'Anki Drive' App Updated With New Weapons and Upgrades

Anki Drive, the iOS-controlled AI-based racing game that first debuted at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, got a major app update today, adding new weapons, support items, and a new upgrade system.

Following the update, there are a total of 20 upgrades that can be used to customize cars, in categories like Combat, Chassis, Engine, and Energy Systems. The Anki Cars, which are largely self-operating and steer by themselves via Bluetooth, can be upgraded with different abilities and statistics that make each car unique.

Additional weapons have been added as well, such as the EMP, which is used by the player to shoot other cars as they race along the track. There are two new support items, the Reverse Drive and the Kinetic Brake, which allow users to do a 180 degree turn or come to a dead stop on the track.

Players are also no longer locked into specific upgrades as they were in the past and can freely choose to buy and sell upgrades.

We're proud to announce a major app update to improve and enhance Anki Drive:
- EXPANDED UPGRADE SYSTEMS
Enter the Garage and customize the new Combat, Chassis, Engine, and Energy Systems. Choose your path, buy & sell upgrades, and level up!
- NEW WEAPONS AND SUPPORT ITEMS
Arm yourself with the all new EMP, Reverse Drive, Horn, and Kinetic Brake. Remember: swipe left & right on the triggers during gameplay to switch weapons.
- THE ARMORY HAS MOVED
Each vehicle now has it's own set of Weapons and Support Items. Configure them via the Armory in the Garage.
- EARN BOUNTIES
Earn greater rewards for defeating stronger opponents. The higher a vehicle's Level, the more bounty you earn for defeating it!
- VEHICLE SOFTWARE UPDATES
Once updated, vehicles can use the new Upgrade Systems. All existing purchases have been refunded, and you'll get even more points for each vehicle you update in the Garage.
- SMARTER AI
Think you can beat the AI on hard? We sure don't… especially with our recent improvements. It's smarter than ever. Think you've got what it takes?
- IMPROVEMENTS THROUGHOUT THE GAME
Enhancements and fixes make it even more fun to play.

Alongside the update, the creators of Anki Drive have released a few statistics on the game, which has been available for more than two months. Anki users have raced approximately 42 million laps around the track, the equivalent of 540,000 Monaco Grand Prix races. The game's AI, when set to hard, has also managed to win 9 out of 10 races.

The Anki Drive Starter Kit, which includes two cars and a track, can be purchased from the Apple Store for $199.95. The accompanying Anki Drive app can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]