Air Hockey 3D, by Ellams
Software $8
Reviewed May 2002
The first thing I play when I go into an
arcade is air hockey. If you're like me, you'll be happy
to know that Air Hockey 3D brings that experience to your
Palm. Developed by Ellams Software, this 3D game has the
realistic feel of playing air hockey on a table. This game
has 12 challenging levels and four unique modes.
In one player mode, you play against the
computer. The first 5 levels are pretty easy, but after that
the AI (artificial intelligence) gets very smart. Your games
will get longer and longer as you gain levels. You can start
at any level you've won before.
In two-player mode, you and your friend
will share the Palm to make shots: you each get two buttons,
and simultaneously use the same Palm to control your paddles!
Though it's hard to get four fingers of two players going
on one handheld, the game makes it easier by turning the
table around or giving hints on whose turn it is, etc. Perhaps
this mode is for folks who want to get closer to each other. 
In the Block Break mode, you are playing
a Breakout game with your hockey puck. Even though there
are no power-ups like in a regular Breakout game, the hockey
puck will go faster as you hit more bricks. Once you're done
with all the bricks, you'll need to shoot the puck to the
goal to finish the level. With 12 layouts/levels of Breakout,
this is almost like another game within a game.
In the two player infrared mode, you can
link up with another Palm and play a friend. One of you will
need to initiate the game and off you go. Personally I think
this mode makes the experience very realistic, as you are
not playing a computer but a friend. You can choose your
usual arcade air hockey partner and save your quarters.
The 3D graphics are sharp in this game.
If you choose the fast speed in the game options you might
have trouble seeing the hockey puck in the higher levels.
Sound effects compliment the game, though there isn't much
in the way of sound effects. There is nothing in the game
will stand in the way of your enjoying the air hockey experience
in the palm of your hand. Game play is a lot more flexible
with many options in game speed and playing modes.
Playing Hints and Tips
Select the slow or medium game speed to start
the game. This will help you to get used to the puck movements and control
of the bat.
When you play the Block Break mode,
don't let the puck touch any part of the bottom rim, not
just the goal area. This works just like a Breakout game,
not an air hockey game.
Ratings (scale of 1 to 5):
| Graphics |
 |
Good graphics in 3D. Blurs in a
very high game speed. |
| Sound |
|
Good sound effects to compliment
the game, not big variety. |
| Fun Meter |
 |
Once you configure optimal speed
and modes, the game is very enjoyable. The realistic
feeling of batting the puck is awesome. In the higher
levels, you'll really need some good strategy to meet
the challenge. |
| Addictivity |
|
Replay value is high, since there
are at least 2 modes you would want to play in. The IR
mode will easily get all your friends involved in a game
of air hockey. |
|
