GTS World Racing Review (iPhone)

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Palm247/WindowsMobile247/MoreMobile247

GTS World Racing was never a title I particularly liked on the Palm platform because I found it far too easy to play. It looked good, but the challenge and longevity were virtually non existent compared to the racing games I was used to. To see a new version released for the iPhone / iPod Touch caused a mild stir of excitement inside me, and probably only because Astraware is now involved in this new platform. Anyway, I paid the money for my copy and had a quick play on my iPhone- after a few minutes I realised that this version is very slightly different than before and that it requires more than a little bit of concentration to survive a lap at hard level and above. I skipped easy and normal because a few seconds with each made it clear that they were no good for me- I am not great with racing games, but only the blind will surely struggle with these levels?

I digress- the Apple version of GTS has proved to be my most played iPhone game so far and one which keeps me coming back for more. It is still too easy to pass cars, but on many tracks it is far from easy to stay on it and not let some of the cars overtake you in the blink of an eye. There are some corners that require some serious breaking and others that require pushing the acceleration to it's limit. When you go to fast, which involves tipping the iPhone forward, you are always in danger of pushing it too far and thus losing speed because the iPhone is too flat. You are warned when you are running too flat and even trying to race for long periods at just below 'flat' is not easy.

The number of laps in each race can be daunting so don't expect a couple of minute play on the harder levels- you will do best when you take the time to sit down and complete an entire race in one go. The graphics are stunning and add a lot to the gameplay, and the music soundtrack is also quite good. To be fair, the music is very good but when races take so long the background sounds can get rather repetitive.

GTS has enormous potential and some small tweaks could make it a truly great game, but in spite of that it still sits as the best mobile racing games I have played to date. The accelerometer adds a huge amount to the game play and is the first game I have played on the iPhone that is better than using hard buttone. Ignore the morons who constantly moan about any paid for application on the iPhone App Store- the retail price of £4.99 is excellent value and worth every penny.

More information at http://www.astraware.com/iphone/gtswr/.

11:00 on 21/8/2008 by Shaun

[gavinfabl]

It is possible with the iphone version to have your own music soundtrack playing instead of built in one.

[Neil]

Yes- under the Options menu, disable audio. Then, you just use the iPod functionality of the device.


I'll be writing up my thoughts on this over the weekend...

[Shaun McGill]

Really? OK- will get some Metallica fired up!

[Neil]

Okay- so what is the most suitable music to be listening to whilst playing this game?

[Aliscole]

Shameless plug:

http://www.astraware.com/company/blog.php?entry=99


I'd also like to add 'Dakota' by Stereophonics, which is one of my current favourite driving tunes.

Alison

[gavinfabl]

Originally Posted by Aliscole

Shameless plug:

http://www.astraware.com/company/blog.php?entry=99


I'd also like to add 'Dakota' by Stereophonics, which is one of my current favourite driving tunes.

Alison

[Shaun McGill]

Hmmm. The Stereophonics- I have 7,000 songs in iTunes and not one is by them

[Aliscole]

Well it's about time you added some then!

C'mon Shaun, tell us your favourite driving songs!

Alison

[Shaun McGill]

Um, none really. I never play songs just for driving although Don't Stop Me Now is great when driving and so is Enter Sandman- when you drive an Astra you don't want fast songs because the drive feels even slower