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F-Zero GX Review for GameCube
Posted on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 @ 03:12:39 pm E.S.T It was about a decade ago when Nintendo released a racing game for the SNES (Super Nintendo Entertainment System), which was of a kind of it’s own. Through every Nintendo console after that, this futuristic racing game has evolved. The series? None other than: F-Zero. It all started with F-Zero for the SNES, then there was F-Zero X for Nintendo 64, and now Amusement Vision brings us F-Zero GX for Nintendo GameCube.
F-Zero has always contained the most unpredictable tracks you could possibly imagine. All of these tracks are accompanied by sharp turns, gravity defying jumps, and mind-boggling twisting loops. This time around there is much more than just the stomach turning tracks we're all used to. There’s a freshly added Story Mode, and great options in creating your own ship. To make things even better, there’s the addition of the AX feature. Finally, we can be reunited with Captain Falcon and all his old buddies.
Graphics: I had a lingering question in my mind prior to the release of this game. Could Amusement Vision show the beauty of all the levels, to their full potential? The question was convincingly answered after playing just 10-15 minutes of F-Zero GX. The game contains gorgeous detail in the scenery of all levels. The hovercrafts and characters could have had more detail in the races, but that doesn't play much of a factor when you only have a second to look at them carefully.
Cut-scenes looked to be the major thing Nintendo didn’t think too much about. After seeing the great cut-scenes in F-Zero GX, I was surprised. The new Story Mode is accompanied by FMV scenes that really take GameCube’s power to its limits. The characters and hovercrafts in the cut-scenes are strikingly better than you would see in the races; which is expected. All of the scenes that take place in various different places were touched with a very futuristic look. The extreme detail will allow you to get more acquainted with our friends from the F-Zero series. The main thing that caught me about the graphics, was the way you got surrounded by such atmospheric cities.
Design: F-Zero GX is not just any racing game; it’s a fast paced, action packed, free-for-all. Once you hit the track, it will require a ton of concentration to win. It’s almost a fact; you can’t succeed in this game without memorizing the track. This is due to all the twists, curves, and loops that unpredictably pop out of nowhere. It’s really easy to wipe out, not knowing there was a sharp turn ahead. Even people with the quickest reflexes might have a miscue. It will require some patience and a lot of skill to play F-Zero GX.
You'll speed through some amazing locales.
The control scheme is fairly easy and similar to the past F-Zero games. The left (L) and right (R) shoulder buttons will serve as your air brakes. The (X) button can be used to zip left or right, to try and knock out opponents. (Z) is used for 360-degree spins, (Y) to use a nitro boost, and of course (A) is used to accelerate. The controls will be easy to pick up for most gamers. Things like the (Z) button may seem completely useless at first, but you'll be surprised how handy they are.
You may think that F-Zero GX is just a game with a few minor tweaks that make it different from F-Zero X. I found this to be very different. There are many new features including but not limited to; Story Mode, the AX feature, and creating your own hovercraft. Most of the features will help keep you occupied a lot longer. I think the best new addition was the Story Mode, complete with the FMV cut-scenes.
Story Mode is a great addition that allows you to get more in touch with characters. There are nine chapters in the Story Mode. The thing that makes it challenging is that you have to buy each chapter to move on. This keeps you playing the Grand Prix mode to earn more money. Grand Prix mode will allow you to race with 29 other competitors (A.I.). Multiplayer is supported with a four-player split screen. The money you get from Grand Prix also allows you to buy parts in Garage Mode. Using those parts, you’ll be able to build your own hovercraft. After you build it, you can use the Decal Editor to edit the appearance of it. It’s easy to make your hovercraft look good, but quite challenging to build an effective one.
The game contains loads of things to unlock. Some of things must be unlocked using the AX feature. When America is hit with F-Zero AX machines you’ll be able to get even more un-lockable items. You’ll be able to find an AX machine at an arcade. You can bring your GameCube’s memory card to the machine and get the unlocked stuff on your card. If you can’t reach an AX machine, that’s not a problem. The word is out on how to get the AX features without going to the arcade, but it will be extremely difficult to accomplish.
Each vehicle looks and drives differently.
Sound: The music provides entertainment during races and is very well composed. It mainly consists of fast paced techno and rock music, which fits in very well with the fast speeds. The sound effects in the game are like any other racing game, not very unique. You'll hear the roar of the engine, the sound of hovercrafts ramming each other, etc... The sounds in the cut-scenes are well done with a minor defect. The voices could have sounded better, but at least the dialogue is humorous.
Addiction: There is so much replay value in F-Zero GX, that it's not even funny. So many new features will keep your sweaty palms from making the controller slip out of your hands. You start with 15 standard cups, and there are tons more to unlock. The AX feature is a great idea, but probably won’t receive much support from the lack of arcades in America. You’ll also spend hours in Garage Mode perfecting your ride. It’s hard for a lot of racing games to keep you hooked, but F-Zero GX does that and much more. Review By: Jay Singh - 3798 Reads
F-Zero GX Review Scores for GC :
| Gameplay |
| 9 |
| Graphics |
| 8.5 |
| Sound |
| 8 |
| Replay |
| 9.5 |
| Overall |
| 8.8 |
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