On September 14 of this year, the fall Nintendo Direct presentation was streamed online. During the presentation, several games were made available later that same day. One in particular has proven a pleasant surprise for fans of its series: “F-Zero 99.”
Marking the first game in the series since the release of “F-Zero Climax” on Game Boy Advance (which only saw official release in Japan), the game takes the design of the original Super Nintendo “F-Zero” from 1991 and applies it to a simultaneous 99-player battle royale in the vein of the hit “Tetris 99.” The result makes for a title that’s equal parts addictive; challenging and engaging.
Though the publisher has admitted the difficulty of adding new ideas with each passing installment; this title is proof that even the simplest new hook can reinvigorate a dormant franchise. While “Mario Kart” may be Nintendo’s flagship racing franchise, this game is proof that sometimes that a game doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel so much as drive it somewhere interesting (talk persists of an HD remaster of the fan-favorite Gamecube title “F-Zero GX”).
While the long-term prospects of the franchise still remain a mystery, more racetracks and pilots have been confirmed for future updates. The recurring Grand Prix mode is a major test of skill for both new players and longtime fans alike.
Overall, “F-Zero 99” is an easy recommendation. For subscribers of Nintendo Switch online, it’s a delightful high-speed battle royale franchise revival.
“F-Zero 99” A High-Speed Battle Royale Franchise Revival
By Steven Pryor
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo Software Technology
Platform: Nintendo Switch Online
ESRB Rating: E
My Rating: *****/5
