While most game developers in the mobile gaming scene focus on a particular game/series/genre, Gameloft is one of those companies that can be considered as AAA on mobile. With games like N.O.V.A., Modern Combat and Dungeon Hunter, they’re pretty good. Now, I know that most of these games are rip-offs-Ahem. Inspired games, but there’s one particular game franchise that is surely worth playing- Asphalt. This arcade racing series existed since the Java era, and now, they are the true kings of racing genre. The best example? Asphalt 8: Airborne.THE PRESENTATION: Asphalt 8 sports a sleek graphics engine, with arcade physics, well-detailed car models, and beautiful scenery. The menus, settings, prompts, and the game HUD is really good. Sometimes, it can get a bit crowded sometimes, but nothing major. The game is well-polished, and it shows. There is a lot of work put in tge game, and this helps the game look, feel insanely great for a mobile device. Not to mention, the sound deaign and music is outstanding. The cars roar, the music blares, and you feel an adrenaline rush. In the presentation department, the game is airborne, pun intended.THE GAMEPLAY: With Airborne, Gameloft upped the ante with the gameplay the same way they did the graphics. While some of the systems from older games, along with older race modes do return, the feel of racing has become much better. The cars drift much smoother, the addition of flat and curve ramps give new and stylish ways to gain nitrous, and the locations give showcase great level design. The San Diego Harbor, which is one of the more difficult tracks, reminded me a lot of Split Second. I know, this seems like a rip-off, but it translates the gameplay well. Other tracks include Dubai, French Guiana, Barcelona, Venice, and more. The addition of bikes is fine, they handle similar to cars, yet are good for some extra fun. All this ensures that Asphalt 8 Airborne is the undisputed king of arcade racers.THE VERDICT: A8: Airborne is still a great game, and is the best way to experience great arcade racing. It’s spin-offs, Nitro and Extreme, are also good, but nothing beats the best. I just hope they don’t screw up Asphalt 9: Legends.
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