SNES Games I Love #1: F-Zero

On 02/01/2020 at 08:01 AM by The Last Ninja

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Developer: Nintendo EAD

Publisher: Nintendo

Genre: Racing

Release: 1991

Currently available on: SNES Classic Edition, Wii U VC, New 3DS VC, Nintendo Switch Online

About the game: F-Zero is a fast, futuristic racing game in which you can take control of four different vehicles. This was a launch title for the SNES, and it basically showed what the system was capable of doing (most notably, Mode 7!). The four vehicles each handle a little differently, but the tracks are varied well, with sharp turns, gravel, ice, and huge jumps as obstacles. One reason this game works so well is because of the view--it's not a direct behind-the-vehicle view, but rather, more of an overhead view, which allows you to see pretty far down the track. Sadly, the game has no two player mode. Still, it's a lot of fun.

Why I love it: The first F-Zero game I played was GX for Gamecube. I didn't play the original until I was in college. Believe it or not, I actually beat the game on an emulator (with a keyboard). I was really impressed that this old game was still fun to play. This is one of those games that is fun to just pick up sometimes and play for a few minutes. Also, it holds up much better than Pilotwings, the other Mode 7 marvel.

Cary Woodham

02/01/2020 at 08:11 AM

F-Zero was amazing back in the launch of the SNES. I never owned it, but I rented it a few times and one of my cousins had it. I did own Pilotwings, though. I actually really liked that game and it was one of the few games I could get my dad to play. I remember when we went to Alabama to visit relatives that Christmas and I brought my new SNES and my dad and uncles played Pilotwings until 5 in the morning!

The Last Ninja

02/01/2020 at 09:13 PM

Whoa! Pilotwings was certainly amazing for the time, but it doesn't hold up as well as F-Zero imo (also, it's really hard)

Matt Snee Staff Writer

02/01/2020 at 06:48 PM

Great blog! I have never played an F-Zero game. I know, it's crazy!

i wish I lived in the 26th century.

02/01/2020 at 09:14 PM

You're really missing out! I would recommend GX for Gamecube if you ever get the chance. It's fantastic, one of the best games on the console.

SanAndreas

02/01/2020 at 10:51 PM

I didn't play F-Zero untii I tried it on the SNES Classic Edition.

KnightDriver

02/03/2020 at 04:25 PM

I've played some similar games but I generally prefer racers where you can shoot or bump the other cars. I like those graphics though. I'll try it if I get hold of it.

daftman

02/04/2020 at 12:50 AM

This game is so dang hard. I finished it on the SNES Classic and the end of it got downright not fun. Cool game over all though. Its sequels are so good.

02/04/2020 at 10:35 PM

It does get hard. Not sure how I managed to beat it using a keyboard!

Super Step Contributing Writer

02/20/2020 at 11:56 PM

I prefer X to GX because of the soundtrack, but the original is surprisingly fun too. I remember when you could rent a SNES at hotels and F-zero and Star Fox were advertised for those due to Mode 7.

Still weird to have a racing title with single player only though.

PixlBit