Review: Killer Edge
by Mchase
May 29, 2009
Overview:
Killer Edge is another racing game that puts you in the driver's seat or, more accurately, behind the car... Twist and turn your way to the finish line, testing your skills to the max along the way!
Features:
Killer Edge affords you the basic gameplay options of any racing game. There is GP mode where you race for a cup of either Bronze, Silver, or Gold. Quickplay is a single race, which is just that - quick. There is also Time Attack mode where you try to get the best time on any given track. The game also features twelve cars and several tracks that increase in frequency of turns, thus making them more difficult.
While most racing games allow you to control your vehicle only by tilting the device, Killer Edge has a "Touch" option in the settings menu, letting you control the car by touching either side of the screen.
Also incorporated into the game are MarioKart like power-ups which increase your attack, defense, traction, etc. for as long as they remain active.
The Good:
So, as said above, you are able to control your car by touch as opposed to tilting. It is, by far, the best feature of Killer Edge. I am naturally opposed to tilting controls - don't ask my why, they just mess me up, whatever the game. The variety of car is another thing to mention in The Good as there are a multitude (yes, twelve is a multitude) to choose from.
The Bad:
Let's start with the graphics. I'm not sure if any of you are, or were, avid arcade goers, but the graphics in this game are reminiscent of Outrun (an older racing game that was impossible to win.) Sadly, however, they are just not up to par with the standards of the day.
The next thing is the "upgrades." So, you drive through colorful blocks that give you certain powers depending on the block. But, to be honest, I noticed no difference whatsoever. When I picked up the game, I was expecting there to be weapons with which to destroy your opponent. This is not the case. After you drive through the upgrade block, an icon appears in the top right corner of the screen and then disappears after a short while. But, there are no weapons to speak of, and as far as a difference in handling or traction - there is no difference.
As I was playing the game, not only did I find it incredibly easy to drift off of the track, even when turning at full capacity, but I actually went off of the track through a building - which, one would assume, should keep you on the road. These things just shouldn't happen in games these days...
The Verdict:
While I can appreciate the efforts of a (more than likely) first time app developer, a racing game probably isn't the best place to start. In my humble opinion, this app is probably not worth the time - at this point. Killer Edge is a great first attempt for a dev and, with a few upgrades, the game could be pretty cool. As I said, the touch controls are good, but it's just not quite there yet. Especially for $1.99.