With an accelerometer and small size, it’s no surprise to see the iPhone has a big market of racing games. And with the iPad, it’s the same.

Need for Speed Shift for iPad ($14.99)

Off the bat at launch 3 major racing titles for the iPhone were released for iPad. That being said, we take a look at NFS Shift, what is probably the best racer for iPhone currently. Can EA claim the best racer title for the iPad too? Find out after the jump.

Recap

As we mentioned in our iPhone review, NFS Shift (console) was meant to be a serious simulation game. But instead the iPhone version was a mix of both. What you end up with is an odd unique arcade feel.

The accuracy of the console is gone (though this doesn’t mean you can’t control it, quite the opposite) but the sensation is great. Having a 10 inch display right in your face, with the great HD graphics is just a unique experience. The iPad version also takes advantage of the screen and faster processor by adding lots of neat stuff. For example when inside the car, you can see the rear-view mirror and the side mirrors, actually reflecting what is going on. You also have the shaft stick, which you can literally drag up and down.

In conclusion, I have to say despite the flaw of it not being the simulation game it should be, it’s the best racer I’ve played so far on the iPad. Unlike most apps its not just HD graphics, EA really thought outside the box and added new things to take advantage of this new device.

What’s New?

Apart from the HD graphics, EA has thought out of the box and added some cool new iPad features. When viewing from inside the car, you can look at your rear-view mirror or side mirror and see what’s going in behind you, no need for tapping to look back and losing your view of the front. You also later on have the shift stick, which you can drag up or down to switch between gears. Add the fact that there are 8 new cars bumping the total to 28.

Suggestions

My biggest complain for the iPhone NFS games is that it’s all auto-accelerate. If you use professional or higher as your difficulty on the iPad version you can manually accelerate, but it places the accelerate pedal on the left, with the nitrous and brake buttons. Please, put the accelerate button on the right. It’s empty, and would make controlling this much easier.

Conclusion

As I said above, despite it being a odd port for the NFS Shift game, it’s currently the best racer I’ve played on the iPad. And I think everyone should experience this. So if you have a iPad, I suggest you go grab NFS Shift.