Phaze for iPhone/iPod Touch Review

img_00014

The developers at Astraware are at it again.  Their newest release for the iPhone or iPod Touch, Phaze, places you in the pilot’s seat of a futuristic speedster spacecraft and allows you to race against opponents along an intergalactic race track.

Along the way you steer your ship for the boost pads to achieve warp speed, pick up weapons to blast your opponents and collect power boosts and defensive shields.

Phaze game is a fun break from traditional racing games.

The game launches to a very simple main menu.

You can immediately launch into a single race, compete in a racing championship, see a tutorial on how the game is played, edit the game’s options or view other Astraware titles.

In single race you complete only one race where as in championship mode you complete 16 races.

img_00023

The how-to section features graphical instructions on how to play the game.

You steer via your device’s built in accelerometer.

img_00142

To slow down your racer you tip the device towards you.

img_00161

To speed up you tilt the device forward like you’re pressing down on your car’s gas pedal.

To ease back on the throttle simple tip the device back towards you.

img_00152

If you hold your device too far forward you’ll be warned by the game that your device is too flat.  This means you’d better slow down or a crash is imminent.

img_0017

The game’s option menu includes the ability to turn on or off the in game’s music and sound effects.

img_00034

You may also adjust the steering sensitivity.

I found the default configuration worked just fine.

img_00053

When you’re ready to launch the game you choose a level.  Easy, normal, hard or extreme.

img_00063

Then you select a ship for your race.

To start there are three ships available but 7 more can be unlocked during the game.

img_00073

You can view each ship’s profile before selecting.

img_00082

Finally you select a mission to complete.

img_00092

Before the race begins you’re given a preview of the track.

img_00102

With everything set it’s off to the starting line.

img_00112

You race around the track trying to avoid hitting the walls and other craft.

phaze_screenshot_480x320_03

The track features different boost pods along the way each providing a different function.

Some make you go faster, others provide you with a shield or a weapon to use against the other racers.

phaze_screenshot_480x320_04

The race ends and your final position recorded.

img_00122

You’ll see you time for the race and whether or not you completed it in record time or not.

img_00132

Watch a video demo of the game.

Phaze is a great break from the more traditional race a car around a track racing games.  It features cool looking spacecraft and slick graphics.  The gameplay is very smooth and easy to control.

The more you play the more new content in the form of new ships and racing venues you unlock.

Phaze is available in the iTunes App Store.

Phaze requires iPhone software 2.2.1 or later.

M.S.R.P. – $4.99

What I like – break from traditional car/tracking racing games, nice graphics, smooth gameplay.

What I don’t like – somewhat repetitive.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If you are shopping on Amazon anyway, buying from our links gives Gear Diary a small commission.

About the Author

Gear Diary Staff
Gear Diary was founded on September 30, 2006, with the goal to create a website that would not easily be labeled. Everyone who is part of Gear Diary is a professional who uses technology in their work and daily lives. On this site, we share our enthusiasm while exploring the gear we use — the equipment that makes our lives easier, more entertaining, more productive, and more manageable. Our hope is that Gear Diary visitors find this site to be a welcoming, friendly, and accessible place to learn about and discuss interesting topics — and not only those that are tech-related! Gear Diary is a place to discover and explore all kinds of new gear, including smartphones, computers, kitchen gadgets, Toys, EDC, camping gear, or even your next new car! You can follow us on Twitter @GearDiarySite.