Fast (video game series)
Fast (often stylized in uppercase) is a series of racing video games developed by German game developer Shin'en Multimedia.[1] Released exclusively for Nintendo platforms, the series consists of three games, all following the same racing and phase-shifting formula, Fast Racing League, Fast Racing Neo, and Fast RMX.[2]
Gameplay
[edit]Each of the three Fast games follows the same basic formula. All three have the same phase-shifting mechanic, where players switch between two different phases, represented by two different colors.[3] Each phase has its own respective boosts and jump pads, which can only be used if the player has shifted to its corresponding phase. Each Fast game has the player trying to get to the end of a course as quick as possible, like typical racing games, while using the phase-shift mechanic. Boosts can also be performed by using energy, which is collected throughout the race.
Games
[edit]Fast Racing League
[edit]Released exclusively on the now defunct Wii Shop Channel in 2011,[4] Fast Racing League is the first game in the series. There are 3 leagues for the player to play through (called Shima, Siberia, and Sunahara), though each must be played 3 times, each on a different difficulty level (called Neutron, Proton and Ion). Different vehicles are also unlockable, each with different stats. Unlike the next two Fast games, players must collect and use energy to shift between phases. Fast Racing League received generally positive reviews,[5] with Nintendo Life's Marcel van Duyn calling the game's difficulty "brutal", and praising the game as "another amazing accomplishment for WiiWare."[6]
Fast Racing Neo
[edit]Released on the Wii U in 2015, Neo expands on the Wii version, with additions such as HD graphics and more tracks. Unlike the previous entry, energy is no longer required to shift phases, but is still needed to perform a boost. New to the series was online multiplayer, which can be played with Wii U friends, as well as random online players.[7] Neo received generally favorable reviews,[8] with IGN's Cassidee Moser calling the game an "impressive production" and "visually interesting".[9] The game received DLC in the form of extra tracks in the Neo Future Track, which featured 8 new tracks and 10 vehicles profiles. Because of the game's success, a physical version was released in 2016, exclusive to Europe and Australia, under Nintendo's eShop Selects brand, which included the DLC.[10]
Fast RMX
[edit]Fast RMX is a remixed and enhanced version of Fast Racing Neo. RMX was a launch title for the Nintendo Switch, and featured a total of 36 tracks, as well as 15 different vehicles.[11] RMX features the return of every track from Neo, including its DLC, plus an additional 6 tracks.[12] A free update was released on September 13, 2017, which added 6 more tracks.[13] Like its predecessor, Fast RMX received generally favorable reviews,[14] with Nintendo Life's Alex Onley calling it better than Neo "and then some".[15] RMX makes use of features exclusive to the Nintendo Switch, such as HD rumble and single Joy-Con support.[16]
References
[edit]- ^ "Shin'en Multimedia - Nintendo Switch™, WiiU, Nintendo 3DS™, Wii™, Nintendo DS™, Game Boy Advance® Development". www.shinen.com. Retrieved 2021-04-24.
- ^ "Shin'en Multimedia - Nintendo Switch™, WiiU, Nintendo 3DS™, Wii™, Nintendo DS™, Game Boy Advance® Development". www.shinen.com. Retrieved 2021-04-24.
- ^ "Shin'en Multimedia GmbH". shinen.com. Retrieved 2021-04-24.
- ^ "Shin'en Multimedia - Nintendo Switch™, WiiU, Nintendo 3DS™, Wii™, Nintendo DS™, Game Boy Advance® Development". www.shinen.com. Retrieved 2021-04-23.
- ^ "FAST - Racing League". Metacritic. Retrieved 2021-04-23.
- ^ "Review: FAST - Racing League (WiiWare)". Nintendo Life. 2011-06-02. Retrieved 2021-04-23.
- ^ FAST Racing Neo - Testing Online Multiplayer (60fps), retrieved 2021-04-24
- ^ "FAST Racing NEO". Metacritic. Retrieved 2021-04-23.
- ^ Fast Racing Neo Review - IGN, 4 January 2016, retrieved 2021-04-23
- ^ "'Nintendo eShop Selects' Offer Wii U Digital-to-Retail Upgrades". www.digitaltrends.com. 26 July 2016. Retrieved 2021-04-24.
- ^ "FAST RMX". fast.shinen.com. Retrieved 2021-04-23.
- ^ "Feature: FAST RMX - The Price, Modes and Performance of Switch's Futuristic Racer". Nintendo Life. 2017-02-24. Retrieved 2021-04-23.
- ^ "Exclusive: Here's What's In Today's Free FAST RMX REMIX Update". Nintendo Life. 2017-09-13. Retrieved 2021-04-23.
- ^ "Fast RMX". Metacritic. Retrieved 2021-04-23.
- ^ "Review: Fast RMX (Switch eShop)". Nintendo Life. 2017-03-08. Retrieved 2021-04-23.
- ^ "Shin'en Multimedia GmbH". shinen.com. Retrieved 2021-04-24.