AiRace: Tunnel (DSiWare) - Review by Andrew

Introduction

The DSiWare download service is full of cut-down versions of games. There's a little bit of this and a taster of that and, as a result, there are a number of titles on offer which you may have already encountered elsewhere. AiRace: Tunnel is something slightly different in that it's actually the training missions for the soon to be released AiRace that will feature more aircrafts and outdoor settings. There aren't many flying games on the DS so how does this one handle in the skies?

Gameplay

The objectives in AiRace: Tunnel couldn't be simpler and your only real challenge is to reach the end of the tunnel. There are six of these in total ranging from Rookie to Expert and there's also an 'Endless' Tunnel where you simply have to survive as long as possible. We'd advise everyone to select the Rookie to begin with, as it's an excellent way to get to grips with the control system and the gameplay basics. This tunnel has fewer turns and the speed of your aircraft will only increase gradually. There are also obstacles that appear at the end of each section of tunnel, which range from simple blockages to lasers and closing doors. One thing we did notice though is that trying to remember your route is useless, as the tunnels appear to re-design themselves after each flight, confusing but it does extend the gameplay. Your 'High-Scores' are saved as percentages which is yet another aspect of this package which encourages the 'one more go' mentality.

Controls

You will have the option to use either the stylus or button controls but a game like this was made for the touch-screen interface, so don't waste your time here.

Graphics

This not a great deal to look at initially in AiRace: Tunnel and the menu screens are particularly ugly. Fortunately, when you do enter one of the tunnels you see that developers NoWay have managed to pull off a pleasing, and reasonably detailed, 3D engine which allows for some smooth and speedy gameplay with no noticeable frame rate problems.

Sound

Other than the rumbling of the jet engines, there's a suitably frantic soundtrack, which is perfect for the style of gameplay.

Special features

Using the stylus to control your aircraft is surprisingly smooth and intuitive and it's very easy to glide though the tunnels. The only real downside is that you may find your hand beginning to ache after an hour or so (due to the angle you hold your stylus) so do yourself a favor and have regular breaks.

Final comments

For a measly 200 points, AiRace is a bit of a steal really and while the front end is uninspiring you will find yourself spending hours trying to beat each of the progressively more difficult tunnels. In short, this is possibly one of the most addictive titles on the DSiWare and a great teaser for the full AiRace game, which should be with us soon.

Pro: Great Visuals, Addictive Gameplay, Incredibly Cheap.
Con: Poor Front End Visuals and Navigation.
Final score: 7.5

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