Formula V Demo 9 - Versus Mode!

Welcome to the release post for the 9th WIP build of Formula V! This is a special one. 

Since the beginning of our Patreon campaign, we wanted to develop a game that makes use of the Virtual Boy's hardware capabilities to the fullest, including Link Cable support for multiplayer action. We created a small Pong clone, SPONG, to learn our way around the console's communication port and to lay down the VUEngine's foundations for general support for 2-player gameplay. Since Formula V's mechanics are already solid enough, we thought that now was the right time to finally implement versus races and to put the engine's communications support to the test with a more complex game. And here we are, a couple of weeks later, with the first demo that lets you test your futuristic racing skill against a friend and let them eat your virtual dust! 

Since it's a rare case having all the necessary gear (as well as at least one friend who is up to Virtual Boy multiplayer), we decided to make this build avaiable to all our backers to raise the chances of finding test players; albeit in a cut-down build which a focuses on Versus Mode only.

Setup procedure

In order to play the game in versus mode, you must perform the following steps:

1) Load the attached ROM onto two flash carts.
2) Make sure that both Virtual Boys are turned off.
3) Connect both machines with a Link Cable.
4) Insert the game carts in the consoles.
5) Turn on both machines in any order.
6) Get to the main menu screen and select "Versus" in each.

Note: the game won't recognize the Link Cable if you connect it after either console is turned on. If that is the case, the "Versus" main menu option stays "greyed" out.

 
Game modes

This demo is limited to 2 player races only in "Versus" mode.

Controls

Accelerate: A
Brake: B
Steer: Left/Right (Left D-Pad)
Boost: Left Trigger + Right Trigger
Quick restart: Select + B

Pro Tip

Try not to release the gas ever! Since all the physics are throttle based and these machines have almost zero friction (they are hovering above the ground after all), the racers are easier to steer around the corners if you apply the brake without getting off the gas button.

ROM versions

This time, the demo consists of a hardware exclusive ROM only, which is locked to 2 player races over the Link Cable. 

If you like the demo, please let us know in the comments below! If you didn't, or if you found any bugs, please let us know as well. :-)