Someone told me the best way to overcome your fears is to confront them. I wasn't ready to dip my head into a big bucket of spiders though, so I thought I'd try out this Windows Mobile game to improve my web-untangling skills without having to face a real-life arachnid.

When you first start out, TangledBugs seems a little complicated. You're faced with a tangled mess of spindles that you must unravel by moving around the bugs that each end is attached to. You can't move to the next level until none of the lines are crossing each other.

Once you've checked out the in-game demonstration it becomes easier to understand. You soon realise that when the lines turn green it means that they don't intersect another line, leaving you free to concentrate on untangling the rest of the web.

Of course, you could just sit there randomly moving the lines around until they all go green, but in the timed, sudden-death mode a little more logic is required in order to get out before it's too late. The graphics are pretty slick and being able to control the game using the touchscreen is a real boon, but ultimately I found the game gave be a headache because of the sheer complexity of some of the puzzles.

Nevertheless, TangledBugs is ideal for anyone who wants to keep their brain engaged on a long trip.

Download TangledBugs 1.36 in Softonic

I used to have hours of fun in the back of my dad's car with these slide puzzles. You know the ones. They're like jigsaw except all the pieces are already placed together, however they are in the wrong order and to rearrange them you need to slide each piece to its correct place.

This is easier said than done of course because sometimes to get one square just to the adjacent space can mean rearranging the whole game.

There are three levels of difficulty and a scoring system that counts your progress against the clock.

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 to 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 neighbouring 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 1.31 in Softonic

Install VirusChaser and a bug will be unleashed on your PDA, that no antivirus software can save you from. Instead you'll have to do the job yourself.

Don't panic, because VirusChaser is just a game, in which you need to prevent a green bug escaping from a network of tiles. To do this you need to block its way by creating barriers from green tiles. Just click on a tile to turn it green. The virus can only move one tile at a time, but you'll still need to be quick in order to block off its escape route before it reaches the end.

VirusChaser is a very simple timewaster-style game and they're isn't much too it really. There's no score, no levels and no variation in the gameplay. The only thing that changes between each game is the default positioning of the green tiles on the game board.

The graphics in VirusChaser aren't very elaborate either, but not let this minimalist approach put you off, because the game is still good fun to play and it's the sort of thing you'll want to play over and over.

If you're fed up of getting viruses all the time, VirusCatcher offers you a good way to exact your revenge.

Download VirusChaser 1.0 in Softonic

Shift makes for a refreshing break on Windows Mobile, with some innovative gameplay that will keep you hooked for ages. The game consists of a series of coloured blocks with faces on that you must match together in groups of three or more to clear them. The difference between this and games like Tetris is that all the blocks move as one big lump.

Shift makes full use of the touchscreen, allowing you to tap any of the four directional arrows to move the blocks in that way. I'll admit that, at first, it tried my patience somewhat, and I thought I'd never score more than a few points. With a bit of persistence though I was able to rack up combos and hit some seriously good scores (even if I do say so myself!) After that it would take a meteor (or, in reality, the fact I had to write a review about it) to get me off this one.

It can become somewhat repetitive but the inclusion of two difficulty levels and a high scores table adds to the longevity of Shift. You can also choose to show or hide the next bricks to test yourself even further.

This is an innovative puzzle game with colourful graphics that's perfect for those tedious bus journies. Just be careful you don't miss your stop!

Download Shift 1.06 in Softonic

Right, OK people who make games based on Tetris or Bejeweled, let's get one thing straight - this is not an original concept and people already have so many of these type of games to choose from on their mobile phone that you're just making things even more complicated. So stop. Now.

Well I guess it's too late to ask Relo Design, who have already developed and released this clone but I'll let them off because it's actually quite good. Hashira is basically Tetris with a Japanese twist. As with the original game, the object is to eliminate as many blocks as possible by joining them up, only this time it's based around matching colours rather than lines.

The graphics are beautifully rendered with some colourfully designed blocks and subtle background photos. You also get lots of options for customising your games, including options to enable or disable sounds, or change the controls.

Hashira is a nicely designed puzzle game that will amuse you for some time. Ultimately though it's just a rehashed Tetris, like so many mobile games these days. I only hope this will be the last of its kind I have to review. Somehow I doubt that.

Download Hashira in Softonic

When the Titanic sunk she took her treasures with her to the bottom of the sea. So it's about time we got them back, and guess what, it's your job to do it. Don't worry you don't even need to get wet. In this puzzle game you play the part of a diver dropped into the ocean to explore the great ship room by room. Each room is full of numerous objects, some valuable some not. For each mission you have a list of items to collect at the bottom of the screen. They're split in two columns so make sure you search for them all.

To send them up to the surface just click on the screen and watch them float up. They are so well hidden though which makes life extremely difficult. Objects range from baseballs through lizards to screwdivers and lifejackets. Also, because you are against the clock, you need to collect oxygen to keep you alive. The more you click on the screen the faster the time runs out so it's not good enough to just tap everywhere, although it was the only way I played in the end because I got a little frustrated. One great thing about Titanic is the music, it's eerie and really adds an extra dimension to the game.

Download Hidden Expedition: Titanic 1.00 in Softonic

Download Obulis 1.0 in Softonic

Download Pocket Sudoku 1.0 in Softonic

In the rush to get their stores built as quickly as possible, many supermarkets are now cutting corners when launching new outlets and using sub-standard materials, or sub-standard building crews.

I have many heard horror stories about car parks collapsing and floors subsiding and I've often wondered how I would react if I was trapped in such a grim situation.

Well now I know exactly how I would react, after playing RushHour on the Pocket PC.

The premise of the game is that you go to collect your car from the parking lot only to discover that the floor of it has completely collapsed.

In order to get your vehicle out you need to undertake 40 levels of tormenting puzzles, moving all the cars in the right order to get to yours.

Yep, the graphics are very basic to say the least. There's nothing in the way of sound effects either, so in terms of presentation RushHour is a bit of a car wreck.

Download Brain Gym 2 1.00 in Softonic

Dots takes me back to my Sixth Form years but back then we called it boxes so you might know it as that. The truth is I never got on that well with the people who played boxes in my college so I used to peer over their shoulder pretending I was too cool to play with my Spin Doctors t-shirt on and burning inside with teenage angst and jealousy.

They were difficult days. So I'm glad to see boxes, or Dots as it is called here, available for mobiles. Because the game is so simple it doesn't even need paper and pen.

The aim is to make boxes, which are then filled with a O if you are the player who seals the last edge to the square. However the tactic in this strategy game is to make sure your opponent (the computer) puts the third edge on each box so you can finish it and claim the point.

Then you get another go, and one box often leads to two or three or four. You'll get the hang of it. The problem is the computer is very good and halfway through each game you can work out that you've lost again.

Download Dots 1.0 in Softonic

Download Warehouse Manager (Pocket PC 24ox240) in Softonic

Mastermind has to be one of the all-time classic guessing games, and it makes for a great way to waste a bit time on a long journey.

In case you don't remember, the object of Mastermind is to try to discover your player's secret 'code', which is made of a sequence of four different colors. In order to make a guess you need to place your colored counters onto the board in the order you think they appear on your opponent's code.

Your computer opponent will then indicate whether you've got the colors in the right places by using a sequence of pins. You must guess your opponent's code within 8 moves or the game is over.

This all seems a little convoluted, and I guess it is, but that doesn't stop Mastermind from being a really addictive challenge. The graphics aren't particularly great and there's no two-player mode or any real game settings, other than the ability to add a couple of extra colors to the counter set.

Despite all of this, Mastermind remains a great test of your logic that you can play anywhere.

Download Mastermind 1.0 in Softonic

Install VirusChaser and a bug will be unleashed on your PDA, that no antivirus software can save you from. Instead you'll have to do the job yourself.

Don't panic, because VirusChaser is just a game, in which you need to prevent a green bug escaping from a network of tiles. To do this you need to block its way by creating barriers from green tiles. Just click on a tile to turn it green. The virus can only move one tile at a time, but you'll still need to be quick in order to block off its escape route before it reaches the end.

VirusChaser is a very simple timewaster-style game and they're isn't much too it really. There's no score, no levels and no variation in the gameplay. The only thing that changes between each game is the default positioning of the green tiles on the game board.

The graphics in VirusChaser aren't very elaborate either, but not let this minimalist approach put you off, because the game is still good fun to play and it's the sort of thing you'll want to play over and over.

If you're fed up of getting viruses all the time, VirusCatcher offers you a good way to exact your revenge.

Download VirusChaser 1.0 in Softonic

Puzzlic is a jigsaw game that you can take anywhere with you on your Pocket PC. The object of the game is to arrange a picture from a series of pieces within a given time. It sounds quite easy, but believe me - it's not.

Puzzlic starts with a picture that's displayed on screen for a few seconds. You must then use the pieces that are displayed at the bottom of the screen in order to assemble the picture. You can change the piece by clicking on the left and right buttons and add it to the picture by clicking on a blank square on the board.

The most challenging, and ultimately, the most frustrating, part of Puzzlic is that if you try to put a piece in the wrong place a couple of torpedoes are launched, firing outwards from the square your own and destroying any pieces that are in that row or column. It becomes quite sickening when you've almost completed the puzzle only to make a couple of errors and the whole thing is destroyed.

Puzzlic is certainly an interesting take on the jigsaw puzzle format. However, I'd liken trying to play Puzzlic to having a baby brother who thinks it's funny to come and bash up your puzzle just as you're putting the last piece in. Hence, I would've preferred a game where you're just playing against the clock, without the stupid torpedoes.

If you want something to challenge you on long journeys, Puzzlic will oblige. Most people will soon get annoyed by its difficulty though.

Download Puzzlic 1.01 in Softonic

I love a good logic puzzle but grow tired of playing the same kind of games all the time. That's why I enjoy testing new and original puzzlers like NE.

The game gives your brain cells a workout by charging you with the task of clearing a maze of numbered tiles. You start each level from a 'start' tile and must reach the 'goal' tile having cleared all the tiles on the board. The number you see on each tile show you how many times you must visit it in order to destroy it. Some tiles contain arrows, which only let you move in that direction. When you leave the arrow tile it will be destroyed. You'll also encounter pairs of teleportation tiles which send you from one to the other.

All this may sound a bit complicated but almost as soon as you start the first level of NE you'll figure it out. And once you get started you'll find it very difficult to put the game down. The first of the 30 levels are pretty easy but it soon becomes pretty perplexing and the challenge of figuring out the right route is very addictive.

NE is nicely presented apart from the music which repeats throughout the game. This looping soundtrack is so annoying and gets stuck in your head even after you've stopped playing (it's still playing in a constant loop in my brain as I write this).

If you're up for a bit of a logical challenge NE offers a teasing time filler for those boring bus journeys.

Download NE 1.02 in Softonic

Download BrainGym 1.2 in Softonic

Few would've thought that a game about packing boxes in a factory could become so popular. Sokoban, which is Japanese for 'warehouse keeper' became popular on gaming platforms of the 1980s and there are now loads of versions available, especially on mobile platforms.

SokoSave is one of the better versions of the game you'll come across. The freeware comes with lots of features and settings designed to make your experience of the puzzler all the more enjoyable.

For starters, there's a playback history feature which allows you to undo one or more moves. This is done simply by sliding the slider backwards - or forwards if you want to redo the move. The playback section also lets you jump to a particular move, and can even replay all of your moves in slow motion.

The game controls in SokoSave are a bit confusing at first as they work differently to other Sokoban clones I've played on Windows Mobile. Luckily though, you get to choose whether to use the touchscreen or directional buttons to move the boxes around - so you can find the best control method for you.

One thing I love about SokoSave is the degree of control it gives you over your game. Not only can you alter graphical elements such as animation, background, orientation, etc., but SokoSave also lets you choose which levels you want to play. This is great for if you get stuck as it means you don't have to complete a puzzle in order to move onto the next.

If you're a fan of Sokoban then I challenge you to find a better Windows Mobile version of the game than SokoSave.

Download SokoSave 345 in Softonic

PBA Bowling sees you come against real players from the Professional Bowler's Association as you fight it out on your mobile to be crowned king of the pins.

PBA Bowling is a pretty good effort at a bowling sim for Windows Mobile, and is one of the most realistic you'll find on the platform.

The control system used in PBA Bowling is a lot more natural than you'll find in most bowling games. You simply need to line up your ball using the directional buttons, choose your trajectory, then stop the curved power bar in the right place. If your mobile has a camera on board, you can even use the motion sensor support to bowl down the lane like you would on a Wii.

In terms of its presentation, PBA Bowling is second to none. The 3D in-game graphics are excellent and the sound effects are so realistic that you'll think you're actually at a bowling alley. What's more, there are so many different game modes (tournament, multi-player, Spare Challenge, single game), bowlers, locations and balls to choose from that it'll be a long time before you get bored of this one.

The only really annoying thing we found with PBA Bowling is that you can't skip through your computer opponent's turn, meaning you need to wait and watch each of its shots before you can take yours.

That minor point aside, PBA Bowling is probably the most polished bowling game you'll play on your Pocket PC.

Download PBA Bowling 1.0.9 in Softonic