Publisher Metro 3D had a fully playable demo Smash Cars, and devotees to recent similar titles such as Re-Volt or RC Revenge won’t be disappointed with Creat Studio’s little RC racer.

The most noticeable difference from Smash Cars to other RC racers is how close the camera is to the RC cars; most RC racers have extremely distant camera views, emphasizing the prodigious size of the environments, while Smash Cars camera views are very close, emphasizing RC car. The 13 toy car models are all extremely detailed and the chassis of the cars are all flexible, making it easier to get out of awkward positions when stuck on the curb or other objects.

There are no power-ups, and is replaced with a stunt system. Using a boost meter (which replenishes as you drive), the jump button, and mounds and ramps, the player can do mid-air tricks and gain points.

A problem with most RC racing games are the large open environments, most of which have no demarcations, so it becomes easy to lose direction and even go the wrong way. Smash Cars however has an on-screen arrow at all times which points to the numerous checkpoints, ensuring an easy and accessible experience.

Man-made obstacles abound (tires, drawers, chairs, etc) along with actual humans themselves. One level has a guy on go-kart you have to avoid and another one with a lady and her dog: hit the lady and she’ll kick you away and hit the dog and he’ll start biting and chasing.

Most of the cars have a monster truck or bulky look, and the game loses some of its ‘cute’ factor (a good or bad thing, depending). But has been a fun little game, which novices and experts should be able to both enjoy.