When people argue that smartphones are on the level with Playstation or DS portable as gaming platforms, they'll usually whip out a racing game. With good reason! iOS and Android's racing games are actually some of their best, period.
iOS
GOLD MEDAL: Real Racing
The best all-rounder in the App Store today, with great graphics, good car and track choice, multiplayer support and respectable realism combined with arcade-feeling, usable controls. This is a fairly straightforward racing sim, but one that never veers too far into car nerdery or dumbed-down, racing-one-rails action. My only complaint is that it isn't universal, so iPad owners will need to buy a separate "HD" app. $5, iPhone
SILVER MEDAL: Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart 2
Let's be honest about this whole "racing game" thing: It's got a somewhat limited appeal, especially when you start looking at hard racing sims. But everyone—EVERYONE—loves Kart games, and Crash Bandicoot 2 is the best on the platform. If you've ever enjoyed Mario Kart, you'll probably like this. (Though that's sort of like saying, "If you're a human being...") $3, iPhone
BRONZE MEDAL: Rally Master Pro
A game for people who like their racers slippery. Despite handling a good deal of the control scheme automatically, this is actually a fairly authentic rallying game in that the focus is almost entirely on nailing difficult turns. $5, iPhone
OTHERs TESTED
• LilRacerz Pro: Don't be fooled by the cartoonish graphics, this free top-down racer is a deadly serious timesuck.
• Parcel Panic: The iPhone's only true spiritual successor to Crazy Taxi.
• Drift Mania: They made a movie about this! The game is better than that, at least.
• Asphalt 5: A pretty, and pretty bland, racer from the ever-reliable game mill Gameloft.
• Need for Speed: Shift: I'm a fan of the NFS franchise from way back, but something about this game's mechanics don't feel quite right to me. Also: 'spensive!
• Reckless Racing: I have a feeling this top-down 3D racer would have taken the top spot, if it were out. It's not, at least for a few days.
Android
GOLD MEDAL: Asphalt 5
As far as Android racing games go, Asphalt 5 is the pace setter. The 3D graphics are stellar and the gameplay is action packed (though sound is screechy). Asphalt 5 is geared more towards the arcade racer (think Ridge Racer) than simulation racing but you still get three very accurate control options: accelerometer, wheel or tapping the screen. The game can only run on higher end Android phones (think Nexus One and above), so you might have to think twice about the purchase but if you have a good Android phone, the replay value of Asphalt 5 is amazing: there's a career mode to collect money and trophies, various challenges and games-in-games, and each car (and there are over 30) can be customized with engine upgrades, paint jobs and decals (feels good to pimp yo ride). $4.99, Android.
SILVER MEDAL: Need For Speed: Shift
Honestly, Need for Speed: Shift is a gold medal driving game. The rich graphics and buttery smooth gameplay is arguably better than Asphalt 5. However! NFS:Shift isn't readily available for all Android phones in the Android Market (it only comes pre-installed on certain phones) which is terribly unfortunate for racing fans. $9.99, Android.
BRONZE MEDAL: Raging Thunder 2
The 3D graphics aren't as good as Asphalt 5 and gameplay can lag a bit but it does offer online multiplayer mode and a fast-paced, arcade style gameplay that's either fun as hell or a little bit tacky, depending on how you see things. $4.99, Android.
OTHERS TESTED:
• Speed Forge 3D: A 3D jet racing game that's limited because it only has 3 vehicles and 6 tracks. $2.77
• Xrace Beta: Simple and free racing game but has unimpressive graphics and only works with Android phones with a keyboard. Free
• Light Racer 3D: A Tron styled, motorcycle racing game that can be played multiplayer over Wi-Fi. Free or $2.99
• Craigs Race: Basic 2D racing game that's fun the first time, but then gets less and less enjoyable the more you play it. Free.
• Pocket Racing: Topdown 2D racing game that's surprisingly impressive (to a point). Comes with 5 cars and 8 tracks. $1.56