Taxi Drive, a recent app store release by syncRage, is an addictive new game that requires you to deliver passengers to their destinations as quickly as possible without getting into accidents. With its straight-outta-Flight Control graphics and intuitive gameplay, Taxi Drive provides an enjoyable pick-up-and-play experience.

You’ve never experienced New York like this! As the baddest taxi driver of them all, you’ll have to prove yourself by whipping around Central Park, picking up fares and avoiding the inevitable fender bender for as long as possible. Touch the waiting passenger and your taxi will automatically determine a route to follow. Once the passenger is in the vehicle, tap the target symbol to drive him to his desired location. Simple, right? Well, many times, this route is unencumbered, but at times, other vehicles will prevent a worry-free trip. Simply redraw a different route and your taxi immediately alters course. Given the level of roadway congestion, you many need to alter routes several times during a single trip. You may even have to pull down a side street and wait for things to clear up a bit. All it takes is one little accident and it’s game over, so be careful. You may earn new taxis (extra lives) from time to time, allowing you to extend your earning period beyond your first accident. Reach $300 in fares to unlock the Midtown map; snag $500 and you can hit up the East Side for a bit.

Graphically, you cannot help but compare Taxi Drive to Flight Control, as it’s clearly inspired by the popular game. Regardless, they are very appealing. There’s an offbeat little soundtrack playing in the background and the taxi makes authentic peeling out, accelerating, and car door sounds. Controls are very responsive, as well. Games typically last only a couple of minutes, which is great for the casual gamer. Though local high scores are tracked, there is no mechanism for global leaderboards as of yet, a minor disappointment.

This game is top-notch fun. You’ll find yourself playing over and over again to beat your personal best. An upcoming update promises new maps, which is terrific news as the current ones could get a bit stale over time. The introductory price of $0.99 makes picking this game up a no-brainer. syncRage drives home a 5-Dimple winner with Taxi Drive.

TaxiDrive gets our AppSmile 5-Dimple rating: