Let's load some games...

So the first thing I wanted to do after a synchronized some music on it was to put some games on it. Why not? The thing looks like a little Gameboy. And the manual says that it can run java programs, provided they use a specific set of libraries.

Unfortunately it's impossible to find anywhere that states what libraries were used to make their software and so you're going to be left with quite a bit of trial and error. And when you error you're going to have to reformat your unit. And when you reformat it you're going to lose the games that came with the system. Yes, that silly little solitaire peg game and poor arkanoid clone will likely be lost. Good riddance I say. Because once you start finding what cool games are out there you won't miss them.

Here's the bad news. As a game system the NPower Fusion Media Player is a bit lacking. Lemme list the cons of the system:

• Left often registers as up+left. (This may just be my unit)
• There's no number pad, and some java games expect it. (They're written for phones)
• There's no online, and some games want to download their content.
• The buttons could be mapped anywhere.
• Many programs don't know what to do with 320x240 resolution.

Those little things aside, there are still many games that the NPower Fusion can play.

You'll need both a JAR (Java ARchive) file and a JAD (Java Application Description) file and place both files on your unit's internal memory as prescribed by your manual. Then the first time you start up your games menu you'll see the games get installed, and once that process is done you can try them out.

Okay, here's my first big tip. If you find a game that offers a JAR download but not a JAD you can use JADMaker. Simply unzip the archive and drag the JAR file into the executable. The program does everything right, placing a new JAD file in the same directory JAR ready for upload.

If you find that the game either doesn't work or the quirks of the system (like left = up+left) keep the game from really being playable you can uninstall the games you've put on following the instructions in your manual. However, I've run into problems with this that I'll describe in a later post. So let me wrap up this post with a few links:

• JADMaker - Again, an excellent program in case all you can get is the JAR file.
• GetJAR - Stick with the generic games and you'll be okay.
• Mobile9 - Most of these games actually work, quirks aside, tho the sites descriptions lack somewhat.
• ClubMo - Loaded with ads, but they actually look like they do write ups on their games.