Chocobo GP Test - It rolls, but.

So, even if my first reaction having wind of this chocobo GP, and having seen the trailers, was "Ouch, we must dare to play in the Mario court," seen the "kart" orientation of the game, After reflection, I told myself "and why not," the theme is quite natural. And it's not anyone either any1. For the small story, you have to know that a "Chocobo Racing" was released in 1999 and the latter was also a karting race. Even if the videoludical history has made it sink into oblivion, this new essay could well become successful.

CHOCOBO GP has several modes, so let's quietly. In solo, a "history" mode is available to learn the basics of the game and its subtleties. It is also via this mode that new characters are unlocked - because, at first, it is only 3 - as well as the circuits. It should not be lost, a fashion mode in a race game... it does not steal high, but it is a mandatory passage to clearly discover the title. Too bad as a forced passage, they have not made it more attractive because, to talk about the dish of resistance, the race itself is really a pleasant surprise by its quality.

Next to this history mode, there are classics solos modes that are cuts, custom cuts and counter-la-watch.

The regulars of Mario Kart will immediately find their marks: slippage that allow boosts at the exit of turns, random items that we get when you spend bonuses (the "magicites"), attacks... The known recipe is present and well used. The attacks use the classic elements of the Final Fantasy: water, fire, lightning, wind, as well as some other well thought out capacities (the portal of the genus "Portal" which allows to advance... or to retreat on the circuit if we take the portal Release). Each character has, in addition to the abilities that we recover at stake, with a special ability to him who can be activated when a special gauge is fully filled. This can give surprises and completely upset a running race. For example, Shiva can trigger an icy breath that paralyzes everyone, IFRITs a wall of flames, etc. Of course, this difference in powers can be seen as a certain imbalance in the game and between the characters, but in itself, it's a bit the same thing as competition: if we like the gameplay of a character, It hangs on it and it is exploited at best.

In addition, it is possible to customize its vehicle, whether it is aesthetically or modules that strengthen certain characteristics, while decreasing others (adhesion, speed, etc.).

The circuits are varied, but a little less than the different environments (to understand that there are sometimes several plots that take place in the same environment), but we travel in several iconic places of the Final Fantasy license and we Amuse to identify them: The Golden Saucer, Chocobo Farm, Monster Village, etc. These are very pretty, very colorful and totally in the theme that is expected of a game of the genre.

Obviously, there are multiplayer modes in the game: split screen to play 2 very good quality, a local multiplayer game system and obviously online where you can measure against 63 other players in different rounds. Moreover, the online multiplayer mode prides itself on following the trend of the multi games of the moment, namely to set up a seasons system that will bring its lot of novelties to each of them.

On the other hand, this system also brings a monetization that passes pretty badly if we compare it to the competition, because who says "Pass seasonal" also says... Premium currency and gaming shop. And they are not beasts, at Square Enix ... emblematic characters are already available in this shop, such cloud, for payment or lots of farming (during the races, you can recover from crystals that give access to tickets for the shop). I regret that they did not adopt a system at the " Fall Guys " in which it is totally possible to take advantage of the title and all its contents without pushing to get the hand to the portfolio. However, there are many voices that rise against this shop, so it is not impossible to see Square Enix make back machine and offer more cosmetic content in the future or make the content more accessible nothing playing.

Unfortunately, nothing but this element is a holy brake at the game. Especially that Square Enix multiplies marketing choices that make controversy in recent months... and this choice for Chocobo GP is not to restore the blazon or please fanbase.

But, in my eyes, it's the only real defect of the game and we are here to talk about the game itself. Indeed, his gameplay is very pleasant to play. It may be more chaotic in its course, understanding that at home every moment, the race can flow completely (which is not a criticism in itself, just a slightly different approach) by its possibilities of Attacks and power, but technical level, there is nothing to reproach him. Whether in dock or nomadic, split screen or not, no presence of slowing in the race.

Know that a "Lite" version is available for free if you want to test the game. This one is obviously limited in its possibilities, but it gives a taste of what the game is, a demo worthy of This name that proves that Square Enix has confidence in its title.

So, Shoutobo GP is a good alternative to Mario Kart? Yes, clearly

Is Chocobo GP better than Mario Kart? Mmmh, it is no less good, it is not better. It brings a little novelty while Mario Kart 8 is still present for very many years. In addition, for the Aficionados of the FF license, it's blessed bread. And if Square Enix puts some water in his wine and adopts an interesting marketing policy while drinking the content game on a regular basis, I think it can easily impose itself in the videoludic world of Nintendo SWITCH .

A good game that is worth the detour, as far as we accept this damn marketing approach of the shop.

_Test directed by seiei on Nintendo Switch thanks to a version provided by the publisher.