If you’re pining for the days when games like F-Zero and WipEout offered up blistering fast races, then Nintendo Switch 2 launch title Mario Kart World might feel a little slow for you. Worry not, speed demon, as there’s another racer in the launch lineup that might just tickle your fancy. Enter: Fast Fusion.
The fourth title in the Fast franchise, Fast Fusion takes everything that has worked well for the series over the past few generations and pumps it up to 4k / 60 fps to provide one of the Nintendo Switch 2’s most attractive and heart-pounding gameplay experiences. Here’s how long it’ll take you to experience this face-melting thrill ride in its entirety, what machines are best, and more.
How many tracks are in Fast Fusion?
At launch, Fast Fusion offered 12 different tracks, with half of them originally from 2015’s Wii U title Fast Racing Neo. In late June of this year, developer Shin’en Multimedia released the first of its promised free updates that added an additional six tracks. The update also added a new rendering option and new music.
What are some of the best machines/vehicles in the game?
Of the 15 vehicles, or “machines” as the game refers to them, Kamagori, Spaarc, Guang Zhou, Mueller, Cebra, Mech Guyva, and Rochdale & Ziro are all excellent choices. That said, if you’re just starting out, the Cebra is a good way to get a feel for the game.
How many people can play at once?
Fast Fusion supports up to eight players when playing online, and four people can play via split-screen locally on the same Switch 2.
How long does it take to beat Fast Fusion?
Fast Fusion demands that you become adept at rapidly dodging obstacles, alternating between color modes to match on-track speed boosts, and managing your own personal boost meter. Races in Fast Fusion are extraordinarily fast, and a mere one or two mistakes can cost you the whole race.
Success and completion in Fast Fusion will come down to how well you can master these intriguing mechanics and overcome its Championship mode. There are multiple cups to beat on your way to finishing this mode, but you can’t just eek your way through them with placement.
Instead, Fast Fusion requires you to purchase the Championship mode cups using currency you earn from racing. Since this currency is also used to purchase new vehicles, you’ll probably need to repeat some cups a few times to have enough to unlock everything you need to overcome future cups.
When you mix Fast Fusion‘s challenging gameplay with a reliance on currency over placement, you get a game with a playtime that is hard to nail down. But if you’re skipping new vehicle purchases and focusing solely on unlocking and finishing cups, you can probably see the end of the Championship mode in 2-3 hours.
There’s more to do after you complete Championship mode, however. You can check out Time Attack mode to see how quickly you can clear tracks, or dive into Super Hero mode for a significantly more challenging racing experience. And though Fast Fusion‘s multiplayer functionality leaves a bit to be desired thanks to lack of matchmaking, it can still be a fun diversion with friends.
All-in-all, Fast Fusion is a fast, frenetic racing title that offers Nintendo Switch 2 owners something truly nerve-rattling (in a good way) to play on their new hardware. For only $14.99, you could make considerably worse decisions while perusing the eShop.
Fast Fusion is available now exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2.