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Category: Racing games
Developer: Assyria Game Studio
Requirements: iPhone OS 2.2.1 or later
Compatibility: iPhone and iPod touch
File Size: 76.5MB

What is it?

It’s a racing game…from the future!

How does it work?

Future Racer is exactly what you expect it to be from its title. Like futuristic racing games of the past, you’re piloting a zero gravity craft through wonderfully rendered race tracks that are as much fun to look at as they are to race through. Ship control is handled with the accelerometer. Too many developers rely on tilt controls for absolutely no reason, but it obviously makes perfect sense in a racing game. Tilt the phone left and right to turn, touch anywhere on the screen with one finger to accelerate. Touch with two fingers to use your boost power-up. That’s pretty much it, so you can pick this up and start racing right away.

There are only six ships and tracks to race (you have to unlock them, of course), but there’s quite a bit of variety amongst them. I expect you’ll be able to purchase more tracks before long. Each ship has its own strengths and weaknesses, as you’d expect, but I was surprised there’s no option to customize them. I’m okay with that, though…I’m not so into racing that I have any idea how certain tweaks will affect my game. Future Racer focuses solely on the racing, and it’s about time a racing game did.

I’m surprised, however, by the lack of multiplayer capabilities.

Visually, Future Racer looks like a game from the late ‘90s, and shouldn’t it? Graphics such as that are well suited to the iPhone, allowing colors and design to shine through, as opposed to texture and shading. Still, the field of vision is somewhat muddy in the distance, so it’ll take a few races before you’ll really feel comfortable with what’s ahead on any given track.

The techno soundtrack from Triptik (AAA is composing game music now?), adds that surge of adrenaline you want to get in a racing game.

Features

• Simple controls allow for quick gameplay.
• Fast, smooth action across a limited but varied collection of 3D tracks.
• Online leader boards.
• Focuses on speed and skill instead of combat.

App it Up, Sum it Up

Future Racer racer is fun, it’s fast, and it looks great. The lack of multiplayer racing seems shortsighted, but racing fans will have a blast with the single player action while it lasts. Six tracks isn’t a lot, but hopefully Assyria will add more either through free upgrades or through in-app purchases.

Cost - $0.99 (normally $1.99)
Worth the Money? - Get it now while it’s on sale.
Availability - Now, in the iTunes App Store