This showdown pits two great all-ages games that continue their respective Nintendo DS game series with smooth controls using the new circle pad, powerful speed boosts, and upcoming StreetPass features.

“Asphalt 3D” (Ubisoft) vs. “Ridge Racer 3D” (Namco)

This “Asphalt” installment is a definite improvement from “Asphalt Urban GT 2” and features greatly detailed cars. The circle pad works well within the fast pace, where players can put the pedal to the metal while actually earning rewards for it. Losing control then recovering it is fun and challenging.

Unlockables are great, but watch for secondary cars blocking the way at crucial times and relentless police cars that give chase with occasional unrealistic jumps. “Asphalt” boasts more than 40 licensed vehicles (cars and bikes) including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Audi and Aston Martin and more than one dozen tracks.

“Ridge Racer” vets will definitely recognize the familiar tracks, but novice players will not notice the lack of new tracks. “Ridge Racer 3D” has no official tracks or cars, but some nice upgrades and surprising “on rails” turns. Local play options on “Asphalt 3D” hosts six players while “Ridge Racer” has a four-player maximum. Drifts and slides are strong on both and the appealing graphics and 3-D enhancements provide more adrenaline.

At the finish line (without the StreetPass options factored in): “Asphalt 3D” (***) wins in a close finish.

“Asphalt 3D” is rated E10+ for mild violence while “Ridge Racer 3D” (**1/2) is rated E for mild suggestive themes.

Tags: Asphalt 3D, Nintendo DS, Ridge Racer 3D, Video games

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 4th, 2011 at 6:07 pm and is filed under Star, Video games.
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