A Tank Full of Nitro
While the game later came to the N-Gage and other mobile devices, it initially released on the original iPhone.From top to bottom, Asphalt 4 was designed with the smartphone's feature set in mind. The team focused on squeezing everything it could from the hardware, and the game looked incredible as a result thanks to the original iPhone’s 320x480 screen combined with its ARM CPU and dedicated 3D GPU.
Touch, Tap, Tilt
However, while the graphical improvements no doubt excited series fans, these advancements were predictable. So, while Apple’s innovation encouraged a leap where previously only a step would have been expected, it was the addition of an entirely new control interface that really changed the Asphalt experience.
Between the iPhone's touchscreen and gyroscope, huge changes were able to be made. Most notably for long-time fans, the gyroscope allowed for analog tilt controls. Racers were no longer restricted to binary left and right inputs, but were instead able to finesse their controls. This gave a more realistic driving experience and one that all players could intuitively understand.
Tilt a little left, and the car would gently move that way, while a hard jerk to the right would see your ride quickly lurch the other way. This also offered greater control during drifts so players could hold that sweet spot for longer. Kicking in a Nitro was easy too, as you could active this burst of speed with just a single tilt back.
Broader Appeal
Touchscreen controls were also added into the mix, as the iPhone’s multi-touch technology acted like digital buttons, making it was easier for newcomers to quickly grasp the game’s controls. This combination of control options broadened the appeal of Asphalt 4: Elite Racing, allowing car enthusiasts who may not have previously picked up the title to enjoy some high-speed racing action.
One of the series’ key goals has always been to appeal to a broad range of car fans. With the advent of iPhone – and smartphones in general – the team came closer to achieving this than ever before.
Emerging From the Underground
As the iPhone highlighted the Asphalt series to many players, Asphalt 4: Elite Racing’s tone also moved the series from the shadows into the light on all of the devices it came to. While the game retained its street racing style, the theme shifted from underground to elite jet-setters. This moved the vibe from trying to rise through a criminal underworld, to being a street racing VIP.
This made more sense with our broader audience in mind. Now players were celebrities. They got to live a fantasy of racing expensive cars in urban settings, instead of fighting their way to riches through illegal street races. It was a subtle, but important difference. Sure, the police would still be on your tail in each city, and yes, they may have roadblocks and helicopters, but in this game it felt more like the cost of doing business rather than a threat.
The Latest Models
With 28 licensed racing models, Asphalt 4: Elite Racing portrayed a world of excess. You not only got to acquire luxury rides and improve their performance, you also got to admire them in your garage.
Most versions of the game featured six countries to visit: Monte-Carlo, Beverly Hills, Shanghai, New York, Dubai, and Paris. However, iPhone owners could also hit to the streets of Las Vegas, Rome, Hawaii, St. Petersburg, Mumbai, and San Francisco for a total of 12 locations.
Each of the different racing environments looked fantastic and more distinct than ever. In modern cities brightly lit skyscrapers towered over racers, while old towns saw racers speeding over cobbled roads. And, of course, San Francisco was filled with breathtaking jumps. This diversity was further expanded by a weather mechanic that could alter cars handling mid-race.
Play Together
To get the most out of these cars and locations, Asphalt 4 also offered more ways to enjoy its action. New AI and handling models ensured every race felt more real and dynamic than ever. You could experience all of this across five different game modes. Race, Duel, Cop Chase, Cash Attack, and Beat'em All, each made their return from Asphalt 3, but were rejuvenated with fresh mechanics and visuals.
Another advancement was easier access to head-to-head, PvP racing. Using Bluetooth it was a simple job of creating a game and waiting for a friend to join you. This allowed Asphalt racers to prove themselves in thrilling real-time competition.
As Asphalt’s first time around the track with iPhone, Asphalt 4: Elite Racing was a huge success with both critics and fans, earning almost 30 million downloads!
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