Asphalt: Urban GT

"A game worth picking up"

Introduction:

Upon the release of the DS, I knew I would get one ASAP. However, what small problem arose was that I found a general lack of decent launch games. I did as muc research as I could, and nothing was getting rave reviews, so I did find myself rather stuck.
What comes of this, is that out of everything, I chose to pick up Asphalt before anything else, and don't regret it.

Graphics:
9
--
This is the main hit of the game. The graphics in Asphalt are, with the exception of a few simple 2-D effects, quite good. No, they do not push the DS's capability, but they do hold up as N64 or better. The cars are usually very well done and the tracks are (for the most part) vivid enough to divert your attention. The are no real mistakes here, however it would have been nice to have seen less boxy cars ... Still, when it comes time to buy a body kit or two you'll be impressed.

Gameplay:
6
--
Plain and simple: 1 major hit, and 1 major miss. One of the best parts of the controls is that you can map any button to any function. Personally, I find the default setup great, but I will in time screw around with the buttons to try and increase the difficulty.
The real problem lies in the collisions. Sometimes you will find yourself in a head on collision where you just about gain speed where other times here are cars sitting in the middle of the road that stop you dead. It would be more tolerable were the ability to move around these 'dead cars' easier. Basically, if you keep in mind that you don't want to be hitting anything in the first place, you're fine ;)

Sound:
1
--
Alright ... I really have nothing against the sound, but in truth, I've played his game mostly without sound and it seems no different when I turn it on. The tracks are pretty short and do loop way too often (they don't switch mid-race either), and as everyone will comment on, every vehicle possesses he same engine sound. So, I give this a one mainly because the game could do much better with it's tunes, but as it is you can play fine without it.

DS-ness:
6
--
The game makes a rather pitiful use of the touch screen, which is fine since it's almost a port; it would have been nice to see some innovation though. The stereo sound offered does little considering the simple lack of pleasant audio provided, and as I said before, the graphics ARE good, but they don't push the DS.

Overall:
7
--
Asphalt: Urban GT has just enough embedded in itself to be above average. It has a good number of licensed cars, and 'evolution' (career) mode is fun and addictive. The only thing I find different than most reviews say, is that Asphalt is really easy. I've never finished a race less than 5th place, even when I started.
Even though it has it's flaws, I believe it is one of the better launch titles, capable or playing alongside SM64DS and Feel the Magic. It is also well priced (or at least it was when I made the purchase) being somewhere around 6 dollars less than most titles.

Rent/Buy:
A simple choice, where a racing fan will find enough enticing about the game to buy on the spot, and anyone else might want to give it a shot before buying (of course, it will suck to lose your progress).

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 01/03/05