● PlayStation
Mobile – A brand new version of PlayStation Suite which will work with
third-party devices.
● The Amazing
Spider-Man – The world’s first 3D rendered open-world game to hit mobile
devices.
● Project Dragon –
An ambitious new cross-platform MMORPG that will be available on touch-capable
mobiles.
But what’s new
for Android?
With the increase of mobile gaming on non-gaming devices, intuitive controls have become a massive consideration and arguably a huge part of the design process. But with the announcement of not one, but two amazing new mobile game controllers, you could be seeing a more traditional control-style coming to Android games… which will undoubtedly make serious Android gaming much more viable. So pick up these controllers and get ready to game – although you might want to make sure you have the best broadband and phone deals for all those new titles you’ll be downloading.
Surprisingly, it
seems that NVidia have taken to the mobile market, helping Nyko to design and
create the PlayPad – a sleek, slim-line control pad for Android
devices. This little beauty is sleek and portable (although perhaps a bit too
small for someone with large hands) and has that classic style that’s
reminiscent of an old-school NES controller.
But there’s nothing old-school about the PlayPad, as you can see from its list of features:
But there’s nothing old-school about the PlayPad, as you can see from its list of features:
● Bluetooth
connectivity.
● Dual analogue
sticks as well as traditional D-Pad, 4 action buttons and 2 triggers (similar
to an Xbox controller).
● Control Mapping
that allows you to customize the way the controller works, depending on your
play style.
MOGA Controller
by Power-A
The sturdy,
somewhat aggressive MOGA by Power-A represents a step forward in mobile
gaming controllers. Veering away from the arcade-style novelties, this
controller offers a durable, robust design that just screams ‘next-gen
console’. A quick glimpse at the MOGA reveals inspiration from the Xbox 360 –
sporting those unmistakable wings and a bulky, flatter shape. So obviously the
MOGA is aiming for the more traditional gaming market, but what does it bring
to the table?
● Bluetooth
Connectivity.
● Dual analogue
sticks, 4 action buttons and 2 triggers (although the distinct lack of D-Pad
raises an eyebrow here).
● Specially
designed grips to clamp the controller to your phone.
While this controller certainly looks and acts the part, there’s a distinct lack of functionality when it comes to button mapping. You see, unlike the PlayPad, the MOGA doesn’t allow custom button mapping. What’s more, the controller has to be officially supported by the individual games developers – the necessary integrations being made from a design level. So if you thought you were going to be playing Nokia Snake Xbox-style, you’ll have to think again. The MOGA currently supports a very limited range of titles, including:
● Atari's Greatest
Hits
● Duke Nukem 3D
● PAC-MAN by Namco
● …and a handful of
others.
It seems this
fatal flaw is likely to be the MOGAs downfall. The bulkiness and sheer weight
behind the controller is impressive and feels just perfect. But when it comes
to functionality, the PlayPad is simply light-years ahead, providing an
infinitely more flexible control system.
Of course,
Android gaming isn’t for everyone. It’s not exactly the most popular form of
mobile gaming and most gamers would rather look to the PSVita or the
goggle-eyed 3DS for a quick fix. So if your Android escapades only go as far as
a sneaky round of Angry Birds when your boss isn’t looking, these controllers
just aren’t worth the money. But for serious Android gamers (and yes, that
really does happen), these innovative controllers provide a level
of responsiveness that you’ve previously only dreamt about.
Submitted by guest writer J. Harrison. Thx!
Submitted by guest writer J. Harrison. Thx!
You can say not old school, but that one just makes me want to get my fingers around it. The buttons make sense and it just looks like it feels right. Not too much snazz, but a lot of control.
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