REAL RACING 3

Proudly presented at the Apple keynote announcing the iPhone 5, Real Racing 3 has finally taken its time to complete its development. I must say that between the acquisition of Firemint by Electronic Arts, the merger between the original series and studio IronMonkey and challenges of such a result, there was much to do. But here it is finally launched at top speed on the App Store, already monopolizing the top spots in the top free apps. Because yes, one of the most anticipated in recent months on iOS games is betting the free to play. A choice that obviously raises many questions and could especially challenging all the qualities it yet be regarded as the best racing game on the App Store.

AH, IF I WERE RICH!

With Real Racing 2, Firemint had already signed a remarkable racing game that could definitely compete for the title "Gran Turismo of iOS," he was. That its result was expected is an understatement, especially as the Australian studio, meanwhile, was acquired by Electronic Arts before seeing its objectives significantly strengthened by a merger with IronMonkey Studios (responsible for successful porting of iOS licenses editor like Need For Speed, Dead Space or Mirror's Edge). All the ingredients of a blockbuster dressed to drive the nail together and were therefore, on paper, Real Racing 3 is the ultimate racing game that was expected on iOS.

Good result, this third installment is already playing its role perfectly and significantly enhances its content. The game is well divided into different series of challenges (divided by class cars), themselves composed of different modules of three tests that are unlocked according to its results. In the end, are dozens and dozens of races that await you for a period of simply colossal life. Single race, duel, against the clock, Disposal, speed ... countless tests have more good taste to be quite varied. Real Racing 3 offers further stroking asphalt truly legendary circuits such as Laguna Seca, Brands Hatch, Silverstone, Suzuka or Hockenheim. Although they are broken down into different versions, we still regret that their number is not a little more so. This is fortunately not the case since we counted 46 cars to offer from a great range of brands such as Audi, Lamborghini, Bugatti, Dodge or Porsche.


ALL TRACK

 This third installment further refines the behavior of cars on the track to achieve an excellent compromise between arcade and realistic sensations requirements. By default, the power steering and ultra simplistic handling give the impression of being a spectator as driver, but when all the audience is removed and we opted for a touch management braking / acceleration and gyro for direction, we find a perfectly balanced gameplay. Real Racing 3 knows both deliver excellent sensation of speed that punish reckless and optimistic players who do not comply with their horses. The grip of the game is really excellent and arrive quickly to have high accuracy in its trajectories to better challenge the world in the challenges offered.

This is actually one of the novelties of this episode: Time Shifted Multiplayer well barbaric term hides a system of asynchronous race with other players (chap or friend). If you still competes against one managed by the game AI, it will actually "replicate" past times set by other real participants. A nice idea, but kind of weird because it gives rise to some minor inconsistencies in the behavior of our opponents (amazing bursts of speed or braking distances suspicious). It's a shame because the idea of ​​continually challenge their friends without suffering the constraints of a real multiplayer mode was great on paper.

Finally, of course, discuss how Real Racing 3 not to mention its realization simply stunning? Optimized for the iPhone 5, the title Firemonkeys sets the bar pretty high and simply sets a new standard in the field. The vehicles are modeled with an eye for details staggering, both outside as inside as the game offers a view "helmet" high thrills. The environments themselves are a bit less impressive, but sufficiently detailed and treated to give life to a worthy racing console. All this is further enhanced by small special effects that still enrich a visual rendering of what that will satisfy fans and aesthetes. Note that Firemonkeys nevertheless made a huge effort to make its way to more playable. At the price of some sweet and less fine texture detail, so we can enjoy racing perfectly fluid and already beautiful on iPhone 4.


THE TIME IS MONEY

Real Racing 3 is broadly in line with our expectations and proves, if proof were needed, the talent of its creators. But it was probably too good. Converted into ordinary free to play crass greed, title Firemonkeys aligns frustrations to encourage his players to the temptation of the in-app purchase. This is not really about the game's currency, R $, we won fairly regularly in each event and that pays cars, upgrades and repairs. Subject to fly around properly, there really is no reason to meet real financial worries, no more or no less than in other games in the genre, anyway.

Where the rub is at the time. Change tires at a dozen races, afford a new brake kit, splurge at the dealership, all these actions will be realized after waiting a few minutes (5 for an oil change, 20 for an engine, for example). Obviously, these wait times and combine them completely immobilize your vehicle. You can imagine without these repairs or maintenance on your car? It is possible, but its performance will suffer so seriously and, therefore, efficiency in the race. One solution, then, be patient, play short sessions or spend his Glory points obviously given the dropper in the game so quickly wasted if we do not take care. And it is mainly these points EA are available for purchase in his demonic shop ...

For the finding, distressing, I must admit. There is no doubt that the vast majority of players would have preferred to pay Real Racing 3 "high" price once and for all rather than be restrained every quarter of an hour with interesting restrictions on paper (after all, management the mechanics of the car is not stupid), but oh so frustrating in the state. However, despite the criticism of EA policy must also recognize that playing fine with relative moderation and fending properly during races, it is possible to enjoy the game in conditions almost acceptable, without frustration (especially from the time when we begin to have several cars in his garage and therefore the possibility of using them in turn). Then, everything is a matter of personal tolerance the barriers erected by EA. It's a bit the principle of glass half full or half empty sum.