F-Zero GX#Arcade counterpart

{{see also|F-Zero#Gameplay|l1=Gameplay of F-Zero}}

F-Zero GX is a futuristic racing game where up to thirty competitors race on massive circuits inside plasma-powered machines in an intergalactic Grand Prix.{{sfn|Amusement Vision|2003|pp=6–7, 15}} It is the successor to F-Zero X and continues the series' difficult, high-speed racing style, retaining the basic gameplay and control system from the Nintendo 64 game. Tracks include enclosed tubes, cylinders, tricky jumps, and rollercoaster-esque paths. Some courses are littered with innate obstacles like dirt patches and mines. An emphasis is placed on track memorization and reflexes. Each machine handles differently,{{cite AV media|first = Adam |last=Sessler|author-link= Adam Sessler| date= 2003-09-30| title =F-Zero GX (GCN) Review| medium =Television production| url =https://archive.org/details/g4tv.com-video7637| access-date =2013-10-18| format = Video| publisher = TechTV}} has its own performance abilities affected by its weight, and a grip, boost, and durability trait graded on an A to E (best to worst) scale.{{sfn|Amusement Vision|2003|pp=16-17}} Before a race, the player is able to adjust a vehicle's balance between maximum acceleration and maximum top speed. Every machine has an energy meter, which serves two purposes. First, it is a measurement of the machine's health and is decreased from accidents or attacks from opposing racers.{{Cite book |editor-last=Pelland |editor-first=Scott |title=F-Zero GX Player's Guide |year=2003|publisher=Nintendo of America, Inc |location=Redmond, Washington |isbn=1-930206-35-6|page=5}} Second, the player is usually given the ability to boost after the first lap,{{sfn|Amusement Vision|2003|p=19}} but must sacrifice energy to do so. Pit areas and dash plates are located at various points around the track for vehicles to drive over. The former replenishes energy, while the latter gives a speed boost without using up any energy. The less time spent in the pit area, the less energy will regenerate.{{sfn|Amusement Vision|2003|p=19}} Courses may also have jump plates, which launch vehicles into the air enabling them to cut corners.{{sfn|Amusement Vision|2003|p=19}}

Each racing craft contains air brakes for navigating tight corners by using an analog stick and shoulder buttons.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/f-zero-gx-preview/1100-6071126/|title=F-Zero GX Preview|first=Ricardo|last=Torres|date=2003-07-08|website=GameSpot |access-date=2014-06-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030724231744/http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/driving/fzero/preview_6071126-2.html |archive-date=2003-07-24|url-status=live}} Afterwards, the physics modeling gives vehicles setup with high acceleration a boost of acceleration. Players can easily exploit this on a wide straight stretch of a circuit to generate serpentinous movements.{{cite web|url= http://guides.ign.com/guides/480123/page_2.html|title=Tips & Techniques|access-date=2006-11-04|last = Schneider|first = Peer|author-link=Peer Schneider| website=IGN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061018215248/http://guides.ign.com/guides/480123/page_2.html|archive-date=2006-10-18|url-status=dead}} This technique called "snaking" delivers a massive increase in speed,{{cite web |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |author-link=Matt Casamassina |title=F-Zero GX review |access-date=2007-01-17 |website=IGN |date=2003-08-22 |url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/434/434947p1.html |pages=1–3 |archive-date=2010-12-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216172728/http://cube.ign.com/articles/434/434947p1.html |url-status=live }} but it is best used on the easier tracks, when racing alone in Time Trial, and with heavy vehicles with a high grip rating and given high acceleration. According to Nintendo, the snaking technique was an intentional addition to F-Zero GX{{'}}s gameplay.{{cite web |url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/432/432558p3.html |title=Fact or Fiction: The 10 Biggest Rumors on GameCube |access-date=2007-01-17 |author=IGN Staff |date=2003-08-06 |website=IGN |archive-date=2007-02-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070203120504/http://cube.ign.com/articles/432/432558p3.html |url-status=live }}

File:F-Zero GX - Lightning Loop Cross track WIDE.jpg and racing craft. The game features widescreen and progressive scan support.]]

F-Zero GX features numerous gameplay modes and options. In the Grand Prix mode, the player races against twenty-nine opponents through three laps of each track in a cup. There are four cups available (Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, and Diamond) with five tracks in each.{{cite magazine|url= http://www.computerandvideogames.com/98242/reviews/f-zero-gx-review/ |title=F-Zero GX Review|access-date=2012-08-03|date=2009-11-09|author=CVG Staff| magazine=Computer and Video Games|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005024821/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/98242/reviews/f-zero-gx-review/|archive-date=2013-10-05|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url= http://guides.ign.com/guides/480123/page_7.html |title=Track Strategies: Diamond Cup|access-date=2012-08-03|last = Schneider|first = Peer|author-link=Peer Schneider| website=IGN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070228165105/http://guides.ign.com/guides/480123/page_7.html|archive-date=2007-02-28|url-status=dead}} Unlocking the AX cup gives the player all six tracks from the arcade game, F-Zero AX.{{cite web|url= http://guides.ign.com/guides/480123/page_3.html |title=Track Strategies|access-date=2012-08-03|last = Schneider|first = Peer|author-link=Peer Schneider| website=IGN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205192309/http://guides.ign.com/guides/480123/page_3.html|archive-date=2012-02-05|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url= http://guides.ign.com/guides/480123/page_8.html |title=Track Strategies: AX Cup|access-date=2012-08-03|last = Schneider|first = Peer|author-link=Peer Schneider| website=IGN |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090731053900/http://guides.ign.com/guides/480123/page_8.html|archive-date=2009-07-31|url-status=dead}} Each cup has four selectable difficulty levels: Novice, Standard, Expert, and Master. Players get a certain number of points for finishing a track depending on where they placed, and the winner of the circuit is the character who receives the most total points. If the player has a "spare machine"—the equivalent of an extra life—then the race can be restarted even if the player's vehicle is destroyed from losing all energy or falling off the track. A predetermined number of spare machines based on the difficulty level chosen are given to players before starting a cup.{{sfn|Amusement Vision|2003|pp=18-19}} Players get an additional spare machine for every five contenders they destroy through vehicular combat,{{sfn|Amusement Vision|2003|p=11}}{{sfn|Amusement Vision|2003|p=19}} with each destroyed and eliminated opponent also granting extra energy.{{sfn|Amusement Vision|2003|p=11}}

The Vs. Battle is the multiplayer mode where two to four players can compete simultaneously. Time Attack lets the player choose any track and complete it in the shortest time possible.{{sfn|Amusement Vision|2003|pp=23-24}} An Internet ranking system was established where players enter a password on the official F-Zero website and get ranked based on their position in the database. Players receive a password after completing a Time Attack race, which records their time and machine used.{{cite web|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/427/427647p1.html|title=F-Zero Press Conference|access-date=2006-11-04|author=IGN Staff|date=2003-07-08|website=IGN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070214011100/http://cube.ign.com/articles/427/427647p1.html |archive-date=2007-02-14}} Ghost data, transparent re-enactments of the player's Time Attack performances, can be saved on memory cards to later race against. Up to five ghosts can be raced against simultaneously.{{sfn|Amusement Vision|2003|pp=24-25}} The Replay mode allows saved Grand Prix and Time Attack gameplay to be replayed with different camera angles and in-game music.{{sfn|Amusement Vision|2003|pp=22, 24, 26}} The Pilot Profile mode has each character's biography, theme music, information on their machine, and a short full motion video sequence.{{cite video game| title = F-Zero GX| developer = Amusement Vision| publisher = Sega| date = 2003-08-25| platform = Nintendo GameCube|level= Pilot Profiles}}

Customize mode is divided between the F-Zero Shop, Garage, and Emblem Editor. The shop is where opponent machines, custom parts for vehicle creation, and miscellaneous items such as story mode chapters and staff ghost data can be purchased with tickets. Tickets are acquired as the player progresses through the Grand Prix, Time Attack, and Story mode. In the Garage section, players can create a machine with three custom parts or print emblems on any vehicle. The parts are divided into body, cockpit, and booster categories, and affect the vehicle's overall durability, maximum speed, cornering, and acceleration. The Emblem Editor lets players create decals.{{sfn|Amusement Vision|2003|pp=16, 27–29}}

F-Zero GX is the first F-Zero game to feature a story mode. Its story has the player assume the role of F-Zero pilot Captain Falcon in nine chapters of various racing scenarios; such as Falcon's training regiment, a race against a rival through a canyon with falling boulders, attack and eliminate a rival's gang, and escape from a collapsing building through closing blast doors. Each chapter can be completed on a normal, hard, and very hard difficulty setting.{{Cite book |editor-last=Pelland |editor-first=Scott |title=F-Zero GX Player's Guide |year=2003|publisher=Nintendo of America, Inc |location=Redmond, Washington |isbn=1-930206-35-6|pages=76–95}} Toshihiro Nagoshi, one of the co-producers, stated that this mode was included because the development team felt that the F-Zero universe was unique and they wanted to explain some of the characters' motivations and flesh out the game world.

{{Infobox video game

|title = F-Zero AX

|image = F-Zero AX deluxe cabinet.jpg

|alt = A blue sit-down arcade cabinet stylized in the shape of one of the game's hovercrafts.

|caption = F-Zero AX deluxe cabinet

|publisher = Sega

|platforms = Arcade

|released ={{vgrelease|JP|2003|NA|September 2003}}

|modes = Single-player, multiplayer

|arcade system = Triforce

}}

F-Zero AX is a futuristic racing arcade game developed by Amusement Vision and published by Sega for the Triforce arcade system board. It is the second game by Sega to use Triforce,{{cite web|url = http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=8309|title = F-Zero AC at AOU|access-date = 2007-09-23|last = Yoshinoya|first = Bakudan|date = 2003-02-21|publisher = NintendoWorldReport|archive-date = 2009-02-10|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090210235940/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=8309|url-status = live}} which was conceived from a business alliance between them, Nintendo and Namco.{{cite web|url = http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/02/18/gamecube-arcade-hardware-revealed|title = GameCube Arcade Hardware Revealed|access-date = 2013-05-05|author = IGN staff|date = 2002-02-18|website = IGN|archive-date = 2013-07-23|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130723202819/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/02/18/gamecube-arcade-hardware-revealed|url-status = live}} This hardware allows for connectivity between the GameCube and arcade games.{{cite web |author=Torres, Ricardo|date=2003-07-03 |title=F-Zero AX Impressions| url=http://www.gamespot.com/arcade/driving/fzeroac/preview_6071127.html |website=GameSpot | access-date=2007-07-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021205234/http://www.gamespot.com/f-zero-ax/previews/f-zero-ax-impressions-6071127/ |archive-date= 2012-10-21|url-status=live}} F-Zero AX{{'}}s arcade cabinet is available for purchase in standard and deluxe versions. The standard version is a regular sit-down model, while the deluxe version is shaped like Captain Falcon's vehicle and has a tilting seat simulating the craft's cockpit.{{cite web|url=http://www.segaarcade.com/fzero-twin|title=F-Zero AX: Extreme High Speed Racing|publisher=Sega|access-date=2013-07-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012051319/http://www.segaarcade.com/fzero-twin|archive-date=2013-10-12|url-status=dead}} IGN demoed the Cycraft version dubbed "F-Zero Monster Ride" at the 2003 JAMMA arcade show. The Cycraft machine, co-developed between Sega and Simuline, is a cabin suspended in midair controlled by three servomotors for an in-depth motion-based simulation.{{cite web|date=11 September 2003|author=IGN Staff|author2=Anoop Gantayat|title=Jamma 2003: F-Zero Monster Ride|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/437/437749p1.html|website=IGN|access-date=2007-06-20|archive-date=2009-02-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212110554/http://cube.ign.com/articles/437/437749p1.html|url-status=live}}

The game features 14 playable vehicles with their pilots, consisting of ten newcomers and the four returning characters from the original F-Zero, as well as six race tracks. Each track must be completed before time runs out. Time extensions are awarded for reaching multiple checkpoints on a course however, the player will receive time penalties for falling off-course or depleting their energy meter.{{sfn|Sega|p=61}} Two gameplay modes are available: Race mode, in which the player races against twenty-nine opponents; and Time Attack mode, in which the player attempts to complete a track in the fastest time possible.{{sfn|Sega|p=61-62}} Connecting multiple cabinets opens up "Versus Play" in the race mode, thus enabling up to four players to compete simultaneously.{{sfn|Sega|p=61}}

F-Zero AX cabinets can dispense magnetic stripe cards called an "F-Zero license card" to keep track of custom machine data, pilot points, and race data. A card was bundled with the Japanese release of F-Zero GX. The card expires after fifty uses, but its data can be transferred to a new card. Once inserted, the game builds a machine with three custom parts which can be upgraded by earning pilot points.{{sfn|Mirabella III|2003|p=2}} Pilot points are acquired as the player progresses through the Race and Time Attack modes.{{sfn|Sega|p=61}} Players can increase point earnings by improving finish place, eliminating opponents, and finishing races with a large amount of energy reserved. A magnetic stripe card is needed to enter the F-Zero AX Internet Ranking system.{{cite web|title=Get connected with F-Zero AX|url=http://f-zero.com/ax-gx/index.jsp|publisher=Official F-Zero GX/AX website|access-date=2010-06-14|quote=In September, Sega and Nintendo will launch F-Zero AX in arcades throughout the country.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030825021853/http://www.f-zero.com/ax-gx/index.jsp|archive-date=2003-08-25|url-status=dead}} Similarly to GX, players receive a password after completing a Time Attack race to enter on the official F-Zero website's ranking system.{{sfn|Sega|p=69}}

GameCube memory cards, on which saved games are kept, can be inserted into these arcade units.{{sfn|Mirabella III|2003|p=3}} A memory card is required for players a chance to win the AX-exclusive pilots, their vehicles, and tracks for use in GX.{{sfn|Mirabella III|2003|p=5}} Players can store up to four machines from GX on a memory card, then play them in AX. If a memory card is used with a magnetic stripe card, players have additional options; they can enter stored GX machines into the F-Zero AX Internet ranking system, and transfer custom AX machine parts to GX.{{sfn|Mirabella III|2003|p=3}} F-Zero AX content can also be acquired by completing GX{{'}}s tougher challenges,{{cite web|url= http://guides.ign.com/guides/480123/page_11.html |title=F-Zero GX Secrets |access-date=2006-10-24|last = Schneider|first = Peer|author-link=Peer Schneider| website=IGN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205191832/http://guides.ign.com/guides/480123/page_11.html|archive-date=2012-02-05|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://guides.ign.com/guides/480123/page_10.html|title=F-Zero GX Customization|last=Schneider|first=Peer|author-link=Peer Schneider|website=IGN|access-date=2006-10-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205191827/http://guides.ign.com/guides/480123/page_10.html|archive-date=2012-02-05|url-status=dead}} or through the use of a cheat device.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/395032/full-f-zero-ax-arcade-game-discovered-in-gamecube-version/|title=Full F-Zero AX arcade game discovered in GameCube version|date=2013-03-08|magazine=Computer and Video Games|access-date=2013-10-01|first=Andy|last=Robinson|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141201010057/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/395032/full-f-zero-ax-arcade-game-discovered-in-gamecube-version/|archive-date=2014-12-01|url-status=dead}}{{clear}}

After Sega transitioned from first to third-party development in 2001,{{cite news|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1344665.stm|title=Sega forecasts return to profit|access-date=2012-10-16|date=2001-05-22|publisher=BBC|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140527220934/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1344665.stm |archive-date=2014-05-27|url-status=live}} they and Nintendo developed a close relationship.{{cite web|url= http://wii.ign.com/articles/776/776878p1.html|title=Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Interview|access-date=2007-03-29|last= Burman|first=Rob|date=2007-03-29|website=IGN|url-status= dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212102830/http://wii.ign.com/articles/776/776878p1.html |archive-date=2009-02-12}} Toshihiro Nagoshi, president of Sega subsidiary Amusement Vision, developed Super Monkey Ball for the GameCube, which opened up the opportunity for a collaboration between the two companies.{{cite web |url=http://n-europe.com/news.php?nid=2349 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080609020646/http://n-europe.com/news.php?nid=2349 |title=Interview: Sega talk F-Zero |date=2002-05-17 |archive-date=2008-06-09 |access-date=2022-04-11 |publisher=N-Europe |work=Arcadia magazine}} Nintendo announced on February 18, 2002, that an arcade system board under the name of "Triforce" was being developed in conjunction between Nintendo, Namco, and Sega. The idea for the arcade board originated after discussions between Sega and Namco about the capabilities and cost effectiveness of the GameCube architecture to make arcade games.{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/02/28/nintendo-roundtable |title=Nintendo Roundtable |access-date=2013-06-23 |author=IGN Staff |date=2002-02-28 |website=IGN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014015153/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/02/28/nintendo-roundtable|archive-date=2012-10-14|url-status=live|page=2}} Sega, having helped to develop Nintendo's Triforce arcade system, wanted to support it with software that would "stand out and draw attention to Nintendo's platform." Nagoshi was suggested to develop a driving game and agreed under the stipulation he could come up with something unique—which was working on the next installment in Nintendo's F-Zero series. Nagoshi contemplated declining the project due to the combined pressure of making a great impression on Nintendo and creating the next installment of an esteemed franchise, but his curiosity about what he and his team could create overcame his hesitation.{{cite web|url=http://f-zero.com/interview/ToshihiroNagoshi.jsp|title=F-Zero, beyond everyone's imagination. (Interview with Toshihiro Nagoshi)|access-date=2010-06-14|publisher=Official F-Zero GX/AX website|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061224140745/http://f-zero.com/interview/ToshihiroNagoshi.jsp|archive-date=2006-12-24}}

{{Quote box |width=30em | bgcolor=#F9F9F9 |align=right | quote="With Nintendo, it comes to a question of letting some other companies work on our franchises. We focus more on specific relationships with talented producers; we look for people who will care, spend a lot of time and energy, on a specific franchise. We also want to allow these producers to work on franchises that they are interested in working on." |source= — Shigeru Miyamoto, Nintendo EAD General Manager, The Nintendo/Sega Press Conference on July 7, 2003.}}

In March 2002, an announcement from Sega and Nintendo revealed that Amusement Vision and Nintendo would collaborate to release F-Zero games for the Triforce arcade board and the GameCube.{{cite web|url= http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/driving/fzero/news.html?sid=2858754|title=Sega and Nintendo form developmental partnership|last=Satterfield|first=Shane|date=2002-03-28| website=GameSpot |access-date= 2007-06-20|quote= The companies [Sega and Nintendo] are codeveloping two F-Zero games... Nintendo will be handling the publishing duties for the GameCube version while Sega will take on the responsibility of releasing the arcade game.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090213182143/http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/driving/fzero/news.html?sid=2858754 |archive-date=2009-02-13|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://sega.jp/release/nr020328_1.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020604020701/http://sega.jp/release/nr020328_1.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2002-06-04|title=セガ、任天堂、業務用および家庭用ビデオゲームソフトウェアを共同開発|publisher=Sega|date=2002-03-28}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendo.co.jp/n10/news/020328.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021211111325/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/n10/news/020328.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2002-12-11|title=セガ、任天堂、業務用および家庭用ビデオゲームソフトウェアを共同開発|publisher=Nintendo|date=2002-03-28}} F-Zero GX and AX was the first significant software collaboration between Nintendo and Sega,{{cite web|url= http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/04/14/f-zero-gx-the-speed-of-sega|title=F-Zero GX: The Speed of Sega|access-date=2014-06-20|last= Robinson|first=Martin |date=2011-04-14|website=IGN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302173416/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/04/14/f-zero-gx-the-speed-of-sega |archive-date=2014-03-02|url-status=live}} and the announcement that Nintendo had handled development of one of its franchises to former competitor Sega came as a surprise to some critics.{{cite web|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/384/384411p1.html|title=GameCube in 2003: Part 1|access-date= 2007-12-06 |website=IGN|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207165958/http://cube.ign.com/articles/384/384411p1.html|archive-date=2012-02-07}}{{Cite news|last1=Wong|first1=Erick|last2=Degen|first2=Matt |title= Fun is in devilishly good details of 'F-Zero'|newspaper=The Orange County Register|page=5|date=2003-09-05}} Nagoshi claimed that 1991's F-Zero "actually taught me what a game should be" and that it served as an influence for him to create Daytona USA and other racing games.{{cite web| url= http://cube.ign.com/articles/356/356325p1.html |title= Interview: F-Zero AC/GC|access-date= 2007-07-15|author=IGN Staff |date= 2002-03-28 |website=IGN|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071228232727/http://cube.ign.com/articles/356/356325p1.html |archive-date=2007-12-28|url-status=live}} F-Zero producer Shigeru Miyamoto stated that Nintendo "gained a lot of fans among current game developers, including famous producers like Mr. Nagoshi who grew up playing Nintendo games and are big fans of some of our titles." and thought the collaboration resulted in a "true evolution of the F-Zero series", enhancing the simulation of racing at high speeds and expanding the "F-Zero world on a grand scale."{{cite web|url=http://f-zero.com/interview/ShigeruMiyamoto.jsp|title=Let's go to the arcade with the memory card. (Interview with Shigeru Miyamoto)|access-date=2010-06-14|publisher=Official F-Zero GX/AX website|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080713064948/http://f-zero.com/interview/ShigeruMiyamoto.jsp|archive-date=2008-07-13}}

While Amusement Vision was responsible for most of the development,{{cite press release|title=Sega and Nintendo Team Up to Bring F-Zero to Japan|publisher=Nintendo|date=2002-03-28|url=http://www.newswire.japancorp.net/Article.Asp?Art_ID=2544|access-date=2010-06-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012070703/http://www.newswire.japancorp.net/Article.Asp?Art_ID=2544|archive-date=2013-10-12}} Miyamoto and Takaya Imamura of Nintendo EAD took on the role of producer and supervisor, respectively. Sega handled planning and execution and Nintendo was responsible for supervision of their product. Nagoshi was initially concerned about differences in opinion between the two companies, and mentioned "If Nintendo planned to hold our hands through development, I would have suggested they develop the game themselves. That way we could focus on a project which would reflect our studio's abilities. I figured that would cause a war, but I was told most of the responsibility would be left to us." F-Zero GX runs on an enhanced version of the engine used in Super Monkey Ball.{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/fi_f-zerogxjap_gc|date=2003-08-08|last=Tom|first=Bramwell |title= F-Zero GX first impressions|website= Eurogamer|access-date=2010-10-17|quote=[F-Zero GX] got everything you could want, starting with an enhanced version of the Monkey Ball engine...|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927201810/http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=52858|archive-date=2007-09-27}} Nagoshi focused on what he called its self-explanatory "interface" and "rhythm" to give the way the tracks are laid out a rhythmic feel.{{cite web|url= http://cube.ign.com/articles/375/375828p1.html|title=Sega Shows off F-Zero|access-date=2007-11-28|date=2002-10-30|website=IGN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070719045319/http://cube.ign.com/articles/375/375828p1.html |archive-date=2007-07-19|url-status=live}} The game's soundtrack features an array of songs from rock and techno musical styles originally composed by the game music staff's Hidenori Shoji and Daiki Kasho.{{cite web|url=http://www.webcity.jp/ds/detail.php?pid=SCDC-00358| title=F-Zero GX/AX - Original Soundtracks|publisher=Webcity|access-date=2008-10-11|archive-url=https://archive.today/20071016180849/http://www.webcity.jp/ds/detail.php?pid=SCDC-00358|language=ja|archive-date=2007-10-16|url-status=dead}} Shojii is known for his musical scores in Daytona USA 2 and Fighting Vipers 2, while Kasho worked on the Gran Turismo series. Kasho composed the character themes and their lyrics were by Alan Brey.{{cite video game| title = F-Zero GX| developer = Amusement Vision| publisher = Sega| date = 2003-08-25| platform = Nintendo GameCube|scene=staff credits}} Both Shoji and Kasho supervised the soundtrack's audio mastering.

Nintendo revealed the first footage of F-Zero GX at the Pre-E3 press conference on May 21, 2002. While it was known to exist several months prior, it had remained behind closed doors.{{cite web|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/360/360297p1.html|title=E3 2002: F-Zero GCN Videos|access-date=2006-10-19|author=IGN Staff|date=2002-05-21|website=IGN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070214004413/http://cube.ign.com/articles/360/360297p1.html |archive-date=2007-02-14}} In early March 2003, according to the official Nintendo website, F-Zero was delayed by two months.{{cite web|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/388/388645p1.html |title=F-Zero and Wario Delayed|access-date=2007-06-21| author=IGN Staff|date=2003-03-10|website=IGN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113203608/http://cube.ign.com/articles/388/388645p1.html |archive-date=2009-01-13|url-status=dead}} Via a live video conference call from Japan on July 7, Miyamoto, Nagoshi, and Imamura answered questions about the two F-Zero games. There, Miyamoto announced the Japanese version was finished and would soon be available to the public. Nagoshi mentioned that back at E3 2003, he was hoping that they would have that time to include a local area network (LAN) multiplayer mode, however they chose not to support this mode. The development team focused more on the single-player aspects, and a LAN multiplayer mode would distract greatly. Imamura commented that even though he worked directly on F-Zero throughout its different incarnations, this time he took a "step back and was involved at kind of a producer level at looking over the game." Imamura added "hav[ing] worked on the F-Zero series, and seeing the results of the collaboration with Sega, I found myself at something of a loss as to how we can take the franchise further past F-Zero GX and AX."

Published by Nintendo, F-Zero GX was released in Japan on July 25, 2003,{{cite web |url=http://www.famitsu.com/game/dendo/1140772_1065.html |script-title=ja:騾ｱ刊ファミ騾8月1日号新作ゲームクロスレビューより 【今騾ｱの殿堂入りソフト】 |access-date=2012-10-16 |date=2003-07-18 |publisher=Famitsu |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181018122304/http://www.famitsu.com/game/dendo/1140772_1065.html |archive-date=2018-10-18 |url-status=live }} North America on August 25,{{cite web|url= https://www.nintendo.com/games/master_list_result.jsp?filter_id=0067&page=2&sort_id=|title=Master Game List|access-date=2012-08-03|publisher=Nintendo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030823233545/http://www.nintendo.com/games/master_list_result.jsp?filter_id=0067&page=2&sort_id=|archive-date=2003-08-23|url-status=dead}} Australia on October 24,{{Cite web |date=October 24, 2003 |title=Don't Blink & Drive...F-Zero Out Now! |url=http://www.nintendo.com.au/nintendo/news/index.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031202222005/http://www.nintendo.com.au/nintendo/news/index.php |archive-date=December 2, 2003 |access-date=May 22, 2024 |website=Nintendo Australia}} and Europe on October 31.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/3189253.stm |title=Familiar faces in Nintendo's line-up |author=Twist, Jo |date=2003-08-29 |access-date=2007-04-04 |work=BBC News |archive-date=2012-11-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110111128/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/3189253.stm |url-status=live }} The arcade version was released in 2003 alongside its Gamecube counterpart. F-Zero GX/AX Original Soundtracks, a two-CD set composed of BGM soundtracks to the video games GX and its arcade counterpart, was released in Japan under the Scitron Digital Content record label on July 22, 2004.{{cite web|url=http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=SCDC-358 |title=Game Music / F-Zero GX/AX - Original Sound Tracks |publisher=CD-Japan |access-date=2008-08-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090111193011/http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=SCDC-358 |archive-date=2009-01-11 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web| title=F-Zero GX/AX Original Soundtracks| url=http://www.squareenixmusic.com/albums/f/fzerogx.shtml| publisher=Square Enix Music Online | access-date=2010-10-17|archive-date=2008-06-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080615035854/http://www.squareenixmusic.com/albums/f/fzerogx.shtml|url-status=live}} The first disc consists of forty-one tracks and the second has forty with an additional track rearranged by Supersweep's AYA (Ayako Sasō) of "Big Blue". F-Zero GX was added to the Nintendo Classics library for the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025.{{Cite web |last=Cripe |first=Michael |date=2025-04-02 |title=GameCube titles are coming to Nintendo Switch Online with Nintendo Switch 2 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/gamecube-titles-are-coming-to-nintendo-switch-online-with-nintendo-switch-2 |access-date=2025-04-02 |website=IGN |language=en}}

{{Clear}}

{{Video game reviews

| MC = 89/100{{cite web|title=F-Zero GX reviews|website=Metacritic|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/f-zero-gx/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube|access-date=2012-12-26|archive-date=2013-04-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130429191511/http://www.metacritic.com/game/gamecube/f-zero-gx|url-status=live}}

| Edge = 8/10

| EGM = 9, 7.5, 7 of 10

| EuroG = 9/10

| Fam = 7, 8, 8, 9 of 10{{cite web| url=http://www.gamestats.com/objects/480/480123/articles.html| title=F-Zero GX| access-date=2007-11-15| publisher=GameStats| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://archive.today/20130124123925/http://www.gamestats.com/objects/480/480123/articles.html| archive-date=2013-01-24}}

| GamePro = 4.5/5

| GSpot = 8.6/10

| IGN = 9.3/10

| PALGN = 8{{fraction|1|2}}{{cite web|url=http://palgn.com.au/gamecube/865/f-zero-gx-review/ |title=F-Zero GX Review |website=PALGN |first=Matt |last=Keller |date=2003-11-01 |access-date=2010-09-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007223931/http://palgn.com.au/gamecube/865/f-zero-gx-review/ |archive-date=2012-10-07 }}

| XPlay = {{Rating|4|5}}

}}

F-Zero GX has an average score of 89/100 on the aggregate website Metacritic. Some video game journalists consider it as one of the best racers of its time and the greatest racer on the GameCube platform.{{cite web|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/800/800442p3.html|title=Wii Summertime Blues|access-date=2007-06-29|first=Mark|last=Bozon|date=2007-06-28|website=IGN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919094042/http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/06/28/wii-summertime-blues?page=3|archive-date=2016-09-19|url-status=dead}}{{cite magazine|last1=Ricciardi|first1=John|last2=Linn |first2=Demian |last3=Byrnes |first3=Paul |date=October 2003|title=F-Zero GX|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|publisher=Ziff Davis Media|issue= 171 |pages=158–159|issn=1058-918X|url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=2007263&did=2|access-date=2009-08-21|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050125195837/http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=2007263&did=2|archive-date=2005-01-25}} It was listed "Best GameCube Racing Game" in the E3 2003 IGN Awards and "Best Racing Game of 2003" by IGN.{{cite web|title=IGN.com presents The Best of 2003 - Best Racing Game|url=http://bestof2003.ign.com/gcn_goty.html|website=IGN|access-date=2009-08-08|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061018071920/http://bestof2003.ign.com/gcn_goty.html|archive-date=2006-10-18}}{{cite web|title=GameCube Best of E3 2003 Awards|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/410/410058p1.html|author=IGN staff|date=2003-05-22|website=IGN|access-date=2009-08-10|archive-date=2015-01-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122221658/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/05/22/gamecube-best-of-e3-2003-awards|url-status=live}} F-Zero GX was named the best GameCube game of August 2003 and "Best GameCube Driving Game" of 2003 overall by GameSpot, and was nominated for "Console Racing Game of the Year" at the 7th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards held by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences.{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040301080329/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/gotm/082803/index.html | url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/gotm/082803/index.html | title=GameSpot{{'}}s Month in Review: August 2003 | date=August 28, 2003 | website=GameSpot | archive-date=March 1, 2004 | url-status=dead }}{{cite web|title=Best and Worst of 2003|access-date=2009-03-10|url= http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2003/index.html|date=2004-01-05|website=GameSpot|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210191225/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2003/index.html |archive-date=2009-02-10}}{{cite web|title=Console Racing Game of the Year|url=http://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2004&idGameAwardType=52|date=2004-03-04|publisher=Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences|access-date=2010-10-17|archive-date=2022-06-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630055306/http://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2004|url-status=live}} Official Nintendo Magazine ranked it the 92nd best game available on Nintendo platforms. The staff felt it was best for hardcore fans.{{cite web|title=Nintendo Feature: 100 Best Nintendo Games: Part One |url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/7188/features/100-best-nintendo-games-part-one/ |work=Official Nintendo Magazine |last=East |first=Tom |date=2009-02-17 |access-date=2013-12-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414111615/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/7188/features/100-best-nintendo-games-part-one/ |archive-date=2012-04-14 }} In 2007, Edge named it the 66th-best game.{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/EDGE.The.100.Best.Videogames.2007/page/74/mode/2up|title=EDGE presents: The 100 Best Videogames (2007)|date=16 August 2020 |publisher=Future Publishing|location=United Kingdom|pages=74}}

The game has been credited for its visuals,{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/f-zero-gx-review/1900-6073623/|title=F-Zero GX review|first=Jeff|last=Gerstmann|author-link=Jeff Gerstmann|date=2003-08-25|website=GameSpot |access-date=2007-01-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070126142027/http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/driving/fzero/review.html|archive-date=2007-01-26|url-status=live}} arcade/home connectivity, longevity, sharp controls, tough challenge, and fleshed-out single-player modes.{{cite web|url=http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/august03/fzerogxgcn |title=F-Zero GX (GCN) review |access-date=2006-10-15 |last=Williams |first=Bryn |date=2003-08-28 |publisher=GameSpy |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061212064940/http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/august03/fzerogxgcn/ |archive-date=2006-12-12 }} The game's most common criticism is its difficulty, especially in the story mode.{{cite web|last=Allen|first=Mat|title=F-Zero GX review|publisher=NTSC-uk|url=http://www.ntsc-uk.com/review.php?platform=ngc&game=FZeroGX|access-date=2006-10-22|archive-date=2022-06-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220612140431/http://www.ntsc-uk.com/review.php?platform=ngc|url-status=live}} It earned fourth place in IGN{{'}}s and GameTrailers{{'}} toughest games to beat.{{cite web|author=News & Features Team |title=Top 10 Tuesday: Toughest Games to Beat |date=2007-03-21 |website=IGN |url=http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/774/774907p2.html |access-date=2007-04-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070328174434/http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/774/774907p2.html |archive-date=2007-03-28 }} GameTrailers mentioned F-Zero GX demanded players to master the "rollercoaster-style tracks [which] required hairline precision" to avoid falling off-course.{{cite video|date=2007-11-20|title=GT Countdown - Top Ten Most Difficult Games|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/player/38283.html|publisher=GameTrailers|access-date=2008-11-22|time=4:19|archive-date=2009-04-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430093758/http://www.gametrailers.com/player/38283.html|url-status=live}} Electronic Gaming Monthly criticized GX{{'}}s sharp increase in difficulty and GameSpot{{'}}s Jeff Gerstmann agreed stating it "will surely turn some people away before they've seen the 20 tracks and unlocked all the story mode chapters". Bryn Williams of GameSpy mentioned that "purists may find it too similar to {{Sic}} N64 version" and criticized the lack of LAN play.

1UP.com stated that the F-Zero series is "finally running on hardware that can do it proper justice".{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3107745|title=F-Zero GX review|date=2004-05-09|website=1UP.com|access-date=2006-10-15|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927201329/http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3107745|archive-date=2007-09-27}} Eurogamer{{'}}s Kristan Reed pointed out that, graphically, "it's hard to imagine how Amusement Vision could have done a better job".{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_f-zerogx_gc|title=F-Zero GX Review|access-date=2007-12-06|last=Reed|first=Kristan|date=2003-10-31|website=Eurogamer|archive-date=2013-10-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005083134/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_f-zerogx_gc|url-status=live}} Matt Casamassina of IGN praised the developers' work commenting they have "done a fine job of taking Nintendo's dated franchise and updating it for the new generation" and summed up the general opinion by stating that "For some, GX will be the ultimate racer. For others, it will be flat out too difficult." In Japan, F-Zero GX sold 100,981 units{{cite magazine|url=http://www.japan-gamecharts.com/gc.php |title=Japan GameCube charts |access-date=2007-11-09 |publisher=Japan Game Charts |magazine=Famitsu |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080409074438/http://www.japan-gamecharts.com/gc.php |archive-date=2008-04-09 }} and became qualified for the Player's Choice line in both Europe{{cite web|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/557/557208p1.html|title=Fun gets cheaper in Europe|access-date=2007-01-28|last=Adams|first=David|date=2004-10-14|website=IGN|archive-date=2013-10-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006112946/http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/10/14/fun-gets-cheaper-in-europe|url-status=live}} and North America{{cite web|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/499/499354p1.html|title=Mario Golf, F-Zero Go Bargain-Priced|author=IGN Staff|access-date=2007-01-28|date=2004-03-16|website=IGN|archive-date=2013-10-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006230738/http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/03/16/mario-golf-f-zero-go-bargain-priced|url-status=live}} by selling at least 250,000 copies.{{cite press release|title=Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance Goes Platinum|publisher=Midway Games|date=2003-10-06|url=http://games.ign.com/articles/453/453311p1.html|access-date=2008-04-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210165944/http://games.ign.com/articles/453/453311p1.html|archive-date=2012-02-10|url-status=dead|quote=The Nintendo GameCube version of Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance sold 250,000 units, which qualified it for the Player's Choice standard.}} Nagoshi said in a 2018 Edge interview that F-Zero GX sold over 1.5 million copies worldwide.{{cite magazine|last=Brown|first=Nathan|title=Collected Works: Toshihiro Nagoshi|magazine=Edge|date=October 2018|publisher=Future plc|issue=323|page=89|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/from-shenmue-to-yakuza-toshihiro-nagoshi-looks-back-on-an-illustrious-career-of-japanese-game-development/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102033404/https://www.gamesradar.com/from-shenmue-to-yakuza-toshihiro-nagoshi-looks-back-on-an-illustrious-career-of-japanese-game-development/|archive-date=2019-01-02|url-status=live|access-date=2019-06-10}}

{{Clear}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

Bibliography

{{Refbegin}}

• {{cite book| editor=Amusement Vision | title=F-Zero GX instruction manual |publisher=Nintendo |date=2003-08-25}}
• {{cite book| title = F-Zero AX Deluxe Type Owner's Manual| url = http://www.segaarcade.com/pdfs/fzero/fz-deluxe-manual.pdf| access-date = 2021-11-07| publisher = Sega Corporation| edition = 1st| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131004220300/http://www.segaarcade.com/sites/default/files/f-zero_ax_dlx_manual.pdf| archive-date = 2013-10-04| url-status = dead| ref = {{SfnRef|Sega}}}}
• {{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/07/16/inside-f-zero-ax|title=Inside F-Zero AX|last=Mirabella III|first=Fran|date=2003-07-16|website=IGN|access-date=2013-06-14|archive-date=2013-10-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003214949/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/07/16/inside-f-zero-ax|url-status=live}}

{{Refend}}

• [http://backup.segakore.fr/f-zero.jp/ Official F-Zero GX/AX website (archived)]

{{F-Zero}}

{{Portal bar|Video games|Speculative fiction}}{{DEFAULTSORT:F-Zero GX}}

Category:2003 video games

Category:Arcade video games

Category:Amusement Vision games

GX

Category:GameCube games

Category:GameCube-only games

Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games

Category:Nintendo Classics games

Category:Sega arcade games

Category:Video games about dinosaurs

Category:Video games developed in Japan

Category:Video games produced by Shigeru Miyamoto

Category:Video games scored by Hidenori Shoji

Category:Video games scored by Daiki Kasho

Category:Video games set on fictional planets