F-Zero: Maximum Velocity

F-Zero: Maximum Velocity
Developer	NDCUBE
Publisher	Nintendo
System	Game Boy Advance, Virtual Console (3DS, Wii U)
Release Date	Game Boy Advance JP March 21, 2001 US June 11, 2001 EU June 22, 2001 3DS Virtual Console December 15/16, 2011 (Ambassador) Wii U Virtual Console JP April 3, 2014 US/EU April 17, 2014
Gallery	GH Gallery
Rating	ESRB: E

F-Zero: Maximum Velocity is the third major F-Zero game to be released. It was a launch title for the Game Boy Advance and marked the first time the series had been on a handheld.

Story

Twenty-five years after many racers like Captain Falcon had piloted their way to fame, a new generation of racers have continued to race in the Grand Prix. The game is an alternate sequel to the original F-Zero, as none of the events from F-Zero X (such as the safety measures) apply to the game. It is also the only game in the series not to feature Captain Falcon, Samurai Goroh, Pico, and Dr. Stewart. One of the racers, Kent Akechi, claims to be Falcon's son. Likewise, the Silver Thunder is credited as being developed by Dr. Stewart.

Gameplay

In Maximum Velocity, the racing formula has more in common with F-Zero than other games in the series. Futuristic cars race at high speeds on different maps across the universe. Each car has specific stats that make them ideal for certain conditions, but with the drawback of reduced speed, poor handling, or a weak body. The strength of a machine is determined by the energy it has left. The race ends if the car falls off the track, runs out of energy, or falls too far behind the other racers.

The Grand Prix makes up the primary single player part of the game. Players can compete in the Pawn, Knight, Bishop, and Queen cup in increasingly difficult modes. Most of the additional pilots can be unlocked in this method. There is also the Championship mode, which essentially serves as the Time Trial mode.

Using link cables, the game can be played multiplayer for 2 to four players. In single-pack mode, only the track Silence is playable (one of two tracks from the original game) and all players use the same car. In multi-pack mode, players can choose any car (that has been unlocked by any player) and have access to all multiplayer tracks.

Legacy

Ports and Remakes

• In 2011, Maximum Velocity was part of the set of Game Boy Advance games that were released for free download on the 3DS to those participating in the Ambassador Program. It never received a standard eShop release on the 3DS, but it was later released for the Wii U Virtual Console in April 2014.
• In March 2024, the game was added to the Nintendo Switch's digital library of Game Boy Advance games that were made available for subscribers of the Nintendo Switch Online's Expansion Pack program. This release supported local and online multiplayer.

Sequels

In 2003, the game was followed up by F-Zero GX on the Gamecube. The next handheld F-Zero game would arrive later the same year, F-Zero: GP Legend. However, none of the games since then have featured characters from Maximum Velocity.

See Also

• Pilots in Maximum Velocity