Hi guys, my name is Alexis Garza, also known as alexismil. I'm from Reynosa México and I will be writing for The N82 Blog from now on. I'm a Symbian fanatic, and I'm here to introduce the Zeemote JS1 to you.
The Zeemote JS1 is a small bluetooth device that uses 2 AAA batteries, and that support the wide variety of nokia models, including the Nseries, Eseries, XpressMusic, Navigator and Classic series, of course, S60 devices (excluding the nokia 5800 XpressMusic and probably the N97 that are not supported at the time im writing this article). All you have to do is download the Zeekey application and you are ready to go. The Zeekey application works on plenty S60 device, as mentioned before.
The Zeemote JS1 is good for gaming, but not great. I have found that it doesn't play nice in all games, including N-Gage games. You have to create several profiles into the Zeekey application in order to play every game out there. For example, I have a "default mapping" for using it to move around the interface when connected to a tv using the tv-out cable and I have another key mappings for N-Gage games. In the game One, Bounce, Metal Gear Solid I use the default joystick configurations, but changed the A Button to 0 key and B Button to 5 key, C Button to Right Soft Key and D Button to Left Soft Key. But because the joystick is so sensitive, I have a different configuration for Asphalt 3 and 4. If I use the default joystick I end up pressing down when using a nitro so I disabled the joystick down to "No Action". In Star Wars: The Force Unleashed I have the default joystick settings but i did swap the A and B buttons to 5 key and 0 key respectively.
I have come to a conclusion that the Zeemote JS1 is good but not great. I have seen plenty of interviews when they say that it is great for playing games using the tv-out feature. So why use a joystick then and a "one hand" shape? If so, they should have gone for the SNES style controller - a standard pad, no joystick, a, b, c, and d keys, and shoulder buttons. The shoulder buttons make sense when using the soft keys, this way you shouldn't have a big selection of key mappings like i do. I have 6 key mappings and i haven't even created a key map for all my N-Gage, java, and Symbian games.
I know all S60 devices have d-pads, and most of the time they are not good when playing games, but they have very good tactile feedback and performance. The Zeemote JS1 has a very sensitive joystick (they should have taken a comfortable pad instead of a joystick) so most of the time you end up doing something you did not want and end up losing a One battle, losing an Asphalt 3 or 4 race, or even dying on Platypus / Sky Force Reloaded.
I hope you like my review of the Zeemote JS1 , feel free to ask any questions related to the JS1 controller.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
The Zeemote JS1 Controller and The Mighty Nokia N82
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Metal Gear Solid Coming To The N82, And The Future Of N-Gage
Asphalt 3
Big news for N-Gage fans has sprawled across the net in the past few weeks. As if I haven't been spending too much time in front of my PS3 playing NHL 09 every chance I get. If you haven't heard, Clinton Jeff reported last week that Metal Gear Solid is officially available on N-Gage. This means you can play as the legendary Snake, that we've come to love on our Playstation consoles, right on our precious N82's. I've yet to download the game but I plan on doing so today. Apparently they make use of the camera on the device as part of a tool in the game. If anyone knows exactly what this entails please explain, if not I'll do so in the comments when I get a chance.
According to the official N-Gage blog you can get the game from the N-Gage application on your phone. I couldn't find it on the N-Gage website, it still says "Coming Soon". Quote from the blog...“METAL GEAR SOLID MOBILE features dramatic 3D art displays and camera work that greatly surpasses the quality standard of today’s mobile games. Players will face the extreme tension of solitary infiltration in this version of the tactical espionage action game.”
Metal Gear Solid Mobile is now available in the N-Gage application showroom. Tab over to Showroom and hit ‘Check for Updates’, then click on ‘Available Games.’
Keep in mind it seem that the download is only 2.5mb. How did they manage that? Props to them.
Check out a preview video of the game...
And a few screenshots...
Not bad! Let us know if you've played it0
The Future Of N-Gage
The fellas over at All About N-Gage have found a few Youtube videos of an interview with Jaako Kaidesoja, N-Gage VP, talking about N-Gages future. This includes touch games, music, and upcoming titles. Check out the videos below...
Indeed the future is bright for N-Gage and mobile gaming.
Get A Free N-Gage Game "Reset Generation", Become A S60 Ambassador
As I've mentioned to you a few months ago I currently work for Nokia and I'm part of the S60 Ambassador Staff. I can tell you there are still a ton of Reset Generation activation codes to give out for the hit N-Gage release. If you haven't tried this game yet WARNING - It's highly addictive, once you get the hang of it that is.
How do you get the game for free?
Simple. Join the S60 Ambassador Program and sign up for the N-Gage: Reset Generation Campaign. Anybody can join. Go to http://ambassadors.s60.com and claim your game.
What does the S60 Ambassador Program entail?
You already talk about your N82 right? I love showing mine off. Just remember these discussions and submit a report about it. The more reports you submit the more points you get. Myself and Stefan read all the reports you write and give out the points. At the end of each campaign there are prizes given out. Check out what the top 50 Ambassadors get at the end of the campaign. Free Games!
Creatures of the Deep
Dirk Dagger
FIFA 2008
Metal Gear
ONE
Pro Series Golf
SIMS Pets
Star Wars
World Series of Poker
It's not too late to get in the top 50. There are still 5 weeks left before the campaign ends. Join Today and tell your friends too. See! reading Mike's blog has more perks than just finding tips and tricks for your device.
I know there is a ton N-Gage news that I didn't cover. Check out some of the links I gave you and if you have anything to say let us know!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Mobile Games on My N82 - What's on Yours?
I thought I'd share a few mobile games I love playing. There are a lot of mobile games available for our N82, but only few of them found a permanent spot on my phone. Here are some of them:
Lego Bionicle Defenders
There are several types of towers you can use: towers that slows enemy creeps, towers that amplifies damage, and towers that deals splash damage. You must as well take note that each type of towers has their own range limit. Also, during your progress, you will be able to meet and use Bionicles, that deal heavier damage, and each of them own special abilities.
Zones are also available, which can be used to block enemies to buy some time (or to prolong them under your towers' range), or to increase your towers' damage. It’s rather easy at first, but as the game goes on, creeps become tougher, and bigger in number. In addition, setting up a tower costs an amount of credits and they can only be placed on limited positions. So you need to deploy those towers in the most optimal way to ensure a strong defense against enemy creeps.
The game has a Survival Mode and it's really really fun! In this mode, the game will not end unless a creep reaches the Mask Of Life. Creeps gets stronger as the power goes up. Proper tower positioning and good placement of zones is a must here. You'll really need to think of the best tower and zone formation, and make use of them the most effective way. I hardly reached Power 20, creeps were really tough. I tried several strategies, but still no luck exceeding my brother's high score haha!! The game works perfectly in landscape mode by the way... Also, you can compete with other player's high scores by posting yours online:
Give it a shot! Download here.
Global Race Raging Thunder
The game again is simple, in a way that other gamers may not be really into it. Basic controls and game objective: your car auto-accelerates, control it left or right to avoid crashes and stops, bump into boost items to speed up your car, make sure you're number one, and that's it!
Well, what really makes it fun for me is the smooth and nice graphics (it utilizes the N82's 3d hardware accelerated chipset), which is truly a better gaming experience compared to other racing games. And I enjoy real excitement by playing with my friends thru the bluetooth multiplayer feature! Thumbs all the way up!
The game initially has a few tracks to play with. But, using the application itself, you can go online and download more from the developer's website.
And also, take pleasure on playing this game using the N82's tv-out feature. Sure a joy with real-life track design of race tracks on your wide television screen.
Give it a shot! Download here.
N-Gage’s Brain Challenge
A very entertaining and mind tickling game! I simply love puzzle games and Brain Challenge really did a great job here! Check out this review from All About Symbian.
I wonder what happens when you reach 100% brain capacity (game ends just that? Maybe..). I had over 60% before, but the saved data were accidentally deleted.. Never had the chance to play it again until yesterday. Now I have 43%. I must say, whenever I start playing this, I can't help it but play again and again, until my battery goes empty, lol.
Vampent’s VBagX
If you haven't heard about VBagX yet, it is a GameBoy emulator (GBA) for your symbian s60 phone. I was overwhelmed the first time I learned that we can play GameBoy games on our pc's, so you can imagine how joyful I was when I knew it's also possible with a mobile device. Yes it is! Your N82 is a GameBoy!
Download it from the developer's site. It's not free but there's a trial version.
--------------------------------------
I'm wondering what games you guys have on your phone. I still have other nice games on my card but no matter how good these games can be, there's always a point when you get tired of playing them, and find yourself in search of something different than the usual, ^^. Care to share those games you enjoy?? Feel free to leave a comment :-)
-P.S: i am currently hooked on this game: Westward reviewed by All About Symbian .. Cool game so far! Really a pc-like gaming experience! Check it out...
Monday, September 29, 2008
In New York or Chicago today? XBox Live Is Down - Get Free Star Wars Access Codes At Nokia Stores
Hey everyone, here's a little tip if your in one of the two cities today (Sept. 29th)...
Dear Ambassador!
With Microsoft’s Xbox Live service undergoing 24 hours of routine maintenance today Monday September 29, 2008, Nokia has decided to help gamers in the New York City and Chicago areas by providing an alternative to traditional online gaming - N-Gage.
We’ll be providing FREE access codes for Star Wars The Force Unleashed to anyone who comes into the Nokia Flagship stores in Chicago and New York and mentions the game to the staff. What could be better than battling evil in a galaxy far, far away than to be doing it for free?
Wait – you don’t have a device? Well, we can help you solve that problem too. Nokia is offering a 15% discount today only on all available N-Gage compatible devices for anyone who walks into the Flagship Stores and receives an access code to Star Wars The Force Unleashed for N-Gage. These devices include the Nokia N81, Nokia N81 8GB, Nokia N82, Nokia N95* and Nokia N95 8GB.
Engage our staff in a virtual light saber battle by challenging their scores online on the N-Gage Arena.
So, your Xbox Live is down but you can’t make it to one of the Flagship stores? Let us know what you plan on doing today at the N-Gage Blog by posting a comment here.
Hope to see you on the Arena, saving the universe from the Sith!!
Cheers,
Raj
Link
You got that email if your a S60 Ambassador. This special goes for everyone.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Nokia's N-Gage Gets Officialy Gets Official - Download It Now
Last week we gave you the link to the N-Gage page where you can find the full version of the long awaited gaming application for Nseries devices. It didn't really come with an announcement from N-Gage though and many were having problems getting the application involved.
Well now its official and hopefully the installing issues are gone. Here is what Nokia has to say about the release...
Espoo, Finland - Today marks the global launch of the Nokia N-Gage mobile games service with more games, additional compatible devices, and an expanded online offering. Millions of Nokia device owners can now find, try and buy high-quality made-for-mobile games directly from their mobile device. Players can also connect with one another through the N-Gage Arena community. They can meet friends, find others to play multiplayer games, discuss topics on the message boards and via live chat, and participate in tournaments and hosted events.
"With N-Gage we're offering a seamless experience for people around the world to try and buy games that are engaging, accessible and have wide appeal," said Jaakko Kaidesoja, vice president of games, Nokia. "We're very excited to get this into the hands of our customers, because with them we will shape the future of mobile gaming."
The N-Gage platform has exclusive titles that are among the most ambitious and graphically rich mobile games ever produced. From strategy and sport to arcade and action, games of all genres are being developed for N-Gage by leading games publishers. The first set of games include: EA SPORTS(TM) FIFA 08 by EA Mobile; Brain Challenge and Asphalt 3: Street Rules by Gameloft; World Series of Poker (TM) Pro Challenge by Glu Mobile; and Hooked On: Creatures of the Deep and System Rush: Evolution by Nokia Publishing. These games will be followed closely by Tetris® and The Sims(TM) 2 Pets by EA Mobile; Block Breaker Deluxe and Dogz by Gameloft; and Snakes Subsonic, Space Impact: Kappa Base and Mile High Pinball by Nokia Publishing. Starting today, players will have access to a range of high-quality games, many of which are exclusive to the N-Gage platform. N-Gage games incorporate exclusive, industry defining online community features, and in many cases, graphical experiences never before seen on a mobile device.
With the N-Gage application on their device, people can create a Friends List, send and receive private messages, and take part in instant messaging style chat. N-Gage Points can be earned for playing games and participating in community activities. Moreover, the experience can take place via the N-Gage web portal on the PC. Here players can interact seamlessly with the N-Gage community or purchase new games and download them to their N-Gage compatible devices.
Today's N-Gage compatible devices include: Nokia N81, Nokia N81 8GB, Nokia N82, Nokia N95, and Nokia N95 8GB.
Prior to the N-Gage service going live, Nokia sought feedback from its fans through the N-Gage First Access program. In its eight week run, N-Gage First Access saw tens of thousands of participants register for the service from over 100 countries.
"With N-Gage First Access we offered Nokia N81 owners the first chance to try N-Gage and solicited their feedback to help us further refine the experience," continued Kaidesoja. "We were pleased that so many people took the time to test-drive the service and share their comments. Thanks to them we are now ready to offer an enhanced experience to a wider audience.
Together with the N-Gage community we will keep developing the N-Gage experience further by adding new games and features that take advantage of rapidly evolving mobile technology."
To download the N-Gage application, visit http://www.n-gage.com on your mobile device or PC. New games, features and compatible devices will be added regularly. Games are expected to cost between six and ten euros - all of which are free to try before buying.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
N-Gage Now Available In Full For the Nokia N82
If someone would like to test it out you can head to the N-Gage download page and come back to let us know if it works as the full version and not just a trial. Sorry if its just a trial like I said I haven't personally tried it out.
Update: Official Statement From The N-Gage News Blog:
"We are live! The games, the devices, and the community are all here for you to finally get your teeth into. The Forums are back up and the new N-Gage application is here.
There will be an official announcement on Monday, but for you, the N-Gage faithful we wanted to let you know we’re up and running! So come join our moderators in the Forums for our launch party, and start enjoying the next generation of mobile gaming.
Now let’s Get Out and Play!"
Seems as though some are having problems installing this application and some are successful. If anyone that originally can't figure it out and then finds the solution please let us know. Thanks! Also, if you have one of the hacked versions from the N81 please uninstall that first.
Let us know if it's workin for you...
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Cheesy Free Game: AccelerInvaders - Use The Accelerometer To Play Space Invaders On Your N82
Remember the old but classic arcade game called Space Invaders. Well it's been ported over to S60 and makes use of the accelerometer in the N82 to control the movement. This has been out for awhile but I've never talked about it here.
I know many of you are hoping for more cool games to be featured here at the blog. There isn't much to AccelerInvaders, but it will keep you busy when your bored at the mall with your girlfriend while she's trying on clothes. I'm hoping that lots of more games coming out also make use of the accelerometer. The game I posted yesterday Frozen Bubble would be a perfect example.
Here is a video of the game being sampled on the Nokia N95...
Click here to download the latest release of the free accelerometer game for the Nokia N82.
To learn more about the application and the developer click here.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Free Game: Frozen Bubble For The Nokia N82
User controls a small canon, shooting bubbles and tries to hit other bubbles so to create groups of 3 or more bubbles of the same color. Whenever this is accomplished these bubbles go away. The purpose of the game is to eliminate all bubbles from stage.
The game is challenging and I find it addicting. And this is coming from someone who doesn't really play mobile games often. The file is a native S60 file ".sis" so it won't be slow and laggy like some java games.
Click here to download your free game and enjoy hours of fun. If you want to know more about the developer and game click here.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Free Accelerometer Game: Mirage Money For The N82
Mirage Money is a free game for the Nokia N82 that uses the accelerometer to control movement. But this game has another thing going for it. You pop open your camera lens and whatever your looking at is in the background of the game. Mirage Money isn't really an exciting game or addicting game, but its more of something you can show off or play when your REALLY bored.
Basically coins come flying at you from all directions and you have to move your phone to try and aim at the coins. The more coins you collect the more points you get.
Pretty simple huh?
Thanks to Symbian Web Blog here is a screenshot below.
Click here to head over to Symbian Web Blog and check out his full review of the game along with a video demonstration.
To cut to the chase and download it yourself click here.
Quick Question... Would you like seeing more games for the N82 posted here at the blog?
Friday, February 8, 2008
N-Gage First Access On Your Nokia N82
So how do you get N-Gage on your N82? Pasco from Jaspp.net has posted a link to the application N-Gage application that you can download and install on your N82. Click here to get the installation file. Can you get it working on your N82?
