The Nintendo Switch is a system that is well suited to multiplayer games. It gives us this opportunity to easily break off a second controller and begin playing with another person absolutely everywhere. Having games that take advantage of and show this off at launch feels like a no-brainer. Fast RMX is one such game. This updated edition of the Nintendo Wii U’s Fast Racing Neo is a solid game that not only offers the same style and challenge as something like F-Zero or Wipeout, but is more approachable, balanced, and expansive than the original game.
The original Fast Racing Neo was hard. This was a difficult game that required you to play on-point. You needed to know your turns, when to switch colors to take advantage of the boosts appearing on the tracks, memorize the raceways so you wouldn’t go careening off, and basically master your favorite cars. I found Fast RMX more forgiving. A big part of this comes down to the difficulty. The game has been rebalanced for the Nintendo Switch. While the other, computer-controlled racers were difficult, it seemed like they weren’t as aggressive as before. Well, on the lower difficulty levels, anyway. In Super and Hypersonic, I’m convinced some of the virtual racers are cheating.
The biggest changes have come to Fast RMX’s vehicles. They are easier to control and sum up. Of course, changing them so each has acceleration, boost, top speed, and weight stats help. The boost stat was absent before and having this figure there makes it easier to make informed choices and notice differences in how various ships handle. The handling in general feels better and more comprehensive, as I felt less like I was flailing and bouncing off of walls while attempting and learning new tracks. Each one also looks different and better than it did in Fast Racing Neo, which means they look much better when speeding down those tracks.
Speaking of which, Fast RMX adds new tracks to the game. Caldera Post, Cameron Crest, Hanger Games, Neo Kyoto, Tepaneca Vale, and Waimea Coast are all new. You might not notice them right away, since the existing cups have had their compositions altered to make room for them in there. You’ll also notice on the tracks that the boosts and mid-air areas have been adjusted. When you dash, you lose a little bit of speed. This never happened before. Also, you don’t lose as much speed when you’re flying over gaps, especially if you hit a boost before you do. It speeds things up a bit. All of them look and run well, making quite an impression when you play through the game.
Though, to be fair, much of Fast RMX makes an impression. When docked, it definitely is one of the most impressive looking Nintendo Switch games. The cars and tracks look amazing, and it runs at 60 FPS. It’s a very smooth experience. There’s also the HD rumble feature, so you’re really feeling when you’re racing, boosting, and hitting the walls. That’s quite a nice touch. But, even when undocked, it is a very pretty game.
As is, Fast RMX is one of the games that stands out on the Nintendo Switch eShop. Fast Racing Neo was a good effort for people who enjoyed F-Zero style fast and frantic racing. Fast RMX is a larger and more accessible version of that. Combined with a commitment from Shin’en to make it even larger with an update that adds a Time Attack mode and offers online friend match support, this is absolutely a great racer to welcome people to the system and give you a chance to practice your skills.
Fast RMX is available for the Nintendo Switch.
