Let's make one thing clear right off the back, if endless tunnel runners aren't your thing, then this or the regular SpeedX 3D probably aren't for you. This game provides a basic experience that feels like its worth every dollar spent on it, getting exactly what you paid for, and still manages to be fun even after extended periods of time. Not many smartphone app ports can pull that off, and SpeedX 3D Hyper Edition does so expertly.

SpeedX started out as a smartphone game, eventually making its way onto the 3DS eShop, adding button controls instead of forced gyroscope controls, and the console's signature feature, 3D. Gameplay itself is rather simple, use the circle pad to move left or right, and X for a boost. Every playthrough is different due to a random path generator, complete with obstacles and even the chance to crash when the tunnel turns into a flat plane then back into a long curving cylinder. 


Unlike most tunnel runners, you get more than one life, or shall we say more than one hit per life. Starting out with no shield, you can drive over an orange bar on the ground, which provides one shield. Up to four can be obtained, and excessive use of the boost (to chase) shall slowly start to drain the shields. Power ups are obtained by driving over different colored bars, ranging from a crimson red to a lime green. These power ups, along with the shield information, is located on the touch screen at all times; with a screen clearing earthquake, an item to change whether you are in a tunnel or driving on a plane, and a neutralizing agent to electric attacks all at your disposal.

While you can never see what you are navigating through the tunnels, the courses are a bit simplistic, but that should not be a concern. As you gradually build up speed, there is no time for sight seeing. There is however time to enjoy the music, five tracks that can be changed at any time by pressing either shoulder button. On the main menu screen, the sound options are available, along with a statistics page, and credits button.

Conclusion:

SpeedX 3D Hyper Edition isn't one of the deepest games on the eShop in terms of content or overall play time, but it does provide the perfect little time wasters on those moments when you have a handful of minutes to play. The randomized tracks make each playthrough different and unique, managing to still feel fresh even after continuous tries. If you have any interest at all in random tunnel racers, then do yourself a favor and check out SpeedX 3D Hyper Edition. It is currently on sale for $0.99 on the eShop until November 2nd 2014.