Trying to set a new world record for a single game release across different platforms, we have eight different versions of the latest Need for Speed, and that's not counting the Collector's Edition on a few of them.
The task of taking a game released for the Xbox 360 launch and shoving it into a Game Boy Advance cart is likely one of those "development hell" scenarios. For spending some time in the pits of game design though, the developers have pulled off a surprising piece of technology, along with a decent game to go with it.
All of the personality from the home versions is gone, and it's a little jarring initially. The concept is still the same. You'll take a street racer up the ranks of a list of 15 higher rated racers until you get a shot to take on the number one guy, Razor. To challenge each new opponent, you'll need to complete various racing tasks like elimination races, time trials, and police evasion.
Without even so much as a digitized photo, you're not so much racing against a person as you are their car. The storyline, as meager as it was, is also transparent. What the player is left with is a series of races, and nothing else.
This is not a major problem given the impressive graphics engine. Full 3-D textured polygons are stunning to look at on the GBA screen. It's a shame we may never see what the console was truly capable of, but Most Wanted surely must be close. The frame rate takes a small hit when you use the behind-the-car viewpoint. Use the bumper cam, and it's a smooth, sometimes slow ride through these original courses.
Without an entire city to run through, tracks are far more confined. Shortcuts are nearly impossible to miss, and show up clearly on the map in the lower left corner of the screen. They feel more like part of the course than shortcuts.
Article comments
1 - Joan Hunt
Would you recommend this for an almost 10-year old? Will he get bored by it quickly? My kid isn't plugged into his GBA all the time, but he does enjoy his games. I'd like to get him something that provides a consistent challenge and won't be conquered in a week of casual play.
2 - Matt Paprocki
This would probably be ok if you feel the content is appropriate. It took me a while before the game really picked up its pace.
My current obsession is Mario and Luigi Superstar Saga. It's a solid 30 hour title (and longer if you take your time). I can't recomend it enough.