Software:F-Zero: Maximum Velocity

From HandWiki
Short description: 2001 video game
F-Zero: Maximum Velocity
North American box art
Developer(s)NDcube[1]
Publisher(s)Nintendo
Director(s)Kazunobu Shimizu[lower-alpha 1]
Producer(s)Takehiro Izushi
Hitoshi Yamagami
Composer(s)Masaru Tajima
Mitsuteru Furukawa
Naoto Ishida
SeriesF-Zero
Platform(s)Game Boy Advance
Release
  • JP: March 21, 2001
  • NA: June 11, 2001
  • PAL: June 22, 2001
Genre(s)Racing
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

F-Zero: Maximum Velocity[lower-alpha 2] is a 2001 racing game developed by NDcube and published by Nintendo as a launch title for the Game Boy Advance.[2] It was the first F-Zero game released on a handheld game console.

Maximum Velocity takes place 25 years after F-Zero, in another F-Zero Grand Prix. The past generations of F-Zero had "piloted their way to fame", so it is the second F-Zero game without Captain Falcon, Samurai Goroh, Pico, or Dr. Stewart after BS F-Zero Grand Prix 2. Players control fast hovering crafts and use their speed-boosting abilities to navigate through the courses as quickly as possible.

Gameplay

See also: Gameplay of F-Zero

Every race consists of five laps around a race track. Players lose the race if their machine explodes from taking too much damage, land outside of the track, get ejected from the race due to falling to 20th place, complete a lap with a rank outside of the rank limit of that lap, or forfeit. In the single player Grand Prix mode, all of these conditions require the player to possess and use an extra machine to try again.

For each lap completed, the player is rewarded with a speed boost that can be used once; one of the "SSS" marks will be shaded green to indicate that it can be used. A boost will dramatically increase a player's speed, but will decrease their ability to turn. A boost used before a jump will cause the player to jump further, which could make it possible to use a shortcut with the right vehicle. Boost time and speed varies according to the machine, and is usually tuned for proper balance. For example, one machine has a boost time of twelve seconds, yet has the slowest boost speed of the entire game. Players can also take advantage of the varying deceleration of each vehicle. Some vehicles, such as the Jet Vermilion, take longer than others to decelerate from top boost speed to normal speed, once the boost has been used up. Players can also take advantage of this effect on boost pads.

The Grand Prix is the main single player component of Maximum Velocity. It consists of four series named after chess pieces: "Pawn", "Knight", "Bishop" and "Queen". The latter of these can be unlocked by winning the others on "Expert" mode. They have five races in four difficulty settings. "Master" mode is unlocked by winning expert mode in each series, and the player unlocks a new machine after completing it. The player must be in the top three at the end of the last lap in order to continue to the next race. If the player is unable to continue, they will lose a machine and will have to try the race again. If the player runs out of machines, the game ends, and the series will have to be restarted from the beginning.

Championship is another single player component. It is basically the same as a "Time Attack" mode, except the player can only race on one, special course: the Synobazz Championship Circuit. This special course is not selectable in any other modes.

Multiplayer

Maximum Velocity can be played in two multiplayer modes using the Game Boy Advance link cable, with one cartridge, or one cartridge per player. Two to four players can play in both modes. In single cart, only one player needs to have a cartridge. All players drive a generic craft, and the game can only be played on one level, Silence. This level, along with Fire Field, are the only areas to return from previous games. Aptly, Silence in Maximum Velocity has no background music, unlike in most other F-Zero games. In multi cart, each player needs to have a cartridge to play. This has many advantages over single cart: All players can use any machine in this game that has been unlocked by another player and can also select any course. After the race is finished, all of the players' ranking data are mixed and shared ("Mixed ranking" is stored in each cart).

Development

F-Zero: Maximum Velocity was one of the first games developed by NDcube.[3] Like the original F-Zero for SNES, Maximum Velocity implements a pseudo-3D visual technique based on the scaling and rotation effects of bitmap graphics. This technique consists of a double layer, one of which gives the illusion of depth.[2][4]

Release

Maximum Velocity is one of ten Game Boy Advance games released on December 16, 2011, to the Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Program, a program to give free downloadable games to early adopters who bought a Nintendo 3DS before its price drop.[5][6] It was also released on the Wii U Virtual Console on April 3, 2014, in Japan and April 17 in North America and Europe.

The game was re-released via the Nintendo Classics service on March 29, 2024.[7]

Reception

Reception
Aggregate score
AggregatorScore
Metacritic86/100[8]
Review scores
PublicationScore
AllGame4/5[9]
Edge7/10[10]
EGM7/10, 7.5/10, 9/10[11]
Eurogamer9/10[13]
Famitsu7/10, 8/10, 9/10, 7/10[14][15]
Game Informer9/10[16]
GameSpot8.1/10[4]
GameSpy86%[17]
IGN9/10[2]
Next Generation3/5[18]
Nintendo Life8/10[19]
Nintendo Power4/5[20]
Pocket Gamer4/5[21]

The game received "generally favorable reviews" according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[8] NextGen, however, called it "A classic SNES racer that ports well, although the look is definitely dated."[18] In Japan, Famitsu gave it a score of 31 out of 40.[15] Uncle Dust of GamePro said that the game was "every bit as good, if not better, than the amazing SNES version—it's a must-buy in the launch lineup."[22][lower-alpha 3]

The game went on to sell 334,145 units in Japan and 273,229 units in the U.S. as of 2005.[23][24] The game has total sales of over 1 million units worldwide.

Notes

  1. ↑ Also referred to as Isshin Shimizu
  2. ↑ Known in Japan as F-Zero for Game Boy Advance
  3. ↑ GamePro gave the game 4.5/5 for graphics, two 4/5 scores for sound and control, and 5/5 for fun factor.

References

  1. ↑ "Product Information". http://www.ndcube.co.jp/english/product.html. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Harris, Craig (June 14, 2001). "F-Zero: Maximum Velocity". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/06/14/f-zero-maximum-velocity. 
  3. ↑ IGN staff (January 31, 2003). "Tube Slider (Preview)". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/01/31/tube-slider-2. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Satterfield, Shane (June 6, 2001). "F-Zero: Maximum Velocity Review". Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/f-zero-maximum-velocity-review/1900-2770369/. 
  5. ↑ Pereira, Chris (December 17, 2011). "3DS Ambassadors Get Their Free GBA Games Today". Ziff Davis. http://www.1up.com/news/3ds-ambassadors-free-gba-games-today. 
  6. ↑ Pereira, Chris (December 14, 2011). "Zelda: Minish Cap, Wario Land 4 Among 3DS Ambassador GBA Games Coming Friday". Ziff Davis. http://www.1up.com/news/zelda-minish-cap-wario-land-4-3ds-ambassador-gba. 
  7. ↑ Romano, Sal (March 26, 2024). "Game Boy Advance – Nintendo Switch Online adds F-Zero Maximum Velocity on March 29". https://www.gematsu.com/2024/03/game-boy-advance-nintendo-switch-online-adds-f-zero-maximum-velocity-on-march-29. 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "F-Zero: Maximum Velocity". Fandom. https://www.metacritic.com/game/f-zero-maximum-velocity/. 
  9. ↑ Weiss, Brett Alan. "F-Zero: Maximum Velocity - Review". All Media Network. http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=33373&tab=review. 
  10. ↑ Edge staff (May 2001). "F-Zero: Maximum Velocity [sic [JP Import]"]. Edge (Future Publishing) (97): 77. https://retrocdn.net/images/c/c6/Edge_UK_097.pdf. Retrieved February 15, 2024. 
  11. ↑ Hager, Dean; Dudlak, Jonathan; Sewart, Greg (July 2001). "F-Zero Maximum Velocity". Electronic Gaming Monthly (Ziff Davis) (144): 93. https://retrocdn.net/images/e/ea/EGM_US_144.pdf. Retrieved February 15, 2024. 
  12. ↑ Craggs, Samantha (June 14, 2001). "F-Zero: Maximum Velocity". Greedy Productions Ltd.. http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=6076&full=1. 
  13. ↑ Bramwell, Tom (July 21, 2001). "F-Zero: Maximum Velocity". Gamer Network. https://www.eurogamer.net/r-f-zero-gba. 
  14. ↑ "ファミ通クロスレビュー2001パーフェクトガイド" (in Japanese). Famicom Tsūshin (Tokyo: Enterbrain). 2001. 
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "ゲームボーイアドバンス - F-ZERO FOR GAMEBOY ADVANCE" (in ja). Famitsu (Enterbrain) (915): 121. June 30, 2006. https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=1308&redirect=no. Retrieved February 15, 2024. 
  16. ↑ "F-Zero: Maximum Velocity". Game Informer (FuncoLand) (99). July 2001. 
  17. ↑ D'Aprile, Jason (December 25, 2001). "F-Zero Maximum Velocity". IGN Entertainment. http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/december01/fzerogba/. 
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 "F-Zero: Maximum Velocity". NextGen (Imagine Media) (79): 64. July 2001. https://archive.org/details/NextGen79Jul2001/page/n65/mode/2up. Retrieved August 31, 2022. 
  19. ↑ Wahlgren, Jon (December 23, 2011). "F-Zero Maximum Velocity Review". Hookshot Media. https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/3ds-eshop/f_zero_maximum_velocity_gba. 
  20. ↑ "F-Zero: Maximum Velocity". Nintendo Power (Nintendo of America) 145. June 2001. 
  21. ↑ Sanches, Joao Diniz (October 21, 2005). "F-Zero: Maximum Velocity". Steel Media Ltd. https://www.pocketgamer.com/f-zero-maximum-velocity/f-zero-maximum-velocity/. 
  22. ↑ Uncle Dust (July 2001). "F-Zero: Maximum Velocity". GamePro (IDG) (154): 39. https://retrocdn.net/images/3/33/GamePro_US_154.pdf. Retrieved February 15, 2024. 
  23. ↑ "Nintendo GBA Japanese Ranking". http://www.japan-gamecharts.com/gba.php. 
  24. ↑ "Game Boy Advance Best Selling Ranking". http://www5e.biglobe.ne.jp/~hokora/english/n64chart.html. 

Features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This lengthy approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copy-editing.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists, which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own sub-forum.

History

Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999, by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, the three of which had been friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually, the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] In a 2003 interview, Berk emphasized MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society and to preserving games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factum , and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] A few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025} On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years, the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

See also

  • IGDB – game database used by Twitch for its search and discovery functions

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sheehan, Gavin (2023-02-22). "Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website". https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/. 
  2. ↑ Litchfield, Ted (2021-11-26). "Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames". https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/. 
  3. ↑ "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?". Blue Flame Labs. 30 March 2014. http://www.mobygames.com/info/faq7#g1. 
  4. ↑ "The MobyGames Standards and Practices". Blue Flame Labs. 6 January 2016. http://www.mobygames.com/info/standards. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Miller, Stanley A. (2003-04-22). "People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 
  6. ↑ "20 Years of MobyGames" (in en). 2019-02-28. https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Plunkett, Luke (2022-03-10). "Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million". https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521. 
  8. ↑ "Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media". Gamasutra. 2011-02-07. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media. 
  9. ↑ Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013). "MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned". http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned. 
  10. ↑ Wawro, Alex (31 December 2013). "Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner. 
  11. ↑ "Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames". November 24, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames. 
  12. ↑ Rousseau, Jeffrey (2022-03-09). "Atari purchases Moby Games". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games. 
  13. ↑ "Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support". March 8, 2022. https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/. 
  14. ↑ "Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million" (in en-GB). 2022-03-09. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/. 
  15. ↑ Stanton, Rich (2022-03-10). "Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million". https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/. 
  16. ↑ Harris, John (2024-03-09). "MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership". https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/. 
  17. ↑ "MobyGames on Patreon". http://www.patreon.com/mobygames. 
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