Control:  
Control is a little difficult to get used to. The L and R buttons can sometimes seem a little useless but that is because of the learning curve that comes along with the game. The control isn't perfect but it's challenging enough to keep the game fun. There are some situations where players may need to brake or release the gas to make a turn, which is something I wasn't prepared for after the near absence of the need for braking in F-Zero X.

Gameplay:  
Let's get the bad stuff out of the way first. F-Zero: Maximum Velocity is a handheld game that tries to be a console game. Sure it's based off a console game to begin with, but I do have a minor gripe about its conversion to a handheld title: five laps… why so many? I don't like going around the track five times to the finish when I'm playing a handheld game. Three laps is plenty-- I only wish that there were a way to customize the number of laps. I realize this would make it easier to earn new cars and the like, but five laps on a handheld game is ridiculous. Unfortunately, those looking for a fun game on the go will find it in F-Zero-- but I doubt anyone will have the time to complete an entire circuit in the amount of time that it takes to make a short trip to the store or to wait in line. F-Zero is a portable game, but it's not all that portable because you have to sit down with it for a while before you can open up new things. This could have been fixed by allowing for saves in between races or by allowing players to customize the number of laps.

With all that aside, this is classic F-Zero at its finest. It takes some time to get used to after playing the N64 version. You can no longer battle your opponents and knock them off the course and there are no exciting loops to be found. The tracks are somewhat boring and simple with only turns and obstacles to slow you down… there are some exciting jumps, but other than that, it's just a flat track for the most part.

But where F-Zero fails in some areas on course design, it shines through with difficulty. The computer-controlled cars are very difficult to beat and the tracks are designed with a great amount of difficulty. One mistake and you can go from first to last place. One wrong boost and your car could go flying off the track or crashing into a wall. The challenge is there and as flawed as some of the courses are in terms of design and flying leaps, there is plenty of concentration needed to advance through all of the courses. F-Zero is a handheld game that will keep your attention and make you feel like you're in the driver seat.

Sound:
The soundtrack for Maximum Velocity is new and while the tunes are decent, it's a little disappointing that there are no classic F-Zero tunes. It has the look of F-Zero, the feel of F-Zero, but not the sound of F-Zero. Can't blame the developers for trying to make it sound a little different… after all, it isn't a port. This is a brand new F-Zero game with new courses and cars. Can't say I'm not disappointed, though.

OVERALL:
It's F-Zero. It's a fun game that's very challenging. The controls have a great learning curve and the AI is tough. You can't ask for much more than that. Still, some of the courses are a little too simple and flat for my tastes and the fact that there are five laps to finish each course makes it difficult to hold my attention. A save feature in between courses would have been nice and would have made the game feel a little more portable. As it is, F-Zero is a fun handheld game that brings back memories of the old F-Zero, but I wouldn't recommend it over Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2. In any case, this is a great addition to anyone's Game Boy Advance library-- whether you buy it now or pass it up for something else and buy it later, don't miss out on it.

 

The Lowdown on  F-Zero: Maximum Velocity Aesthetics: Average Control: Average Gameplay: Very Good Multiplayer: Sound: Average Innovation: 4/6 Lasting Appeal: 6/6 Overall: Very Good! "A Must-Buy"