Games for mobile devices come in a wide range of styles. While many are effective ‘ports’ (or copies) from more mainstream gaming platforms, shrunken down to match small screens, lots are invented especially for PDAs and feature gameplay elements and features which really make the most of what small devices have to offer.

Bejeweled 2 is one such game. Built specifically for Pocket PCs and PalmOS PDAs, this impressive game features outstanding gameplay, beautiful graphics and guaranteed stability, even on slower devices. The object of Bejeweled 2 is simple. Swap neighboring jewels to create lines of three which are then eliminated, only to be replaced by the jewels above them. Wisely avoiding a complex gameplay style, all operations are performed with the stylus (a far better control method than the joystick on Pocket PCs).

When you start a game of Bejeweled 2, you’re given brief instructions and reminders for how to obtain your goal. If you’re stuck and can’t find any jewels to swap, Bejeweled 2 will notice and after several seconds of inactivity it gives you a small prompt as to which jewel you should try swapping. This feature is perfect for beginners and can be easily switched off from the main menu.

Bejeweled 2 offers four distinct game modes, each of which is playable in the excellent trial version we used for this review. ‘Classic’ and ‘Action’ modes are similar, except that ‘Action’ play includes a dynamic time-bar which you have to keep from running out. ‘Puzzle’ mode offers a series of increasingly difficult set-piece puzzles which you have to complete in order to unlock higher levels. ‘Endless’ mode is, as the name eloquently suggests, Bejeweled 2 without end: with no target or time limit, this is perfect for players who are looking for a couple of minutes’ game time. Bejeweled 2 also features a screensaver which can be set to display a series of the stunning game backgrounds, along with time and battery data.

While Bejeweled 2’s gameplay is excellent, its graphics are the key to what makes this game really enjoyable. From the already mentioned background images to special effects on individual jewels, Bejeweled 2 has been designed to constantly impress. Rich sound effects and a tuneful soundtrack make the experience complete. Graphics, sound and music can all be controlled from the Options menu, but we found that the more intensive settings didn’t cause any problems on slower test devices.

Bejeweled 2 is, if you like, that rare gem of PDA games. Original, stylishly designed, easy to pick up and highly addictive, it will enchant beginners and keep more experienced players entertained for weeks and months. If you have one game on your Pocket PC, let it be Bejeweled 2!

Download Bejeweled 2 1.30 in Softonic

It's that time of the year again when the rain sets in and going outdoors becomes less and less appealing. Instead of sitting there reading reviews of mobile software why not install play some board games to pass the time in a fun way? Whether you're alone or with company the collection of titles in this handy package will keep you amused for hours.

The pack includes a number of classic favourites, such as Chess, Checkers, Backgammon, Reversi, Tic-Tac-Toe and Ludo. There are a couple of more unique games in there too in the shape of Snakes and Ladders, and Nine Men's Morris. There are lots of customisable settings included in this pack and you can define the difficulty of each game on an individual basis. Each of the board games also includes an all-important two player option.

With well-rendered graphics and a raft of options, Astraware Boardgames leaves you no excuse for getting bored and fed up on those rainy winter days.

Download Astraware Boardgames 1.08 (SP) in Softonic

If you've grown tired of playing Tetris, how do you reignite your passion for block-based puzzle games? Well, installing Hexic is a good start.

Hexic is a Windows Mobile game based on the match-three genre devised by legendary Tetris designer Alexey Pajitnov. The principle of Hexic is very simple - you just need to rotate clusters of three hexes in order to build a group of three or more of the same-colored pieces.

Despite its straightforward concept, Hexic becomes very challenging and there are lots of added twists and obstacles to make things even more difficult. There are three different game modes: Marathon, Timed and Survival, and each is highly addictive and the kind of thing that you can happily spend a few hours playing without getting bored.

The graphics in Hexic are simple yet clear and colorful. The background music gets a little irritating after a while. Thankfully you can adjust this though in the game's settings menu, which also includes options for tweaking controls, and a choice of three difficulty levels.

Hexic is the perfect game to fire up if you ever find yourself with a couple of hours to kill in an airport lounge or on a train platform.

Download Hexic 1.02 in Softonic

If you're a big pinball fan but can't be bothered to drag yourself down to the local arcade, it might be worth installing Pinball Evolution on your Pocket PC.

Pinball Evolution is a fab looking pinball sim for your mobile, which plays almost like the real thing. The game includes three different table layouts - a ship, a factory and, my personal favorite, a motocross course. Each is lovingly rendered in great detail with superb sound effects and background noises.

If you're into pinball in a big way then you'll be pleased to hear that Pinball Evolution includes multi-flippers and multi-ball support, along with power-ups such as multipliers, bumper attacks and points busters. There's even a multi-directional table-tilting feature built into the game.

Pinball Evolution is fairly customizable too - you can tweak the graphics and sound settings, as well as defining your own control keys.

It's great fun to play and looks great, I just wish Pinball Evolution had a few more table designs.

Download Pinball Evolution 1.1 in Softonic

Dreamway is a top-view arcade racing game with cartoony graphics, console look and feel. Come take an exciting mid-world adventure for true challenge seekers and natural-born drivers. Step on it! Bustle through a gang of cheeky tricky opponents to leave everyone behind. Designed for use on high-resolution color screens. Game is certified for Tapwave Zodiac.

Dreamway Features:

• 7 stunning tracks to race on, including Bank Plaza, Miracle Forest, Asteroids, etc.
• 3 difficulty levels: Easy, Medium, Hard
• 12 bonuses, including punishing thunderbolt, temporator, and spike shield
• 7 original cars of individual tech specs
• Customizable button controls and easy stylus input
• Advanced options and tune ups
• Record logbook, highscores and enclyclopedia of bonuses
• Enhanced HiRes and widescreen support

Download Dreamway 1.5.2 in Softonic

If you're a bit of a motor-head then perhaps you should give the Carbone Theme a try.

Carbone Theme changes the styling of the home screen on your Windows Mobile Smartphone to mirror a sports car's dashboard. After installing both the Carbone theme file and the digital clock file, a new background will appear on your phone.

The main image consists of a large clock designed like a speedometer with three smaller dials at the side, giving you access to information such as new SMS messages and missed calls. The graphics themselves aren't rendered particularly well and the Carbone Theme does look distinctly like a home-made effort rather than a well-oiled machine.

However, if you like cars then the Carbone Theme is sure to please.

Download Carbone Theme 1.00 in Softonic

The Kamasutra taught us that reproduction can be fun and has been helping couples enjoy rich and rewarding sex lives for many years.

If you want to ignite the flames of passion in your relationship you could do worse than to install Best Kamasutra on your mobile. The application contains a guide to more than 600 different sexual positions designed to get your pulse racing.

The positions are divided neatly into categories, which appear on the opening screen of the program. From here you can choose to view all the positions, or just those from a particular kind of position, such as man on top, woman on top, standing, table, chair, aquatic, and lots more.

Each position is represented in the form of a black and white drawing of a couple assuming that act. However, the drawings are quite basic and it's often difficult to work out exactly what's going on in the picture. Some of the positions are quite similar to each other, so telling them apart from each other can be tricky at times. What's more, there are no text descriptions to accompany each of the pictures.

You can scroll through the images using the left and right buttons on your handset and if there's one that you particularly like you can add it to your Favorites for quicker reference next time.

Although the images in this guide are not very detailed, Best Kamasutra still makes for a great way of spicing up your sex life. Best of all, you can keep it to hand at all times, so it's ready whenever the mood takes you!

Download Best Kamasutra 1.00 in Softonic

Kevtris takes the format of the original Tetris game and presents it in a unique way. Most PDA or phone-based block-builders only allow you to play the standard game format. However, Kevtris takes things a stage further by offering a selection of different game modes.

So, besides classic mode, you also get: 'Wacky Blocks', in which there are some interesting new block shapes; 'Slider', where you can slide a whole row or column of blocks left and right and up and down; 'Wacky Slider', which is a combination of these first two; plus a 'Custom' menu where you can configure a game just how you like.

Everything about Kevtris is professionally and stylishly presented, from the elegant menus, through to the to the subtle sound effects and gorgeous backgrounds. The only thing it really lacks is a musical score. Kevtris is also available for Windows Mobile Pocket PC devices.

Kevtris is without doubt one of the most well-presented Windows Mobile Tetris games out there.

Download Kevtris 2.0 in Softonic

In the time before realistic racing videogames and arcade simulators the best way to experience the buzz of driving a fast car around a track was to get a Scalextric set.

I have fond memories of creating elaborate plastic tracks in my bedroom then racing my pals for hours on end.

The game sees you take control of a tiny slot car and pit your wits against the computer. The beauty of this one is that if you don't have to keep getting up to pick up your car when it spins off the track!

It takes a lot of practice to be able to complete a lap without flying off on a curve. This is where the game fails somewhat though. Because your oppponent's car rarely comes off the track and has built-in AI to make it speed up if you overtake it, it's virtually impossible to win a race, even on the easiest difficulty setting - something I found very frustrating indeed.

There's even a track editor for you to design your own courses. The graphics are smart but get a little boring after a while, because the backgrounds rarely change.

Download Slot Car Racer 1.0 in Softonic

I'm not sure about you, but I have loads of audio and video files lurking on my phone but they're in a bit of a jumbled mess. As a result, it can sometimes be difficult to find something I want to watch or listen to. Media Map is designed to change all that, providing you with an innovative way of accessing multimedia files, by displaying a graphical list of all the contents stored in your memory.

The software is based around a system of searches with predefined fields and keywords, meaning that to locate a file you only need select a field or a keyword. For instance, if you want to find all the podcasts stored on your handset you only need to select 'General', then 'Podcast' as a keyword. Media Map will then automatically display all of these files on screen.

The program, which supports all memory cards, lets you assign new keywords in each default section and allows you to create playlists based on search results. There's even a function for hooking up to a media server via Wi-Fi, if you have the right capabilities.

With a tag cloud-style interface, Media Map represents a quick way of accessing media files in an innovative user environment.

Download Media Map 1.1 (SP) in Softonic

Bowling for Burgers is a great bowling game with a bit of a difference, as well as slick graphics and simple gameplay it has a great story which makes the action much more fun.

You must compete against champion bowlers in the Annual Bowling for Burgers Tournament. However, you are not actually bowling for burgers, as the title suggests, instead the competition is played between the 'hippest' burger joints in the land.

Click through the opening story to find out just who you're playing against, alter the sound options if you need to and then get on and bowl that ball.

The controls are simple, you just need to drag the ball to get it spinning, but it is difficult to judge ther speed. I've had too many rolls that have stopped halfway down the alley.

Download PDAmill - Bowling for Burgers 1.1 in Softonic

The older gamers among you, especially Commodore fans of which I proudly name myself one, will instantly recognise Rocks'n'Diamonds as almost a tribute to such classics as Boulder Dash and Emerald Mine. And you'll be glad to know the action is virtually the same. The only difference being that the precious jewels in these mines are diamonds as well as emeralds.

The graphics lend themselves to those halcyon days and the gameplay is very similar to the old keyboard and joystick jerk that I know I used to enjoy so much. As soon as you collect enough shimmering stones the door of the mine opens to the next level. However, it's not so simple. You must also avoid the mining monsters and beat the clock. One great addition here, is that by using the editing tool you can create your very own levels. This might be better for the more patient, if not technical, among you as it takes a little time. But the results are great and you can of course make each level as simple or difficult as you like. There are already over 10,000 levels available, so if you don't fancy yourself as a designer don't worry.

Download Rocks'n'Diamonds - RoNDi 3.1.0 in Softonic

3D Chopper Fight is a bedroom adventure with a serious edge. Take to the skies as part of a fighter team of two with the mission of grounding the enemy. The graphics are great in this one and it has more of a feel of MicroMachines with oversized furniture. The sound is just like a rotor blade swooping overhead and the controls are easy.

Perhaps because it is a trial version this feels a little held back. You fire at enemy choppers with a simple machine gun. And that's it, there are no other weapons. Flying is simple and the helicopter glides and turns smoothly but when you get near the bad guys it's extremely difficult to shoot at the target, and there's no option to lock-on which would have been nice. Check it out and see what you think.

Download 3D Chopper Fight 1.1 in Softonic

If like me you get tired scrolling through three quarters of the icons on your mobile's menu just to get to the ones you actually use then V2R Active might be for you. It arranges all your most wanted applications into a quick scroll menu bar across the width of your phone with nice, clear graphics.

Once downloaded you can navigate through the new menu using the D-Pad, joystick, stylus or even your finger. Clicking or tapping a selected icon opens the submenu or assigned application. The icons come in three eye-catching and colourful themes and make a great addition for your handheld

Download V2R Active UI 1.0 (SP) in Softonic

Chase those winter blues away with this happy theme. The Make Me Smile theme combines the classic smiley face graphic with light, bright and uplifiting colors. The cute design, which includes icons and menu backgrounds, should bring a smile from even the grumpiest colleague or friend.

Whether from from generation MSN or acid-house, you should love this cheerful theme.

Download Make Me Smile in Softonic

Score a Strike with Bowling Master! This is a very entertaining ten pin bowling game specially designed for your Nokia Series 60 cellphone. The game features awesome graphics and one-button gameplay to make your gaming experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Some of Bowling Master's features include:

• One-button gameplay: relax and use only one button to play the game
• Great graphics
• 4 lanes to play
• Funny animations for strikes, spares, misses
• True bowling physics

If it's realistic bowling fun you're looking for, then look no further. Now you're only ever one button away from a complete bowling experience!

Download Bowling Master 1.1 in Softonic

Sky Force offers classic gameplay elements wrapped up in a gorgeous design, including textured 3D elements, gorgeous explosions and an advanced particle system – making it a very attractive mobile game.

Sky Force's gameplay will be immediately familiar to anyone who played arcade or console games a decade ago. The landscape scrolls away beneath you, giving the impression of flying at high speed while you take charge of your ship, barreling from side to side and nipping forward and backwards, all the time facing an onslaught of hundreds of enemy vehicles, ships and gun emplacements. All of these have a single target: you! This is tried-and-tested scenario employed by Sky Force allows for development of your own game style.

The sound effects and music in Sky Force are a little on the basic side, but respectable enough that they're not a drawback from the main feature: the graphics. Every device we tested this game on responded well to the graphically intense design. Infinite Dreams' benchmarking tool, which tests the capabilities of your phone, Palm or Pocket PC before play, is a good addition that helps ensure that the Sky Force's graphics are tailored to your device's capabilities. This is a feature that other mobile developers would do well to implement.

While the Palm and Pocket PC versions of Sky Force both feature excellent stylus-based control, handling the game is easy on all platforms, especially if you make use of the awesome 'autofire' option… whatever anyone says, it’s not cheating!

Sky Force offers a high level of enjoyment on a wide range of devices and doesn't compromise on graphical quality just because it’s running on a small screen. In all, it’s a fun and well designed game which we highly recommend.

Download Sky Force 1.2 in Softonic