Multiplayer games for your smartphone

Playing games on your mobile phone can get extremely addictive - we all know how wrapped up we got in the classic snake game on the old Nokia 3310 handsets. Brands started taking portable gaming a bit more seriously when they started launching mobile phones, and in came the Nokia N-Gage and games such as Pandemonium. This game became one of the first multiplayer games to be available for mobile phones. Since technology has evolved, smartphone technology has improved greatly and nowadays, smartphones can handle pretty heavy graphics as well, allowing one to play games that are almost on par with portable handheld gaming consoles, such as the PSP.

Gaming on handhelds is extremely addictive, but what can be a bit more fun than that? Well, having your friends join in on the fun in multiplayer games. To get you started, we have combined a list of some interesting games that you and your friends can enjoy.

Racing
Asphalt 7: Heat - iOS - $0.99, Android (Coming Soon)
One of the most highly anticipated racing games of 2012, Asphalt 7: Heat recently maneuvered its way on to the iTunes App Store. Building up on the huge success of Asphalt 6: Adrenaline, this year’s racing game from Gameloft comes with 60 different cars from the world’s best manufacturers, such as Ferrari, Lamborghini and Aston Martin, to name a few. Gameloft have taken several measures to improve the multiplayer gameplay as well, giving you the option to race against 5 of your friends locally using Wi-Fi or online. If you feel constricted by the size of your screen, then this racing game can also be viewed on an HDTV by streaming via AirPlay. If your friends are not into racing games, then worry not as the matchmaking system within the game will pit you against online opponents across the world.

Asphalt 7: Heat

Real Racing 2 - iOS - $0.99, Android- Free
This is one of the most exciting racing games to have graced smartphones. It is available for all iOS devices, which include a special HD version made for the iPad. What comes as better news is that Real Racing 2 is also available for Android devices at zero price for a test drive. If Windows Phone users are feeling left out of the action, then fear not as Real Racing 2 will be available for your handset as part of a collaboration between Nokia and Electronic Arts. This game features 30 licensed vehicles from manufacturers, such as BMW and Chevrolet, a great career mode that spans across 15 locations.

Action
Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 - iOS - $4.99
Capcom has a long list of titles available for smartphones and with this game, the developers have brought the thrill of this arcade game to the small screen. It is an arguable fact that this is one of the best fighting games of all times and Capcom have now brought a full-featured port to the iOS platform. The roster of the game is pretty intense, featuring characters from both Marvel and Capcom. For multiplayer gameplay, you can connect with other iPhone users via Bluetooth and fight against each other.

Marvel Vs. Capcom 2

Street Fighter IV Volt - iOS - $0.99
This is one of the most popular games of all times, so much so that this game has reached legendary status. Capcom have released an iOS version of the game and though it features a simple combo move system, it does have a lot of aspects of the console version thrown in. This game now comes with a Battle Network feature, where you can team up with your friends and enter the tournaments in the game on Battle Network. Another great feature for multiplayer gaming is Wi-Fi match and as for the characters, there are a total of 22 fighters to choose from.