We reviewed Fumes Stunt Racer in October and didn’t enjoy the game as much as we hoped, finding problems with the speed, handling and menu systems which made the game frustrating to play.  The developers recognized the game had some issues and chatted about their plans for version 1.1 with us, so we’ve been waiting patiently to replay it.

The update appeared just before the weekend and the fixes are too numerous to reprint here, however the highlights include framerate improvements, seven new tracks, physics tweaks, revised menu screens, more detail and better lighting.  So has it transformed Fumes into the racer we truly believe it’s capable of being?

We’re glad to say that yes, it’s a huge improvement over the initial release and is now an exhilarating experience!  Whereas before the iPad version played better than the iPhone, it’s now difficult to choose between them; but the lighter iPhone 4 does make extended play a less tiresome affair.  It’s not a worry though, as Fumes is still a universal app.

So what’s better?  Well, there is a greater sense of speed, a steadier framerate and the handling isn’t as confused anymore, with all of the oversteer and understeer sensations dialed-out, leaving the car planted on the track.  This makes positioning it on the racing line much easier, plus the wider and more forgiving curbs allow for some creative cornering without fear of being instantly spat off the track.  The slightly easier target times help you advance too.

Despite all this, it was the audio that really stood out.  The engine sound is meatier, the crowds cheer, the tyres squeal, you can give it a bit of a rev in the air and there is a subtle creaking every time you hit the ground – just like Stunt Car Racer.  It has made a marked improvement.

It isn’t all roses though, as we still can’t make the tilt controls feel right, and the slider’s lack of obvious center still sees us weaving across the track, but it doesn’t grate as much anymore.  A final tweak of the engine note is needed to perfect the sound too, as at 131mph, the note makes it sound like the car is running at 1500rpm!

Fumes Stunt Racer (iTunes link) is far closer to the game we wanted it to be back in October  and if we were reviewing it for the first time today, as a Stunt Car Racer fan, it would be probably score a solid 3.5/5.