This issue features the standard assortment of games. The most interesting titles are The Second Age expansion pack for Orions, the quirky physics game Line Rider, and the arcade game Resco Defender. Rounding out the list are two new electronic versions of solitaire and pool. Although both games have been recreated on Windows Mobile touch screen devices dozens of times, the two new versions reviewed are good enough to warrant inclusion in the roundup.

Astraware Solitaire (A-)

Astraware Solitaire is a good quality version of solitaire.

Since Astraware pretty much owns the casual gaming category, you’d think they would have come out with a solitaire game a long time ago. Even with all the other solitaire games available these days, Astraware Solitaire still shines. The game features great graphics, 12 configurable versions of solitaire, automatic saving of games, and basic statistics. AS isn’t the most feature-packed version of solitaire, nor does it have the best graphics. However, it’s very well balanced and is great for general players.

For more information on this game, visit the Astraware Web site (astraware.com). Astraware Solitaire supports Pocket PC 2003 and newer touch screen devices. A demo is available, and the full version can be purchased for $14.96.

Line Rider Mobile (A-)

Line Rider is a unique physics-based game.

Line Rider is one of those really crude but strangely enjoyable Web games that keep popping up. The game is basically a physics toy involving a stick-figure character on a sled. The idea is to see how far you can make him go by creating a track that will keep him going without making him crash. Line Rider has a crude interface and even cruder graphics, but if you like games like Sand, then this one might appeal to you as well. It’s a neat idea for a game, although the price is a bit high for a title in this category.

For more information on this game, visit the Line Rider Mobile Web site (official-linerider.com). Line Rider Mobile supports Pocket PC 2003 and newer touch screen devices. A demo is available, and the full version can be purchased for $19.95.

Orions: The Second Age (A-)

(This review was adapted from Werner Ruotsolainnen’s comments on the game.)

Orions: The Second Age is a great add-on to a fantastic strategy game.

All serious Windows Mobile gamers know Orions: Legend of Wizards, by far the best turn-based strategy game for the touch screen platform. Orions: The Second Age is an expansion package for the game and adds a ton of new features. The expansion pack adds thirty new cards, most with excellent new spells. The Campaign and Dual modes have been enhanced with features such as bonuses in your chosen element, the ability to teleport between worlds, and the ability to configure the deck of cards. The game play in general is now more balanced and enjoyable from beginning to end. The game still isn’t perfect, but the enhancements offered by the add-on pack make a great game even better.

For more information on this game, visit the Pocket MoreGames Web site (pocketmore games.com). Orions: The Second Age supports all Windows Mobile touch screen devices. It is an expansion pack that requires the original game, Orions: Age of Wizards, to install. The expansion pack can be purchased for $9.95.