Asphalt Legends Unite, which was previously called Asphalt 9: Legends, is a racing game made by Gameloft Barcelona and published by Gameloft. It came out on July 25, 2018, and is the fifteenth major entry in the Asphalt series. This version brings several upgrades compared to earlier games, including a high-end selection of cars, new control features like the “TouchDrive” autopilot mode, and updated racing modes. The game features significantly improved graphics compared to Asphalt 8: Airborne, which came out in 2013.
On March 25, 2024, Gameloft announced a major update titled Asphalt Legends Unite for Asphalt 9: Legends, which is set to launch on July 17, 2024, coinciding with the game’s rebranding. This update will add a new racing track set in Singapore, bringing more content and features to the game.
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Gameplay Dynamics
Asphalt Legends Unite offers a similar gameplay experience to other Asphalt titles but with improved graphics and design. When it first launched, the game had 48 cars, but by the global release, four more were added, totaling 52 cars. Today, the game boasts a large selection of 250 cars, sorted into categories from D (lower performance) to S (top performance). Unlocking cars requires blueprints, and players can upgrade their cars with stars to boost speed, acceleration, and nitro power. A new feature allows players to customize their cars more thoroughly, including changing colors, rims, and adding carbon parts. The game now also includes “clubs,” where up to 20 players can team up to earn special rewards by gathering reputation points. Various race modes like Career, Multiplayer, Showroom, and special events offer different challenges and rewards. With its expanded features and gameplay options, Asphalt Legends Unite continues to be popular among racing fans worldwide.
Improvement
Gameloft’s Barcelona Studio, the developers behind Asphalt 8: Airborne, also created Asphalt Legends Unite. They used the Bullet physics engine and the Jet Engine game engine to build the game. Like Asphalt 8, this game includes licensed music to enhance the player experience.
In 2016, rumors about Asphalt 9: Legends started when Gameloft Barcelona teased new maps on Twitter that were not in Asphalt 8: Airborne. The game was originally planned for a summer 2017 release under the name Asphalt 9: Shockwave, and it was revealed through various announcements and trailers. It was initially soft-launched on iOS in February 2018 in the Philippines, then released in Thailand and subsequently on Android in May 2018. The global launch was very successful, reaching 4 million downloads within a week.
Asphalt Legends Unite was subsequently released on various platforms. It launched on Nintendo Switch in October 2019, offering offline play with Joy-Con and touchscreen controls. The game was also released for macOS Catalina, Xbox One and Series X/S, and had an arcade version called Asphalt 9 Legends: Arcade DX. The game continued to receive updates, including a Steam version in August 2022, and a major expansion update planned for July 17, 2024, which will add cross-play, better graphics, and new content like a Singapore track.
Evaluation
At its launch, Asphalt 9 received favorable reviews, with many praising its improved graphics and visual style as a major upgrade from previous games in the series.
However, opinions were mixed about its progression system. Some players found it difficult due to its monetization methods and the “energy” system used for gameplay. Prasad from GSMArena.com praised the game’s stunning visuals, describing it as one of the best-looking mobile games on the market.
TechCommuters highlighted the game’s wide range of content, such as cars, tracks, and events, which made it engaging on various platforms. Nick Tylwalk from Gamezebo commended the graphics but noted issues with the blueprint system that affected player progression.
Vishal Mathur from News18 liked the realistic details, like dust effects and car designs, but mentioned that acquiring high-end cars was challenging due to the blueprint system.
Asphalt 9 was recognized at the 2019 Webby Awards with the “Sports Game” prize and also received an accolade at the 2019 Apple Design Awards.
