the highs and lows of The Game of Life. Do you want to take the path of education or jump straight into a career at the bottom of the ladder? Whether you are a doctor, a rock star or an accountant, your goal is to secure your financial future and retire in comfort. But be careful, landing on the wrong spot could cost you a fortune! Read the The Game of Life review Text GAME 474388 to 80202
5. Sally's Salon (RealGames) Help Sally spread her salon savvy and make the cut from the shopping mall to the glittering lights of Hollywood in this stylish and engaging challenge based on RealArcade's 2007 PC game. Pamper your customers in five unique salon locations. Text GAME SALLY to 80202
6. Guitar Hero III Mobile (Hands-On Mobile) Jam with giants of rock with classic Guitar Hero tracks. Shred your way to rock hall of fame glory as either Judy Nails or Axel Steel, in three killer venues from the console game. Master the perfect guitar solo with new controls adapted especially for mobile phones and drive the crowd wild with a surge of virtual star power. Unlock new Gibson guitars and achievements as you work your way towards being the world's greatest mobile Guitar Hero. Read the Guitar Hero III Mobile review Text GAME GUITAR to 80202
7. Jewel Quest II (I-play) The Jewel Quest phenomenon continues with all-new addictive puzzle fun. Follow Rupert as he picks up a new treasure trail in search of the grandest Jewel Board ever! Guide him through the mystery as he explores Africa in search of jewels and his lost love. With over 50 new immersive puzzles, a deeper intriguing storyline and three new game mechanics this massively addictive puzzler hopes to have you hooked for hours. Read the Jewel Quest II review Text GAME 432288 to 80202
8. Beijing 2008 Olympic Games (Glu) Compete in four authentic Olympic events: 100m, Hammer Throw, 200m Freestyle and Table Tennis. Set records and win your place on the awards podium. 32 countries represented in this official mobile title of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Read the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games review Text GAME BEIJING to 80202
9. The Sims 2 (EA Mobile) Play the top-selling PC game! Bring your phone to life with The Sims 2! Create a Sim, then explore and customize their world! Socialize with other Sims, push them to extremes and shape their future! Read the The Sims 2 review Text GAME 400328 to 80202
10. Monopoly (EA Mobile) With all the original locations, tokens and rules, Monopoly recreates the flavour, feel and deal-making action of the world's most popular boardgame. The game features the boardgame's fresh new look for 2008, including for the first time Monopoly's very own currency. Choose from all your old favourite tokens, get deal making and own it all to win! Read the Monopoly review Text GAME MONOPOLY to 80202