Asphalt Legends Unite Review: A much-needed revamp, but still falls short

As a long-time gamer and an avid user of OnePlus 12 Android device, I dived into Asphalt Legends Unite with high expectations. The game has always been a favorite of mine, and I was eager to see what changes the developers had in store for us.

The latest update for Gameloft’s game, Asphalt 9: Legends Unite, has just dropped, ramping up the thrilling racing action even more. A multitude of new elements have been incorporated, giving the game a fresh, updated appearance. Instead of releasing a new version, Gameloft surprised us by unveiling an upgrade for the original game, boasting improved graphics, a redesigned user interface, and cross-play compatibility across Mobile, PC, Consoles, and Switch. This review will explore what’s working well and areas that could use some polishing in Asphalt 9: Legends Unite following these exciting modifications.

The sense of speed in Asphalt’s gameplay is still intact

I hold fond recollections of Asphalt 8. It was the initial mobile game I played on my Moto G 1st Gen that boasted high-quality graphics. Consistently, it delivered everything I desired in a mobile game: stunning visuals, doses of heart-pounding action, and above all, it was fair. In its most recent update, not much has been altered.

With the convenient Touch Drive feature, the gameplay essentially stays the same, offering a comfortable yet less complex gaming experience. However, it’s good to know that players have the option to turn off this feature for a more demanding and engaging gameplay. The fundamental racing elements, including nitro bursts and tricks, continue to deliver an adrenaline rush.

The sense of rush returns when you press the nitro to create a perfect shockwave or when you make physics-defying stunts or land on an opponent while doing a barrel roll, the foundations are as solid as ever. It is what’s built on top of it that is frustrating.

In races, the interface undergoes a significant revamp, yet it falls short of being appealing; the speedometer is particularly bothersome and during multiplayer races, player names on vehicles often obscure the view. The game was equitable for both old and new players, as you can win multiplayer races by utilizing cars that you’ve unlocked through persistent play.

Progression in Asphalt Legends: Unite is a frustrating uphill battle

1. In this part of the game, things quickly start to become challenging and it happens rather swiftly. As soon as I turned on the game, it provided me with a quick rundown of controls followed by an immediate prompt for a welcome offer of approximately $20 (1799 INR). I dismissed this offer and participated in a race within the career mode, whereupon I was urged to either purchase the Unite Pass or watch an advertisement for a pack containing BLUEPRINTS, which isn’t very substantial. The career mode allows you to unlock several vehicles initially and provides additional packs to uncover more.

After working hard to unlock a car, the joy is short-lived as you need to continue working to collect more BLUEPRINTS to upgrade the car with additional IMPORT PARTS. These parts need to be unlocked separately through various events and career modes. For example, a basic D-class car requires 15 BP to unlock and another 40 BP to reach 3 stars. For an S-class car, it can go up from 250 BP to 300 BP.

Increase in Garage Levels: The maximum levels for garages are raised from 20 to 60, allowing for more progression. This change grants additional blueprints upon leveling up and introduces new blueprints into the standard packs. You can advance quite efficiently by simply playing career mode, completing missions, and participating in events. However, you may eventually encounter a point where further progress requires an investment.

This game encourages spending on various items, including fuel. Indeed, fuel! You can either wait several hours (8 hours to fully refuel all cars) or spend money to refill, much like filling up a gas tank for a vehicle you don’t actually own. It seems I’m missing out by not watching the ads.

Many people may find satisfaction in repetitive tasks, but the majority of us view them as monotonous and unjust. Excessive reliance on various forms of currency and in-game purchases can give an unfair edge to those who invest financially.

Overclocking: A Pay-to-Win Power-Up

Overclocking chips represent an additional level of intricacy in the advancement process, as they enhance vehicle performance and offer a noticeable edge during races. Does this feel like another “pay-to-win” situation, where you’re at a disadvantage if you don’t shell out some cash? If so, there’s no extra credit since it was fairly predictable.

Though progress can be made via in-game events, the pace is relatively sluggish, leading players to consider buying Overclocking Chip passes for quicker advancement. This pay-to-win aspect exacerbates multiplayer imbalances since those with turbocharged vehicles often outperform others in races. Essentially, overclocking keeps your car perpetually in need of enhancements.

Performance is acceptable for the most part

On my OnePlus 12 Android smartphone, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed playing Asphalt Legends Unite without encountering much in the way of bugs or crashes. There have been no significant frame drops or excessive heating, like an iron box. Unfortunately, several players have reported performance issues and launch crashes that continue on Windows and Console platforms. For this discussion, I’ll focus on my own experience and not delve into those problems, as they haven’t affected me personally.

Visual overhaul feels like a misstep

Visually, the game maintains a familiar look from its earlier edition, featuring a top-tier graphical setting that still resembles its original despite some enhancements to textures and lighting effects. Regrettably, there’s no higher frame rate option beyond the current limit of 60 frames per second.

The user interface’s use of bright neon tones makes the car seem to fade into the scenery rather than catch your attention. A more subtle color scheme that’s easy on the eyes, instead of one dominated by a harsh purple, is a fair expectation and I don’t foresee any changes happening in the near future.

The multiplayer mode is a shadow of its potential

In my gameplay sessions of the multiplayer mode, I found it disappointing. Regularly, I encountered adversaries with noticeably superior vehicles, which made for a tough and seemingly unfair contest. It appears that the matching system favors more experienced players, resulting in a lopsided battlefield.

Moreover, recurring instances of unexpected collisions, typically resulting from slight physical interactions, consistently interrupted the smooth progression of races. The option to deploy supercharged vehicles only exacerbates the existing inequality.

Final Verdict

Essentially, Asphalt Legends Unite delivers an engaging and thrilling racing adventure that rests upon a robust base. However, to be frank, the game’s update was necessary, but its overly aggressive monetization strategy undeniably diminishes the overall gaming experience.

The emphasis on microtransactions and in-app purchases creates an uneven playing field, favoring those willing to spend over those who prefer to earn rewards through skill and dedication. Although the fundamental racing mechanics are enjoyable, the constant pressure to spend money spoils the overall experience.

If you’re new to Asphalt Legends Unite and haven’t played Asphalt 9: Legends before, I’d say it’s okay on its own, even quite good, but when compared to the high expectations set by its upgraded version, it doesn’t deliver as promised. In other words, NFS Mobile seems more likely to offer a strong racing experience.

Asphalt Legends Unite Review by GamingonPhone

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2024-08-29 16:41