Has the addition of Sega as co-developers slowed the pace down?
Are you sure this game Isn't for the 'N5' I asked myself.But my eyes did adjust to the speed of the game after about the fourth race and exitement died down.
This Isn't the feeling I got from F-Zero X on the Super Nes,not featuring Sega.Come on Sega.This Is a next-gen console and the speed hasn't improved.Don't get me wrong.This is a highly polished title,even those to rival the almighty Metroid Prime.Every thunder clap produces a lightening bolt that flashes up the whole screen and reflects off each vehicle with stunning lighting effects.Each track has It's own charm too.Whether It's going in a double loop the loop,or riding on the ceiling.But after about the second jump In Mute City,the thrill wears thin.
The highlight of the game is the vast array of options on offer at the start,and more to unlock If you put in the hours.Or months!But more on that later.There are the usual grand prix,time attack and head to head modes,and about 10 others after that. Never has such a great quantity and vareity of modes been included in a racing game.Add that to the great graphics and frame rate(running at a constant 60hz), and you should have a killer title.But you dont.
The reason for this is the insane difficulty.Like me you'll probley dive streight into the story mode.And not get past the second chapter!The first task is easy enough.Collect thirty capsules littering the track in under ninty seconds.Easy.Do It on hard.What did you ask of me?Collect eighty capsules in ninty seconds?Good job I only have to do this one If I want to.Right,next challenge.Beat crazy Japenese ninja to finish line.No problem.But wait,It's on the edge of a cliff with boulders crashing down frequentley.On easy mode.Give me a brake. It's only the second chapter.So I give It a go.He beats me.Another try.I get thrashed.But that Is the game's party trick.Each time you lose on one mode,because there are so many others,you fall back onto another one.
The game has quite a long lifespan too,but only because of the super hard difficulty.It's all well and good having a game with a huge length,but It also needs appeal,something this game is strangly lacking.Most of the time will be spent crying over lost races and near misses to the finish line during late night gaming sesions.You either take It like a man,or break down.I broke down.So did my controller as It hit the wall!!
Smooth,constant framerate.
The fastest racer in the world.Ever!
You only get a choice of one character in storymode.
In a race,you can never fall too far behind,or build up a great lead.