THQ has revealed its opening suite of Star Wars mobile phone games after securing the rights to the movie series earlier this year. I'll do a few reviews later, but for now, here's a quick rundown of what's on offer.
The key release will probably be Star Wars Revenge of the Sith, a side-scrolling light sabre hack 'em up which allows you to control Obi-Wan, Yoda or Darth Vader. Then there's Star Wars: Battle for The Republic, which – from the brief press release – would appear to be a multiplayer battle strategy game where you guide either Separatist or Republican forces into turn-based battle. Advance Wars meets Star Wars? Oh go on then!
Star Wars: Grievous Getaway seems to be a sort of flight racing game where you play as Obi-Wan Kenobi on his varactyl beast, hunting down General Grievous. Next we have Star Wars: Jedi Arena, which is like Pokemon Stadium, only you select, customise and train a Jedi or Sith warrior instead of a silly monster. You then shove your combatant into light saber battles against other players in over-the-air bouts. Another Star Wars take on a previously successful title is Star Wars Puzzle Blaster, based around the popular shareware puzzler, and Bust A Move clone, Snood.
Finally, there are two lighter weight offerings. Star Wars Trivia speaks for itself, while the curious Ask Yoda is a sort of Magic 8-ball simulator, where you ask a cartoon depiction of Yoda any 'yes' or 'no' question you like and he responds with 'wise advice'. I asked if Manchester City would secure a third home win under Stuart Pearce on saturday, to which he replied 'You will know when you are calm and at peace'. Thanks you daft Jedi midget. He'll also impart random phrases of Jedi wisdom and Star Wars trivia if you ask. This, I think, is not aimed at hardcore gamers. Do you remember Yoda Stories on the PC, by the way? Terrible game, but I loved those cute little super-deformed Storm Troopers.
All of these titles will be probably be released as excitement surrounding Episode III reaches a crescendo – rather than afterwards when it deflates like an enormous stinky inflatable Jabba the Hut.
