Speedx 3D

Summary

Although there seems to be a presupposition about Android lagging behind the iPhone in regards to game functions, there are already quite a few really good games out there and the rate of new developments is mind boggling.

Speedx 3D is one of those games that really showcases what is possible with an Android phone. If you’re partial to gambling from time to time you should definitely treat yourself to this test and the accompanying video.
 

Speedx 3D is a racing game for your Android phone. Each race begins in a tunnel which swings open during the course of the race and transforms into a track. You’ll also sometimes be driving on the exterior of the tunnel.

The goal of the game is to evade the approaching obstacles and to stay in the game for as long as possible without destroying your vehicle. You use your phone’s accelerometers to do the steering.

Doesn’t sound especially thrilling? It probably won’t be the first time that a game with a simple gameplay manages to captivate you, though. Not only does Speedx 3D have a great look, the gameplay is really fun, too. It wasn’t possible to take screenshots whilst playing the game, but you’ll get the gist when watching the video.
 

The following options are listed on Speedx 3D’s start screen:

• Play
• Highscore
• Options

And within these you have the following options:

• Sounds (on/off)
• Music (on/off)
• Vibrations (on/off)
• Highscore (on/off)
• Difficulty (Easy, Standard und Extreme)

The levels of difficulty are well chosen: “easy” to start off, “standard” for advanced players and “extreme” for highly skilled drivers, because at this point at the latest a high degree of concentration is required.

As already stated, the goal of the game is to evade the obstacles that pop up on the track. These obstacles are presented as blocs that lie along the track lengthwise, upright or hanging across the middle of the screen. You can tell that an obstacle is coming up by the colored line that leads up to it.

You avoid the obstacles by moving your phone to the left or right. You do, however, have to be careful that you control your movements somewhat carefully, otherwise you risk spinning on your own axis, for example.

As you’re playing you’ll see a score indication in the lower left hand corner. The longer you stay in the game the higher your score will be. In the lower right hand corner there’s a bar that lets you know how much damage has been done so far. This allows you to assess with how many more obstacles you can collide before the game is over for you. This also depends on the level of difficulty.

Bottom line:

Speedx 3D is an all around well made game. The optics, sound and gameplay are more than coherent and I couldn’t find anything to criticize.
 

Despite the graphics being quite complex, Speedx 3D runs very smoothly and without any speed bumps along the way.

You can download Speedx 3D for UK£0.75 from the Android market.