Chocobo GP
- January 12, 2022
- Square Enix
Chocobo racing returns in 2022 with an all-new sequel in Chocobo GP, but is this a race worthy of the Gold Saucer?
Start your engines and get set for a new racing experience, featuring a roster of dozens of your favorite Chocobo characters, complete with their own unique abilities and variants. Equip Magicites and take out the competition as you drift through various familiar courses in online and offline multiplayer modes. Compete in tournaments and become the reigning champion of GP!
Reviews
- Chocobo GP features simple and intuitive kart racing gameplay that is enjoyable for gamers of all ages.
- The game offers a charming presentation with a broad cast of Final Fantasy characters and unique abilities, making it a fun experience for fans.
- The online component is engaging, with various modes and a solid Magicite weapon system that adds strategic depth to races.
- The game is plagued by a complicated unlockables system and heavy reliance on microtransactions, making progression tedious.
- There is a lack of content at launch, including too few tracks and recognizable characters, which limits replayability.
- Some gameplay mechanics, such as power-ups, can be frustrating and unbalanced, detracting from the overall racing experience.
- gameplay11 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Chocobo GP is characterized by simple and intuitive kart racing mechanics that appeal to players of all ages, complemented by a charming presentation and a variety of unlockable content. While the core racing mechanics are solid and feature creative elements, the experience is somewhat marred by narrow tracks, grind-heavy gameplay, and the presence of microtransactions. Overall, the game offers enjoyable online components and a fun soundtrack, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre, especially those familiar with the Final Fantasy universe.
“Chocobo GP is a solid kart racer that includes familiar gameplay mechanics and even adds a few welcome extras that give this game its own flavor.”
“Chocobo GP offers up some fantastic core racing mechanics that are otherwise held back by a lackluster offering of content.”
“Creative kart racing mechanics, great lineup of unique characters, impressive voice work, excellent online tournament mode.”
“Narrow tracks, hectic gameplay, vision-obscuring abilities and power-ups, bland music, grind-heavy gameplay, and microtransactions sour the experience.”
- story7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The story mode in Chocobo GP is generally viewed as a weak point, with critics noting its lack of depth and innovation compared to other racing games. While it offers some unique elements and unlockable content, the reliance on paid features and a flimsy narrative detracts from the overall experience. Despite these shortcomings, the game still provides a polished and entertaining kart racing experience with ample single-player content.
“Chocobo GP does some things that Nintendo doesn’t, offering a story mode and a more stimulating item system than the untouchable Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.”
“Yes, the story mode may be a bit of a misfire, but with plenty of other single-player content to dig into and the promise of 64-player carnage via the online Chocobo GP mode, this is one of the most polished and entertaining kart racers currently available on Switch.”
“Chocobo GP mode as a concept features a neat little story mode.”
“The story mode is a weak spot; paid season pass aspects are never a great look.”
“You have to unlock a lot in the story to play in normal modes, and some 'unlocks' still have to be bought from the store. The progression barrier is flimsy.”
“Yes, the story mode may be a bit of a misfire, but with plenty of other single-player content to dig into, this is one of the most polished and entertaining kart racers currently available on Switch.”
- monetization5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The monetization in the game is heavily criticized for being filled with microtransactions, which can lead to a grindy experience for players unwilling to pay. While some reviews note that the monetization isn't overly distracting in certain moments, the overall sentiment suggests it detracts from the enjoyment, especially in a game that already features narrow tracks and chaotic gameplay.
“A rare moment where the track layout isn't too obnoxious, the item RNG isn't too oppressive, and the monetization isn't too distracting; a brief snippet of a solid racer with tight controls and a colorful world.”
“It delivers entertaining Final Fantasy fanservice that's at least two decades too late for the one audience that might still find the fun in it and tacks on microtransactions to boot.”
“…but might be behind microtransactions, few tracks, too many items at once.”
“Some lag issues in online modes, littered with microtransactions, grindy for the people that don't want to pay.”
“Narrow tracks, hectic, vision-obscuring abilities and power-ups, bland music, grind-heavy gameplay, microtransactions sour the experience.”
“Might be behind microtransactions, few tracks, too many items at once.”
- music5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising the solid soundtrack featuring familiar remixed tunes and a fun mix of Final Fantasy franchise nods, while others criticize it as bland or even "an actual crime." Overall, the soundtrack is seen as enjoyable for fans, but it may not meet the expectations of all players.
“Magicite makes for unique racing attacks with familiar spells, a broad cast of Final Fantasy characters, and a great soundtrack, making it fun for family time.”
“Fun mix of Final Fantasy franchise nods, kart racing basics and essentials are well-implemented, with a solid soundtrack of familiar remixed tunes.”
“Tight gameplay with plenty of options, deep pulls for Final Fantasy fans, and a fun soundtrack.”
“Tracks are dull and unpolished, the main menu music is an actual crime.”
“Bland music, grind-heavy gameplay, microtransactions sour the experience.”
“The music is forgettable and fails to enhance the overall experience.”
- grinding4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that "grinding" in the game is heavily criticized due to tedious progression systems and a reliance on microtransactions, making it particularly challenging for players unwilling to pay. The experience is further marred by limited course selection and a sense of confusion regarding the game's identity, leading to a grindy experience that primarily appeals to Final Fantasy veterans.
“Hampered by tedious progression systems and typical microtransaction practices, Chocobo GP barely makes it past the finish line to be the best kart racer it could be.”
“However, only Final Fantasy veterans (and their kids) need apply, as it relies heavily on nostalgia—and season pass grinding.”
“Some lag issues in online modes, littered with microtransactions, grindy for the people that don't want to pay.”
- graphics1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics are praised for their nice visuals, which enhance the overall gaming experience. Players appreciate how the appealing aesthetics complement the fun gameplay and the variety of cool items available.
“The graphics are stunning, bringing the game world to life with vibrant colors and intricate details.”
“Every environment is beautifully crafted, making exploration a visual delight.”
“The character designs are impressive, showcasing a high level of artistry and creativity.”
Critic Reviews
Chocobo GP review
Sometimes you just want a bit of fun and a laugh, without needing a revolutionary experience, and Chocobo GP fits that bill nicely.
75%Chocobo GP (Switch) Review
Chocobo GP does some things that Nintendon’t, offering a Story mode and a more stimulating item system than the untouchable Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. However only Final Fantasy veterans (and their kids) need apply, as it relies heavily on nostalgia—and season pass grinding.
70%Chocobo GP Aims Magicite Attacks at Mario Kart’s Crown
Get set for a new racing experience, featuring a roster of dozens of your favorite Chocobo characters, complete with their own unique abilities and variants. Equip Magicites and take out the competition as you drift through various familiar courses in online and offline multiplayer modes. Compete in tournaments and become the reigning champion of GP!Chocobo GP fares better than most Mario Kart competitors, delivering a rough-around-the-edges experience that's still fundamentally fun most of the time. Its weaknesses and frustrations, though — combined with the incoming deluge of new Mario Kart 8 Deluxe tracks — will likely limit its audience.
70%