Pad Racer for iPad Review

Since I first played Scrabble on the iPad using my iPhone as the tile rack, I couldn't stop thinking about the possibilities of connecting the iPhone to the iPad for other types of games.  My first thoughts were to create a race car game where the iPad is the track and the iPhone is the controller/steering wheel.  Pad Racer is the first game on the iPad that does just that.   There are two apps; one for the iPhone which is the controller and is free, and there is the iPad app which currently costs $4.99.

Pad Racer works equally well over Bluetooth and WiFi and it’s very easy to join a game with multiple people.   Once everyone is connected, the checkered flag button on the iPad begins the race. There are three tracks to choose from with lots of curves.  One of the included tracks has oil slicks on the road to spice things up a bit. Each player's last lap time is displayed but unfortunately it doesn't show you accumulative race time.   I would have also liked a display that showed the time distance between racers so you can know how badly you’re beating your friends.

On the iPhone, the app is very easy to use since it automatically attempts to connect to the iPad once loaded.   Once connected you are given a 'Go' button which is the gas but unfortunately no brake pedal.  Steering with the iPhone's accelerometer feels a little soggy but after a few go rounds you'll get used to it quickly.  This may be caused by how the car looks, as it appears the car pivots instead of turning which may make it feel soggy.

Keep in mind this game is really for local multiplayer as there is no single player race action even though you can race around the track by yourself, but that's clearly not as much fun as racing a bot or a friend.  The developer has informed me that in an update coming soon you will be able to race a ghost of yourself.

Overall it's a solid app, even though its missing some features its the best in its class since there is no competition...yet.  No doubt the developer will be updating Pad Racer with new features to keep it relevant and competitive.