Asphalt: Urban GT

"Really Good Racing Game"

This was one of my first DS games, and it did a really good job of showing what the DS was capable of doing. This game had lots of available cars for purchase, good controls, and lots of levels. This game also featured a " Play as the Cop" mode, rather similar to the Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit series. I have not played any of the other racing games available on the DS, but it would take a lot to hold up to this.

Gameplay 9/10 : There are 6 styles of gameplay. Evolution, Instant Play, Road Challenge, Free Race, Time Attack and Cop Chase. In, Evolution you purchase, race and sell cars. Kind of like a story mode. Instant Play just means that every option will be chosen at random and you will go immediately into the race. In Road Challenge, you will compete in five races. If you finish in the top three for all of the races, you will unlock a new car racing category. In Free Race, you simply race against competitors and avoid traffic. In Time Attack, you race against the clock and try for the fastest lap, and in Cop Chase, you chase seven cars, and you must lock your radar on them for three seconds to eliminate them.

Controls 9/10 : The controls for this game are simply excellent. The only problem was taking your thumb off of the acceleration button to use the boost. But, eventually you will figure out how to not have to do this.

Sound 7/10 : The sound effects are rather monotonous, because all of the cars make the SAME sounds. The music at the menus is kind of like elevator music, so the sound is where this game certainly needs help.

Graphics 10/10 : Wow. These are the best graphics I have ever seen on a handheld. The DS is capable of about N64 style graphics, but these guys went beyond. This really pushed the limits of what the DS was capable of.

Story 7/10 : Ummm... Its a racing game. No story. But, the Evolution mode promises hours of gameplay.

Overall 8/10 : This game turns out to be a solid title for the DS. If there is any place you can find that rents DS games, don't bother, this game is certainly worth a buy.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 06/21/05