Racing Gears Advance

[csuzw]

I almost missed this game when it came out (26/12) and the only place I could find it was on Gameplay but I'm glad I got it now.

Its a bit like Micro Machines but with an isometric view rather than a straigt top down view. Really reminds me of Ironman Super Offroad although its so long since I played it that I might be getting a bit confused.

It has licensed cars from Porsche, Lotus, Chevrolet, Dodge and maybe a few others (rather a strange mix). You choose from a series of characters with different abilities and race in a series of progressively harder championships.

Winning races gets you money and unlocks new characters, tracks and weapons. As you win money you can upgrade your car, buy new tires, repair damage and buy weapons.

I haven't got very far yet but I'm loving it already. Given the low key release (big understatement) I wasn't expecting the game to be of such a high standard. I think this game might even put back the inevitable DS and PSP purchase

Anyone else playing this and enjoying it?

[bowser123]

Personally waiting for the US release as ?30 is too much for any GBA game when you can pay ?15 from Tronix. Weird thing was it's a Canadian developed, Nintendo published game released in Britain 1st. To absolutely no publicity, to the extent that my GAME never even got it in.

Does look good, the reviews have been favourable too. Good to see a forumite likes it too, mind.

[csuzw]

I think I would have waited too if I'd realised I could get it that cheap - I've never used Tronix before but their prices look good. Then again I think the game is worth the ?27 I paid for it so I'm not too bothered.

Its not just your GAME that didn't get it - Aylesbury didn't have it (but then they wouldn't coz they're ****) and GAME online didn't have it either.

I really hope they bring out a version for the DS although I really can't see this happening given how badly its going to do due to the lack of release publicity.

[MikeRox]

bloody hell I'd never even heard of it, let alone know it was published by Nintendo :S They're publishin quite a few GBA games over here before the US maybe they've given up on cube and are pushin the Advance til the DS comes out?

[csuzw]

I think its actually published by Zoo. I know Nintendo aren't exactly great over here but even they could't have done as bad a release as this!

Personally I think its a good thing if Nintendo continue to push the GBA - I'm playing it more than ever (admittedly almost entirely down to Pokemon addiction) - I'm playing less and less on my XBox/Cube/PC.

[VR46]

I find these "top down" racers don't allow you to see far enough ahead, so never buy them, much prefer games like Sega Rally or Top Gear Rally where you can play from behind.

Guess RGA has no time trial web rankings (didn't when I had a look at the Zoo Digital site few months ago)

[csuzw]

I haven't found the limited view to be a problem - it justs adds to the challenge and you learn the tracks pretty quickly.

There is no high score / best times table in the game so I doubt there'll be anything online - its a shame really.

The only other thing I've found which I don't like about this game is the fact that all the cars handle exactly the same - top speed, acceleration etc are the same whether you are in a hummer or a lotus elise. The only differences are the drivers who each have a special ability (better acceleration, less spin prone, faster rate of fire etc). The upgrades that you can make to your car also make a difference but its makes a mockery of unlocking cars as they are all the same.

[VR46]

Played this for about half hour last night, your right, top down view isn't too much of a hinderance, nice quick/short laps etc, such a shame no time trial etc, would have really rounded off the "complete" game. All cars do seem to accelerate/handle the same like you say, but overall a good enjoyable game.

[Madjock]

Wow, just checked this out on VBA and it looks very good indeed. Shall be getting this in my DS as soon as.

Reminds me of Offroad, as your said, and Slicks on the C64 (anyone?).

[VR46]

only ?18 at play.com cheapest I've seen it

http://www.play.com/play247.asp?searchtype=allproducts&searchstring=racing+gears&page=search