Game modes

All the ‘classic’ characters return for F-Zero GX, and are playable from the get-go (Captain Falcon, Pico, Dr. Stewart, and that fat guy with the pink ship). In total, however, there are over 30 pilots to choose from, each with his or her unique hovercraft. Initially, only the ‘classic four’ are selectable with the remaining being easily unlockable after some playtime.

Full speed ahead

City of the future

Lightning strikes twice

Five game modes send you off to the tracks. Grand Prix is the main mode and gives you the chance to select from three difficulty levels and three different Cup classes, each with its own unique set of tracks. Vs. Battle allows up to four players to race head-to-head. Time attack is for attacking times (duh). Practice mode is for taking practice runs on the circuit. And finally, Story mode takes you through an interesting tale as Captain Falcon.

Tricky tracks

The game box advertises 20 courses to race on, but only 15 are selectable. In reality, there 26 tracks in total, but it’s not an easy task to unlock them all. The track design in F-Zero GX is awesome. There’s plenty of variety and each track has its own distinct personality with a unique bag of tricks. There are even certain tracks where you don’t even dare blink in fear of not making the perfect line to hit a dash or jump plate. It’s all very involving, thanks to excellent design.

Restoring energy

Is that a disco ball?

Caution! Kanji!

The usual ‘classic’ flat, snaking tracks are there as well as ones that are more curvaceous. You’ll find yourself racing on both the inside and outside of a cylinder (think Nanotek Warrior, if you’ve ever had the pleasure of playing it on PSone), as well as a half-pipe.