Gameloft have consistently put out a high level of effort into their iPhone applications, but Asphalt 4: Elite Racing takes the cake. With console-like production values and license deals from car manufacturers, it's every bit the game that should appeal to a mainstream gaming crowd and even its flaws will be forgiven when you realize you're playing this game on your iPhone.

As you'd expect, the controls have been well designed for this arcade-style racer, giving you the option of tapping the sides to turn, using a miniature virtual steering wheel or tilting the iPhone itself. Due to the need to keep pressing your turbo, the tap and steer controls can feel awkward and the gameplay definitely favors tilting as you strive to control your car.

Thanks to their licensing, players will get to slide and crash around the world in instantly recognizable recreations of Ferraris, Aston Martins, Lotus' and even a few high profile motorcycles. The visuals are solid, but despite all the good looks the arcade physics can be a problem to deal with, which is a shame given that most of the gameplay modes (Race, Beat 'Em All, Cop etc.) rely on your ability to crash other racers.

Asphalt 4 is a high quality offering that's hard to ignore. A lot a small issues from the physics to the somewhat labyrinthine menu system outside of racing can be off-putting for some, but gamers looking for more than just another casual game will have more than enough to sink their teeth in to here.