Nokia N-Gage to get Konami games

Nokia is to add a range of titles from video game developer Konami to its N-Gage mobile games platform, including a mobile version of the popular Metal Gear Solid franchise.

The deal is a major boost for Nokia's N-Gage platform, which has stumbled in the past due to a lack of titles and support from well known developers.

"We are excited to see Konami tap into the performance and community features built into the N-Gage platform," said Gregg Sauter, director of third-party games publishing at Nokia.

"Metal Gear Solid on N-Gage will raise the bar with respect to graphical detail and made-for-mobile features. We look forward to the launch of this great franchise on N-Gage."

Konami claims that the high level of in-game graphics maintain the atmosphere of the Metal Gear Solid series and create a depth that completely draws the player into the game.

An in-game camouflage system uses colour samples from the scenery of the real world captured by the handset's camera. Moreover, additional controls are introduced that are made especially for mobile devices.

The new version of the classic game features original content that can only be found on the mobile platform.

"It is my sincere hope that global Nokia N-Gage users will experience the appeal of Metal Gear that has been brought to the mobile platform in the form of Metal Gear Solid Mobile," said Hideo Kojima, executive producer of Kojima Productions.

"I believe that this cooperation between Nokia and Konami will form the perfect match to share the vast potential of mobile entertainment content with users all around the world."

Metal Gear Solid Mobile has received top honours at the 2007 International Mobile Gaming Awards, taking the Grand Prix and Operator's Choice Awards.