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Recently The Onion did a small skit about the latest car-*** film Fast & Furious 5,
taking the usual pot-shot at the action extravaganza by claiming the script was written by a small
child obsessed with explosions. However no one truly expects to see an action film like
this for high-art; it's all about the mindless over-the-top antics, *** clad women and
tight-shirt wearing men as they defy physics for 90 minutes. So it's no surprise that Fast
Five by Gameloft is an unashamed Arcade-style racer with a thin premise to justify racing
at all, but when you don't have the backup of intense action scenes or genuine star appearances
it's not quite as easy to be forgiving of its shallow nature.
Cars and explosions and speed are the order of the day for Fast Five as you swing your
expensive racer around each track and players can choose between basic tilt, touch and swipe
controls to keep themselves on target. Each 'chapter' follows the events of the pack of
thieves as they attempt to escape the clutches of cops and other gangs, providing just enough
justification for racing their way around large race tracks around the world. After
an initial introduction race you'll unlock a new car (which can be upgraded and customized
with cash earned via races) and can then participate in one of several additional race types, varying
from normal racing to drags; elimination matches; time attacks; and the obligatory drift mode.
And that's really about all you can expect until you complete the game. It's hard not
to feel a bit disappointed when the depth of the game is explored within the first couple
chapters, though to be fair the tracks can be quite fun as they're often very large and
varied with the slick visuals you'd expect of a developer like Gameloft. Additional vehicles
and aesthetic upgrades are available and if you're impatient you can purchase cash via
an In App Purchase (though this does ruin a lot of the replay value and challenge of
the game).
Where things really start to kick off is in the online arena as you play with up to nine
other racers while playing game modes that feel far more exciting as you constantly need
to avoid being wrecked by others jostling for first place. It's not a lot, but it adds
flavor to an otherwise standard racing title supported by a weak movie plot and gameplay
features that became standard for the genre a long time ago.
If you're a racing fan and keen on the Fast & Furious movie franchise you'll get a kick
out of this game, but those already playing a Gameloft arcade racer can let this one cruise
on by.