Pole Position initially seems like a good fit for an iPod remake; this racer adapts the arcade steering wheel to the click wheel. But think back to the difficulty of the original. Unless you were that one savant who could keep racing, you probably dropped quarters into the classic, only to crash into enemy cars, run out of time, and burn through all of your snack money. While not a literal copy of the original, the iPod version captures this frustration perfectly.

Pole Position Remix looks good. Five winding tracks and drifting landmarks give a sense of motion. Billboards even occasionally display album art from your music collection. But we crashed regularly, franticly twisting the scroll wheel to stay on the road and avoid cars. After lots of practice, we could pass opposing traffic, even on unexpected, tight turns. But we never felt in enough control enjoy the game. Too bad the iPod version can’t let you watch that arcade expert keep racing on a single quarter.

COMPANY: Namco

CONTACT: Pole Position: Remix

PRICE: $4.99

REQUIREMENTS: iPod Nano (3rd generation), iPod Classic, or iPod Video (5th generation)

Fluid graphics give a sense of motion. Several courses and the ability to begin a new race going the opposite direction.

Have to take the foot off the gas momentarily to re-center your racing finger. So many crashes cause boredom, not excitement.