Microsoft’s E3 keynote presentation may have left Windows Phone cold in the dust, but that doesn’t mean the company has completely neglected their mobile platform at the event. They’re showing off several new Xbox Live games and a few that were previously announced but haven’t been mentioned in a while.
Head past the jump for screens and details on all 7 upcoming titles.
Beards and Beaks: In this action-strategy title, murders of cute but evil crows are invading peaceful Gnome Town to rob it of its riches. It’s up to the player to command an army of gnomes by flicking them all over the screen. Collecting mushrooms allows the player to unleash special powers. Beards and Beaks looks like a potentially addictive game with its simple controls and charmingly unique art style. It’s also apparently the first Windows Phone game to be developed and produced by Microsoft Game Studios. Guess Crackdown: Project Sunburst doesn’t count.
Hasta la Muerte: A Windows Phone exclusive from French developer Pohlm Studio, Hasta la Muerte places gamers in control of one of death’s emissaries. The emissary must free the souls of the dead in order to prevent them from becoming cursed lost souls. He won’t go it alone as friendly souls called Soulpets offers assistance. Hasta la Muerte features over 30 levels, boss battles, and a stark European art style that’s unlike anything else on the platform.
Let's Golf 2: Gameloft’s excellent iPhone golf game comes to Windows Phone. It boasts 3D graphics, 8 golfers with unique super moves, and a whopping 108 holes spread across 6 courses. A lengthy career mode and various challenges will keep gamers plenty busy. It’s good to see Gameloft finally bringing a higher-caliber title to Microsoft’s mobile platform.
Splinter Cell Conviction: Another Gameloft title, Conviction was announced prior to the Windows Phone launch and then disappeared off the radar. This title provides a surprisingly faithful rendition of the Splinter Cell series, with great 3D graphics and stealth game play. The Mark and Kill allows players to select multiple targets and perform instant kills on them. This is definitely a game to look forward to, but don’t be surprised if it costs $6.99 at launch.
Tentacles: A Windows Phone exclusive top-down platformer from Press Play. Tentacles contains over 40 levels, boss fights, and a wry sense of humor. For more details, read our Press Play interview.
Top Gun: Paramount’s iPhone hit makes its Windows Phone debut. A flight game based on the classic arcade game Afterburner, Top Gun uses the accelerometer for steering. On-screen danger zones depict oncoming fire; players are rewarded for staying in the zones until the last possible second. The story takes place after the original movie and the game includes lots of Top Gun touches, including the movie theme and “Danger Zone.” Even if you don’t care about the movie, Top Gun still looks like a fun and easy to play flight game.
Z0MB1ES (on teh phone): Ska Studios’ 2009 top-down shooter I MAED A GAM3 W1TH Z0MBIES 1N IT!!!1 is one of the top-selling Xbox 360 indie games of all time. The Windows Phone version game now includes three distinct modes: I MAED A GAM3 W1TH Z0MBIES 1N IT!!!1, the all-new Time Viking, and ENDL3SS Z0MB1ES. A new feature called Mega Games Creator 2000 that maps faces from the phone's photo library to enemies and the original Z0MB1ES theme song (so popular it showed up in Rock Band) round out the package.
