14 DAY TRIAL // Nokia announced that D3Publisher, a famous console and casual games publisher from Japan, is developing Java games using Nokia's SNAP Mobile platform. The first title to benefit from the SNAP Mobile platform is Earth Defense Force, a hit game of the Japanese developer, available at the moment on PlayStation 2 and Xbox. The mobile version of the game is to be released by the end of this year and will include special mobile features: players will be able to battle and aim for high scores while on-the-go, in an on-line community.
Antoine Doumenc, head of SNAP Mobile, said: "With over 400,000 units of Earth Defense Force for console platforms in Japan alone, it is evident that D3Publisher has managed to build a thriving gaming community - and that is by no means an easy feat. SNAP Mobile adds value to D3Publisher's already popular game by bringing connected functionality that captivates mobile users, which extends the human imagination in a way that keeps players involved in their virtual gaming worlds - even if it's through a smaller screen."
Earth Defense Force gives you the chance to defend the planet against hordes of alien invaders: giant insects, monsters and robots. A broad range of weapons like riffles, rocket launchers, grenades or flamethrowers will help you fight the attackers. The mobile version of Earth Defense Force will have special characteristics, including chat, instant messaging, friends list and high score.
"SNAP Mobile provides us with a carrier-grade platform that ensures a consistent mobile gaming experience for our dedicated fan base and expands the reach of our games to a global level through Nokia's distribution channels," said Yuji Konishi, Director and Vice President of Mobile & Network Business Division of D3Publisher. "After much consideration, SNAP Mobile emerged as the ideal partner that could take our established Earth Defense Force game and make it suitable yet entertaining for a wide selection of mobile devices, while still retaining the online features that our game players have come to enjoy."
Earth Defense Force, the mobile version, will be distributed on select Nokia handsets and will be available for download all over the world.