-<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>-
\ \ |__ __|__ /
_ \ \ | | /
___ \ |\ | | /
_/ _\_| \_| _| ____|
________ _____
___ __ \_____ _________(_)_____________ _
__ /_/ / __ `/ ___/_ /__ __ \_ __ `/
_ _, _// /_/ // /__ _ / _ / / / /_/ /
/_/ |_| \__,_/ \___/ /_/ /_/ /_/_\__, /
/____/
FAQ/Walkthrough
>>==<<==>>==<<==>>==<<==>>==<<==>>==<<==>>==<<==>>==<<==>>==<<==>>==
For Nintendo Game Boy Color
Version Final
By Chris Zawada
Website: www.z-wad.com
User: antseezee
E-mail:
[email protected]
Created: 03/18/05
Last Update: 03/10/11
Copyright 2011 Chris Zawada
-<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>-
Author's Note
----------------------------
Ideally, racing games on portable systems usually don't match. The lack of
hardware can barely launch a car as fast as it seems, nor keep up with a decent
framerate. Thus, many developers on the GBC were forced to use "mini-kart"
techniques, where the racers were much smaller than normal, but it helped keep
the fluent speed of the game alive. Antz Racing is yet another example of one
of the many spawned GBC mini-kart racing games that features colorful graphics,
a friendly cast, and most of all, an official license. While the Antz series
wasn't too popular in early 2000, it does have its perks here and there. This
guide will help nudge down the basics, get into some advanced track
strategies, and note down the positive/negative aspects of each vehicle. Will
you reign aboard the human debris left behind and morph it into a
super-enhanced vehicle?
Contributing/Feedback
----------------------------
If you have any contributions, feedback, or strategies you'd like to have
added to the guide, contact me via e-mail or on GameFAQs. I'll be more than
content to add your segment of information, and will also provide credit. If
you have any questions you'd like added to the Common Questions section, ask.
I simply don't have the time to sit around thinking of questions. Provide me
with what you want to know!
Updates
----------------------------
=03/10/11= vFinal
Final update.
=03/18/05= v1.0
Finished the FAQ. Game was extremely easy, and now I see why. Aiming for one
GBC Racing game a day.
=03/18/05= v1.0
Started the FAQ. Expecting to finish this within the next 2 days, part of which
is being done during College. Doesn't look like an overwhelmingly exciting
game, but at least part of my handle is mentioned in it.
============================
- Table of Contents -
============================
1) Introduction
2) Game Basics
> Controls
> Powerups
> Racing
3) Game Modes
> Quick Arcade
> Championship
> Option
4) Vehicles
5) Tracks
6) Common Questions
7) Copyright/Distribution/Reproduction Guidelines
8) Proper Credits
-<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>-
============================
- 1) Introduction -
============================
Racing games on portable systems have either been a mediocre thrill, or an all-
out bust. With a lack of hardware, many developers are forced to use painful
techniques to emulate the racing experience. Rather than getting a simulation-
like feeling behind the wheel, you're left with a drab mini-kart setting. The
Game Boy Color is no exception. Antz Racing is a by-product of the early empire
of Electronic Arts, which has progressed itself into a gigantic video game
developer in present times. The game basically uses the official license of the
series, and is certainly above average graphics, sound, and control-wise, but
never really pierces the skin. Either way, Antz Racing hands off an overhead
kart-based view, similar to RC racing on the NES. You'll find yourself
navigating around circular tracks by slowing down and/or using powerups to
limit the competition at hand.
Players can select their vehicle, which usually consists of human garbage such
as a soda can, box, or grocery bag. Damage is a key concern, and must be
worried about during the race. If you slip up once, it can deafen your time on
the race track in seismic proportions. Either way, Antz Racing provides a
certainly better-than-mediocre experience which every GBC owner should at least
give a quick shot (unless you despise racing games).
----------------------------
_____________________
##### GAME INFO #####
//////////|\\\\\\\\\\
Players: 1
Developer: Electronic Arts
Released: 2001
Rarity: rare
Special Features: Password continuation
Cover Art on cartridge:
- Shows a few Antz characters driving through some grass with a skyscraper
visible in the background
-<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>-
============================
- 2) Game Basics -
============================
Due to Antz Racing's fairly easy design, the controls fit just about perfectly
to the entire theme. The simple two-button layout, and control pad prove to be
an easy ride especially during rough times.
_________
/Controls/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
A - gas, accelerates
B - uses current stocked powerup
Left/Right - turns car left and right, hold down for tightest turn
Down - brakes (let go of A)
Up - performs jump, necessary to avoid obstacles
START - pauses game
SELECT - n/a
- The controls are very simple in this game. To get your car to move, simply
hold down the A button the entire time. The brake isn't as useful as you'd
think, as it's made for more serious stops. Simply let go of the acceleration
for turns. Jumping slows you down, so don't constantly hold up while playing
this to do constant jumps. Powerups can be gathered on the track and used
during play to interfere, help, or boost your own abilities.
_________
/Powerups/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Powerups are items that allow your racer to use them during the exhibition, in
which you can disable, alter the path, or help benefit your racer in reaching
the number one spot. This section will quickly scan over the different types of
powerups in Antz Racing.
______
)0( Tank )0( OVERALL: *****
|========|
- Causes your racer to receive both a temporary Turbo Boost in speed, and
instantly damage-max any other racer he/she hits. This is EXTREMELY useful,
and you're always given one at the beginning of the race. You can use this
to literally knock out 3 racers and take out the leader.
_________
)0( Missile )0( OVERALL: **
|===========|
- Launches a ball projectile in a straight path. Must hit another racer
directly to instantly halt the racer. This one takes some skill to use, and
DOES NOT home onto a target. You must aim it manually. Great for one-shot
wonders, but has very little use.
________
)0( Wrench )0( OVERALL: ***
|==========|
- Instantly repairs your damage meter to 0. This is perfect for fixing up
any untended bumps or bruises. This powerup is necessary to winning some
races so you don't damage-halt, causing you to lose the lead. Helpful in
certain situations; useless in others.
_______
)0( Turbo )0( OVERALL: ***
|=========|
- Gives your racer a great boost of speed temporarily. This is like a
downgraded tank. Unfortunately, it does not let you pounce on other
opponents, and seems to have the best effect only when used on
straightaways.
_______
)0( Ghost )0( OVERALL: ***
|=========|
- Quite useful, but doesn't last long enough to warrant extreme use. The
Ghost causes your racer to become invincible/invisible, allowing him/her to
bounce into walls freely, ride THROUGH other racers, and traverse like a
haunted spirit. The time interval is short though.
_____
)0( 1UP )0( OVERALL: *
|=======|
- The biggest joke in my opinion, the 1UP powerup is suppose to give you an
extra life. But there are no extra lives in Antz, as once you don't get
first place in a race, it's game over! You have to reload a password, not
lose a life. I'm not sure if this was a glitch or what not, but there is no
Lives meter in the game, making this powerup useless!
_______
/Racing/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Racing is as easy as it can get in Antz Racing. For starters, all of your races
take place on set-designed tracks, so don't expect randomly generated pathways
or what not. A difficulty meter can be set in the main options menu to alter
how tough your AI opponents will be. The system setup is simple:
*&* VEHICLE *&*
- Different types of vehicles each have certain advantages/disadvantages. Play
them respectively to maximize full potential. Check the Vehicles section for
more information.
*&* DAMAGE METER *&*
- At the bottom-middle portion of the screen is a damage meter. Each time you
hit an object, another car, or a boundary, the meter will fill up with some
energy. When the meter reaches full potential, your car will fall apart, and
you'll be temporarily disabled for about 2.5 seconds. There are no penalties;
it's just that you're out of the heat of the race for a small interval of time.
*&* BONUS *&*
- Also at the bottom of the screen is the BONUS section. This shows what
current powerup you have. You pick up powerups on the track, but can only hold
one at a time, so use them when the moment is just.
-<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>-
============================
- 3) Game Modes -
============================
Game Modes are very limited in Antz Racing since there is no multiplayer,
although the Quick Race option can be quite fun when certain random elements
are tossed in. This section will describe the available game modes, what paths
they take, and how to be successful at them.
___________
/Quick Race/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Pretty much your typical arcade/exhibition mode where you don't have to
incremently worry about every tidbit setting or tuneup. After selecting the
option from the menu, you must first select a vehicle. Afterwards, a random
generator will scroll through all of the available tracks. Press A to stop the
generating, and it will stop at a certain date. This date represents your
track. After the race is over, you're either awarded 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th
place. So much for the fun in winning.
__________
/4 Seasons/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Also known as Championship mode, this is practically the most-played portion of
the game. You're given the ability to raise one default Ant into more than just
a bunch of regular Antz. The Ant racer's goal is to become the best racer in
all of the Ant kingdom, by traversing through the 5 seasons of Earth. As the
time period changes, so will the climate, weather conditions, and settings.
Tracks range from hilly deserts to cool tundras. As usual, select your
character, and the season will start off in Summer - always. You must get 1st
place in order to move on to the next season. If you fail, it's game over.
Passwords are handed out for completing each circuit track, and these can be
entered in via the Options menu to continue. There are two circuits per track
type, totaling in 10 different tracks. After completing the mode, you're
rewarded with a brief credits scene showing some Antz rolling by.
________
/Options/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
This section let's you customize Antz Racing to your liking. The following
options can be edited:
+ Music (ON/OFF) - gives you ability to play the game's background music
+ Sound (ON/OFF) - gives you ability to play the game's sound effects
+ Difficulty (BEGINNER/MEDIUM/PRO) - abilities of enemy AI increases/lowers
+ Password - allows you to input a password to continue from before
+ Credits - displays credits on who created the game
-<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>-
============================
- 4) Cars -
============================
In racing games, the main characters are the cars. Without them, there would
be no game, and hardly any entertainment to be provided. Vehicles in the game
decide your own personal behavior traits. Some racers prefer cars with good
handling, where they can ensure perfect navigation around sharp curves. Others
may decide upon the raving fast sports cars that allow them to put the pedal
to the medal. Either way, cars are what get you around the track, and decide
your true skills as a gamer. This section will briefly go over each of the
racing automobiles in Antz Racing. Of course, they're more of the less
human-morphed debris, but it works in the same manner.
^{--------------}________________________________________________________
^| Spinach Leaf | Character: Z
^{--------------}````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
RATINGS:
Resistance = |||/
Holding = ||||
Speed = ||||
- Not only is Z the main character of the Antz storyline, but his name
is quick, painless, and simple to sound out. Not to mention, he's
probably the best overall Ant you can use, with great handling, above
average top speed. His hull is fairly weak inside the Spinach Leaf, but
it's flexible design allows it to turn corners with ease.
^{-----}_________________________________________________________________
^| Can | Character: Bala
^{-----}`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
RATINGS:
Resistance = ||/
Holding = |||||
Speed = |||/
- Bala is supposedly Z's female counterpart in the movie, and oh I can
agree to that. Nonetheless, I'm not a big fan of her weak soda can, as
it can barely sustain any damage during a race. This is made up for by
allowing maximum control over the vehicle, but still, TOO much
handling can turn out to be a nightmare. The sensitive controls can
sometimes guide you into walls by overturning. The speed is also toned
down a bit. Definitely not a good choice.
^{-------------}_________________________________________________________
^| Sardine Tin | Character: Weaver
^{-------------}`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
RATINGS:
Resistance = |||||
Holding = |||/
Speed = |||
- Meh, Weaver is like a literal tank. The Sardine Tin's hull is capable of
withstanding some serious firepower, and makes him a great pick for some
of the curvier maps. Nonetheless though, his horrible speed tends to
make him a slow-poke off the heartbeat, and you'll need some help from
powerups. A good player who can constantly nab powerups can dominate
with him, but other than that, look for trouble on the betting line.
^{-----------------}_____________________________________________________
^| Revolver Bullet | Character: Mandible
^{-----------------}`````````````````````````````````````````````````````
RATINGS:
Resistance = |||/
Holding = |||
Speed = |||
- One of the more evil Antz in the colony turned out to be a real stinker
in this game. You would think a bullet casing morphed into a car would
be all aerodynamic and crud, but it isn't. Clear and simple, Mandible
sucks as a racer in this game. Albeit the worst car to use. HOWEVER, he
does have a small advantage on the turn-based tracks where a car with
LOWER overall stats can find it easier to maintain a higher overall
speed.
^{---------}_____________________________________________________________
^| Capsule | Character: Cutter
^{---------}````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
RATINGS:
Resistance = |||/
Holding = |||/
Speed = |||/
- Really not a bad choice if you can look past the all average stats.
His Capsule is capable of managing decent stats on every track, which
makes him a wise choice for the 4 Seasons mode. Because of this though,
no specialization prevents him from becoming the top superpower, unlike
Z. My personal favorite though, especially for his sinister look.
^{----------}____________________________________________________________
^| Nutshell | Character: Azteca
^{----------}````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
RATINGS:
Resistance = ||/
Holding = ||||
Speed = |||/
- As much as I want to give her a nutcracker on this one, Azteca simply
is designed for more advanced players. Her weak shrilled design exposes
her to extreme damage when hitting walls, but an excellent driver can do
fairly good with her. She has a great balance between Handling/Speed,
and the light design seems to launch her further in races. Of course,
you have to accept the dignity of riding a nutshell.
-<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>-
============================
- 5) Tracks -
============================
As always, the racing tracks are the main obtrusion players face during the
entire game. Certain tracks are extremely tough to get by, while others can be
a breeze if properly prepared. Antz Racing has 5 base tracks, which are then
altered with two different circuit paths to compile for 10 total tracks. This
section will describe each of the tracks, along with some added benefits.
# #
! ! ANTHILL (Summer) ! !----------------------------------------
# #
/>
/> Terrain: Dry, Desert-like
/> Difficulty: ***
- CIRCUIT 1 - An extremely simple track that features a hidden shortcut. Take
the pathway where the rocks scatter along the entrance to it. While it looks
like a longer route, the path is actually much shorter.
PASSWORD: JSJKT
- CIRCUIT 2 - Certainly an uprade in difficulty if you analyze it for a bit.
Take the southern route at the split in the road, go over this bridge, then
curl under left. DO NOT drive over the potholes, else you will be slowed down
greatly. Hop over them instead.
PASSWORD: VLRGR
# #
! ! PARK (Autumn) ! !-------------------------------------------
# #
/>
/> Terrain: Aged, Forest-like
/> Difficulty: **
- CIRCUIT 1 - An extremely easy track in my opinion. The lanes will be much
wider meaning you only have to worry about not filling your damage meter. On a
side note, avoid the oil patches sparingly along the road, otherwise you'll
lose temporary control, and crash into the wall. Turbo boosts are very useful
on this map.
PASSWORD: WLRGS
- CIRCUIT 2 - Definitely a huge upgrade in difficulty. The track will get some
new groovy turns, and you'll notice larger oil splurges occasionally spotted
around the map. After rounding the second S-curve, and you start to proceed
downward, take the left path; it's the quickest route. Go under the bridge,
curl around back over, and repeat. Simply don't get your damage meter maxed on
this one, otherwise you'll find it to be a pain in the arse.
PASSWORD: XKRGS
# #
! ! PONDS (Winter) ! !------------------------------------------
# #
/>
/> Terrain: Cold, Ice-like
/> Difficulty: ****
- CIRCUIT 1 - By far one of the more difficult maps you'll face near the
beginning, this Ice Ponds level has a secret breakable path. For starters,
you'll have ice holes and oil splatters to avoid. When you reach as far to the
right as you can (and are about to go south), there's a thin barrier which can
be breached with either a missile projectile (or by tanking into it). This
northern path is MUCH shorter, and your AI opponents will take advantage of it
once the pathway is breached. You should do the same if it's open. Try
constantly picking up the Tank powerup to use constant boost-to-boost
techniques to avoid taking damage.
PASSWORD: NTJKG
- CIRCUIT 2 - Believe it or not, I found the second circuit to be MUCH easier
than the first race. For starters, you'll have oil splatters and ice holes as
usual. Go left, and then head north. When you see the split, make the sharpest
right possible, and take this low route. It's a much quicker alternative as
opposed to the far north route. From there, curl back down along the right and
a lap should be complete.
PASSWORD: MVLHF
# #
! ! CITY (Spring) ! !-------------------------------------------
# #
/>
/> Terrain: Concrete, Urban-like
/> Difficulty: **
- CIRCUIT 1 - Another fairly easy mission that actually can be accomplished
much easier without a high speed. Simply follow the path, and avoid the inside
lane as that's where most of the oil splurges are. Focus on grabbing the Tank
powerup after crossing the bridge, then immediately use it. There are no
alternate paths, so you shouldn't have any trouble on this one.
PASSWORD: SZQJN
- CIRCUIT 2 - Almost as easy, if not easier than the first circuit - this track
requires very little speed as well. The biggest challenge is getting the
instant boost. Start off by accelerating and use the tank powerup to knock your
competition out of the way. I lined it up, and took out all three competitors
right on the first lap. Now, continue driving, and after the third series of
BOLD WHITE bars, cut towards the left direction. This is a quick shortcut that
goes through the middle and circles back to the finish line.
PASSWORD: TZQJP
# #
! ! DUMP (Indian Summer) ! !------------------------------------
# #
/>
/> Terrain: Dry, Wasteland
/> Difficulty: *****
- CIRCUIT 1 - Ugh, a painful map to say the least. For starters, a first glance
on the terrian will get your view disconstrued. The tires should represent your
track boundary. At all costs, always take the rightmost path you see. This is
always the quickest and easiest way to the finish line. A secret path may open
up about 3-4 laps in, which will be about 1/4 of the way after the finish line.
It should be on the far right; keep an eye out for it. The CPU will take
advantage of this shortcut, and can actually take over the lead while you're
zooming ahead.
PASSWORD: Q?LHP
- CIRCUIT 2 - Wow, what an insane race. You should notice a HUGE AI boost,
especially speed-wise for the CPU opponents. Beware as they'll be able to catch
up off of any mistakes. There seems to be no alternate paths, so always take
the innermost roadway. The problem is taking too much damage. You'll find
plenty of powerup boosts along the roadway, but there's only one Wrench, and
it's slightly past the finish line near the inside edge. Snatch it at all
costs. Don't crash-damage yourself on this one, or you'll lose permanently.
PASSWORD: n/a
-<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>-
=============================
- 6) Common Questions -
=============================
)) Gameplay ((
----------------------------
<< How does this game compare to other racing games for the GBC? >>
- Meh, while it does have above-average elements in nearly every category, I'm
still reluctant on handing out any prizes. I'd say it stands right in the
middle of the racing list on the GBC. While it features a colorful palette,
about 5 different race track types (10 tracks total), and 6 different cars, the
game feels too generic to capture a true racing experience. Non-enthusiastical
music, cheap opposing AI, and no unlockables really prevents it from reaching
true glory. Plus, there's no ending - how pathetic is that. Well, for a budget
title, you can't go wrong. I'd rate it a 6/10.
<< Where can I find this game? >>
- As with most Game Boy games, eBay is your only solid choice. Most video
rental stores don't even rent out portable games, nor would they stock them.
Your local stores have probably out cleaned anything resembling a GBC from
their inventory thanks to the GBA/DS. Remember though, the Antz games in
general are tough to find because they weren't quite as popular as other Disney
games.
<< Why are there no codes for this game? >>
- Well, there are codes, but they're more of the less "passwords." There are no
cheats you can utilize, just passwords to continue your progress from where you
left off. The passwords are displayed under the Tracks section. No codes can
probably be due to a limited budget and quick completion deadline.
<< Have any gameplay tips not mentioned during the guide? >>
- Don't assume control like this is any other racing game. Your left/right
turning buttons should be tapped sparingly, since this game is very sensitive
when it comes to handling. The framerate moves quite fast, so keep your eyes
focused on the center of the screen. Recognize the arrows and their directions
(on the floor of each track) to know exactly where to go. Most of all, press Up
to hop over oil splurges, pit holes, and other traps. Try using the Tank boost
right at the beginning of the race to knock out your competition, then hold the
lead.
-<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>-
=====================================================
- 7) Copyright/Distribution/Reproduction Guidelines -
=====================================================
This FAQ/Strategy Guide/Walkthrough is my own published work, and copyrighted
by Christopher Zawada. Whatever you do, DO NOT edit this FAQ in any way. DO
NOT steal anything from this FAQ. If you want to use some information in your
own guide, simply ask me. If you want to place this guide on your website,
either link to the GameFAQs game page, or download the file and place it on
your own web server. Basically, you can post this on your website as long as
its in ORIGINAL form, and not linking directly to GameFAQs. Aside from that,
all proper credit is due when necessary. Also, don't even think about selling
FAQs. Trying to prosper off of other people's work will get you in big time
trouble (coming from an eBay seller myself).
This is a list of the current known sites that host my FAQs:
-
http://www.gamefaqs.com/
-
http://www.ign.com/
-
http://www.neoseeker.com/
-
http://www.cheatcc.com/
-
http://www.cheatplanet.com/
-
http://www.cheats.de/
- and whoever else is hosting my guides, good luck.
-<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>-
============================
- 8) Proper Credit -
============================
I'd like to thank the following people for their help in making this FAQ
possible:
)) CJayC (( for constantly updating GameFAQs, and dedicating his entire life
to it. Takes a lot of effort to keep a site going this long.
)) Rootsecure.net (( for providing me with an ASCII generator to help create
my custom title, which looks sweeter than an apple pie.
)) Electronic Arts (( for designing an average racing game, for a fairly cruddy
Disney series. While your budget was tight, it was fun - darn right.
"Some people make sacrifices to make other people happy." - Chris Zawada
"Freeeeeeeeeddddooooooooommmmm...ugh!" - William Wallace, Braveheart
