Pocket Racing 2 Is Some Sweet Impromptu Action, But It Can Be A Challenge (Review)
Game Details
:Pros:
Graphics, Customizable cars, simplistic philosophy, FREECons:
Controls are challenging to get used to. Limited selection of cars (more with in-app purchases). No Game Center/OpenFeint.If you like Racing games that are simple to learn, difficult to master, and addicting to play, then you’ll want this game in your collection
I like racing games, just like many of you, and this one looked like it could present some enjoyment for me. So I thought I’d dig into it for a little bit, and give some thoughts on it. I had already played the first installment of this little series, so I knew what to expect. Let’s take a quick look.
Pocket Racing 2 (Free) by Measured Software is a simple game that stays true to the original Pocket Racing. The sequel stays true to the original app with no changes in controls, having users tap on the left and right side of the screen to turn. It’s not a game where you rotate the device to control, and a lot of people will like the physical feedback that tapping provides. New to Pocket racing 2 though, are buttons that you can tap.
Although the game has a bit of difficulty when approaching the control of the car, there is a convenient practice mode available for users to get used to the difficult maneuvers they’ll have to do, and it’ll take a bit of time to master this one.
There are three modes of gameplay, Tour (with a “World Tour” mode and the practice mode), Time Trial mode, and Cone Challenge mode.
The Tour mode is the classic racing mode you might be used to, where players race as one of four cars on a possible eight circuits included with this free game. The entire gameplay experience takes you above the vehicles, and you control the cars from directly above the track. They almost feel like little toy cars. Time Trial, as you can probably guess, allows the player to race around a track to see how fast they can do a lap. It’s a standard in most racing games, and you likely won’t spend much time doing it. The final mode is Cone Challenge. Here, players test their skills (and potentially practice the controls) to complete the track with as much accuracy as possible as you make your way through a series of cones. Getting good at this mode may help you in Tour mode.
The cones are connected with a white line. The following sequence of cones you’ll need to go through is highlighted in orange, just to help you know where to go. You’ll earn points as you navigate through the cones, and you can earn them even if you knock cones over. Just be careful not to miss any, because that’s when points get deducted.
The game comes with four cars to choose from, but does give you the option to extend options with in-app purchases. I don’t find these worth it, but you might. There are two additional car packs available, Super Cars and Grand Prix, which can be obtained for $0.99 each. You’ll also unlock more cone challenges if you decide to expand the game this way.
It surprises me, however, that Pocket Racing 2 doesn’t have Game Center support, or even utilize OpenFeint. They have their own system set up still, which basically means you won’t be comparing to your friends as intuitively. Not a deal buster or anything, but it’s odd that they haven’t implemented an iOS standard yet.
Aside from the gameplay, the app is very well designed. It is easy to navigate through and access different game modes. The app’s interface is a step up from the original with much nicer graphics.
The game features new and improved top down racing, featuring the following:
- 8 free tracks from around the world, including Japan, UK and Italy.
- 3 car classes: Hot Hatches, Supercars & Grand Prix cars, each with 4 models to choose from.
- All new Cone Challenge mode.
- All new single player Tour Mode.
- Customisable car, including gear ratios and downforce.
- The same great global leaderboard with ghost downloads.
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.Requires iOS 4.0 or later.
Overall, Pocket Racing 2 is a fun game, and does present some challenge to casual gamers, like myself. If you are looking for a game that is very easy to play right away, you may want to pass on this one, but for those who don’t mind putting in a little bit of practice time to gain driving skill for the game. Overall, I’m giving it a decent 4 out of 5.
