F-Zero: Maximum Velocity Review (no fat)

Game Description

This game was originally developed as part of the Super Nintendo series and has been adapted to the GBA console. The sense of speed, extended game play, and the amazing graphics are retained in the GBA and the 3-d look has been improved upon as well.

F-Zero Maximum Velocity’s success lies in the sense of speed it evokes. It is an arcade racing game set in a futuristic environment. As you complete the various tracks in the game, you can automatically unlock more tracks and different types of hovercraft. With the sheer pace of the game, it is not easy to even finish a race in the midst of 15 competitors and complex tracks, leave alone winning.

F-Zero: Maximum Velocity Gameplay

There are 4 different series available - Pawn, Bishop, Knight and Queen, with the last one being the most difficult. This can be unlocked only after the first three with increasing levels of difficulty have been run. To proceed to the next series, the player has to be overall first and each race also has a lap cutoff. If it was ok to start the second lap placed 10th, you will have to continuously improve and can finish the race only if you are placed in the top three. Otherwise, the game has been lost and the course has to be re-run. The race can be re-run if spare crafts are available.

F-Zero: Maximum Velocity Hovercrafts

A player begins with a choice of four hovercrafts - Hot Violet, Fireball, JB Crystal, and the Wind Walker. As more races are won, 6 more are unlocked. Each hovercraft has different designs and the later ones offer more power, speed and are better equipped to withstand crashes. How long you can race depends on how much power your craft has. Each time the craft crashes the damage builds up and some power is lost. This can be redeemed using the Recharge Zone which is similar to the pit stop for F1. The driving style must be adapted to each craft. A craft which is lighter will turn faster around the tracks but is more prone to crashing and will lose its power more easily.

Once each lap is run, a speed boost is gained, which is time-limited and only three can be stored at a time. Distractions on the track include mines which can blow you up as well as whirlwinds that can make the craft spin. Dangers include ice as well as boost plates which will take you away from the course if not handled properly. There are four levels of difficulties for the game - Beginner, Standard, Expert and Master, with the Master level offering no chances for making mistakes. In the Master level, the computer cheats a lot and the other players are very vicious and try to attack you often. Your ability to maneuver the craft and avoid collisions is very important here.

F-Zero: Maximum Velocity Controls

The control techniques are different from the earlier Super Nintendo version; they are very simple and intuitive. A is for accelerator, B is for brake and the control pad turns the craft. Left and Right shoulder buttons are available which can be used to bank the craft while turning a sharp corner.

F-Zero: Maximum Velocity Modes of play

There are two single player and two multi player modes available for F-Zero. The principal Single Player mode is the Grand Prix which involves 4 series with 5 tracks each, making a total of 20 different tracks to race in. There is also a practice mode where the player can learn to race in the higher levels - especially learn tactics to avoid getting into crashes. This mode can also be run against a computer, so it is different from a plain time-trial.

The multiplayer modes can be set up using the link cable. If there are 4 players, each with their own cartridge, they can play in all the twenty tracks and can see each other’s performance, statistics, etc. However, if only one cartridge is to be shared, there is only one track and no vehicle choice.

F-Zero: Maximum Velocity Audio

The Audio in F-Zero complements the racing game. You can hear which side a hovercraft is coming up behind you and when your competitors jostle you on the track, the sound will alternate between the left and right headphone depending on where the competitor is. The music can be turned off by choice. A short tune with visuals plays after each series is completed. The engine revs and collisions sound very realistic and heighten the fun.

F-Zero: Maximum Velocity Video

The Mode 7 visuals are stunning and offer amazing depth. Hovercrafts are animated and even their flap adjustments can be seen. While racing, the background provides a riot of colors without being very distracting. When all the power is drained, the craft explodes and you can enjoy the eye candy. The colors are very realistic and the 3D images are smooth as well.

F-Zero: Maximum Velocity Verdict

This game derives from the original F-Zero which was part of the Super Nintendo series. But it has improved the graphics as well as the game play. Each track becomes tougher as you progress through the difficulty levels, with the computer almost always winning the Master level, so you practically never run out of competition.

Also, the multi player options allow you to link up with friends and race away. Twenty tracks over four difficulty levels and the option to multi-link means this game has lots of replay value.

F-Zero: Maximum Velocity Cost

Maximum Velocity currently retails for $39.95.