First off, I have to admit that racing games are not my favorite genre. Though when it comes to the F-Zero series, I have to make an exception. The setting for F-Zero -- as most already know -- is a futuristic world, where corruption and crime run rapid. Only the F-Zero races seem to hold their society together. Heroes as well as criminals flock to these dangerous races, each for their own reasons. Not a bad backdrop for a high-speed futuristic racer -- which by the way is predominately story driven.

The story mode of to F-Zero: GP Legend is the biggest and most elaborate addition. Heavily based on the animé series that is currently running in rotation on the Fox Box. You begin the story mode with only Rick Wheeler, and as you meet other drivers, they too become selectable, for a total of 8 different drivers with arcing story lines. The cut-scenes, which are shown at the beginning and ending of each race, are beautifully drawn, in the same style as the TV series. I should also note how well these animated cut scenes are, especially when you consider the GBA's limitations. As far as plot goes, I was definitely surprised at how interesting the various story lines were. Make no mistake, it is not "Oscar worthy", but I don’t believe it was ever meant to be.

The now standard Grand Prix mode is also included. There are three basic difficulty settings, with three different styles of tracks. The names, and even the way they are designed are also standard for almost every F-Zero game ever made. Let me clarify further, this is not a bad quality. Quite the opposite, it is a very good one.

Filling out the list of available play modes is Time Attack, Zero Test, and Training. Time Attack has the player challenging times for courses found in Grand Prix mode. Zero Test is the same as Time Attack except for specialty courses, and Training allows you to practice on your favorite tracks. However, for all these modes you only have access to the courses and vehicles that you have unlocked.

Legend looks far more impressive compared to the series first outing on the Game Boy Advance Maximum Velocity. Each track and vehicle appears far more detailed, even the menu system is sleek and sophisticated looking. The sensation of speed is also vastly improved. You can expect a complete and total graphic upgrade. The reason for this is timing; Maximum Velocity was created before the GameCube epic F-zero GX. Legend is post-GX, and has been created to mimic its style and look. Which is a positive, but it can also look very meager by comparison. F-Zero: GP Legend cannot obviously offer the variety, graphics, or options of its console predecessor. But some people I have talked to still want to compare the two. If you want some sort of broad base comparison; F-Zero: GP Legend fits somewhere between Maximum Velocity, and F-Zero X in its play mechanics.