Nokia announces launch date of intergalactic alien adventure “Space Alliance”

Nokia, the leader in mobile communications, announced that in the first quarter of next year, hundreds of thousands of players can expect to be able to connect through "Space Alliance," a massively multi-player online game (MMOG) available on selected Java technology-enabled mobile phones through the Nokia SNAP Mobile service. Announced earlier this year at E3 as "Space Shooter," "Space Alliance" tasks humans with defending themselves from a massively coordinated alien attack. Gamers can go at it alone or build an online team of fellow pilots to destroy these vile creatures and save the human race.

"To really play upon the community aspect that accompanies all Nokia SNAP Mobile titles, we decided to pit gamers against the bad guys in 'Space Alliance,' rather than against each other," said Lisa Waits, head of Nokia SNAP Mobile. "By giving gamers the opportunity to form alliances, we're giving new meaning to the type of comraderie possible in massively multi-player arenas."

"Space Alliance," developed by Monkey Business, is a 3D space shooter game where players take part in a massively co-operative persistent online intergalactic war. Players work together to annihilate alien forces, construct new starbases and fighter factories, build automated defenses, and respond to other players' distress signals. A live moderator provides mid- to long-term strategy for the alien fleets, and can add new elements to a game in play to keep the players busy or to assist them. The moderator also maintains an online "blog" that includes information on the history of the galaxy, and what has taken place prior to the alien attack. Like other titles developed for Nokia SNAP Mobile, "Space Alliance" offers friends list and chat, but also includes score reporting, leader boards and community news boards.

"The game is action packed enough to be played solo, but working as a team offers gamers the sense they are contributing to the greater good," said Burt Sloane, 'Top Banana' at Monkey Business. "Think about it – we all love to cheer for the home team – so what better way to evoke that same emotion in a mobile game than to offer players the chance to join forces? If collaboration isn't the best definition of community gameplay, I'm not sure what is."

All of the online Java games created for the Nokia SNAP Mobile platform are supported by both Nokia and non-Nokia phones. Space Alliance is expected to be available in Q1 2006. To download screen shots and game information, go to www.extranet.n-gage.com. For more on the Nokia SNAP Mobile service, please visit www.snapmobile.nokia.com.