6 Nokia N-Gage Games You Need to Experience to Consider Yourself a True Gamer

Over the years, many gaming consoles have appeared and then faded away, with varying degrees of success. While some, like the Nintendo Switch and Game Boy, were huge hits, others like the Wii U and Virtual Boy weren’t as popular. And even the consoles that are largely forgotten often have worthwhile games and positive qualities.

Take the Nokia N-Gage, for example. While it often gets a bad rap (though many, including myself, believe it doesn’t deserve it), the system had some truly excellent games, and some of them can’t be played on any other platform today. So, here are X N-Gage games that every serious gamer should experience.

6. Pathway to Glory

The game that should have launched a long-lasting franchise.

Among the many games released for the N-Gage, Pathway to Glory really showed what the system was capable of. Developed by RedLynx – the team behind the popular Trials series – it put players in command of a WWII special forces unit in 1943. The game made excellent use of the N-Gage’s features, like online play through N-Gage Arena and Bluetooth connectivity, offering a complete and enjoyable strategy experience. It was successful enough to get a sequel, Ikusa Islands, but unfortunately, that game came out near the end of the N-Gage’s lifespan and isn’t well remembered.

5. Pocket Kingdom: Own the World

A portable MMO in 2004.

No matter what you think of the N-Gage console, Nokia did a great job getting talented developers on board, and SEGA’s Pocket Kingdom: Own the World is a prime example. It was likely the first mobile massively multiplayer online game, allowing players to connect and compete with each other through N-Gage Arena, and it had a surprisingly deep crafting system. The game was complex and took a long time to master. Inspired by Dragon Force, Pocket Kingdom featured an engaging story and characters who were aware they were part of a game. Given the amount of effort put into its world and story, it’s surprising we’ve never seen a sequel or continuation of the franchise.

4. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater

Who would have thought a PS1 game could be ported in full 3D to a portable device?

Despite being surprisingly enjoyable, the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater game on the Game Boy Advance largely showcased the technical capabilities of the N-Gage, much like Tomb Raider did. Released just four years after the original PlayStation version, the N-Gage edition looked and played remarkably similarly, offering multiple game modes, a variety of skaters, and full 3D graphics. Though the N-Gage’s controls received criticism, the game proved it could handle complex combos and, therefore, full console-quality games. The online features, known as N-Gage Arena, were particularly fun, letting players race against each other’s ghost data to achieve the fastest times – there was even a launch competition with real-world prizes. Being able to play a full 3D Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater on a handheld device in 2003 was a significant achievement and deserves more recognition.

3. Ashen

If you thought FPS controls wouldn’t work on a phone, you were somehow wrong.

Released on the N-Gage, Ashen was a first-person shooter that stood out despite the platform’s limitations – it lacked shoulder buttons and an analogue stick, but still managed to deliver a surprisingly good experience. Developed by Torus Games (known for creating over a hundred tie-in games), Ashen wasn’t based on any existing franchise and offered a distinctive gothic-meets-alien visual style. The game packed in a good amount of content for a handheld title, with nine enemy types, nine weapons, and eight levels. Though it had a simple story and a unique feel, Ashen, like many original N-Gage games, never received a sequel.

2. High Seize

Can you believe N-Gage games still released in 2005?

Released very late in the N-Gage’s life – so late that many owners didn’t even know new games were still being created for it, even after the PSP launched – High Seize was made by the same team behind Pathway to Glory. Set in the 17th-century Caribbean, this game offered 37 maps and 25 missions. It played like the Advance Wars series, but its appealing pirate theme and enjoyable gameplay made it one of the most fun and replayable titles on the N-Gage.

1. Glimmerati

The more people that hear about this long-lost N-Gage game, the better.

Glimmerati, an early game from the creators of FlatOut and WreckFest, remains a uniquely memorable title. Released near the end of the N-Gage’s lifespan, it combined a stylish, glamorous aesthetic with a satirical take on celebrity culture and paparazzi. The game featured a story with plenty of dialogue, centering around wealthy individuals racing high-end cars in secret, underground street races. Gameplay was top-down and fast-paced, offering a lot of fun despite being hampered by the N-Gage’s small screen – it could be tricky to see upcoming turns. Once you learned the tracks, though, it was a quirky and enjoyable experience. Adding to the atmosphere was the fantastic intro song, “My Superstar” by Kemopetrol, which was brand new at the time and perfectly captured the game’s vibe.

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2025-11-07 02:40