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| F-Zero GX Reviewed by Pirate Yoshi Over-view: F-Zero GX, the latest installment in the futuristic racing series, F-Zero, brings the series to new heights and sets new boundaries for racing games across all consoles with its blistering pace and tight controls. The series started back during the SNES's lifetime, when the first F-Zero burst onto the scene and showed racing fans a new way to play racing games. Ever since, high speeds, futuristic cars, and wild drivers have been only a staple in the series. F-Zero GX does not disappoint or let down from previous incarnations. Graphics: 9.6/10 F-Zero GX's would score, if we were to do so in the same fashion as the parts and vehicles in the game were, at about a B or possibly even an A. The racers and their pilots are very detailed and well-animated; the backgrounds, which normally aren't a big part of a racing game, have been given an amazing amount of attention by the designers. Even during the high speed races taking place between multiple human players, the animation stays swift and rather flawless. It really puts up an interesting question: how will the next in the series possibly add to what appear to be already-phenominal graphics? Sound: 6/10 F-Zero GX, while nothing incredibly special in terms of sound effects and voice acting, makes up for its lacks with some amazing music, including some pieces with even lyrics! I truly believe that a soundtrack would sell quite well with most audiences. The sound effects, sadly, are rather bland (though this IS a racing game, I suppose, and most sound effects will be quite similar and few and far between). Also, my complaint with the voice acting, though it was done well, was that it was under-used; Captain Falcon and company have exceptional voice talent behind them, but the lines are so scarce, it seems out of place when they talk AT ALL! My complaint is primarly aimed at the question-answer session after winning the Grand Prix (I've used Captain Falcon). The announcer will ask a burning question, and Captain Falcon answers calmly with two or three words, and that's it (which positively drives everyone NUTS!). Please, Nintendo, next time you add great voice acting, UTILIZE IT! Controls: 8.9/10 F-Zero's controls are easy to use, responsive, and effective. They cause no pain from extensive play, and make learning to play little more than a snap. The only flaw I have is that the controls may be a bit too edgy--trying to drift can be a pain, since you must use the proper shoulder button and your vehicle occaisionally receives too much and turns sideways, or too little and slams right into the wall. Also, using the control stick to slide across the track sideways as you move can be deadly, as the slightest bit of too much pressure can cause your car to lose control and screech across the track into the opposite wall quickly. All in all, the controls pull a bit over average, as far as measuring them to other racing titles. Replay: 8.5/10 Playing F-Zero GX over again won't be much better than playing it over the first time, but there's definately a lot to unlock. The game's difficulty will keep you busy, to the point where you might dread having to rerace again, however. Being a racing game, by the same token, it presents endless chances to race again, and the tracks are different enough that perfecting those turns and cutting corners will very soon be a big reason why you start playing. Once (if) you start building your own machine, you'll also be inspired to get more tickets for new parts. Gameplay: 9/10 The gameplay to F-Zero GX is simple, like its predecessors. Pilot your machine through wild and wicked courses to the goal in the best place possible, battling 30 machines for the top spots. Depending on how you place, you'll receive varying amounts of points for your work, which are used to figure your end ranking. If you want to win the Grand Prix, you'll need to place in or near first place each race, and never fall low. There are three Grand Prixs to start with, and a total of 15 tracks to race on over these modes. A Vs. mode and Time Attack mode add to the gameplay, and a new Story Mode, a new addition to the F-Zero series, adds not only extra gameplay, but a new light on the history of the series' main character, Captain Falcon. While the initial gameplay will impress, it soon begins to feel old and stale, and each race feels a bit too similar to the last...and the last...and the last. Only the hardcore will last through, and the punishing difficulty (mentioned above) will help drive away those not dedicated or amused enough by this title. **Story**: 1/1 F-Zero GX's storyline for Grand Prix mode is very vague, offering little more than "so-and-so wants to win the Grand Prix". Fortunately, each character has been given a brief explanation of their own purposes, adding to the otherwise dry tale behind the race. F-Zero GX actually goes even a step further with its Story Mode, which is a set of information that gives away more of Captain Falcon's story than ever told before; more is revealed about our hero than from all the past F-Zeros combined! **Multiplayer: .8/1 Here's one of F-Zero GX's shining points. As with most racing games, playing with other players is almost a must, and F-Zero is no exception. The excitement boosts a full notch as soon as a human opponent joins the fray, and with four players racing against each other, pure chaos can unleash! Congratulations, F-Zero GX--this is your shining moment! Graphics: 9.6/10 Sound: 6/10 Controls: 8.9/10 Replay: 7.6/10 Gameplay: 7/10 **Story: 1/1 **Multiplayer: .8/1 Total Calculated Score: 8.18/10 Total Assigned Score: 8.7/10 Final Score: 8.44/10 Last Words: A fast-paced racing game with a lot to unlock and plenty of replay, but the overwhelming challenge level may be too much for some gamers to endure, and borders on frustrating. Otherwise, a very high-budget game that's obviously not suffered talent/funding skimping by its production team. Rent, Buy, or Pass: RENT, for purchasing decision Pros: Awesome music, incredibly fast, lots of unlocks Cons: Lame use of voice acting, EXTREMELY difficult, somewhat repetitive Needs: A soundtrack CD! (wait for the unofficial soundtrack to become downloadable from Yoshi Stadium~!) |
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