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Quake Mobile

Developer: Bear Naked
Publisher: Pulse Interactive
Release Date: TBA 2005

Quake was the game that popularized Internet multiplayer in first-person shooters, and it's now a feature we could hardly live without. The game's 16-player fragfests forged numerous friendships and more than a few marriages. Also, a lot of killing got done--arguably the best part. When we think about mobile games, Quake is pretty much the furthest thing from our minds. After all, it's not a Texas Hold 'Em or minigolf game. We were therefore shocked and awed by the quality of Quake Mobile, which--save for the different input device--is identical to its PC predecessor, online play and all. There were a lot of excellent mobile games on display at this year's E3, including John Carmack's own Doom RPG, but it was Quake Mobile that stuck to our ribs like homecooked meatloaf.

Quake Mobile runs at a very stable 25 frames per second. This is much faster than most mobile titles, and an incredible accomplishment for a 3D-intensive game running at 640x480 pixels. From technical and gameplay standpoints, this is very much the game you know and love. While we can't reveal whether all the old weapons will be included, we'll say that you won't be disappointed.

Mods, or user-created game modifications, were another big factor in Quake's incredible popularity. Fortunately, on either of the two as-yet unannounced phones on which Quake Mobile will be embedded, you'll be able to use any and all mods written for the PC version. You can then take these mods online for 16-player confrontations over EVDO.

Quake Mobile's code was reviewed and approved by John Carmack himself, who was reportedly impressed with Bear Naked and Pulse Interactive's accomplishments. We're interested to see how the Quake franchise adapts to the mobile space. Quake...For Prizes? Quake Bowling? Mostly, we're eager to play the final version of this happily unmolested port.

Finalists