When it comes to gaming, I generally don’t like flying or racing, so perhaps it may seem a bit out of character that I would willingly take on a game such as AiRace, which is both flying and racing. Despite what I had heard from others, I knew right from the beginning that I would be taking somewhat of a risk here; perhaps not a big risk, but a risk nonetheless. After all, who wants to sit around and talk about a game they didn’t enjoy, right? But I took the risk anyway and I must say that it really paid off. Not only is the game highly entertaining, it is also well worth its 800-point price tag.

For those who have played AiRace: Tunnels, this is the same sort of gameplay but with far more depth. This time, instead of flying through a number of long empty tunnels rife with obstacles, you must face off against opponents in races through various landscapes. The challenging flight of the first game still exists, but the courses are much more open and instead of the typical obstacles from Tunnels, you will have to guide your plane through twisting lanes and tight spaces, all while competing against others. To make things more interesting, in addition to racing, you can also pick up power-ups for defending yourself and taking out the competition. In a way, it is like a more realistic Diddy Kong Racing, but it is more than able to set itself apart.

One thing to keep in mind is that this game is not easy. Having played a number of games with similar attributes in my younger years, I expected to be an ace. And really, it didn’t take long at all get used to the flight mechanics. But as things heated up, I quickly learned that even with some experience, this game requires practice because it is not afraid to give you a beating. Humbled, I set the game to Rookie and ended up having much better luck, but still, this is not easy-breezy. However, even when AiRace is tearing me a new one, I keep coming back for more because it is just that fun. And before long, even the most difficult sections can be overcome, which is a great feeling.

There are only six different tracks in AiRace, which sounds like a terribly small number, but let’s also keep in mind that this is a small handheld title with some rather polished graphics. And although not a substitute for additional tracks, you can unlock mirror versions, which is a rather different experience. More importantly, however: some of these courses are pretty darn big, and on top of that, they all split in so many different ways that you can actually go through a couple of laps without realizing it. One potential drawback here is that because there are so many options, there are times when you will go through a bit of a stretch without running into any other racers. But considering that everyone is trying to blow each other out of the sky, this might not be such a thing. To get a quick crash course of the different tracks, I strongly urge you to watch the AiRace map preview below…

If you take the time to watch the video, you will see that there is some pretty intense flying action in this game as the courses twist and turn. Your plane can take a few nicks and bumps without much recourse, but it only takes one bad move to bring you crashing down and taking a significant time penalty, so you may find yourself holding your breath ever so slightly as you whiz through narrow passageways. Thankfully, throughout each course, there are a number of secret shortcuts, many of which only become available to you through use of a missile. Most of these are well-hidden and dangerous, but if you can make it through unscathed, you will be rewarded handsomely with a much-needed lead.

One of my favorite things about AiRace is that you can choose between stylus controls or button controls. This is essential because the two modes are drastically different and they come with their own benefits and disadvantages. For example, using the stylus mode makes it more difficult to focus on speed and power-ups, but it has improved precision, which makes it ideal for getting through tight spots. In button mode, your plane is harder to navigate through obstacles, but it is easier to build up speed and keep yourself straight. Personally, I find the button controls easier to use overall, but I like to switch it up sometimes for a bit of variety.

Probably my biggest disappointment here is the lack of imagination when it comes to power-ups. There is a fair number of different options, but most of them either affect someone’s speed or blow up your opponents. It wasn’t often that I felt the need to risk my neck trying to grab the precariously-placed power-ups. I do, however, like that the oil will cause large portions of your opponent’s screen to be obscured, but when playing against A.I. planes, it lacks that deliciously sinister feeling of screwing over other people. But on a positive note: when you fly through a power-up, it will scroll through different possibilities and give you a chance to stop on the one you want in somewhat of a Press Your Luck fashion. Obviously, it will be a bit difficult to focus on what the options are while flying, but the different types of power-ups are color-coded, so you can at least have an idea of what you’re getting without having to take your eyes off of the top screen.

When not trying to grab your favorite power-up, the bottom screen will act as a map that shows your location on the course, as well as your position in relation to the other racers. It isn’t always easy to take a peak, but it is still a very helpful—and welcome—feature. Also welcome is the variety in planes and customization/upgrade options. I would’ve liked to have seen a lot more, but what’s there is nice, even if a bit modest. At a low price point like this, it is impressive to see that they would even make the attempt.

Unfortunately, I am somewhat lacking in the friend department, so I still haven’t had a chance to try out the wireless local multiplayer. But if you have five other friends who own copies of AiRace, then you are in luck because you can all race simultaneously. And if you enjoy the singleplayer game—which can be played as a Championship or in single races—then I can imagine that you will likely love the multiplayer. After all, games like this only improve when playing with friends. It is somewhat of a bummer that it is local only, but realistically, playing a racing game with others is only fun if you can actually taunt each other anyway.

All in all, AiRace is a highly entertaining game that you can enjoy just about anywhere, although I would avoid the frustration of trying to play during bumpy car rides. When it comes to handheld racers, this is one of the best around. It may not have the same appeal as Mario Kart DS, but it is a fun game regardless and it will make a much smaller dent in your wallet. If you have the points to spare, I would actually recommend getting AiRace: Tunnel to go along with this—if you don’t have it already. Although it is missing many elements found in this later iteration, it is also a bit more challenging and it is a great way to hone your flying skills, which will help you massively during races. For only 1000 points, it’s a great combination that won’t set you back much.

Score: 8/10

• Pros:
  • Fun challenge that will keep you coming back for more.
  • Full of intense twists and turns.
  • Local wireless multiplayer supports up to six players.
• Cons:
  • Listening to the same song gets repetitive.
  • Power-ups aren’t particularly interesting.
  • Racers lack character and personality.

AiRace was developed and published by QubicGames. It was released for Nintendo’s DSiWare in North America on April 12, 2010.