F-Zero
F-Zero | |
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Developer | Nintendo EAD |
Publisher | Nintendo |
System | Super NES, Virtual Console (Wii, Wii U, New 3DS) |
Release Date | Super NES JP November 21, 1990 US August 15, 1991 EU June 4, 1992 Wii Virtual Console US November 19, 2006 JP December 2, 2006 EU December 8, 2006 Wii U Virtual Console US/EU February 20, 2013 JP April 27, 2013 3DS Virtual Console US March 3, 2016 JP March 4, 2016 PAL March 17. 2016 |
Genre | Racing |
Gallery | GH Gallery |
Rating | ESRB: E |
F-Zero is a futuristic racing game that was released for the Super NES in 1990 and was the original title of the F-Zero series. It was considered impressive at the time, especially for its use of Mode 7, which allowed the game to simulate 3D environments.
Story
The game is set in the year 2560. Man has extended his reach far beyond Earth and intergalactic trade has begun. The trade is a booming business, but the rich tycoons needed some excitement in their lives. So, they began a dangerous, high speed racing circuit based on the old F-1 races called F-Zero.
Information
As in most racing games, the object of F-Zero is to reach the end of the track before your opponents. However, in this game the player has to avoid land mines, magnets, and other obstacles that can damage the racer.
The game contains 15 tracks divided into 3 leagues. There are initially three difficulties to choose from: Beginner, Immediate, and Expert. A fourth difficulty, Master, is unlocked upon completing the Expert Grand Prix.
Legacy
F-Zero would spawn a series of games that continues to this day. It also introduced some of the characters who would continue to reappear game after game, including Captain Falcon, Samurai Goroh, Pico, and Dr. Stewart.
Ports and Remakes
- In Japan, there was a competition version of the game called BS F-Zero Grand Prix. This version had an extra track and let players play against each other via Satellaview.
- F-Zero has been made available as a downloadable game for the Wii, Wii U Virtual Console and the New 3DS as part of every iteration of the Virtual Console: for the Wii Virtual Console in 2006, the Wii U Virtual Console in 2013 and the 3DS Virtual Console in 2016. A demo version of the game was included in Super Smash Bros. Brawl as an unlockable Masterpiece. In America and Europe, F-Zero was made available for a limited time period at a heavily discounted price before the Wii U Virtual Console officially launched as part of the Wii U Virtual Console Trial Campaign.
- In 2017, it was one of the games that was included in the Super NES Classic Edition.
Sequels
The first planned sequel to F-Zero was Zero Racers for the Virtual Boy. Like many games planned for the system, Zero Racers was canceled when the Virtual Boy failed.
In Japan, a game called BS F-Zero Grand Prix 2 was released through the Satalleview. It contained only five tracks and played very much like the original F-Zero.
The first official and internationally released sequel was F-Zero X for the Nintendo 64.
Titles in the F-Zero series |
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F-Zero - F-Zero X - F-Zero GX - F-Zero AX Maximum Velocity - GP Legend - Climax |