Price: 4.99    Score: 9/10   Genre: Games

If you’re a fan of racing sim games like Gran Turismo, Project Gotham or Need for Speed then GT Racing: Motor Academy HD on iPad is going to be right up your alley.

Developed by Gameloft, GT Racing brings together over 100 cars from 25 of the worlds biggest manufacturers, offering a massive selection for the racing enthusiast including new models such as the Nissan GT-R and Audi R8. To complement the range of cars, there is a huge career mode with four different event types (GT Touring Championship, Constructor events, Special Invitation and Driver Contracts.) as well as four different license classes to obtain (C, B, A, S).

GT Racing features real-world tracks from all across the globe, including famous raceways such as Mazda Raceway Leguna Seca and street runs through Sydney and Montreal. The tracks themselves look great, with beautifully detailed 3D models enhancing the racing experience.

The racing itself is slick and intuitive. Holding the iPad like a steering wheel, you simply tilt left and right to steer your car. A pedal on the right side of the screen controls the accelerator, a pedal on the left controls the brake – it’s that easy. Before each race you can toggle driving aids like best lines and traction control, as well as adjusting your braking assistance and ESP. During the game you can switch views from inside the cockpit, to outside the car simply by flicking up or down across the screen.

Each race wins you points towards your next car purchase or enables you to unlock other events. Race rewards are based upon your event performance, with a Gold trophy yielding considerably more credits than Bronze. You can use these credits to purchase new vehicles at the Vehicle Dealer, or to purchase upgrades at the After Market center. Modifications can be made to all elements of your car, including engine, brakes, suspension, tires and weight reduction.

Once you’ve mastered the career mode, GT Racing also features local and online multiplayer support for up to 6 players where you can test your skills against others from all around the world.

Bottom Line: It’s been a while since GT Racing: Motor Academy was released on the app store, but it’s still got the goods.

GT Racing: Motor Academy [iTunes Link] is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iPhone OS 2.2.1 or later.