Popeye goes mobile

Namco Networks announced plans to bring the classic arcade hit Popeye to mobile phones through a partnership with King Features. The game will resemble the classic Popeye game from the ’80s and will let players be Popeye on his quest to win back his sweetie while overcoming the antics of his rival Bluto. Collect the hearts, musical notes and cries of “H-E-L-P” that a captured Olive tosses down, while avoiding the Sea Hag’s bouncing skulls, Bluto’s punches and other dangers. True to the series, Popeye is “strong to the finich” if he gets his spinach, temporarily gaining the strength to go after Bluto and knock him off the screen.

Unlike other versions of the game, the mobile edition will also include bonus features, like networked components and an enhanced mode with additional game play, and cameos by other characters from the Popeye series.

Namco’s bet on nostalgic gamers could be a promising one. I’ll be one of the first buyers of the mobile Popeye game in fall 2007, when it comes available in the States… Well, blow me down!