Fast Fusion Review

by

Initially, the fast-paced game from the “Fast” series debuted on the Nintendo Wii in 2011 and has since been a permanent resident of Nintendo consoles. The game “Fast Racing Neo” appeared on the Wii U in 2015, while “Fast RMX” was one of the launch titles for the Nintendo Switch. In the quick succession, “Fast Fusion” joined the list of Nintendo Switch 2 launch exclusives, making it one of the five games to do so. Enthusiasts of futuristic racing games, similar to those in the style of “Wipeout” or “F-Zero,” will undoubtedly enjoy “Fast Fusion.” However, some oversights in critical areas keep it from realizing its full potential.

In “Fast Fusion”, you’ll experience a thrilling, futuristic racing adventure! Race through stunning landscapes as you collide with opponents and take advantage of color-coded power-ups. Unlike most racing games where power boosts are automatic, here, players must strategically switch between blue and red energy depending on the situation. This tactical element adds depth to the racing experience, rewarding those who time their switches perfectly. You can also gather coins on the track which you can save and use whenever you need a quick speed increase.

The “Fast Fusion” competitions are incredibly swift, which makes for an exhilarating time. Navigating sharp bends is a rush, and strategically deciding when to use the vehicle’s jump feature not just for maximum height but also to gain an edge over competitors presents an engaging challenge. Regarding the main racing aspect, there’s nothing to criticize in “Fast Fusion”.

Fast Fusion‘s twelve tracks are visually stunning and boast a wide range of environments. One track transports you to a desert landscape where colossal sand whales leap over the road, while another plunges you into a tumultuous region filled with dangerous tornadoes. A track that particularly resonates with me appears to be influenced by Final Fantasy 7‘s Midgar, offering an impressive cityscape bathed in green light. The game skillfully leverages the capabilities of the Switch 2 hardware to deliver vibrant, immersive visuals. In terms of performance, Fast Fusion is top-notch, with no lag, stuttering, or technical glitches. Players can customize their visual experience by selecting from various settings. It’s one of the standout launch games for Switch 2 in terms of graphics quality.

Cash is King

In the primary play style of Fast Fusion, known as Championship, resembles something akin to Grand Prix in Mario Kart World. Here, competitors race against non-player characters (NPCs) on three distinct tracks, with the ultimate aim being to secure the top position. Regrettably, Fast Fusion experiences a minor hiccup in this aspect. Unlike other racing games where placing first, second, or third is sufficient to progress to the next cup, Fast Fusion requires players to buy cups using the game’s internal currency instead.

From a theoretical perspective, this concept seems sound. Players accumulate ‘Boost Tokens’ on the track which convert into cash, and they earn substantial cash from winning cups. However, the problem lies in the fact that this money is also utilized for purchasing new vehicles and engaging with the game’s unique feature called Fast Fusion, where players can merge two existing vehicles to create a better vehicle with enhanced stats. The dilemma arises when players decide to spend their hard-earned ‘Fast Fusion’ cash on vehicles, as they are then compelled to replay cups they’ve already completed in order to amass enough money to acquire the new ones. It would be more logical to link cup progression with completion and use the currency solely for vehicle purchases instead.

There are other methods to make money aside from continuously winning Championship cups, yet they aren’t nearly as productive. In the game Fast Fusion, there’s a “Super Hero” mode that serves as an extremely challenging race where players can’t collide and must meet additional conditions, along with Time Attack. It would have been convenient if players could earn money by playing multiplayer Fast Fusion, but regrettably, it appears this isn’t an option. Introducing the ability to earn cash from multiplayer Fast Fusion would have provided a sense of progression, given that Championship mode is a solo activity.

In another aspect, the multiplayer mode of Fast Fusion could use some improvement. While it deserves credit for its 4-player split-screen option and Switch 2 GameShare compatibility, the absence of earning money in the multiplayer mode is a letdown, and there’s no substantial online support to speak of. You can race online with a friend, but there’s no matchmaking system available. The lack of conventional online multiplayer in Fast Fusion is its major drawback, something that racing game enthusiasts should consider before making their purchase decision.

Players of Fast Fusion can easily finish the game within an hour, but what truly extends the playtime is the addition of multiplayer modes, Super Hero Mode, Time Attack challenges, tougher Championship leagues, and unlocking various features. These elements greatly enhance the overall gaming experience by offering more content to explore.

In addition, you can find the game titled “Fast Fusion” for just $14.99. Relative to other Switch 2 games, this price is quite reasonable, and it delivers value to players, despite some drawbacks such as no proper online multiplayer and a progression system that may seem misguided. Racing enthusiasts seeking an alternative to “Mario Kart World” might want to check out “Fast Fusion“. As long as they are mindful of its flaws, they should still find the overall offering satisfying. Notably, new content for “Fast Fusion” is on the way, which should make it an even more compelling choice.

Read More

2025-06-07 07:36