The APPera

Following Bloons and Perfect Balance/s, another flash game makes it into the iPhone. And again, a perfect fit.

High Speed Chase 2.0 ($0.99)

High Speed Chase is a port of the original Flash title [play it here], where you strive to take out the targets and not destroy your own car. However, it is tons more fun on the iPhone, with even more levels and improved graphics, despite the strange controls.

Presentation

This game is played as you drive a red sports car to take out your targets and avoid (or destroy) the police. You play in portrait mode with a directional stick controlling the vehicle from a top-down viewpoint. This is a hard one to classify, being both a form of a racing game and also an objective based adventure game. Anyone looking to make a true, fun game should look at High Speed Chase’s addictive gameplay. A few small tweaks, and it will match or better the original.

Graphics

The graphics here are perfect top-down graphics, very similar to the original, but slightly improved. They have flawless graphics for up to 7 different cars, and well made acceleration effects. The damage taken is also represented by smoke emitting from the car. These are very sharp and realistic, with little to no lag on the testing device (iPod touch 2nd Generation). There are ramps that you can use to land a top vehicles, which promptly explode, with a realistic bounce upward. All in all fantastic in the graphics department.

Controls

The controls consist of a directional circle that you use to gesture in the direction and speed that you want to go. This is slightly awkward and a more classic approach would be advised. For example, you could have a “Gas” button on one side and have a set of directional arrows on the other, to make it less difficult to steer and use the gas at the same time. This could be done very easily and be more ergonomic. Also, you tap the area you want to shoot to fire.

Gameplay

The gameplay involves you controlling a red sports car to drive down a busy highway to take out two targets and avoid or destroy the police. This can be done by ramming the vehicles, which are chosen at random, or shooting them.

This sounds quite repetitive, but is actually quite fun to play. This requires repeated attempts to complete levels, and make it really good for extended play.

Suggestions/Cons

Aside from the strange control mechanism, which could be done far better with accelerometer for directions and a gas button and tap to shoot, or directional arrows (See the full description above), the game is great.

It can also be made better with having health and speed meters. Maybe have a speedometer on top right of the screen. I know the goal is to maximize the small screen, but somehow I feel these meters are needed.

Conclusion

All in all, this is a fantastic game taken and improved from the original. I find the game simple, addictive, and a ton of fun. The game is fantastic, but the mediocre controls and limited long term depth hold it back from a spot on my main games page.

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