F-Zero is perhaps one of the most underrated Nintendo franchises. It probably would help though if they actually released a game every once and awhile. I really afraid that this series is dead, I've nearly lost all hope of a new F-Zero game coming out. But maybe if I could get more people excited about F-Zero then we can finally see another installment.
Story:
In the year 2560 multiple encounters with alien life has completed changed life on earth. These meetings have led to commercial, technological, and cultural trade between worlds. The people who became rich from these trades wanted a new form of exciting entertainment. Thus the F-Zero races were created after the Formula One races of old.
The Gameplay:
F-Zero is a futuristic space racing game. Players take control of one of four racers: Dr. Stewart, Pico, Samurai Goroh, and of course Captain Falcon. Each racers machine controls drastically differently from each other, almost as if you are playing a entirely different game.
F-Zero races consist of five laps, with the goal being of course to beat the other racers to the finish line. You must complete each lap in a successively higher place to avoid being disqualified. The twist is that computer controlled machines that have been disqualified remain on the track.
Colliding with other machines or sides of the track will deplete your machine's durability bar, and the track is also littered with hazards that do the same thing. If the whole bar is depleted or you go off the track your machine is destroyed, and you must start the race over.
After each lap you will gain a 4 second boost that can be used at anytime, but you can only save up to three at a time.
If all of that doesn't sound hard enough there are a total of 15 different tracks with crazy turns, hazards, levels that you can fall off of, and even a track that has a strong wind pushing your machine. I love the tracks in this game, they each provide a unique challenge. Some even force you to rethink your strategies.
Music and Presentation:
The graphics are amazing. The use of Mode 7 graphics in this game makes the track look as if it is coming towards you at a million miles an hour. It was also a system that was really innovative at the time.
The music is also top notch. Nearly all of these tracks are iconic, and I guarantee you've heard at least one of them.
The Verdict and Final Thoughts:
F-Zero is an incredible and influential game, even creating the sub-genre of futuristic racing games. But be warned, this game is hard. But with patience you can become really good at it. I'm giving F-Zero Nine out of Ten stars. It is a "Must Play" game.
Have fun.
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