Recently, two ‘big’ space racers were released: Low Grav Racer 2 and Speed Forge Extreme. The first was anticipated due to it’s being the sequel to the popular Low Grav Racer 1, and the latter due to it’s advanced graphics (and because it was released by Chillingo).

However, they weren’t the only space racers to have been released recently. Future Racer is a fun arcade space racer made by Assyria Game Studio. Their first app, Bloodstream Raiders, was in my opinion, a pretty dull game. Future Racer however, is completely different.

Future Racer uses the popular tilt control system, which works really well. The thing that really sets apart future racer from the other space racers is the drift technique. While all other space racing games have precise turning, all the spacecrafts in Future Racer automatically drift when turning, making the driving experience a very unique one. To truly master the game, you must first master the drift technique, which isn’t extremely hard.

The background music in this game works well, as it has a techno, beat heavy soundtrack for every track, which fits the game really well. The sound effects, however, are another thing.  There is a sound effect whenever you pick up one of the two different pickups: speed boost and time decrease which knocks off a few seconds from your end time. There is however no craft sounds whatsoever! This is somewhat disappointing as much of the atmosphere in a racing game is created by the sound the vehicles generate.

The graphics in this game are not perfect, but they do the job. The different crafts all look very different and the same could be said about the tracks you race on. There is however, on crucial problem with the graphics. Due to lack of contrast in the colors of the tracks, it can often be quite difficult to determine which direction the next turn is.

Overall, Future Racer is a fun arcade racing game and it could easily please the casual gamer, though hardcore racing gamers might be disappointed due to lack of difficulty. However, the game uses the Agon system so hardcore gamers might like to try to get the shortest time. Although it only has six spacecrafts and tracks, the app is well worth the cheap price asked.

Ratings

Controls-5/5
Graphics- 3.5/5
Sound- 4/5
Fun factor- 5/5
Value- 4.5/5

Overall rating 4.5/5 (great game, but graphics aren’t perfect)

Future Racer on the App Store.