Racing Gears Advance

 Game Boy Advance
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  1. AceGamez
    90
    For some the difficulty may be a little frustrating and later on in the game it seems a little fruitless to fork out on weapons, but it's balanced, clever and exciting, almost forcing you to have one more go.
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  2. 1UP
    90
    Thanks to the thoughtfully designed courses, tight control, and -- thank goodness -- a battery backup and autosave feature, Racing Gears Advance is a pleasure to play from start to finish line.
  3. Deeko
    90
    In a world where driving titles such as Gran Turismo and Ridge Racer rule, Racing Gears Advance stands out as a breath of fresh air; a driving game that is simply out to entertain the masses with an incredibly developed sense of excitement and panache.
  5. Cheat Code Central
    90
    It runs smooth, looks great, features tight controls and an arcade sense of physics that lets anyone get a handle on it in a couple of minutes. The fact that it's challenging and deep leaves room for gamers to develop their skills, both physical and mental, over time.
    All this publication's reviews
  6. IGN
    89
    A fantastic, energetic racer with a ton of strategy in its design.
  7. Console Gameworld
    89
    Highly recommended to any GBA gamer looking for a fun top-down view racer.
  8. N-Insanity
    86
    Feels like racing Hotwheels with your buddies on steroids, speed, and a whole lot of caffeine.
  9. GameSpot
    85
    Featuring tight racing controls, 12 wacky drivers encapsulated in 12 real-life vehicles, and fast-paced, addictive, and challenging racing, Racing Gears Advance is simply a great game in every respect.
  10. Pocket Games
    85
    A reminder that good things are still being done in 2D. [Spring 2005, p.74]
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  11. GBA Central
    80
    The complete package; its diversity in both the build up to the race and on the road delivers an experience that satisfies on multiple levels, making for an effective racing game. Unlike other games of the same genre, this one will test your brain, memory as well as your reflexes.
  12. Game Informer
    80
    Difficulty aside, I dug this game because a lot of the little touches: the shadows that fall on the track, the shortcuts, the elevation changes, and the way that every race and lap has some surprises in store. [March 2005, p.140]
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  13. VGPub
    80
    Thankfully, we all know it is not the graphics and sound that makes a game. The actual gameplay for RGA is some of the best I have experienced of the dozens of racers that are available for the GBA.
  14. Modojo
    80
    This game hit me with the authority of a mack truck. I did not expect it to be this captivating.
  15. Nintendo Power
    78
    The game's far-overhead view serves the action well, but the cars appear very small, which could be a distraction. [March 2005, p.108]
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  16. My Gamer
    72
    Upgrades, short cuts, environmental driving conditions, and real-life vehicles force this game above the rest.
  17. Play Magazine
    70
    The AI is aggressive, but loads of upgrades are available to give you much-needed edge and add an element of strategy. [Apr 2005, p.70]
    All this publication's reviews
  18. Gamers Europe
    65
    Despite these crippling flaws, Racing Gears Advance has that rare quality of being addictive.

Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2005
17
#17 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2005
10
#10 Most Shared Game Boy Advance Game of 2005

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 54 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 48 out of 54
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 54
  3. Negative: 3 out of 54
  1. Yojimbo2015
    May 5, 2023
    6
    An attempt at a Gran Turismo style upgradable racer done in the Micro Machines style and it works reasonably well. The overhead format makesAn attempt at a Gran Turismo style upgradable racer done in the Micro Machines style and it works reasonably well. The overhead format makes the races seem a little samey but the lack of good racing games on the Advance makes it worth a look to wannabe gearheads.… Full Review »
  2. Nintendoforlife
    May 10, 2020
    8
    wow! amazing game, very addicting, probably one of the best racing games ever made for the GBA! there's only one thing... it is REALLY hard.wow! amazing game, very addicting, probably one of the best racing games ever made for the GBA! there's only one thing... it is REALLY hard. even the first race takes quite a few tries, I think the sensitive controls being the one to blame. but it makes the game a good challenge, and I would definitely recommend this title! trust me, it is worth the time and money!… Full Review »
  3. therealarien
    Oct 5, 2014
    10
    I can't believe how many hours I've poured into this. It's a rare gem and one of my fav racing games across all platforms. The game playI can't believe how many hours I've poured into this. It's a rare gem and one of my fav racing games across all platforms. The game play alone has a great learning curve and is very satisfying when you learn the tracks, plus the customization really gives you that sense of ownership. Even down to choosing the tyres. Play it now!… Full Review »
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