Consolation Prize

Finishing off my latest look at free iPhone slash iTouch games available to download from the Apple App store, in this post I take a look at Seat Ibiza Cupra Race and Micro Kart.

You can find the other parts in the guide by following these links:

iPhone Free Games Guide - Part 1

iPhone Free Games Guide - Part 2

iPhone Free Games Guide - Part 3

Seat Ibiza Cupra Race

One thing that can certainly be said about games, such as this, which have the impression they’ve primarily developed as a subliminal form of advertising, is that they at least have decent production values - even if the underlying game isn’t always of the highest standard.

It must be said that Seat Ibiza Cupra Race is a good attempt. Upon commencement the player is able to pick from a variety of colours and decals for their Ibiza, and then choose to either race against five other competitors, just the clock, or simply take the car for a test drive around the track without time restrictions. Unfortunately there’s only the one track, but it is at least well presented with some pretty scenery to view on the way round.

I’m actually quite impressed by the graphics engine, it does the job well and reminds me of similar engines we would witness on the Playstation - one not two. The controls work quite proficiently but the track design with its various hairpin and S-bends isn’t the best match for the device which is frequently required to be rotated to some extreme degrees. And speaking of the track, it is perhaps far too long for mobile gaming with three laps feeling like a chore rather than an exhilarating race to the finish. However, I’ve certainly played far worse free games on the iPhone.

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Micro Kart

Do you remember the heady days of playing Micro Machines? Racing toy cars around the kitchen table, avoiding breakfast cereal and jumping over obstacles using ramps constructed from cutlery? If you do then my advice is to avoid Micro Kart because it will tarnish that happy childhood memory.

I’m searching for something positive to say about Micro Kart, but the only redeeming feature is the fact that it’s free. I’m loath to smack down a game that was probably knocked up by a bedroom coder - I sincerely hope it was at least - but I feel obliged to point out that the frame rate is abysmal, especially on the faster speed settings; the graphics are rudimentary at best, and apart from the rather annoying music track there’s a distinct lack of sound effects - not even a basic engine noise.

Unless the forthcoming “full” version that is referenced in the game spiel is drastically overhauled then Micro Kart will get lost in the masses, but perhaps that’s a fitting resting place.

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