Faster than cappucino.
Genre: Reflex
Players: 1-4
Nobody can complain about the visuals. Each car has a great number of polygons on them, with dazzling colors and even minor details like scratches or rust marks. When you have 30 of these beasts, one can wonder how they pulled that off at a smooth 60 frames per second. The music is mostly a fast paced techno that makes any race feel intense. The fast beats will complement the already high-speed gameplay. Finally, the art style forms a realistic look, compared to the cartoon designs of F-Zero X. Though some could say the 3D look is awkward, I think that the detailed graphics and intense music overcome this by a long shot.
The plot is... barely there. Each of the wacky racers has his or her own back story, whether it's a villain trying to destroy the world to Phoenix, who is from the future. There is a story mode, but... the story isn't exactly thought provoking. It just seems as an "add-on" more than anything. There is a story, but don't expect anything complex or mind-blowing.
As for the gameplay, many have said it is hard. Compared to most games, it is. One of the major reasons is that no matter how far you are in a race, one drop and you have to restart. Also, racers themselves are furious and show no mercy. Once you get used to using the attacks in addition to the boosts, it'll get easier. I'd say it's difficult, but very rewarding. A race on a map will never feel like another race on the same map because people are always switching ranks. The reason I think the game is great is because there's much more to it than actually racing. You have to strategize on how to use your energy in the best way possible. Do you want to boost? Do you want to attack? Do you want some for defense? It's much more deeper than other racers. The game has lots of features from making your own craft, choosing from the 40 preset ones or racing on any of the 25 courses. There's lots to do.
Vs. mode takes a hit because you don't get to race with bots and that a new player will have a tough time getting used to the insane speeds of the game. That's why I would only play multiplayer if I HAD to.
The AI doesn't seem to make any sporadic movement at all. It just seems to be on a set course and does things without a flaw.
Overall, you have a game with excellent production values from gorgeous graphics to intense music. The plot is poor, but the strategic racing makes up for it. It's a fine addition to any gamer's collection.