Intro:
"Corvette" is a racing game that was released to a variety of platforms in 2003 amidst the celebration of 50 years of the Corvette brand. Due to hardware limitations, Corvette GBA is a unique version of the game.
Currently there are level runs and full game runs. For the level runs, you can either try the levels in the corvette challenge which will have traffic, or in the time challenge mode, with no traffic and a convenient in-game timer. You may use any car you want; it's recommended to use either the Corvette Indy (blue), or the Corvette Stringray II (Purple), as they are the fastest.
If you want to do a full game run, then you'll be running any%, which is to beat the Corvette Challenge as fast as you can. There are 8 different sections/levels to complete, going chronologically from the Corvette's first year in 1953 all the way up to 1997 which feature a variety of landscapes throughout the U.S.
Full runs last around an hour and a half or longer, and can get boring at parts, so get comfy and settle in when attempting full game runs.
Timing Starts after clicking on the checkered flag on the menu screen and ends when the Congratulations screen appears, and the credits roll at the end.
Menuing is simple, the levels will shift automatically for you, but you'll need to shift over to a new car when you get it.
How the game works:
Corvette (GBA) is a standard racing game with 3 different types of levels: Rally, Grand Prix, and Special. In rally, you race against an opponent with a head start and have to catch them before the finish. In Grand Prix, it is a standard two lap race against 7 opponents, in which you must meet the finishing requirement.
The special levels are a variety of challenges, including hitting a certain speed, maneuvering/hitting cones, etc. Some are easier than others.
Control Basics:
A is gas/go, B is brakes, Left/Right D-pad steer left and right. Standard stuff. D-pad up is the horn, which I'll mention later.
Incredibly, this game includes both Automatic and Manual transmissions, impressive for a GBA game. If you choose Manual, use L shoulder to downshift and R shoulder to upshift. Choosing Manual provides you with a slight increase of Top speed, along with the ability to control your shifts better.
Manual is easy to master in most levels, assuming you don't bump into anything. Just learn the shifting points of each car, and you'll be golden.
Starts - Before each level, there is a countdown where you can rev up, and possibly gain some starting speed. Do it right and you'll get a 20ish MPH boost, but screw it up, and you'll skid for a few seconds. Try to get the marker as close to the tick at 12:00 on the circle without going over it.
Now let's talk levels.
Rallys:
Like previously mentioned, the goal of the rally levels is to beat your opponent. Because they get a head start, it is important to be consistent. In the top left, there is a marker that will show you the distance you are trailing your opponent. For every level except 1997 (I believe), your opponent is at a set speed, and so long as you are going faster than that speed, you will catch up.
The 1997 rally is special. It's divided into two sections: I call them pre-highway and Highway. The pre-highway is where you'll make up ground and pass, precise cornering and minimal bumps are required. If you crash or don't pass at this part, reset. The bigger the lead you get in the pre section, the better your odds are, because once you hit the highways, your opponent will speed up and try to catch you. If they do, your best bet is to get in front of them and block them off. Do that, and you'll most likely win. It is very hard to catch up on the highway because you have to be going above 170 to catch up.
The challenge of Rallys isn't the course or your opponent, rather the traffic that spawns in. In most courses, there will be two lanes where traffic can spawn, with some courses having areas to go around on the side. If you crash into a car, you have a variety of fates. touch them lightly and you'll swerve back and forth for a second, touch them moderately and you spin, losing a decent amount of speed, or crash full on, flipping over and losing all of your speed. You literally stop for a second.
I call the traffic CaRNG: While the cars that get spawned are believed to set, their position appears to be random. Mix this with a short draw distance, and you have a recipe for disaster. Sometimes, you'll easily be able to pass, and other times it will be difficult. Sometimes cars will spawn directly next to each other. As a result, you can end up flying into two cars blocking your way. Be careful of this on the bridges of 1963 rally and one-lane sections.
Luckily, there is a somewhat useful way to help: the horn. If you press up on the D-pad, you will use your horn, and if it works, it will move traffic away from the middle of the road. It will always move them outwards, so be aware of that. Sometimes, the horn will not register, and the cars will not move. We don't know why yet.
Grand Prix:
By far the easiest levels, the goal of these levels is to finish within the requirement. For a speed run, you'll probably be winning every race. The courses themselves are generally easy but be aware of some the sharp turns. There are a few sets of sharp "S"-like turns. Try to stick to the inside on the first turn for a better setup on the second turn.
Watch out for the barriers. If you are on a wide road, the barrier is approaching soon. If you do hit the barrier, you'll crash and be immediately sent to 0 MPH. Generally, the CPU cars will be a good reference for what side to take if you see them. That being said don't get boxed in by them on the side with a barrier approaching. Trust me, it can happen.
While going off the asphalt doesn't slow you down, it's generally better to drive on the track. However, if the CPU inches towards you, or you need to use it to pass, do so.
Speaking of CPU's, they have a set behavior - They will most likely beat you in the straights, but you can catch them in the corners. They don't have a predictable path, so be careful around them. They also don't have a proper hitbox, so they can phase through each other (Thanks devs). It's best to get ahead of them as quick as you can to reduce lag.
Special:
The specials are what will determine how well your run goes. A few of them can be challenging, especially the ones with cones. Here's my breakdown of each.
1953: Easy. Get up to speed, make the turn, and finish 1960: This one can possibly screw you over, be careful of cars doubling up on you. That being said, it's not a run-breaker most of the time. 1963: This one can be frustrating. Get up to about 90-100mph, and then let off the gas when the cones tighten up. Brake when needed but be careful of sliding. 1968: Easy. Get up to speed, stay on the track, and pass your opponent. 1977: More Cones! This time, you're hitting them. Speed through them until the last two sets (around 30-40ish), and then slow down. The second to last set is the hardest, be careful with them. Don't forget the last cone, stick to the right side. 1984: Pretty straightforward, maintain speed through the turns and brake when you see the zone. Use the side wall to slow yourself down even more. 1993: Another straightforward level: stick behind the car you are hitting, and whatever you do, do not pass them. Use automatic for this level, it's so much easier. 1997: The devs probably made this the hardest on purpose. Speed up through the cones, and if you do it fast, you'll reach that 151 before the turns. If not, navigate the corners. The braking zone is small, when you get to the wood bridge, start to slow down. You'll see that tunnel and brake. Hit the sidewall and finish the run.
Misc.
In 1993, DO NOT switch to the 1993 car for the rally and grand prix, it is faster to use the 1984 car. This is because the 1984 has better handling despite worse acceleration. In the 1984 you'll be cruising at 149 MPH, while in the 1993, you'll be bouncing in the 140's, and will rarely get a chance to go above 150. Switch to the '93 for the special, however, you'll need its acceleration.
ALWAYS go the right side when given a fork in the road, it is always faster (this could be proven wrong, but from my experience, it's what I've found). Sometimes you'll get blocked from the right, if it happens take the left side and do your best, it's not a run-killer.
In 1960 watch out for the concrete pillars on the beach. Previously mentioned, be careful on the bridges in 1963. In 1977, watch out for the pillars in the grass. In 1984, there's a sharp turn or two in the woods.
You must make sure your challenge is fresh when you start, with no other cars or levels unlocked.
I need to talk to the mods about unlocking cars- That will be a discussion about the any% category and what it means.
You cannot use tiny cars mode, as that's technically a post-game easter egg.
With all of that being said, good luck, and may you become the greatest driver ever!
