In a nutshell:

A scrolling space shoot ‘em up, made extra special by N-Gage’s graphical grunt.

What’s it good for?

Ogling N-Gage’s superior graphics, even if the gameplay’s a bit on the boring side.

Judgement time…

Space-based shoot ‘em ups have been around since the 80s, and are more common on mobiles than numbered buttons. Still, this N-Gage version brings something few others manage: console quality graphics, and enough action to keep Schwarzenegger busy for a year.

It’s not all good news though. Space Impact Kappa Base falls into the same trap of most mobile games by complicating matters with a weak-as-water storyline. Its completely unnecessary, as the characters have little to do with the game’s actual purpose: all out battles through vertically-scrolling space.

Ignore the pre-mission chatter, however, and you’ll find plenty to keep your thumbs busy here. Neat extras like wing men, and the ability to re-fuel weapons by ‘grazing’ against energy sources provide a neat approach not found in many shooters. There’s also the ability to hook up with other players through the N-Gage service.

But the fact remains: the format of the scrolling shoot ‘em ups is one of the oldest around, and overall Space Impact Kappa Base does little to update it. If you’re desperate for the best in mobile graphics, then check it out, but in terms of gameplay, you’ll find the same in numerous titles elsewhere.