Video Games > DS > Asphalt: Urban GT

Asphalt: Urban GT Review (no fat)


by Gameloft / Ubisoft

Platform: DS
Genre: Racing

 ESRB Rating: Everyone
Release: 2004-11-17

Asphalt: Urban GT Features:

  • An incredible array of legendary cars including the Hummer, Lotus and Lamborghini
  • Racing tracks set in known cities and vistas such as Paris, New York etc
  • Wireless gameplay for multi-user challenges

Egamer's Rating: 6 / 10.
Reviewed on: 2006-02-23

Game Description

Asphalt: Urban GT is a decent racing game from Gameloft, for Nintendo DS owners. Players get the opportunity to slip behind the steering wheels of a slew of incredible cars that include the Audi TT, Hummer, Lotus and the Lamborghini. The races are set at night and the realistic scenario that the 9 tracks in the game provide, throws a host of unique challenges for players. You can choose between any of the five gameplay modes which include a career mode containing unlockable tracks and vehicles, a multiplayer championship mode and even a Cop Chase mode where you can engage in hot pursuit of racers as a law enforcer.

Asphalt: Urban GT Gameplay

Almost all the action in Asphalt: Urban GT takes place on the top screen of the DS with the touch screen serving as a roadmap and menu access mechanism. The touch screen also displays a few context sensitive alerts such as RISKY when you've negotiated your car in a manner that's unsafe. The top screen presents all the visuals and these include cars, traffic, obstacles, jumps, tunnels etc. There are indicators to alert you about corners and bends.

The highlight of the game is the availability of authentic licensed cars. However, the game opts for performance over realism and the cars are given arcade style representations rather than a realistic treatment.

A major quirk in the game is that all cars are equipped with turbocharged engines which destroys the authenticity of the game. Visualize a slower car like the Hummer doing critical speeds and overtaking much faster cars! The fact that all cars use the same sound effects is also a major let down. TO top things off, players also have to deal with unruly controls.

The game is pretty easy to tame and can be completed in a few hours. Though it has it's moments, there's not much content in it to guarantee repeated play.

Finally, there is an unlockable motorcycle to add a twist to the tale.

Asphalt: Urban GT Graphics & Sound

The graphics are not bad but the fact that the developers failed to replicate the wonderful detailing that most of the cars pack is a let down. The fast paced action is ably depicted via decent employment of camera angles. The developers have compromised on a lot of graphic detailing to ensure fluid gameplay.

The sound effect,s such as engine, braking and collision are OK, but the fact that each and every car employs the same set of sound effects doesn't work well for the game. The background score is anything but memorable.

Asphalt: Urban GT 2cent

With real cars, good arcade style racing action and 9 great tracks set in real cities, Asphalt: Urban GT could have been a great experience had it not been for the hasty treatment that it got from the developers. The game doesn't test the capabilities of the DS and the unique touch screen that this console packs has. The game also lacks depth and can be easily completed with minimal scope for replay unless you do not own any other racing titles. Racing fans can do better by exploring other titles.

Asphalt: Urban GT Cost

The racer currently retails at $19.95

 
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