If ever
there were a TV series that could be ported properly to the mobile format, it
has to be 24. While being Fonzie as he jumped over a shark on water skis could
make for a compelling argument, 24’s focus on using technology as a means to
combat terrorism makes it an ideal candidate for a mobile game. Seriously, the
characters on the show spend so much time on their cell phones that it’s a
wonder that Motorola wasn’t nominated for an Emmy. While 24 does seem quite
ideal for mobile phones, there are plenty of things that could’ve been severely
botched in the process. Thankfully, 24 manages to be a very fun and engaging
game that does a great job on its platform.
24
doesn’t put you in the shoes of Jack Bauer, or anyone else from the 24 universe,
as you’d think. Instead, you play as a new recruit at CTU who co-ordinates with
the folks from the show, interacting with Chloe, Jack, Curtis and others as you
try to stop a new terrorist threat.
The
gameplay in 24 borrows from several genres. You have driving missions where you
must navigate a car through traffic, stealth missions where you guide an agent
through a series of guards from one place to another while avoiding detection,
encryption levels where you must decode phrase to solve terrorist messages, and
so on. What makes the game so cool and compelling is that your coordination is
all done through your phone itself, so whether you are guiding Curtis through a
series of bad guys or trying to solve a puzzle, you’re doing it all through your
phone, which is a nice and immersive touch.
Completing missions warrants you bonus points, while losing will add minutes to
your performance. As the show itself plays out in real-time over a 24-hour
period, so time is very important. The game (while it can be completed in about
an hour of gameplay), operates within the same constructs, albeit faster.
Depending on how “quickly” you complete the game, you get special awards and
badges upon completion.
The
graphics in 24 aren’t that pretty but they do what they should. The “real”
mini-games (where you are controlling a car or a character on the screen) all
show the characters/vehicles through an altered view, either infrared or
nightvision. This actually adds an extra element of realism and adds to the feel
of the game nicely. The game doesn’t have any sound whatsoever.
24 plays
extremely well on the mobile phone platform, and stands as a very competent game
that stays true to its subject matter. Check it out if you’re a fan of the show.
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Gameplay: 8.5
More of a series
of mini-games than a fleshed out action game, 24 works very well with its deep
story to create compelling gameplay and a great sense of immersion.
Graphics: 8.0
Graphically, 24
isn’t that pretty, but its “meat and potatoes” look does exactly what it should
and never detracts from the experience.
Sound: N/A
Difficulty: Medium
Concept: 9.0
24 translates
well to the mobile phone realm, rivaling most console games with licenses when
it comes to making you feel like you’re really part of the show.
Overall: 8.5
24 plays
extremely well on the mobile phone platform, and stands as a very competent game
that stays true to its subject matter.
