You can easily play this game without spending a dime and enjoy it. Of course, it doesn't accrue nearly as fast as you will want to purchase upgrades and new cars, but if you have patience or don't play too much, the curve isn't too punishing. Cash accrues as you race - both by winning races and by picking it up off the track. Turning is done by tilting your phone or tablet, and there are power-ups on the track that you can snag for more speed, cash, and points. Like most app store racers, your car accelerates on its own and you control when to hit the nitro and when to break. There are two types of racers on the App Store - the realistic simulator and the arcade speed-a-thon. With sleek menus, a huge range of tracks, and a wide-open game design, it is inviting and accessible, even if you decide to keep your wallet tucked away. Asphalt 7 Heat manages to toe the line between freemium micro transactions and solid game design as well as any racer currently out there. For casual gamers that want a nice diversion, it's a wonderful thing - allowing you to try out otherwise grade-A games for free - while hardcore gamers who want to unlock everything a game has to offer are often left between a rock and a very expensive hard place. The games are free, but the content is not. The hot trend right now in big name apps from top publishers like EA and Gameloft is freemium.
