AvatarLabs Translates Rhythm into Racing on the iPad

AvatarLabs released a new iPad and iPhone app earlier this summer called Rhythm Racer 2 HD. This second generation title follows the original iPhone Rhythm Racer by taking the popular rhythm genre to a new mechanic, in which tapping and strumming become driving. The concept of Rhythm Racer 2 is an iteration of a much older game concept called Audiosurf. But this iDevice game is free to download (Audiosurf costs $9.99). The objective is to race around a futuristic, space-age track, collecting multi-colored orbs. Using the iPad’s tilt sensor, players steer their racer through the course, attempting to pick up as many orbs as possible. The difficulty level -- Practice, Pro, or Master -- determines the number of tracks on the course. Floating rings can also be collected by hitting small ramps that periodically appear around the track. Missing an orb will end any streaks a player has going and will also dull the sound of the music track being played. The visuals of the game are not bad for an iPad title. While many of the 3D elements are reminiscent of late PlayStation or early PlayStation 2 quality, the backgrounds and static artwork are extremely well done and quite aesthetically pleasing. Surprisingly, it is the core collection aspect that is the least visually stimulating. In all of the best rhythm games -- Tap Tap Revenge, Guitar Hero, Rock Band, etc. -- there is a visually pleasing effect upon hitting notes. In Rhythm Racer 2, there is nothing. The orb simply disappears from the track and temporarily reappears at the bottom of the screen. Unfortunately, while the music is surprisingly good in most cases, the selection is paltry. The game also suffers from rather obnoxious control issues and the mechanics don't give a true rhythm-based game experience. But the most glaring fault of Rhythm Racer 2 is that there no rhythm based mechanics! In other games in the genre, players must tap their fingers on the screen in time with the song. This game requires little rhythm; so long as the racer touches the orbs, the track plays properly. The player collects orbs using their eyes only, and the steering is, in no way, in rhythm with the song. This defeats the purpose of the rhythm genre and prevents the game from playing on the fantasy of being a musician. The steering in the game is also unbelievably sensitive. Even the slightest turn of the iPad can send the player careening off course, which will force most players to reduce the sensitivity to its lowest possible setting. The initial download comes with very few songs. There are more available, but these must be purchased from within the app itself. But, there are some well known artists in the bunch, including Filter and All American Rejects. Social features are enabled through the OpenFeint mobile social network. Competitive leaderboards are available for each of the songs, difficulty settings and unlocked achievements. The game also syncs with both Facebook and Twitter, allowing users to post and/or tweet their in-game accomplishments. All in all, Rhythm Racer 2 HD offers something new in lieu of the many iterations of the Tap Tap franchise, and is, for the most part, visually pleasing. But the mechanics are off target for a rhythm game. It can be fun, but the game is hindered by overly sensitive steering. It’s hard to say when or even if improvements will come, as neither the iPad or iPhone versions have seen any updates in the two months they’ve been out.

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AvatarLabs Translates Rhythm into Racing on the iPad

Christopher Mack

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Christopher Mack