Absolute Zero

Absolute Zero is a modern update of the classic game Asteroids that can be downloaded to a cell phone, PDA, or other mobile device. It is really fun and does what games like these are supposed to do: It makes time fly by. After all, the reason you are playing on a mobile device is that you have some "down" time during the day. Playing Absolute Zero makes this down time just fly by (pardon the expression, it is a flying game.)

What are the differences between Absolute Zero and Asteroids. Well, first the graphics are nicer. In Asteroids, you just have three crude lines forming a triangle. This is supposed to be your spaceship. In Absolute Zero, your spaceship actually looks like a spaceship. You don't have to try that hard to imagine your ship flying through space blasting at asteroids.

Also, you have a double gun which gives you a slight edge in shooting. What is really different however is that the asteroids are no longer the main target. You have other ships going around trying to take shots at you. If you get hit you lose health. As you fire, you also lose ammo. Unlike Asteroids, there is no unlimited ammo available. Luckily, you can replenish both your health and your ammo.

To move your spaceship, just use the arrow-keys and watch your ship zip through space. The "Z" key turns on the tractor beam to pick up astronauts. The spacebar is what you need to press continuously to fire on enemies and asteroids. Asteroids will sometimes be hiding health packs or ammo. Run them over with your ship and you can reload and bring yourself back from near dead.

The gaming experience is both fun and challenging. Look, it's been thirty years since Asteroids was released. A new design every thirty years isn't so bad when you think of it.