I played some GT Pro Series, because it’s basically AdvanceGTA in 3D (same developer as GBA games). I’m having fun. After I switched the laggy controls from motion to d-pad steering. (The steering attachment is collecting dust now, though I guess I could still use it.) All-digital controls in a 3D racing game, oh yeah baby! Totally feels like playing a GBA game now. That and the AdvanceGT2 banners make me smile. What doesn’t is the rest of the visuals. Kinda looks like shitty Auto Modellista. Which is a bummer, cause I love that style. At least the speakers are putting out Eurobeat. How it should be. What also makes me a bit grumpy though, is the sense of speed. Or lack thereof. It’s kinda like the step from Super Mario Kart to Mario Kart 64. The frantic pace was lost in translation from Mode 7 to full 3D. Are the courses bigger, wider, longer? Are the cars slower? I can’t quite put my fingers on it. But it’s still a game by Motorsports Software Technical Office. Pushing an RX-7 sideways through corners on the tighter courses still feels really fucking good. The drift gods are appeased.
Somewhat funny but ultimately useless side note: the uber rare GT Cube (on the Gamecube) that you can only buy on yahoo auctions for way too much money, is exactly the same game. It also only really works with digital controls. I think there was some GBA compatibility mentioned on the back of the box, maybe you can use one as a controller.