Reckless Racing 2 review
Hurtling along scorched tarmac with a throbbing V8 under the long shark-like bonnet that stretches out in front of you, downshifting, braking then stamping the gas pedal to drift into the gravel turn ahead is normally an experience best attempted to be replicated on a console. Expecting the same feeling from a top down perspective using a device you just called your Mother on would have been enough to get you certified several years ago.
As we know, smart phones have come a long way since being able to play Snake, and Apple have once again with Polarbit shown what great fun can be had with a 4.5inch touchscreen. Reckless Racing 2 is intoxicatingly good fun, for casual gamers and racing fans alike.
Fans of the original will be pleased with an improvement over the rather good Reckless Racing with the introduction of a career mode. You can now race through progressively harder cup tournaments while upgrading or buying new cars. Gran Turismo or Forza it isn’t, but it’s surprisingly in depth for an arcade style title.
The bulk of the game will see you weaving your way from the back of the pack in an attempt to win during the short but hectic races. Throughout each cup one AI driver will become your nemesis to keep the challenge up, and if you don’t come first he inevitably will. It features a rubber banding difficulty though, so if you struggle to keep with the pace the game gets easier and vice versa if you’re streaking ahead. While a nice inclusion for veterans, it’s best turned off as the game see-saws in difficulty spikes should you prove too quick.
Graphically the game has a smooth frame rate, and in context with the genre is one of the best I’ve seen on Apple’s mobile devices. Cars are rich with detail; powdery debris is visible when skidding on gravel and plumes of smoke escape from angry tires. The sequel eschews the first game’s Dukes of Hazzard style track layouts to something more professional, complete with apexes painted red and white and gravel run-offs. As already mentioned though, the track can instantly change from smooth tarmac to loose gravel and demands a definite change in driving style which only serves to re-enforce the polished feel of the game.
The game is further bolstered with a solid four player online mode, hardly suffering from lag and seemingly well populated. 40 single player challenges also await, as well as the ability to construct unique custom races (but only for single player).
The game absolutely deserves high praise and is almost peerless on the App Store for the thrills and spills it provides for casual gaming, but also the surprisingly deep single player career that will swallow up hours of your time.
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http://twitter.com/Reesters Rachel Jean Rees
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Allan Walsh
