Asphalt Legends Unite (formerly known as Asphalt 9: Legends) is a racing game developed by Gameloft Barcelona and published by Gameloft, released on July 25, 2018. It marks the fifteenth major installment in the Asphalt series. Compared to its predecessors, the game introduces several enhancements, including a prestigious lineup of cars, new control options such as “TouchDrive” autopilot mode, and revamped race modes.The game’s graphics have seen significant improvements over Asphalt 8: Airborne, released in 2013.
On March 25, 2024, Gameloft announced a major expansion update titled Asphalt Legends Unite for Asphalt 9: Legends, set to launch on July 17, 2024, coinciding with the game’s rebranding. This update introduces a new track in Singapore, expanding the game’s content and features.
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Game Mechanics
The gameplay experience in Asphalt Legends Unite is akin to other Asphalt games but with noticeable enhancements in graphics and design. Initially launched with 48 cars, the global release saw the addition of four more cars, bringing the total to 52. Currently, the game features a vast collection of 250 cars, categorized into classes ranging from D (lower performance) to S (highest performance). Each car requires blueprints for unlocking and can be upgraded with stars, enhancing its speed, acceleration, and nitro capabilities. Players can now customize cars extensively using a new editor feature, adjusting colors, rims, and even adding carbon parts. A notable addition is the introduction of “clubs”, allowing up to 20 players to collaborate and earn exclusive rewards by accumulating reputation points. The game also includes various race modes like Career, Multiplayer, Showroom, and special events, each offering unique challenges and rewards. With its expanded content and gameplay options, Asphalt Legends Unite continues to attract racing enthusiasts worldwide.
The development of Asphalt Legends Unite was handled by Gameloft’s Barcelona Studio, the same team behind Asphalt 8: Airborne. They employed both the Bullet physics engine and the Jet Engine game engine in the development of the game. Similar to Asphalt 8, Asphalt Legends Unite features licensed soundtracks to enhance the gaming experience.
Rumors about Asphalt 9: Legends began circulating in 2016 when Gameloft Barcelona teased new maps not seen in Asphalt 8: Airborne on Twitter. Initially slated for a summer 2017 release under the name Asphalt 9: Shockwave, the game’s development progressed with various announcements and trailers. It was soft-launched for iOS in February 2018 in the Philippines, followed by releases in Thailand and later on Android in May 2018. The worldwide launch was met with significant success, reaching 4 million downloads across platforms within a week.
Over time, Asphalt Legends Unite expanded its reach to different platforms. It became available on Nintendo Switch in October 2019, offering offline play modes with Joy-Con and Touchscreen controls. Subsequent releases included versions for macOS Catalina, Xbox One and Series X/S, and an arcade adaptation titled Asphalt 9 Legends: Arcade DX. The game continued to evolve with updates, including a Steam version in August 2022 and a major expansion update announced for July 17, 2024, introducing cross-play compatibility, enhanced graphics, and new content like the Singapore track.
Reception
Asphalt 9 was met with positive feedback at its launch, with many praising its updated graphics and visual style as a significant step forward from earlier games in the series.
However, there were mixed opinions regarding its progression system, which some players found challenging due to its monetization strategies and the use of “energy” systems. Reviewer Prasad from GSMArena.com highlighted the game’s stunning visuals, suggesting it could be one of the best-looking mobile games available.
TechCommuters’ review emphasized the game’s diverse content, including cars, tracks, and events, ensuring an engaging experience across different platforms.
Nick Tylwalk of Gamezebo complimented the graphics but noted issues with the blueprint system affecting player progression.
Vishal Mathur from News18 appreciated the game’s realistic details, such as dust effects and car designs, though he acknowledged the difficulty in obtaining high-end cars due to the blueprint collection process.
Asphalt 9 was met with positive feedback at its launch, with many praising its updated graphics and visual style as a significant step forward from earlier games in the series.
However, there were mixed opinions regarding its progression system, which some players found challenging due to its monetization strategies and the use of “energy” systems.
Reviewer Prasad from GSMArena.com highlighted the game’s stunning visuals, suggesting it could be one of the best-looking mobile games available.
TechCommuters’ review emphasized the game’s diverse content, including cars, tracks, and events, ensuring an engaging experience across different platforms.
Nick Tylwalk of Gamezebo complimented the graphics but noted issues with the blueprint system affecting player progression.
Vishal Mathur from News18 appreciated the game’s realistic details, such as dust effects and car designs, though he acknowledged the difficulty in obtaining high-end cars due to the blueprint collection process.
Asphalt 9 was awarded the “Sports Game” prize at the 2019 Webby Awards and was also acknowledged at the 2019 Apple Design Awards.
