Publisher: Nintendo

Developer: ND Cube

Release Date: 6/12/2001

Available Exclusively On

F-Zero is a much-loved series, but it doesn’t get much love from Nintendo. With the Gamecube having the last F-Zero game, fans are wondering if the series is completely dead and shelved by the big N. Thankfully, fans who loved the SNES classic can have even more with Maximum Velocity.

Maximum Velocity is pretty much built on the same engine as the SNES, using Mode 7 graphics. However, this may not have been the best choice to go with as there are other more advanced racing games on the system. There are only four cars to select from, and I found the controls to be incredibly slippery and the AI to be extremely difficult to beat. The tracks are fun to drive, but the sense of speed is great, and the game is just lacking in overall content and polish.

You could write all that off on the age of the engine, the GBA’s inferior hardware, or its lazy design. Maximum Velocity feels more like an expansion pack to the original game than one that can stand on its own two feet. After you have memorized all the hazards and turns on each track, it does get easier, but not by much. This game is for players who want a serious challenge with a retro feel.

While the GBA isn’t exactly ideal for racing games, this one really stands out as one of the best. People going back in time may find it nearly impossible to play due to its ancient gameplay ideas and design. However, you are missing a great opportunity to spend a fun afternoon racing on your GBA.