F-Zero: GP Legend

When you think about futuristic racers the first thing that springs to mind is definitely not the memorable storyline that accompanies it. Now SEGA and Amusement Vision took the story approach on the GameCube's F-Zero GX, admittedly to mixed results, so what can Nintendo alone do to make it more appealing? Well, first of all the scarily animated 3D figures have all been replaced by smooth anim

 

Dealing with any racing games on the SNES and now the Game Boy Advance will likely result in your dealing with the Mode 7 technique that became extremely popular in the mid-1990s. It is a special development effect that allows rapid movement of a track underneath a stationary object. However, to maintain the high level of screen rate, no 3D objects can be included in the track set-up, so landscapes are sorely lacking in any real massive detail, which can prove to be a major drawback for some when you consider the power available in today's world.

Unfortunately this is the case for F-Zero: GP Legend as the game looks basically the same as it did in its original SNES form over a decade ago. Yet, to be honest, do let that deter you from the game as the vehicle models have been spruced up to look more 3D in nature, the cut-scene stills are beautifully detailed and the small anim

 

You have a choice of twenty-four tracks throughout the game, all of which twist and turn, throwing hairpin bends and dangerous obstacles in your direction every five seconds. You also have a choice from thirty-four characters that can be picked to use as your preferred racer. And then there are the various different mode types up for perusal. First off is the main story mode, which sees you take on the role of one of eight characters that must complete a variety of tasks on the race course and in other general missions that sometimes utilise the special technique of pressing either 'L' twice or 'R' twice to bounce your opponent into the electrified walls. Then you come across the Grand Prix section where you are pitted against twenty-nine other racers across five laps of each treacherous, twisting, turning course in the hope of becoming the legendary F-Zero Champion.

Originally there are three cups to choose from: Bronze, Silver and Gold, with a Platinum Cup being unlocked later on in the game. As you would imagine, and as has been the case in every F-Zero to date, each cup increases in difficulty

 

Of the most interest to many gamers will be the addition of a Zero Test mode. Made up of four different classes, the player must complete certain sections of tracks within a set period of time. Depending on how fast you are you will obtain bronze, silver and gold cups. This might sound simple, but as mentioned elsewhere, the difficulty level is so that it will require you to hit every boost available, find out special short-cuts and use as much of your boost power as you can, obviously without using up all of your shield's energy. The game's strongest challenge awaits you here, so beware!

One thing that must be remembered with the F-Zero franchise is that it is by no means a game for casual pick-up-and-play gamers who reckon they can crack any title within a couple of hours. F-Zero has always been about sheer perfection and absolutely no leniency from the computer. If you crash, then you crash badly and will most likely die/lose the race; if you can perfectly learn the track layout and hit the right boosts at the correct time, then you will be flying high and raking in the in-game funds. F-Zero: GP Legend continues that legacy and almost seems to continue it by an extra mile.

This will truly drive many people stir crazy and maybe even lead to the odd GBA being smashed in the process! See that rock on the main track? No? I thought not, because you were boosting randomly and going too fast