During September’s Nintendo Direct, I was completely blown away by one game in particular that took me by surprise. Chocobo GP. Having now done some research, I realise that this is an update to the original Chocobo Racer that launched for the PS1 in 1999. Somehow that passed me by, but I’m sure as heck not going to let Chocobo GP pass me by. I’m obsessed with the way this game looks to play, and all I want is more of it on my Switch. While it’s not out until 2022, I think there’s quite a lot we can tell about the mechanics just from the initial trailer alone.
So the base of this game is just a Mario Kart rip-off, there’s no two ways about it. However, it’s the finer details that make it interesting. Each character comes from the Final Fantasy franchise, and that makes them endlessly enjoyable to play as for a fan of the series. They all also have their own abilities that make them unique. These abilities can be used to attack other players, or help get one over on them so you can race ahead. I like this mechanic because it’s linked to the way each character in the Final Fantasy series has something similar.
The pickups are also pretty great. They’re all based on the elemental spells in the franchise. You can pick up fire, water, electricity, and use them all on other players. However, if you pick up fire, hold onto it, and pick up fire again, you’ll be able to upgrade it. You can do this three times to end up with Firaga and obliterate your competition. Other spells, such as Doom, are used to inflict pain on those in first place, which makes total sense.
Final Fantasy is the last franchise that I’d say needed a racing title, but here I am cheering Chocobo GP on. I think it’s a wise move making it a Switch exclusive. The game isn’t for everyone, but I think every Switch owner will want a piece of this. It’s one of those games that’s so out there that it must be good.
