Fast Fusion on Switch 2: Stunning Tech but Image Quality Concerns
â–¼ Summary
– Switch 2 excels in racing games at launch, featuring major titles like Mario Kart World, Ridge Racer, and the standout Fast Fusion by Shin’en Multimedia.
– Fast Fusion is a proper sequel to Fast RMX and Fast Racing Neo, offering new mechanics, enhanced visuals, and a fluid 60fps performance.
– Shin’en developed a hybrid lighting system for Fast Fusion, reducing memory usage to 5-15MB per track while maintaining high visual quality.
– Fast Fusion uses heavy DLSS upscaling, leading to pixelation issues, but a future patch will add a “pure” mode without DLSS for better image quality.
– Despite its image quality flaws, Fast Fusion is praised for its stunning visuals, HDR implementation, and innovative gameplay mechanics, making it a must-have Switch 2 launch title.
The Switch 2 has arrived with a strong lineup of racing games, and among them, Fast Fusion stands out as a technical marvel, though not without its quirks. Developed by Shin’en Multimedia, this sequel to Fast RMX and Fast Racing Neo delivers blistering speed, innovative mechanics, and jaw-dropping visuals, even if image quality occasionally falters.
Shin’en has built a reputation for squeezing every ounce of performance from Nintendo’s hardware. Their latest effort pushes boundaries with advanced lighting techniques, volumetric fog, and rock-solid 60fps performance. The team’s proprietary engine employs a hybrid lighting system that blends dynamic and baked solutions, keeping memory usage low while delivering stunning in-game illumination. Tracks now feature intricate materials, realistic reflections, and weather effects that elevate the experience far beyond its predecessors.
Yet, the game’s reliance on DLSS upscaling introduces noticeable pixelation, especially in 4K mode, where the base resolution dips to around 648p. This aggressive scaling results in softer visuals compared to Fast RMX on the original Switch, which ran at higher native resolutions. Fortunately, Shin’en has acknowledged the issue and plans to release a patch adding a “pure” mode, disabling DLSS for crisper 1440p docked and 1080p handheld output.
Performance remains stellar across all modes, with near-locked 60fps in performance, balanced, and ultra settings. The 30fps quality mode, however, sacrifices real-time shadows for resolution, a trade-off that feels unnecessary given the game’s fluidity elsewhere. HDR implementation shines, offering vibrant highlights and deep contrasts that outpace many first-party Nintendo titles.
Beyond tech, Fast Fusion introduces a clever color-matching mechanic, requiring players to align their ship’s hue with boost pads for maximum speed. Combined with new jump mechanics, the gameplay feels fresh and riskier, encouraging precision while navigating twisting tracks. Though F-Zero GX now graces the Switch 2 via GameCube emulation, Fast Fusion carves its own niche with deeper mechanics and modern visuals.
Despite its occasional image-quality hiccups, Fast Fusion is a standout launch title—a testament to Shin’en’s technical prowess and a must-play for racing fans. With few original games available at launch, this high-octane racer is an easy recommendation.
(Source: Eurogamer)
