Much like how the quest to create the perfect car is never-ending, racing games on the App Store are constantly improving by getting faster and better-looking over time. Here are some of the most unforgettable racing experiences you can take for a spin.

A long-time stalwart of the App Store racing scene, the Asphalt series’ latest reincarnation is a sleek arcade racing experience like no other. Drive stunning cars through gorgeous racetracks in real-world locations such as downtown Shanghai, the Egyptian ruins or the Scottish highlands, while performing over-the-top stunts, such as a 360-degree spin or a mid-air flip.

Pulling off drifts and stunts gives you extra nitro so you can keep going faster. Outside the races, there’s also plenty of fun to be had as you upgrade and customise your cars, while expanding your garage with new acquisitions.

Asphalt 9’s control schemes are one of its greatest strengths: beginners and casual players will love the TouchDrive system, which automatically handles most of the driving so you can focus on stunts and navigation, while more seasoned racers can turn it off to take full control of the wheel. Master the controls and you’ll progress smoothly through the career missions and duke it out against other players.

The legendary Mario Kart series has always set a high bar for racing games, and its mobile entry is no different. Playing as characters from the Mario universe, you’ll drive a go-kart through cartoonish landscapes, while picking up all sorts of quirky power-ups to get ahead.

Mushrooms give you speed boosts, bananas can trip up fellow racers, shells can be thrown to attack others and so on. Each character, kart and glider has their own stats, so experiment to find the combination that works best for your racing style.

One of the best things about Mario Kart Tour is that it can be so easily played on the go: you can play with one finger in either portrait or landscape format. Another winning feature is that you can set up races with nearby friends. Challenge them to prove you’re the champ!

If you’re a fan of drag racing, look no further than CSR 2. Each race barely lasts half a minute – but that only means it’s a more intense test of your reflexes. Shift gears and use nitro boosts with precise timing to beat your rivals within a fraction of a second.

And that’s just what happens on the track, because preparation is half the battle in this game. Each upgrade to your car’s components, such as engine, fuel intake or body, will improve its performance and winning chances. Certain upgrades will unlock tuning options, allowing you to optimise your nitro system, tyre pressure or final drive.

Add to that a wide variety of cars – all rendered in exquisite detail and customisable – and you’re free to create the ride of your dreams. What’s more satisfying than beating other players? Doing it in a car that you’ve tuned and painted to perfection.