Something a Little Different

I know that this is (will be) a very Xbox-centered review blog, but I felt like doing something a little different. So, today I am writing about an iPhone/iPod Touch game that I've been playing for a while.

The game is called Asphalt 5, and it's a quick little racing game that boasts a considerable library of cars and locations, and easily the best graphics that I have seen on the device.

It's a full 3D game, and is well modeled and textured, with an easy to read and use HUD and menu design. It feels very polished and controls very well. The game supports online multiplayer, though I haven't tried it yet, and races often include police chases, including a few cops-and-robbers game modes.

As for the gameplay itself, Asphalt 5 plays very much like a Ridge Racer game, with less emphasis on drifting through corners. The boost system forces the player to hold on to their boost and use it when they can gain the largest advantage, adding a layer of strategy to the game. Points are awarded generously through a flashy graphic and are converted into cash, which the player is hardly ever low on and can be used to purchase and upgrade the various cars.

Since it is both mobile, and full 3D, battery drain is a concern, though the game seems not to use too much juice. The battery won't last for more than a few hours, but waiting for an appointment or class to start shouldn't cause any problems. That said, playing the match online will drain the battery faster, but as I said before, I haven't tried the game online yet.

Over all, the game is a very well-polished iPhone racer that has a good set of features that makes it worth the $4.99 USD.