F-Zero: Maximum Velocity

"A Great Futuristic racer"

When I got a brand new GameBoy Advance, I didn't know exactly what to expect. Because I had played the original F-Zero for SNES (sure, for only a couple minutes at a department store...) I wanted a game I knew what the general idea of it was. So, I bought this one, F-Zero Maximum Velocity. Now, bear in mind that this is the first hand-held system I've bought since the original DOT matrix GameBoy. Yes, I'm talking about the late-80's big gray box. So, here's my review.

GAMEPLAY (7/10)- I'd say this game has a good solid base, though it could've been expanded. The limited amount of tracks to race on left me feeling kinda empty, but the ones that are there are fun to race on. I've heard others complain about the tracks being too difficult, but I thought they really tested the reflexes.
This game's biggest short-coming was the computer AI at the uhh... more difficult settings. It's just that the other racers always seem to be be going faster than you, which gets a slight bit annoying (I threw about a few four-lettered words at the game from time to time.), forcing you to keep on getting better and better at racing your particular vehicle in question. But, I guess there isn't too many other ways to keep a player interested in the game than clever AI, so never mind.
As for learning curve, I was able to race --and win on the expert difficulty setting after about a day, but learned the basics after about an hour of play. I've played other racing games like the Gran Turismo series, and I'm used to hard turning mechanics, making me get good at this game very quickly. So, you might have a harder time getting used to it.
As for the control, I was fully impressed with the responsiveness of the buttons. You tap the left on the d-pad, it slightly goes left. Always a good feature!

STORY (8/10)- What can I say here? It's a racing game! You go in circles around a track over and over again! Well, I guess I can say that unlocking different vehicles was a good feature. I felt very satisfied when I beat all the leagues (pawn, bishop etc.) under the hardest setting.

AUDIO/VIDEO (9/10)- Since I switched to the PSX (where Square goes, I go), this game set the standard for all CURRENT Nintendo products I have. I wasn't disappointed. The graphics and sound were superb, at least, compared to the original GameBoy. I guess that a bit more attention should've been placed into the music category, but still, it's a portable! What did you expect? A Green Garter Band?!

REPLAYABLITY (8/10)- Well, I felt that being able to have four players go off of one game pack was cream on the carrot for this one. It kept me wanting to prove that I was truly great at this game. It kept me occupied during study hall nicely. Plus, if you so desire, you can always go for unlocking the Jet Vermilion. I've read what it takes to do this, but you can check out GameFAQs section dealing with that. The other major beef I have with this game is that it is EXTREMELY taxing on your right thumb. Effective use of Blast Turns will wear out a thumb in no time at all. You'll probably need a brake from playing every hour, or even less if you are really into a race.

BUY OR RENT- If you are used to hard games, and want a re-make of a classic, buy it. But, if you don't want to spend time learning the pros and cons of each vehicle while using their abilities in the most effective way possible on any given track, then you might want to rent it first.

OVERALL- Put aside a falling-short on the extreme cleverness of the AI, and the draining gameplay, It's a very good game. But, because of these, I'd overall give it an 8/10.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 12/29/01, Updated 12/29/01