App reviews: CSR Racing 2, Lego Star Wars

CSR Racing 2

This drag racing game doesn't have you steer your car down the street. Instead, it relies on your reflexes to upshift and downshift at exactly the right time to beat your opponents.

You have a variety of racing options, too, as you can compete against strangers in real time or stick with characters in the game. Players can save up to buy new vehicles, which are delivered to you for mechanical and visual customization. In the garage, the game's graphics really shine. The car models would be impressive on a console game, and on a mobile game they are a really unexpected treat.

You can play this game without the in-app purchases, but paying will get you ahead more quickly. Also, be aware that this game takes up a fair amount of space. Overall, however, it's a good bit of fun if you have a hankering for the racetrack. Free, for iOS and Android.

Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens

The Lego video game crew has applied its classic wit and sent-up humor to the latest installment of Star Wars, with Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

From the opening scenes, this title is full of little jokes that should appeal to adults and older children (the game is rated 9+). That augments the play, which should be familiar to anyone who has used Lego video games. Players explore levels and sometimes have to build structures from caches of loose bricks scattered throughout the level.

There are in-app purchases in this game, and they are necessary to get the whole game - only the first chapter is included in the free download. Further play costs $7 or $10, depending on how much you want. That certainly feels steep for a mobile game, but it's still cheaper than getting the console version. Free, for iOS.