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Cruis'n Velocity (GBA)
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Developer
Midway Games
Publisher
Midway Games
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Reviewed by
Erik "Bondo" Bondurant
[Feedback] [Author Bio]
Review Date
February 13, 2002
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Rating (out of 5.0)
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0.5 out of 5.0*
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Strengths
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- Decent number of options
- Cartridge actually fits the GameBoy Advance
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Weaknesses
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- Controls
- Graphics
- Everything else
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* Notes
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Gaming Voice ratings are based on the technical and/or gameplay merits of a given product as well as the developer's choice of features and delivery of same.
Our rating is not an endorsement of the thematic content of a given title. Gamers and parents are cautioned to determine if such content conflicts or coincides with their values and beliefs.
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Do not play this game. |
On many systems, the Cruis'n series has always offered great arcade racing, from cool courses, to a variety of cars, and most importantly controls that make the racing fun and easy. While they were never better than rental material due to their short length, one could have fun playing them. Oh, how the mighty have fallen! In Cruis'n Velocity for the GameBoy Advance, the wheels have completely come off the franchise.
The real landmark of a Cruis'n game are the races in known areas, with known attractions. For example, the first level is Las Vegas, so naturally you'd expect to see some of the famous casinos. Unfortunately you don't, and even if they were there you wouldn't recognize them, as the graphics are plain and blocky with way too many sharp edges where they shouldn't be.
Another problem are the controls. There seems to be a one-second delay between pressing a button and the game responding. Naturally, this makes turning a pain. The difficulty in turning isn't helped by the fact that the cars don't want to turn, preferring to either go straight or spin.
The collision detection is also haywire. At any slight bump, be it against the wall or another car, your car comes to a screeching halt. This becomes an issue as the tracks are narrow and the computer cars seem to like riding side-by-side making it almost impossible to pass.
Oh, how the mighty have fallen! |
The one positive thing that can be said about Cruis'n Velocity is that it has some depth to it. There are a fair number of tracks and cars to be opened up, even another play mode. Unfortunately the game isn't entertaining enough to make you want to complete it. Even if you found the desire to, it isn't easy due to the game's poor controls. Another reason not to attempt completing the game is its use of password saves instead of memory saves. This is inexcusable in the 21st century. You can play this game with up to three other players, but each would have to have their own copy of the game, and that is four more copies than should have been produced.
I could add more to this review but to save you time I'll just summarize by saying: Do not play this game. Only being paid would make it worth the pain and agony of playing such a mess of a game.
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