Racing — it has been my passion for more than 15 years. Being an Automobile Engineer with a massive hard-on for everything cars including the ladies in the pit (hope my wife never reads this), I managed to get a crack at the Formula 3 car at the Sepang Formua 1 Circuit in Malaysia last September. What better way than to clinch the 2^nd runners-up trophy and make my country proud!

Since I cannot always be at the race circuit (how I wish) nor can afford the time and the money, I get my little racing kick from the digital world on my Samsung GALAXY Note II. I thought I’d share my favourites with you guys. You can catch me playing games (much to the dismay of my Boss) between work, travelling (say hello if you spot me between Kanjurmarg & Currey Road) or when my true Boss (Wife) is shopping.

Fast and the Furious 6:
Size: 232 MB
Download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kabam.ff6android&hl=en

This surely takes a long time to download this game, but it’s worth it. If you have watched the movie, I am sure you wouldn't want to miss out on the game either. Fast and the Furious 7 movie is rolling out this year (without one of the main Stars — RIP Paul Walker).  The point of the game is to earn cash by being the fastest driver in drift and drag races. London is where the action is all set and the game has great graphics. The Game takes mobile racing to new level with new game modes and exciting rides.
 

Fast Racing 3D:
Size:16 MB
Download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.julian.fastracing&hl=en

This game has got some great cutting 3D graphics and sound effects. You can upgrade and customise your vehicles by earning cash as you progress in this game. Earning cash rewards allows you to unlock new cars. You can race the way you want by either touching (the screen) or tilting to steer the car. This game gives you over 10 hours of gameplay in career mode with 48 levels.

Need for Drift:
Size: 68.15 MB
Download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ExtremeDevelopers.NeedforDrift&hl=en

Hold your breath, for this game will really test your skills. You will have to get behind the wheel of a sports car. This is the best drifting game till date and it has some great graphics. What I liked more is the sound track and the screeching wheels… it really helps intensify the gameplay. Most corners are a little too tight, and you're constantly challenged to earn points with a drift.
 

Traffic Racer:
Size: 42 MB
Download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.skgames.trafficracer&hl=en

In this game, you have to ensure that you don’t hit the traffic including trucks, buses and SUVs. If you live in Mumbai, you do that everyday. There is a touch screen button to accelerate and a touch brake button to slow down, everything else depends on your reaction time and skill. Though I would have liked it if there was a faster way to earn money.

The following two games are excellent. Except for the two drawbacks-1) Huge downloads 2) In-game purchases.

Asphalt 8-Airborne:
Size: 1.59 GB

This game got free on Android last week. The size of the game depends on devices. The graphics look quite good and you can play multi-player by Wi-fi. You can purchase some cars outright or use your game money to go a level up. You have to collect stars to unlock new seasons of races as you progress. This game will surely get you rolling as you compete on race tracks like Tokyo, London, etc. Overall, it's one of the best arcade racing game you get on smartphones.
 

Real Racing 3:
Size:12 MB (+1.2GB)

This game is developed by Firemonkeys Studios and published by Electronic Arts. This game includes ten licensed tracks, a twenty-two car grid, and seventy-nine officially licensed cars such as Porsche, Lamborghini, Audi, Bentley, Mercedes-Benz and Ferrari. Players are required to maintain and service their vehicles and require in-game cash and real-world time. It's undoubtedly the best looking racing game available for handhelds.

Hill Climb Racing (16MB):
Size: 16 MB
Download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fingersoft.hillclimb&hl=en

Ok, this one is the ugliest car racing game on this list. The graphics and sounds are crappy, but for some reasons it's darn addictive. The gameplay requires you to go travel trough hills in nick of time to complete the stages. Earn bonuses to upgrade your engine, suspension, Tires and 4WD. For the past one month, I see a lot of people in the train glued to this game.
 

I know these are no substitutes for the real thing, though what can a working family man do? I do aspire to be part of the pit in the racing car circuit, if you know a way in for an awesomely humble engineer with keen foot-on-the-gas-pedal like me, do let me know. In the meantime, we would also like to know your favourite racing games, do mention them in the comments section below. Cheers and Drive Safe!

From left: Rupchand Betala, Kunal Sinha, Rajesh D'souza and Himanshu Sampat at the Michelin Pilot Experience (Malaysian Formula 1 Sepang circuit, 2013)

Tags : Android, games, Mobile Phones, Tablets