Fast RMX Review

Fast RMX is probably the best game on the new Nintendo Switch that you’re not playing.  Everyone is head over heels with Zelda (and rightfully so), but the best F-Zero that’s not actually called F-Zero is sitting right there on the eShop for a mere $20. Originally launched on the Wii U as Fast Racing NEO in 2015, Fast RMX is a completely remixed edition exclusively for the Switch. With 30 tracks, 15 racers, tons of tournament progression, local split screen, and online play – Fast RMX is just a whole ton of fun for arcade racing fans. Not only that, but it also happens to be one of the most beautiful games on the Switch to date by a country mile. This is our Fast RMX review.

Fast RMX is a love letter to speedy arcade racers, but it also manages to have a style and mechanics all its own. It definitely hearkens back to F-Zero, but it has  subtle but effective twist – phasing. With the press of a button (default is X), you’ll swap between colored phases (blue and yellow) which correspond to speed boost paths on the track. If you’re on the wrong phase color, it won’t speed you up – it’ll slow you down. This little tiny detail makes for a much more skillful game, though the actual driving is still tough as nails on some courses too. Ice-laden tracks without rails, I’m looking at you.

Like most arcade racers, the usual Cup mode is there – progressing from the more approachable tracks to the more difficult and unlocking more tracks, cups, and zero gravity racers as you go. But the keen addition to Fast RMX is also the HERO mode. An homage to F-Zero, Hero mode turns your boost meter into a shield meter as well. You can use your boost at your own risk, because collision with obstacles and other cars will deplete the boost and if you run out – POOF.

fast rmx reviewThe default controls take some getting used to, but they’re not as bad as I’ve seen some reviews claim. Mainly, releasing the A button to press the X for phase switching is what causes some people to get frustrated. I’m used to racers using the ZR and ZL triggers for braking and accel, but here they’re used for sliding to help around turns. Braking isn’t really an option in Fast RMX – you just go. Meanwhile the R button is used to trigger boosting. It’s unconventional, but after a few races, you’ll be a pro.

If there was any real complaint about Fast RMX, it’s that it’s missing the modern novelty of RPG progression in its racers. I’d love to upgrade them, tweak them to my liking, and customize them in general. Otherwise, this is a really stellar racer for a mere $20, and one of the best games on the Switch right now. There’s even a great 8-player online component, split screen vs mode too. Highly recommended.

NOTE: Our copy was bought by the reviewer, and reviewed on the Nintendo Switch he bought as well, because he’s Shiny.

Good
  • Beautiful courses and racers
  • Great variety of tracks
  • Extremely fast and fun racing
Bad
  • Difficult controls
  • Lack of "end game" or progression
8
Great
Written by
The Greatest Excite Bike Player of All Time (GEBPAT for short) and Editor in Chief of GameSpace.com and MMORPG.com.

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