If ever there were a TV series that could be ported properly to the mobile format, it has to be 24. While being Fonzie as he jumped over a shark on water skis could make for a compelling argument, 24’s focus on using technology as a means to combat terrorism makes it an ideal candidate for a mobile game. Seriously, the characters on the show spend so much time on their cell phones that it’s a wonder that Motorola wasn’t nominated for an Emmy. While 24 does seem quite ideal for mobile phones, there are plenty of things that could’ve been severely botched in the process. Thankfully, 24 manages to be a very fun and engaging game that does a great job on its platform.

24 doesn’t put you in the shoes of Jack Bauer, or anyone else from the 24 universe, as you’d think. Instead, you play as a new recruit at CTU who co-ordinates with the folks from the show, interacting with Chloe, Jack, Curtis and others as you try to stop a new terrorist threat.

The gameplay in 24 borrows from several genres. You have driving missions where you must navigate a car through traffic, stealth missions where you guide an agent through a series of guards from one place to another while avoiding detection, encryption levels where you must decode phrase to solve terrorist messages, and so on. What makes the game so cool and compelling is that your coordination is all done through your phone itself, so whether you are guiding Curtis through a series of bad guys or trying to solve a puzzle, you're doing it all through your phone, which is a nice and immersive touch.

Completing missions warrants you bonus points, while losing will add minutes to your performance. As the show itself plays out in real-time over a 24-hour period, so time is very important. The game (while it can be completed in about an hour of gameplay), operates within the same constructs, albeit faster. Depending on how “quickly” you complete the game, you get special awards and badges upon completion.

The graphics in 24 aren’t that pretty but they do what they should. The “real” mini-games (where you are controlling a car or a character on the screen) all show the characters/vehicles through an altered view, either infrared or nightvision. This actually adds an extra element of realism and adds to the feel of the game nicely. The game doesn’t have any sound whatsoever.

24 plays extremely well on the mobile phone platform, and stands as a very competent game that stays true to its subject matter. Check it out if you’re a fan of the show. 

Gameplay: 8.5
More of a series of mini-games than a fleshed out action game, 24 works very well with its deep story to create compelling gameplay and a great sense of immersion.

Graphics: 8.0                                                                               
Graphically, 24 isn’t that pretty, but its “meat and potatoes” look does exactly what it should and never detracts from the experience.

Sound: N/A

Difficulty:  Medium

Concept: 9.0 
24 translates well to the mobile phone realm, rivaling most console games with licenses when it comes to making you feel like you’re really part of the show.

Overall: 8.5
24 plays extremely well on the mobile phone platform, and stands as a very competent game that stays true to its subject matter.