Fatal Inertia (フェイタル・イナーシャ) is a futuristic racing game which combines aspects of go-kart racing with aerial warfare. Set during the mid 22nd century, the game centers on the titular racing competition sponsored by several influential mega corporations. Having become one of the world's most popular forms of entertainment, Fatal Inertia has pilots race for fame and glory using high-speed hovering vehicles provided by each of the aforementioned sponsors.
The game was designed by Michael Bond while Takazumi Tomoike served as the producer. The composers of the soundtrack were Starsky Patridge, Peter Lalonde, and Chris "Lash" Thompson.
Designers initially planned free-roaming modes, but scrapped due to costs and time constraints. Unfinished modes include Hot Potato and Vampire. Ideas from other games, like Katamari Damacy, inspired racecrafts' magnetic weapons.
A retail version was released for the Xbox 360, whereas the PlayStation 3 port is a download only title. It was originally intended to be a launch title for the PlayStation 3 before technical difficulties with the Unreal Engine delayed the game's progress, causing the Xbox 360 version to be released ahead of schedule.
Gameplay[]
Every race consists of eight contestants whom compete to cross the finish line first. Racers must pass the designated checkpoint during laps while simultaneously avoiding obstacles and beating their competition. The player's speed and ranking are displayed on the lower right portion of the screen to help determine their current position in the race.
With the push of a button, racers may automatically return to their initial checkpoint in case they run off course or head the wrong direction. Another button input switches the camera angle to the rear which helps in evading enemy fire or aiming weapons from behind.
Players can perform evasive barrel rolls and brake boosts on their racecraft, causing a drop in speed initially but accelerating with increased thrust. However, overuse can cause engine stalling, so it's important to use these maneuvers sparingly.
Modes[]
The game provides a range of modes for one or two players. Some of these may also unlock new content by accomplishing specific tasks or achievements.
Quick Race[]
Sets players up with a quick race through four different events or a time trial. Can be used for practice.
Career Mode[]
The heart of the game, it is a single player mode which allows players to compete in three different leagues: Exhibition (initially available), Professional, and Elite. The higher the league, the more challenging the other contestants become. Each league is comprised of several series.
There are four primary events found within this mode:
- Combat Race - Known as Melee in Fatal Inertia EX, it is a straightforward race in which pilots can fire all kinds of weapons to take out opponents and win. It is the most common event among the four.
- Magnet Mayhem - Crafts are given unlimited magnets to thwart each other, requiring evasion or barrel roll skills to survive.
- Velocity - A race that solely focuses on speed over sabotage. The only items available are Rockets, Force Blasts, and Time Dilators, all three items that affect a craft's acceleration.
- Knockout - In an elimination mode, all eight pilots compete in seven laps, with the lowest-ranked racecraft automatically removed from the course, and the last remaining one wins.
Online Mode[]
Enables online matches. Up to eight players may participate at a time.
Training Mode[]
Offers three tutorial sections covering flight, combat, and events.
Garage Mode[]
Mode for customizing racecrafts with upgrades, new parts, and paint jobs. Parts can be changed as long as the right styling attachments are obtained. It cannot be selected until players begin Career Mode.
Racecrafts[]
There are four types of racecrafts; each have their own strengths and weaknesses. While players begin with the Mercury Class, the other three can be obtained by finishing Exhibition League races. Stats are rated from A (best) to D (poor).
- Top Speed - The maximum speed rate.
- Acceleration - Rate of acceleration.
- Handling - Steering capabilities.
- Braking - Braking abilities.
- Mass - Overall mass. The higher the ranking, the heavier it is.
- Strength - Durability for attacks or collusions.
- Ammunition - Determines how many magnets a racecraft can consecutively shoot.
Players can find various upgrades during races and use them to modify a racecraft's parameters and appearance.
Mercury Class[]
Mercury Engineering developed a lightweight, fast racecraft known for its superior maneuvering, low speed, and top-notch acceleration. Inspired by 22nd-century joint strike fighters, the craft features parts named after winged creatures.
- Top Speed - D
- Acceleration - A
- Handling - A
- Braking - D
- Mass - D
- Strength - B
- Ammunition - 1x
Phoenix Class[]
A craft with well-balanced parameters and a remarkable performance rating. Built by Phoenix Motors, its agility makes up for its mediocre handling and durability. Mounted on the vehicle's wings are engines that serve to enhance its already impressive speed. The Phoenix racecraft was one of the earliest models released during the beginning of Fatal Inertia.
- Top Speed - B
- Acceleration - B
- Handling - B
- Braking - C
- Mass - B
- Strength - C
- Ammunition - 2x
Aurora Class[]
The fastest craft available, it was manufactured by the Aurora Syndicate. However, its questionable reliability and lack of control make it suited only for the more advanced players. The exotic design of this vehicle was based on previous jet propelled models that broke terrestrial speed records during the 21st and 22nd centuries. Also, the extra large wings attached to it are built to help stabilize its handling performance. This craft was previously banned by the league for its unstable performance only to be reinstated by popular demand.
- Top Speed - A
- Acceleration - C
- Handling - C
- Braking - B
- Mass - C
- Strength - D
- Ammunition - 1x
Titan Class[]
A bulky yet powerful craft constructed by Titan Industries. It compensates for its poor handling and mobility with greater offense, weapon space, and heavy-duty armor. Recommended for more experienced veterans who can handle the vehicle's awkward maneuvering. Can pick up twice the amount of slots used for magnetic weaponry.
- Top Speed - B
- Acceleration - D
- Handling - D
- Braking - A
- Mass - A
- Strength - A
- Ammunition - 3x
Stages[]
The game features 51 circuits with six unique racing environments, filled with natural obstacles, gas bombs, and underwater mines, providing a thrilling competition experience.
Achievements[]
Name | Unlock Method | Xbox Points |
---|---|---|
Skirmish Series Gold | Get first place in the Skirmish Series. | 10 |
Cardinal Series Gold | Get first place in the Cardinal Series. | 10 |
Cardinal Series II Gold | Get first place in the Cardinal Series II. | 20 |
Cardinal Series III Gold | Get first place in the Cardinal Series III. | 30 |
Throttle Series Gold | Get first place in the Throttle Series. | 10 |
Throttle Series II Gold | Get first place in the Throttle Series II. | 20 |
Throttle Series III Gold | Get first place in the Throttle Series III. | 30 |
Demolition Series Gold | Get first place in the Demolition Series. | 20 |
Nightfall Series Gold | Get first place in the Nightfall Series. | 20 |
Nightfall Series II Gold | Get first place in the Nightfall Series III. | 30 |
Armageddon Series Gold | Get first place in the Armageddon Series. | 20 |
Armageddon Series II Gold | Get first place in the Armageddon Series II. | 30 |
Hurricane Series Gold | Get first place in the Hurricane Series. | 30 |
Prodigy Series Gold | Get first place in the Prodigy Series. | 30 |
Scramble Series Gold | Get first place in the Scramble Series. | 30 |
World Championship Gold | Get first place in the World Championship Series. | 30 |
600 Combat Points | Score 600 or more combat points in a single event. | 10 |
1000 Combat Points | Score 1,000 or more combat points in a single event. | 20 |
Perfectionist | Get 40 points in every series in your career. | 40 |
Mercury Master | Win 10 races using a Mercury class racecraft. | 10 |
Phoenix Master | Win 10 races using a Phoenix class racecraft. | 10 |
Aurora Master | Win 10 races using an Aurora class racecraft. | 10 |
Titan Master | Win 10 races using a Titan class racecraft. | 10 |
50 Wins | Win at least 50 events. | 20 |
100 Wins | Win at least 100 events. | 30 |
200 Wins | Win at least 200 events. | 40 |
Perfect Start | Do a perfectly timed brake-boost at the start of a race. | 10 |
Snag Opponent | Tether an opponent to the ground with a Cable. | 10 |
Connect 2 Opponents | Tether 2 opponents together with a single Cable. | 10 |
Remove Rockets | Knock off a rocket from current racecraft by using a brake-boost. | 10 |
Remove Magnets | Knock off at least 10 magnets from current craft by using a brake-boost. | 10 |
Remove Weapons By Rolling | Remove attached weapons by doing a barrel-roll. | 10 |
Smokescreen Master | Hit all 7 opponents with one Smoke Bomb. | 20 |
Destroy An Opponent | Destroy an opponent during an event. | 10 |
Destructor | Destroy 3 opponents in a single event. | 20 |
Destructor II | Destroy all 7 opponents in a single event | 40 |
Speed Demon | Hit 750 km/h (469 mph) without using a Time Dilator. | 10 |
Speed Demon II | Hit 900 km/h (563 mph) without using a Time Dilator. | 20 |
Show-off | Lap all 7 opponents in one event. | 20 |
Try All Tracks | Race in every track of all available environments. | 30 |
I'm Better Than You | Win a splitscreen Quick Race against a human pilot. | 10 |
Velocity Au Naturel | Win a Velocity race without using any weapons. | 20 |
50 Second Time Trial | Finish a Time Trial in under 50 seconds. | 10 |
36 Second Time Trial | Finish a Time Trial in under 36 seconds. | 20 |
Combat Race Master | Win 20 Combat Race events. | 20 |
Magnet Mayhem Master | Win 20 Magnet Mayhem events. | 20 |
Velocity Master | Win 20 Velocity events. | 20 |
Knockout Master | Win 20 Knockout events. | 20 |
Xbox LIVE Novice | Win an event on Xbox LIVE. | 20 |
Xbox LIVE Master | Win 50 events on Xbox LIVE | 40 |
PlayStation 3 Port[]
The PlayStation 3 port of Fatal Inertia is known as Fatal Inertia EX. It features a number of adjustments and improvements as well as additional content.
- Two-player function for Career Mode.
- New tutorials and background music.
- Modified event schedules for all three career leagues.
- A new "Master" difficulty setting for expert players in Quick Race Mode.
- New weather effects and scenery enhancements.
- An overhauled Garage Mode for further customization of vehicles.
- An extra racing venue consisting of eight separate circuits.
- Sixaxis and DualShock 3 controller support provide haptic feedback as well as tilt control for steering.
- New online series events and leaderboards added to further enhance online gaming experience.
Allusions[]
- The final engine upgrade for the Mercury Class is named after Omega Force's Warriors series.
Gallery[]
External Links[]
- Official Japanese Website
- Official English Website, Official English blog
- Official Japanese PlayStation site
- Japanese wiki
- Trailer movie