The clock is ticking...

CTU agent Jack Bauer is back in action - this time with the help of mobile gamers, as I-Play launches the first ever mobile game based on Fox Network's cult television series, 24.

I-Play secured an exclusive worldwide, multi-year licensing deal with Fox Mobile Entertainment, a division of Twentieth Century Fox, for the creation, development and publishing of mobile games and content based on the hit television series, which includes games, wallpapers, icons, ringtones and additional content.

Timed to coincide with the fifth series, the first mobile game has been specifically designed to capture the intensity and time-critical nature of the show, and the 24-hour clock begins to countdown as soon as players begin their wireless game.

Rather than opting for a straightforward 'run and gun' mobile game, I-Play has carefully crafted a series of intense mini-games, some of which are linked and will need to be solved in succession in order to piece together the truth and counter a nuclear attack.

"We knew that 24's spectacular combination of action, suspense and intrigue would be ideally suited to wireless gaming" commented Leighton Webb, VP for Wireless Marketing at Fox Mobile Entertainment. "We feel confident that I-Play will create a mobile gaming experience every bit as compelling and addictive as 24 the television series is for its audience around the world."

The game sees players working with Counter Terrorist Unit agents to complete the missions as quickly as possible and avoid a global disaster. From bomb diffusal and code decryption to infiltrating terrorist hideouts to disabling laser security systems, each piece of the puzzle calls for different skills, and every second counts as the clock continues ticking.

I-Play has worked closely with the show's creators to develop the storyline, and believes that the mobile game - which is the first of several games planned for the franchise - will perfectly capture the feel of the show and provide fans with a brand new way of interacting with their favourite characters.

24: The mobile game is available for a wide range of Java-enabled handsets, directly from I-Play's website and through major mobile carriers worldwide.

Find out more about the game's development in our interview with I-Play's Jonathan Kromrey, producer on 24: The Mobile Game.