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For the second year in a row, Viacom Consumer Products is sidestepping consoles - at least at first - and going straight for mobile phone platforms with a game based on a Tom Cruise film. It has inked a deal with Gameloft to create the mobile phone game built around Mission: Impossible III; due from 150 operators this may when the movie is released as well.

Another Paramount Pictures film, Cruise's War of the Worlds, was one of Gameloft's best-selling titles in 2005, CEO Michel Guillemot told Reuters. Cruise hasn't let his likeness or voice be used in a video game - mobile or console - based on one of his films yet, so the likelihood of players experiencing Mission: Impossible III's storyline through his visage as Special Agent Ethan Hunt is pretty slim.

This first of what is presumed to be several Mission: Impossible III game releases under a multi-year license between Gameloft and Viacom Consumer Products follows the basic plot of the film with 2D graphics.

"Gameloft has proven once again to be a very dedicated and dynamic partner," said Sandi Isaacs, VP, Interactive at Viacom Consumer Products. "Their unique and innovative approach to designing and developing games have established them as a premier mobile games developer. We are confident that Mission: Impossible III will provide a fun and entertaining gaming experience for fans and gamers alike."

Gameloft mostly releases original games, but has inked several tinseltown-themed deals with Hollywood. Recent games include Peter Jackson's King Kong from last fall and an upcoming mobile game based on Fox's TV show The O.C.

The last console game to come out based on the popular Tom Cruise spy and adventure franchise, Mission Impossible: Operation Surma , appeared in December 2003 from Atari.