Asphalt Legends Unite (iOS video game)
Bibliographic Information
Title: Asphalt Legends Unite
Developer: Gameloft
Copyright Date: 2024
Platform: iPhone, iPad, Mac (also available for Android)
Genre/Format
Racing/Video Game
Reading Level/Interest Level
12+
Awards or Honors
An earlier version of the game won the Sports Game Award at the 2019 Webby Awards and a 2019 Apple Design Award.
Game Summary
There are 250 cars available, and players start at the bottom of the totem pole with one car availble to use that is the lowest performance level available. The ability to race higher performing cars in new tracks occurs with increased play. Once players have accessed new cars they can customize them with different paint colors for various parts of the car. Additionally, other customizations are available for certain cars when necessary conditions are met.
According to the developer, changes from previous versions include a new co-op mode that involves a high-speed chase where the player can choose to outrun the security team or take down the Syndicate runners. Multi-player play has been updated with a cross platform play that allows play with others across the world. There is also an updated garage, a new engine, and a new track that provides more realistic graphics (Gameloft, n.d.b).
About the Developer
Gameloft has developed over 60 games for play. They have 2,900 employees across the world. They released their first game in 2000. Studio locations include Toronto, Paris, Saigon, Hanoi, and Lviv (Gameloft, n.d.a).
Critical Evaluation
The game came with a quick tutorial on the first round of play that I appreciated. I played in the easiest mode that had automatic steering and acceleration, so I only had to drift, boost my speed, and choose some options on the track. I thought the graphics were fun and immersive. I had a hard time understanding everything I had to do to gain access to higher performing cars.
I don’t love that players can spend their own money to level up the performance of their cars. Alternatives to increasing the performance of the car are to watch an ad, which is another game - and I found this the most frustrating of all because there isn’t a timer showing you how long until you can return to your own game. I played the free version, and this likely wouldn’t be an issue on gaming systems or with a paid version.
Creative Use for a Library Program
Host an afterhours teen get-together. Using the public access computers or the teens’ own laptops, and allow them to play each other in a fun atmosphere.
Speed-Round Talk
Escape into an adrenaline-filled race with an easy to control car and incredibly realistic looking tracks.
Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation
During my brief play, I didn’t see anything that would be challenged.
Reason for Inclusion
Racing games may appeal to teens of all genders and ages, and this game is very popular
References
Asphalt [@Asphalt]. (2024, July 17). Asphalt legends unite - launch trailer [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rH-eZd01NEQ
Gameloft. (n.d.a.). About us. Retrieved December 8, 2024, from https://www.gameloft.com/about-us
Gameloft (n.d.b.). Asphalt legends: Unite. https://asphaltlegendsunite.com
Gameloft. (2024). Asphalt legends: Unite. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/asphalt-legends-unite/id1491129197?mt=12
*Cover Image is property of the developer Gameloft; taken from the Gameloft website.