Never forget, F-Zero GX is the greatest race of the 26th century! So here is the sequel to the greatest race of the 26th century.
A direct sequel to F-Zero X on the Nintendo 64, F-Zero GX was an innovative and graceful step forward in the F-Zero franchise. Created by SEGA’s Amusement Vision (defunct), GX was paired with an arcade equivalent to pump much needed interest into F-Zero. However, F-Zero GX was notoriously difficult and it didn’t get the sales Nintendo wanted. Today, I’ll be reviewing F-Zero GX for the Nintendo Gamecube.
All images courtesy of Nintendo.
An Introduction to F-Zero GX
F-Zero GX features the full cast of X plus 11 new drivers and machines. The game also includes 26 new tracks, a brand new Story Mode with 8 unique tracks, and the ability create custom machines using unlockable parts. For the most part, GX has high replay value and is well balanced; however, the Story Mode and Master level are extremely difficult. It’s still considered one of the best racing games in recent years and is notable for its difficulty.
It’s revealed Deathborn and Blood Falcon (and presumably Black Shadow) race in the Underwolrd F-Zero. F-Zero in Hell would’ve been fun for a sequel.
F-Zero GX Impresses
Amusement Vision took F-Zero GX in the right direction. Each racer and their machines have in depth backstories. Plus, when you win with a racer, they all have unique answers in a short interview adding to their personalities. Along with their interviews, each racer has a short video if you can win a Master level grand prix. Plus, there’s a brand new Story Mode that follows Captain Falcon as he tangles with Black Shadow and tries to repeat as champion. This is amazing. It takes an otherwise generic racer and gives it a world that’s fun to learn about and participate in. It drives players to race as everyone and play repeatedly.
Most of the machines handle very well and the tracks all offer fun challenges as you race for first place. Plus the visuals are beautiful even by today’s standards. When you push your machine to the limit, the graphics really shine through as the world fluidly zooms by. The music is top class. Perfect theme songs to each setting that invigorates the player with drum and bass, and metal. Plus, each racer gets their own song. A very accessible game that a lot of players can enjoy even if they can’t 100% complete the game.
I’ll never be this good though. Video courtesy of CrazyGameNerd.
You Need To “Git Gud.”
For those who have played, you know Story Mode is crazy hard. Most notably, chapter 7 on all difficulty levels. It’s damn near impossible to beat (by normal means) on Very Hard. Plus, the Master level difficulty makes all the grand prix very tough. But this is what makes F-Zero GX shine: learning when to boost, who to attack if you can, making the most of each lap.
The only downside is the game does cheat often. The computer has way too much boost available, races at speeds not normally possible, and takes turns way too smoothly with perfect traction on all terrain. It’s most visible in Story Mode, Time Attack, and Master level. Plus there are a few machines that are totally trash regardless of what you do.
An AX wallpaper featuring the Princia Ramode with the Spark Moon and Phoenix alongisde the Captain.
Bonus! F-Zero AX
F-Zero AX was created to be played along with GX. AX had a memory card slot where a player can put their card with a GX save. It would allow the player to unlock the AX tracks and racers so that they can be played at home. In addition, it gives a random custom machine using the parts found in GX. AX came in three formats, a regular cabinet, a deluxe cabinet, and a cabinet made to look like the Blue Falcon. AX had two modes, a standard racing mode and time attack.
The full roster of F-Zero GX. Edit courtesy of Dexter Manning.
Truly a Great Game
I’ve never had a chance to play AX and for many years my copy of GX was uncompleted. Only in recent years have I unlocked the AX cup and making progress in unlocking the new characters in Story Mode. That’s what’s amazing about F-Zero GX, its high replay value. There are few racing games that can compare to F-Zero GX. It’s so well polished and well made. That’s why my rating for F-Zero GX is 9/10. This is what a racing game should be. Even after all these years, I highly recommend playing F-Zero GX.
Read my article about the F-Zero franchise here!
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