Today we’re going to review one of the hottest racing games for Apple’s iPhone. It all started back in 2008 with the launch of the app store, an interactive shop where you can download applications for the popular gadget. One of the first apps was from Gameloft called Asphalt 4. It was quickly agreed that this was the best racing title out there with licensed cars, great graphics and very addictive gameplay. Well now there’s a successor.
Gameplay
Asphalt 5 is Gameloft’s response to all racing titles released since their previous attempt. It features all the things we love to see in seconds including an updated graphics engine, more cars and even better gameplay. Lets start with that last one. Gameplay of Asphalt 5 remains pretty much the same. You are a racer at the bottom of the ladder with a car your grandmother has but slowly more exotic vehicles become available to you. You gain levels as you win events and that way new cars are unlocked. This is a very addictive system because you just want to keep playing until you get that one great car, probably the Ferrari.
You will also unlock girlfriends as you increase your level. These girls can give you bonuses like extra top speed, or more boost power. The girls are often linked as part of the exotic car scene and while I like the feature some may detest it. Also questionable is the fact that you will challenge greats like the Lamborghini gallardo in your first race when you only own the Mini cooper S. Even worse is the fact that the other cars have been artificially slowed down so that you can even beat that car right from the start. People may also hate the boost button. Hitting this will make just about every car hit 300km/h+ with no effort at all, definitely not what you’d call realistic. But for me I like this button because I know Asphalt 5 will provide me with great arcade gameplay and it does.
Asphalt 5 provides enough variation, the game features 30 cars, 12 tracks and 8 different ways of racing which includes: drift, time attack, escape, cop chase and a regular race. I really liked the different modes as it keeps things exciting but cop chase was way too hard. In this mode you must eliminate other drivers by pushing them to the barrier or hitting them from behind. Problem is that the other cars are often as fast or just slightly slower than you so catching them takes skill. And once you’re there actually eliminating them is even harder. Hitting them from the sides barely makes them move sideways and from behind only speed differences of 100+ km/h really makes impact. But the whole experience gets easier as you progress in the game and get access to those asphalt supercars which include the Ferrari FXX, Bugatti Veyron and the Audi R8.
Presentation
Gameloft is very popular in the iPhone scene with over 20 apps already released today. Asphalt 5 is one of their best titles to date with great graphics that will make you fall in love with your iPhone all over again. The cars all look like the real thing and they include those small details that are so important. But with that said the cars all have a slightly washed look to them. Tracks also share a washed look but it’s not too much of an issue. In the end the graphics are great for an iPhone but there’s room for improvement still.
Asphalt 5 is king when it comes to sound. The cars all sound quite differently, but probably not like the real thing. Engine sounds are there but it’s not as good as those ‘car sound’ applications that can be found in the app store. But asphalt 5 makes up for it by including an amazing music player. You can play music that came with the game, about 10+ tracks. But if you so wish you can also play your own music or even playlists you made. It’s simply great when you can listen to your favorite tunes while cruising along in you RUF supercar. Great job on the audio department Gameloft.
Conclusions
Asphalt 5 is a great arcade racers that will give you hours of fun. The gameplay is very addictive and the different modes are a lot of fun. But the graphics leave room for improvements and the arcaded approach to racing can spoil the experience for some.
4/5
Asphalt iPhone review