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Horror Racing Review for iPhone and iPod Touch

Posted by Marne Cales on Oct 3, 2009 at 10:52 am | View Comments • Digg story
Filed Under: Games • Reviews • iPhone

Horror Racing Full disclosure: I’m not a fan of racing games. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever really played a racing game. I spend a couple hours in my car every day, driving to and from work. Why would I want to drive for fun? The answer to that question is easy: Horror Racing from Chillingo.

Review

Horror Racing is a top-down racing game with a monster theme, and rather than playing from the driver’s point of view, you control the action from above. In the lower right corner you spin a steering wheel to move and turn your car, while on the left you fire various weapons. Unfortunately, the developers forgot about any lefties that might want to play, so the already tricky controls are even trickier for left-handed individuals.

There are three modes of play: Championship, Skirmish, and Quick Race. In Championship mode, you choose your car from five different options, each with varying engine and armor strengths. You earn money winning races, which you can then use to upgrade your engine, weapons, and armor. Progress through the levels, and unlock new levels when you win.

In Skirmish mode you choose your car, lap count, and difficulty level, and select from tracks and upgrades that have been unlocked in Championship mode. Quick Race is just that: you race a random car for a couple laps on a random track, perfect for when you just have a couple minutes to play.

What sets Horror Racing apart from most other racing games are the weapons. That’s right, not only are you trying to win the race, you get to shoot machine guns, fire missiles, drop mines, ram the other cars and hopefully destroy them. Of course, they’re all doing the same to you. Luckily, if you do run out of health, your car will explode, but quickly regenerate so you can continue. As you race around the track, you can pick up ammo and health packs, as well has special runes that give your car extra ramming abilities.

The first few races I spent going the wrong way more than the right way, but with a little practice I eventually even managed to win a couple gold medals. Once you get a feel for the sensitivity of the steering wheel, you’ll be turning corners like the best demolition derby drivers out there. I know I’m hooked, and there’s enough here to keep me entertained for a good long time.

The graphics are suitably grungy, and the soundtrack’s frenetic beat adds to the adrenaline rush you get while racing around the track and shooting at other drivers. The ability to listen to iPod music is missing, and would have been a nice touch. A little speed metal would surely help anyone drive faster.

Tips

1. This is the kind of game where practice really does make perfect. I was ready to give up after the first couple races were spent going the wrong way, but I improved quickly. Concentrate first on the steering, and then add in the weapons. When you’re at the back of the pack the other cars can’t shoot at you anyway.

2. Pick up as many ammo and health packs as you can, you’ll stay armed and healthy and prevent your enemies from doing so.

Recommendation

This game was a lot of fun, in fact, I need to end this review so I can go play some more. Due to cartoon violence, Horror Racing is recommended for ages 9 and up. Horror Racing is now selling for a special introductory price of $2.99 in the app store, 25% off its regular price. Horror Racing Lite is also available.

Gameplay Video