Asphalt Urban GT Hands-On

SEATTLE--Asphalt Urban GT is the upcoming racer for the Nintendo DS from Ubisoft. The game is aiming to blend arcade and simulation elements into a cohesive experience on Nintendo's new handheld. We had the chance to try out an early work-in-progress version game at Nintendo Gamer's Summit in Seattle. The game has its roots on the N-Gage, where it will also appear later this year, but what we've seen so far looks like a promising entry in the racing genre.

You'll find three modes in Asphalt Urban GT: arcade, evolution, and multiplayer. Arcade offers several variant modes for you to hone your skills. Evolution is the mode that lets you trick out your car to earn a plethora of a cash. Multiplayer lets you square off against up to three other players via the system's wireless support.

The single-player game handles fine and offers a good challenge. The multiplayer mode appears to be a little rough so far, but it handles well enough to make us hopeful for the final game. The game plays out like a solid racer, with a surprisingly robust selection of licensed cars to play around with. The only real catch is that the game lacks analog steering. You will be able to use the stylus to make menu choices, however.

The graphics in Asphalt Urban GT are looking good. The 3D environments and vehicles look sharp and manage to convey a smooth sense of speed. The textures could stand to be cleaned up a little, but, otherwise, the game looks solid. The different camera angles let you appreciate the locales you're sailing through, and they don't bog down the action.

The audio is still coming together, but it already features a convincing assortment of engine roaring that's impressive for a portable system. The other effects you'll hear, such as crashing and tires squealing, also add to the experience.

Asphalt Urban GT appears to be coming together nicely for the DS. The game has a fair assortment of modes and a good level of challenge that should entice new DS owners to check it out. For more updates on the Nintendo DS and other impressions and media, check out GameSpot's coverage of Nintendo's Gamer's Summit.