Red Bull established the Air Race World Championship in 2003 and has 15 pilots scheduled to compete in this year’s six-stage competition. Air Race also has yielded an impressive iPhone application.
Looking to capitalize on the championship’s success, the energy-drink company has released Red Bull Air Race World Championship, a game that allows you to participate in a quick single air race or to fly your way through a season. The app from Artificial Life Inc. costs $2.99.
The game has a very Microsoft Flight Simulator feel to it, though given ITS graphics and memory limitations it will remind you more of one of the games’ early-to-mid 90’s incarnations than anything recent.
That said, Red Bull Air Race World Championship has impressive graphics and controls. Tilting your iPhone controls the turning and height of your flight patter, while on-screen controls can change your speed and camera view (either from the cockpit or from just behind your plane).
Also included is a race facts section that has the history of the series and information about its pilots and planes.
Red Bull Air Race World Championship is not the easiest game to play. Despite the relatively simple controls, it will take you more than a couple of times to get used to the sensitivity (let alone the rules) of the game. Fortunately, a helpful tutorial and the option to adjust the sensitivity are both included.
If you are already a fan of the Air Race World Championship, I highly recommend this app. If not, you would be well served to try the free LITE version of the game — it has limited courses but will give you an idea of the game play.
