Review of ‘Asphalt Xtreme’, game from 2016 relaunched by Netflix
Hyderabad: The first review of 2022 begins with a conundrum and a befuddling one at that, as this week’s review looks at the game ‘Asphalt Xtreme’. Those of you who have played games on mobile for a while would remember Xtreme from 2016, a game that launched between Asphalt 7 and 8 focused on stunts, […]
Hyderabad: The first review of 2022 begins with a conundrum and a befuddling one at that, as this week’s review looks at the game ‘Asphalt Xtreme’. Those of you who have played games on mobile for a while would remember Xtreme from 2016, a game that launched between Asphalt 7 and 8 focused on stunts, over-the-top animations, and some aerial sequences. Which makes you wonder why are we re-reviewing a game that launched in 2016 and I have three simple words for you – because Netflix happened.
The last year has seen the streaming giant make forays into the gaming space as it has begun to assemble a catalogue of games that its subscribers can enjoy. So far, most of the games were based on the content were developing as games like ‘Stranger Things’ were released but with ‘Xtreme’ the formula seems to be changing. This game has been taken over completely by Netflix as it was first pulled off the app-stores in September, 2021 and then re-listed in early December in specific regions.
It’s not just the developer who has changed as the game has received a visual and gameplay focused overhaul. Netflix’s ‘Xtreme’ doesn’t look like a game from 2016 in any way whatsoever.
In terms of gameplay, the new version remains true to the ‘Asphalt’ formula as the game emphasises on collision sequences, aerial manoeuvres, and it rewards the player with amounts of nitrous for stunts and skill moves. The ‘Asphalt’ architecture remains not just in gameplay but also in terms of the menus and progression as the game still asks you to collect parts, upgrades, and level up the cars.
The experience is more polished and feels more aligned to games in 2021 and 2022 but the thing is ‘Xtreme’ is no longer a free to play (f2p) game. It is a subscription-based service and the grind thus seems both unnecessary and punishing.
There’s no denying that ‘Xtreme’ is fun to play and it is easier to enjoy it without micro transactions, in-app purchases, and advertisements but it remains an ‘Asphalt’ game in its core, and that’s where it suffers the most.
It makes no sense to collect innumerable number of shards and open free randomised loot-boxes when the game is expected to be a paid experience, you do pay for the Netflix subscription after all. With ‘Xtreme’, the Netflix collection is off to a start without a clear-cut identity.
Give it a try though if you already have a Netflix subscription, ‘Xtreme’ doesn’t merit a new subscription. Netflix’s collection so far is no Apple arcade.
Sneak Peek:
Title Asphalt Xtreme
Developer Netflix Inc.
Game Type Single Player and Multiplayer Racer
Platforms Android and iOS
Price Free to Play with existing Netflix subscription
Verdict:
Innovative Gameplay: 3.5
Game Handling & Quality: 3.5
Value for Time: 4
Overall: 3.7
| What Stands Out C | Fails to impress D |
| The game looks a lot better and is nothing like the former ‘Xtreme’ | The game is neat and responsive but the ‘Asphalt’ architecture underneath remains |
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