Sonic N

Sonic is back with some rough edges but does okay on the N-Gage. The speedy gameplay is all here, along with sharp, colorful graphics. There's a lot of variety in each level as Sonic or the other crew members spring, grab, and spin through the stage. Every stage is multi-tiered with different pathways that can be taken at a slow or breakneck pace.

The most crippling aspect to the game is the short view of what's ahead due to the screen's vertical orientation. The developers tried to remedy this with a letterbox mode but it becomes an eye strain quick. Sonic controls a tad clunkier than before and the frame rate has dipped a bit. However there's enough solid gameplay to keep platform fans chasing after Dr. Eggman.

Grade: C

Monkey balls have hit the portable arena in full polygon form. Each of Super Monkey Ball's levels has been recreated in limited polygon form. The action is choppier than it should be, but the balancing act has transitioned well. The D-pad does the best job it can but comes nowhere near the precision wanted or required for the game. There are three mini-game modes to unlock- Monkey Race, Monkey Fight, and Monkey Target. The lack of multiplayer options is the game's biggest flaw and the title never rises above a mini-game status.

Grade: C-

The jumping jester is a good tech demo and a so-so platformer. The old PSone title demonstrates the smoothest polygons on the game deck in pseudo 2D/3D action. There's not much depth here, as you bounce through on-rail 3D levels to pick up coins. The multiplayer options are limited to racing. You and a player can race head-to-head or you can shadow race against an N-Gage Arena member. There's no music and the ambient sound effects like a waterfall sound like pure static.

Grade: D+

Lara's back in her first and oldest adventure. By now the magic of Tomb Raider has long faded and its mystique has gone with it. Controls are the same as the original; not a good thing. There's not much to admire here except seeing PSone graphics in their glory squished into one eye-sore adventure. The most fun will be had with the online options. Shadow gaming is competitive and online ranking is cool.

Grade: D+

The best title on N-Gage. THPS has it all – quick setup, fun gameplay, and the best wireless multiplayer options available. It's a hoot to see all the locations, modes, and high-quality music packed into the tiny MMC card. The polygons are scaled down and some sections have lesser frame rates. But the gameplay is still solid as a rock and translates well on the platform. Multiplayer is the king of the card – easy to setup, wireless, and four modes that you and a buddy can grind up.

Grade: B-