They’re driven by samey-looking crash test dummy drivers but the most disappointing thing is the lack of crash physics – like Gran Turismo , they’ll just bounce off walls and never get buckled or dented, which for a game with as many crashes as Asphalt is a shame. Still, considering races often have seven other competitors on screen plus traffic and it all runs smoothly, the lack of extra details is hardly a massive disappointment (it also looks very impressive when you trigger adrenaline and the screen turns neon like something out of Tron). So starting with the cars – they’re all real vehicles that do look spot on compared to their counterparts, albeit lacking a bit of clarity up close. In a crowded launch lineup, Asphalt could do little to stand out against graphical gems like WipEout – but on its own merits, this is a colourful and mostly pretty Vita racer that’s worth a second look. I should really eliminate this section of my reviews for racing games but for now it’s staying – unsurprisingly, there’s no real story in Asphalt, just a career mode to allow you to progress from race to race earning money to buy new cars and keep competing in ever-higher-stakes competitions.

An overlooked launch title that offers a solid dose of arcade combat racing fun, albeit with a budget feel throughout.

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