Final Freeway - app review

I have seen Final Freeway in the App Store for a while and just glanced by. When looking at apps to review this week I felt a little nostalgic and thought I would give this little gem a spin. The result? Well, if you enjoy old-school arcade racing, if you remember when Out Run was the arcade game, then Final Freeway is for you!

Off the bat, the game is dead simple. Start off by going to Options and you can change your control type from accelerometer to to touch steering. I really prefer the accelerometer steering and once you turn on horizon tilt it gets a lot better.

Jumping into a game starts with two choices: Normal or Expert. Be warned, this game gets tough as more traffic and the time limit starts to hinder your progress. Next you have three choices for music. Unfortunately you can't select iPod music at this time (the developer says they are working hard on a substantial update, we shall see what this brings). From here, the race begins!

Controls are precise and responsive as you fly really fast around the tracks. You have a few different control layouts in options for gas, break, etc. From here it is time to beat the clock and avoid the traffic. When you reach a check point, the game continues, but you do not have any branching paths, you continue through six total levels for the high score.

I had a lot of fun with this game. Since the levels are relatively short and with fast task switching, it makes for an excellent pick up and play game when you have the time. Sure there is a big "Cons" list below, but for $.99 this is a must have app for any classic racing fan; no regrets.

[$.99- iTunes Link]

TiPb iPhone 4-star rated

Pros

  • Classic racing action
  • Similar to the arcade classic "Out Run"
  • Fast frame rate- almost too fast!
  • Retina display support for iPhone 4
  • Universal app for iPhone and iPad
  • Pick back up and play with iOS4

Cons

  • No "tree" to show level progression
  • Only three music tracks
  • No iPod music option
  • Only one car to choose from
  • No Internet scoring fro global high scores (Plus+ or OpenFeint for example)

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Software trainer, blogger and mobile technology enthusiast living in the suburban Midwest.