Good, For a while...
The gameplay mechanics are smooth and the graphics are ok despite obvious hardware limitations but overall i feel the game is lacking a personality and only playable in short bursts of time. Their are various modes available such as story, GP mode and a challenge mode , This provides some variety and longevity to the game however in reality each mode is the same. The difficulty is just right on normal mode however most of the time the races are far too easy once you eventually master the tracks, Usage of the boost a few times per lap will easily overwhelm the opponents. The story mode is confusing for newcomers and is a very typical anime storyline , Fans of anime will probably enjoy it though but when i first bought the game i wasn't aware of F zero's anime roots. The game shines mainly in Grand prix mode in quick bursts of gameplay which is in a sense perfectly adapted for on the go gaming. The pacing of the game is fast and fluent, Vehicle animation is great and controls are generally responsive, The track layouts are also interesting with various obstacles which will enhance or hinder your race progress.
Everything sounds good right? Well one of my biggest issues with this game is the lack of detail within the tracks and level design , I mean ok the gba has graphical limitations and the track layout is generally ok but with games such as v rally 3 and need for speed underground 2 capable of environment details and non flat course design, F zero Gp legend is really lacking and heavily inspired by past - gen rather than trying to bring something new , I mean if they could not implement a non flat course they could have at least improved the background graphics and add a few interesting environments or buildings or more features etc, Instead the devs decided to keep it simple and it doesn't make for an interesting game over any other racer.
The races also never really bring anything new and as mentioned earlier never really show a personality, OK the track layouts are different and their are various obstacles but the tracks never really embrace the player, Once you have done a lap and seen everything the race just drags and in the end you just want to finish and move on rather than race a level again or do more laps. Some of the levels were interesting such as the grid electric city looking level which do have a bit more of a futuristic feel but sadly this is the rare exception.
Overall the game is playable and can be fun for a short while, The game is polished but i feel the game also seems heavily compromised as a result of this and i feel their was definitely more potential if the devs were willing to look into the future rather than the past , Ironically. Fans of F zero will probably find a lot of content and nostalgia within this game but for the neutrals this is not a must own racing game , Their is appeal but it won't last for long, If you can i would try before you buy.