Racing Through: Asphalt 9 Review
Gameloft has a history of ruining some of their best titles in attempt to be quirky. We test the latest Asphalt 9 to see if it’s worth your time.
Asphalt 8 is arguably one of the best racing games ever created for mobile gaming. The success clear by the number of downloads that the game amassed on both iOS and Android. However, in a bid to come up with the next best thing, it seems that Gameloft has somehow managed to disturb the dynamics, the very essence that made the main titles of the Asphalt series a joy. First, let’s take a look at the good stuff.
Intelligent with fun elements
The visual elements are quintessential Gameloft — realistic with a hint of exaggeration to mark special events, crisp colours with adorable effects and textures. The shadows and the play of lights one encounters while playing the game on a device capable of extracting everything from the game is uncanny. On older devices, the decrease in visual quality is not drastic. The aural design, too, is surreal — the sound effects, and the music compliment the visuals of the game. Unlike earlier version, where players had the option to change the music that they wanted to listen to in-between races, it is not available with this iteration. Instead, players are stuck with the songs that the game decides to play. The only way to stop the music (in case one does not like it), is to turn the music off. Still, one cane find some songs stimulate a casual racing experience. But good is it, when you have a bonkers control mechanism?
Out of control
One of our biggest pet peeve with the game are the controls. Gameloft decided to implement Touch Drive in the game. While this abomination is on, players cannot control the car’s direction and steering in any manner. They can decide only the stunts and preferred routes. The system takes control of everything else. And if you think that turning Touch Drive off would give you the control back, you are in for a surprise. The controls are there for you to use, but every now and then, the sensitivity of the control resets itself to 50 per cent. Gameloft, will certainly fix this issue with an update, we are guessing.
The verdict
Keeping aside some of the questionable decisions taken while developing the game, it is still an Asphalt — it plays really well. Given the complexity of the single player campaigns that Gameloft has designed, you will be glued to this game, knocking down opponents as you race across some iconic cities.
We Wish…
…that the races would have been a little longer. Having said that, the chapters and the sub-parts have enough races to keep you occupied for months. Plus, there is the community of Asphalt racers, who are extremely competitive, and perhaps the most active online racing gamers. So, multiplayer sessions look promising.
At its initial release, Asphalt 8 too was plagued by certain ailments, which Gameloft not only took care of, but used as an opportunity to make some interesting changes in the gameplay. We wouldn’t be surprised if Asphalt 9: Legends is dealt with, in a similar manner.
YAY
Free to download and play
Great assortment of cars
Comprehensive Chapters and Stages
No advertisements
NAY
Internet connection needed to play single player campaigns
Card Packs to unlock cars
In-app purchases become a must to advance
Inability to change songs during races
Fuel system for cars
From the October 2018 issue of FHM India.
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