F-Zero – now is the time for its return.

Before F-Zero the futuristic high speed racing category was non existent, this was the beginning, without F-Zero we would have no Wipeout, Fast RMX or Redout and all the other games inspired by it. It’s silky smooth fast gameplay was unrivalled when it released in 1990 on the Super Nintendo/Famicom, further sequels on Nintendo 64 and GameCube (thanks to Sega) got faster and faster. Indeed anyone you talk to about F-Zero will have fond memories, however, F-Zero was absent during the Wii and WiiU era and seems forgotten by Nintendo.

So why is F-Zero in limbo?
Sales figures could be one big reason, F-Zero has never been a major player like Mario & Zelda nor is it even close to Mario Kart, the main competition.

Another reason could be Nintendo waiting for a more powerful console to establish itself (like the Switch has) before releasing a more advanced version of F-Zero that would have a higher chance of pulling in the sales figures and make a profit (Kirby Star Allies recently had its best sales record of any Kirby game).

The key fact that the Switch has performed so well surly means that Nintendo can take sales risks, I truly believe that F-Zero will return within the next two years. Here is what I would like to see from F-Zero on Switch?

Mario Kart 8 would make an ideal template, 200cc would be an ideal speed setting for F-Zero to start at, F-Zero race circuits tend to be wider then Mario Kart in most exceptions so even greater speeds (300cc if you can imagine) would be possible.

The feel of the hover cars should feel more snappy almost twitchy like in F-Zero GX, I’m not a big fan of the floaty style that Wileout and Fast RMX use, for me F-Zero GX got the control and feel of just right. There will have to be a difference in terms of how F-Zero Switch will play in comparison to Mario Kart 8 or it may lose its identity completely and come across as MK8 DLC.

Seeing Link, Isabella and Villager in Mario Kart 8 was great and this could be carried over to F-Zero on Switch. It would be so cool to see the original F-Zero X/GX racers joined by the original members of Star Fox, Samus Aran in a modified version of her starship and for a laugh Kirby ridding a huge star (a nod to Kirby Air Ride) as its hover vehicle.

Nintendo how really must be the time to have faith in F-Zero and bring it to the Switch, I’ve no doubt it will be a triumphant return for Captain Falcon and co.

Some recent events.
With E3 coming up and the Switch on a roll, gamers are getting excited due to hopes raised by recent “leaks” with some mentioning Retro Studios working on a Star Fox Racer game (remember the father of Fox, James McCloud, is a racer in F-Zero X) which could be a mixture of the two classic franchises, time will tell.

Article by Simon