You can only race via other nearby players through a wireless DSi-to-DSi connection. The multiplayer in Asphalt 4 is disappointing, though. You can snap photos of yourself, friends, pets, or whatever and use them in the game for profile pics or even as billboards. However, the DSi version of the game includes camera support. As mentioned, the car models are good and the track backdrops are bright and colorful if not exactly sharp. Though the game is a step down in visuals from the iPhone, it is still an attractive racer. You really are better off sticking to the cars. For example, good luck pulling off an effective drift with a Kawasaki. Gameloft has also included some motorcycles, but they do not exactly fit in the game. Manipulating that tiny virtual steering wheel on the bottom screen while trying to accelerate and brake is painfully obtuse. The touch screen controls Gameloft offers here are far, far inferior.

There really is something about physical buttons that cannot be denied - they provide precision and accuracy. Throwing your car into a drift is much easier here than it is in the iPhone version. I am used to playing Asphalt 4 with tilt controls on the iPhone, but the DS d-pad is a welcome substitute. Nor can many complaints be lodged against the d-pad controls. There are several hours of game in here thanks to the multitude of cars, events, and locations.ĭon't bother trying to race with the touch wheel. Nobody can ever disparage Asphalt 4 for not offering a very full package for the meager 800 points. There are multiple race modes in Asphalt 4, including the aforementioned events as well as cop car pursuits and cash attacks where you roar through dollar symbols to seize the top purse. The lanes are wide enough for lots of passing opportunities, which is necessary to rocket to the lead in straight races or duels. The tracks are well designed for the cars. The races unfold across the globe in major metros like Paris, Monte Carlo, Shanghai, Los Angeles, New York, and Dubai. You can also customize each car to your liking with your hard-enough cash. (They do not take visible damage, though, so you might think they are all constructed out of titanium.) Each car handles differently and so as you make your way up through the racing ranks, you will be encouraged to buy newer cars with beefier top speeds, acceleration, and handling with your winnings. The cars look very much like the real deal, right down to the detailing. Asphalt 4's garage is loaded with some incredible wheels from top manufactures such as Ferrari, Aston Martin, BMW, and Lotus.

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