Publisher: Ubisoft
Ages:
five and up.
Family
Rating:
Parental
Advisory:
None
A decent car race game for the Nintendo DS, Ubisoft's Asphalt: Urban GT has little that's original, and it doesn't make all that great use of the DS' dual screens. It's simply an adequate race car game.
To start, there are the cars. The game offers a good selection of virtual cars to drive that include: the Audi TT Roadster 3.2 quattro, Chevrolet Corvette C6, Ford GT, Lamborghini Gallardo, Lamborghini Murciélago R-GT, Lotus Exige, Saleen S7, Nissan Skyline GT-R and TVR Sagaris. Each car has its own handling characteristics and can be customized, and all come with a tank of nitroglycerine to give players a powerful boost during races.
The eight tracks are inspired by actual places and feature elevations to gain air as well as tunnels. Races occur in big cities such as New York, Paris, Tokyo and London, as well as over various terrain. During races, the game displays the driving action in the top screen and a map below. Players will find their race opponents to be aggressive and competitive.
Controls are intuitive and easy learn so almost anyone can play right away. Graphics are well done and create a good sensation of speed. While the game offers multi-play across DS wireless connections, unfortunately, each player has to own a version of the game. While Asphalt: Urban GT won't blow players over with exceptional game play, it's a solid racer that provides lots of non-violent entertainment.
2/4/05 www.daytrum.com Editorial Staff
