Classics games find new life on iPhone

— -- Old games never die — they're simply reborn on the iPhone.

Dozens of once-popular console, computer and arcade games are now playable on Apple's trendy smart phone, and take advantage of the device's signature features: touch-screen display, built-in accelerometer (motion sensor) and online connectivity.

Examples of refreshed classics include Sega's Super Monkey Ball, PopCap's Bejeweled 2, EA's Tetris, Laminar's X-Plane and Namco's Pac-Man.

Now, Maxis' award-winning city-building simulation, SimCity, and Namco's quirky I Love Katamari game are both available in pocket-sized form on the iPhone or iPod Touch. Here's a closer look at each.

SimCity(Electronic Arts; $9.99; 3.5 stars out of 5)

One of the most beloved simulations on the personal computer has made its way to the iPhone.

Created by legendary game designer Will Wright (The Sims, Spore), SimCity lets you assume the role of a mayor of a thriving metropolis, tasked with building and maintaining three separate but mutually dependent sectors: residential, industrial and commercial.

The goal? To make money, of course, while keeping your digital denizens happy.

This iPhone version lets you design, build and manage using your fingertip rather than a computer mouse. Touch, drag, tap, flick and pinch to build roads and streets, zoom in or out, and handle issues including traffic, recycling, power grids and natural disasters, such as tornadoes (or unnatural ones, including a UFO invasion).

SimCity offers a tutorial, starter cities and three difficulty modes.

Be forewarned, however, that many players have complained about technical glitches that can result in game crashes, but EA says it's working on an update to remedy these issues.

I Love Katamari(Namco Networks; $7.99; 4 stars out of 5)

If you haven't yet played any of the Katamari games — such as 2004's Katamari Damacy or 2007's Beautiful Katamari (Microsoft Xbox 360) — these cult favorites star an inch-high alien, the prince, who is sent to Earth to collect stuff for his dad, the King of All Cosmos, by rolling items into a sticky clump, or katamari.