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Review of Asphalt: Urban GT 2 on Nintendo DS

by Max Rathon Max Rathon photo Nov 2006
Cover image of Asphalt: Urban GT 2 on DS
Gamefings Score: 6.5
Platform: DS DS logo
Released: 14 Nov 2006
Genre: Racing
Developer: Gameloft
Publisher: Gameloft

Introduction

Attention, speed demons and racing fanatics! Buckle up because we're about to dive into Asphalt: Urban GT 2 on the Nintendo DS. If you've ever wanted to experience the thrill of tearing through city streets at breakneck speeds while avoiding cops like a rebellious teenager skipping class, this game has got you covered! Let's kick those tires and light that fire as we shift through the nitrous and get into the nitty-gritty details of this handheld racing escapade.

Gameplay

Step into the urban jungle of Asphalt: Urban GT 2, where the tracks are as varied as your excuses for not studying. Players can choose from a cavalcade of 57 vehicles, including licensed supercars from brands like Lamborghini, Aston Martin, and that brand that screams 'I'm fancy!' - you know, the kind that your parents would never let you drive. Each vehicle can be upgraded to boost performance, making it easier to leave your friends in the dust. But beware, your joyride comes with its share of consequences. The game features a 'wanted' meter that fluctuates based on your mayhem - will you be a celebrated racing legend or a notorious criminal? Using nitrous boosts can increase your velocity and leave the local authorities in your rearview, but be careful; property damage and reckless driving attract law enforcement faster than a seagull to a dropped french fry. Races can take you from the romantic, slightly overhyped streets of Paris to the neon-lit chaos of Las Vegas, and even the eerie vibes of the Chernobyl exclusion zone (because who doesn't want to drift around radioactive ruins?). Tracks are modeled after real-world locations, and while they may not offer you a five-star vacation, they do include a great selection of shortcuts and obstacles for you to exploit. The gameplay neatly juxtaposes high-octane racing with a smattering of police chases. But remember: aggression is the name of the game. Feel free to do a nitro-fueled love tap that sends your opponents crashing out of the race and potentially making them the butt of future racing tales. Just avoid crashing into every lamp post or your 'wanted' level is going to skyrocket more than your GPA after a semester of slacking off.

Graphics

Graphically, the Nintendo DS version of Asphalt: Urban GT 2 is surprisingly competent for its time. While don't expect photorealism, Gameloft manages to squeeze out vibrant, colorful graphics that bring the bustling cityscapes to life, albeit in glorious pixelated fashion. The cars look sleek, and the backgrounds are more detailed than your buddy's excuses for losing a race. The dual-screen functionality of the DS is put to good use, providing a handy overview map that allows players to avoid taking an unexpected detour into a brick wall. There's a decent sense of speed - despite some choppy frames during particularly chaotic moments - and the explosions of crashing cars could easily double as your aunt's attempts at DIY projects. Just remember, these graphics aren't setting any benchmarks but are still impressive enough to not make you feel like you're playing a very advanced game of Snake.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Asphalt: Urban GT 2 on the Nintendo DS is a thrill ride filled with fast cars, wild police chases, and a satisfying assortment of licensed vehicles. While it isn't perfect - with questionable AI and repetitive gameplay that might test your patience - it offers solid racing mechanics that can scratch that competitive itch. So whether you're looking to blow off steam after a long day or just want to feel like Vin Diesel for a few hours, this game offers a decent drift into the urban racing scene. Just remember, no matter how much you insist on driving your virtual car at 150 mph, please don't try this at home. Stick to cleaning your room, that's dangerous enough.

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