Easily the leader of the pack when it comes to simulation-style racing games, Real Racing 2 ($2.99, iPad or iPhone) not only serves up a gorgeous and entertaining race experience on your device of choice, but also offers unique and unexpected options -- like mirroring the game to a TV and even hosting a TV-based four-player split-screen match.

Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing ($1.99, Universal) may essentially be the classic publisher's take on the Mario Kart formula, but a diverse selection of familiar racers (including the titular hedgehog and many more) and tracks helps this copycat stand out. Plus, it's one of the best values on the App Store with plenty of content for just two bucks.

As evidenced by the title, Death Rally ($0.99, Universal) is a more aggressive take on the typical combat racer, letting you smash and bash armored super cars across several gritty tracks, all while blasting foes with various firearms. And this app hasn't stopped giving, thanks to frequent updates that add new play modes and other content.

Forever Drive (Free, Universal) varies from most racing games in that your only opponent is the clock. Instead of facing other players, your goal is to drive as well as possible to keep hitting checkpoints and extend your time on the track. Gorgeously vivid visuals and stellar beats make this a freemium game actually worth playing.

Like beloved console classic Wave Race 64, Riptide GP ($1.99, Universal) takes the action from the asphalt into aquatic territory with a jet ski racer that's one of the prettiest genre entries on iPhone and iPad alike. Slick-looking waves and death-defying tricks make this a suitable substitute for the average car-racing affair.

Its predecessor set the standard for top-down racing on iOS, but recent release Reckless Racing 2 ($4.99, Universal) ups the ante with significantly improved visuals, much larger tracks, and even a lengthy career mode. With 24 tracks, customizable cars, and plenty of online and solo action, there's quite a bit here to keep you revving on ahead.

Console gamers know Ridge Racer well, and Ridge Racer Accelerated ($6.99/iPhone, $11.99/iPad) captures much of what made it such a beloved franchise. Guiding fictional super cars around various winding tracks, you'll drift sideways more often than not to make big gains and ultimately take the checkered flag.

Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit ($4.99/iPhone, $9.99/iPad) puts high-stakes racing in a new light, as you'll play both as illegal racers speeding through the streets, and the skilled police officers attempting to bring them down. The Autolog feature lets you compare time with friends, and alerts you when a pal takes down your record.

Now here's a racer that could only work on a touch screen. Instead of actively controlling every movement of your car, Draw Race 2 ($2.99, iPhone or iPad) has you draw a path around the track and then watch the action play out, though you can hit the boost at crucial times to try and break ahead on a straightaway.

Gameloft's mobile stalwart hits an apex with Asphalt 6: Adrenaline ($0.99, iPhone or iPad), a speedy racer featuring dozens of licensed vehicles and loads of aggressive antics. In addition to standard races, the game also includes modes in which your success depends on smashing other cars out of the running.