F-Zero: Maximum Velocity

"Ready!.........................Go!"

F-Zero Maximum Velocity was one of the launch titles for the GBA back in June 2001, and becomes the third in the popular Nintendo made F-Zero series. A simple game in principle and based many years in the future, it requires you to race around extremely complex courses at high speeds in frictionless craft.

Gameplay - 9
This game is very fast and very difficult, especially on the later difficulty levels, you'll have to have impeccable reflexes or it will become very hard to win indeed. F-Zero MV has crammed four modes into that dinky little cartridge. First off there is Grand Prix, undoubtedly the main mode in the game. Grand Prix has four different classes; Pawn, Bishop, Knight and Queen, and four difficulty levels; Beginner, Standard, Expert and Master. Each series has 5 tracks to race on. Races are 5 laps long and after each lap the bottom racers are eliminated from the race until you have to get 3rd or better on the last lap in order to progress onto the next track in the series. You'll also receive a speed boost to use at your discretion after you complete each lap, these are particularly useful in getting out of trouble when you have crashed or are lagging behind the leading pack.

When you first begin to play only 4 cars are unlocked but as you win races and meet certain criteria more become playable. Each of the total 10 craft have been given different Speed, handling, acceleration and balance attributes so it's up to you to choose the best craft that suits your style, however to truly 'beat' the game it will be required for you to use all the craft at some point or other. Something which can be done once your skill level improves.

The next few modes are; Time trial whereby you aim to beat your fastest times over the 5 laps; and Championship. This is a specially designed track which is unlockable. Championship incorporates all the obstacles which are present in F-Zero MV such as icy turns, mines, lava, dash plates, jump plates and slowdown areas, so this track will undoubtedly test your F-Zero ability to the extreme.

When you first begin to play F-Zero MV you will probably find the controls insanely difficult. Holding A button to accelerate and tapping the acceleration button to gain stability as well as using the shoulder buttons simultaneously is incredibly difficult, so it's inevitable that you will be bumping and scraping every turn and obstacle you encounter. Don't be put of by this because with a little practice the controls will become a lot easier and so the real fun begins as you can race around the tracks at speeds of up to 630Km/h without worrying about what your doing with your fingers and thumbs.

Graphics - 8
F-Zero MV graphics are of the mode 7 variety which makes you feel that your racing in 3D when really it is only 2D. The graphics run very smooth with no slowdown, the graphics really do make you feel that your racing at insane speeds. Attention to detail on the craft is also superb. They all have a unique look, color and feel to them, for example some have more afterburners, while others look more weighty and substantial in size.

My only disappointment with the graphics side of things is that the backgrounds are a bit uninspired looking and the tracks all look roughly the same with the exception of the actual twists and turns. Not much effort seems to have been put into this aspect but nevertheless it still does look futuristic and doesn't distract you from the main objective, i.e. racing at incredible speeds.

Sound - 9
Well all I can say is that the music aspect is a true aural experience, the techno style really does suit this type of futuristic racing game and at times it can get your heart pumping even more. I particularly like the jubilant music when you complete a series in Grand Prix mode, it really makes you feel that you've achieved something great. The only annoying factor here is the constant beeping noise you'll here as your about to be either ranked out in Grand Prix mode, or when your shield is low on power. It probably will get on your nerves, especially as your trying to concentrate even harder to get back into the race. That said, the sound is still top notch.

Replay Value - 9
Beating the game on all difficulty levels and unlocking all the hidden goodies will take a long time indeed, but once this is achieved then you can either try and beat your fastest times, or alternatively have a bash on the good old multiplayer mode. I suggest playing multiplayer with a game pak each since that way you'll get all the tracks and craft you've unlocked, instead of just one craft and one track to race on. With friends your sure to have a great time on this mode.

Overall - 9

Ninto liked:
+ Racing very fast
+ Good quantity and quality of tracks and modes
+ Nice attention to detail on the craft
+ Lots of unlockable stuff
+ Steep learning curve

Ninto didn't like:
- High difficulty at times can be frustrating
- Bland backgrounds
- Poor single pak link-up

This has to be one of the best, if not the best racing game on the Gameboy Advance. A definite buy for any F-Zero fanatic or for that matter any GBA owner. If you haven't got it already, then buy it now!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 03/16/02, Updated 03/16/02