F-Zero (universe): Difference between revisions
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{{ | {{Title|''F-Zero'' (universe)}} | ||
{{ArticleIcons| | {{ArticleIcons|allgames=y}} | ||
{{Infobox Series | {{Infobox Series | ||
|title = F-Zero (universe) | |title = F-Zero (universe) | ||
|image = [[File:FZeroTitle.png|300px]] | |image = [[File:FZeroTitle.png|300px]] | ||
|caption = [[File:FZeroSymbol.svg|50px|class=invert]] | |caption = [[File:FZeroSymbol.svg|50px|class=invert-dark]] | ||
|developer = [[Nintendo]]<br>Amusement Vision/[[Sega]]<br>Nd Cube<br>Suzak | |developer = [[Nintendo]]<br>Amusement Vision/[[Sega]]<br>Nd Cube<br>Suzak<br>Nintendo Software Technology | ||
|publisher = Nintendo<br>Sega (''F-Zero AX'') | |publisher = Nintendo<br>Sega (''F-Zero AX'') | ||
|distributor = | |distributor = | ||
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|originconsole = Super Nintendo Entertainment System | |originconsole = Super Nintendo Entertainment System | ||
|firstinstallment = ''{{b|F-Zero|game}}'' (1990) | |firstinstallment = ''{{b|F-Zero|game}}'' (1990) | ||
|latestinstallment = ''{{s|fzerowiki|F-Zero | |latestinstallment = ''{{s|fzerowiki|F-Zero 99}}'' (2023) | ||
|interwiki = fzerowiki | |interwiki = fzerowiki | ||
|interwikiname = F-Zero Wiki | |interwikiname = F-Zero Wiki | ||
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The '''''F-Zero'' universe''', officially stylized as '''''F-ZERO''''', refers to the ''Smash Bros.'' series' collection of characters, stages, and properties that hail from Nintendo's ''F-Zero'' series of futuristic racing games. The universe's primary representation is the playable character [[Captain Falcon]], and has been on his own in this form since the franchise's debut in the original ''Smash Bros''. | The '''''F-Zero'' universe''', officially stylized as '''''F-ZERO''''', refers to the ''Smash Bros.'' series' collection of characters, stages, and properties that hail from Nintendo's ''F-Zero'' series of futuristic racing games. The universe's primary representation is the playable character [[Captain Falcon]], and has been on his own in this form since the franchise's debut in the original ''Smash Bros''. | ||
After the Japan-only release of ''F-Zero Climax'' in 2004, the series went on a hiatus and was largely dormant for almost 20 years, only receiving primary representation in the ''Smash Bros.'' series, two courses and a kart in the ''{{s|mariowiki|Mario Kart}}'' series, and a minigame in ''Nintendo Land'' since ''Climax''{{'}}s release outside of amiibo functionality. The series suddenly returned in September 2023 with the release of ''F-Zero 99'' as a Nintendo Switch Online game. | |||
primary representation in the ''Smash Bros.'' series, two courses and a kart in | |||
==Franchise description== | ==Franchise description== | ||
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Several dozen F-Zero racers race at a time in some games, and each pilot has a different reason for taking part in the grand prix, whether it is intergalactic fame, the monetary grand prize, or satisfying some sort of vendetta against another racer or group. Each individual machine is balanced in relation to each other with different gradings in the areas of Body, Weight, Boost, and Grip. The wide cast of humans, aliens, monsters, androids, and other life forms that race against each other are designed in an aesthetic style reminiscent of American comic books, and the recurring character that is the closest to being the series' "mascot" is a space-faring bounty hunter named [[Captain Falcon]], whose wardrobe gives him the appearance of a comic book superhero and whose multiple rivals resemble stereotypical supervillains. Disregarding the alternate-universe ''GP Legend'' subseries, there is usually little heed paid to continuity between installments in the series, and little focus on up-front storytelling in a given game itself, except for the story mode in ''F-Zero GX''. | Several dozen F-Zero racers race at a time in some games, and each pilot has a different reason for taking part in the grand prix, whether it is intergalactic fame, the monetary grand prize, or satisfying some sort of vendetta against another racer or group. Each individual machine is balanced in relation to each other with different gradings in the areas of Body, Weight, Boost, and Grip. The wide cast of humans, aliens, monsters, androids, and other life forms that race against each other are designed in an aesthetic style reminiscent of American comic books, and the recurring character that is the closest to being the series' "mascot" is a space-faring bounty hunter named [[Captain Falcon]], whose wardrobe gives him the appearance of a comic book superhero and whose multiple rivals resemble stereotypical supervillains. Disregarding the alternate-universe ''GP Legend'' subseries, there is usually little heed paid to continuity between installments in the series, and little focus on up-front storytelling in a given game itself, except for the story mode in ''F-Zero GX''. | ||
The original ''F-Zero'' had a very privileged position in [[Nintendo]]'s release timeline | The original ''{{iw|fzerowiki|F-Zero}}'' had a very privileged position in [[Nintendo]]'s release timeline. Developed simultaneously with ''{{iw|mariowiki|Super Mario World}}'' and {{uv|Pilotwings}}, this seminal entry was a launch title for Super Famicom and its western equivalent, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, and was the technical showpiece for the console's innovative "Mode 7" graphics-rendering technique. This form of texture mapping available on the SNES allowed a raster graphical plane to be rotated and scaled freely, and its usage in ''F-Zero'' to partially simulate three-dimensional environments without processing polygons was lauded for providing ''F-Zero'' the most convincing racetracks that had yet been seen on a home console. ''F-Zero'' was widely praised and financially successful both for its technical achievements and for delivering responsive gameplay supplemented by a wide track variety and a steady increase in challenge, and is credited both for reinvigorating the racing genre and for establishing a sub-genre of racing games that featured a futuristic aesthetic. | ||
Considering the success of the first game, Nintendo notably did not jump into developing a sequel for several years, and what was technically the second installment of the franchise, ''BS F-Zero Grand Prix'', was released in two separate incarnations as downloadable titles for the Satellaview, a Japan-exclusive attachment for the Super Famicom, in the mid-1990s. | Considering the success of the first game, Nintendo notably did not jump into developing a sequel for several years, and what was technically the second installment of the franchise, ''{{iw|fzerowiki|BS F-Zero Grand Prix}}'', was released in two separate incarnations as downloadable titles for the Satellaview, a Japan-exclusive attachment for the Super Famicom, in the mid-1990s. The sequel would eventually release in 1998 for [[Nintendo 64]] as ''{{iw|fzerowiki|F-Zero X}}''. Continuing the tradition of being a technical showcase for the console, ''F-Zero X'' was able to create large, complex tracks with high speeds and many cars on screen at once all while maintaining an unbroken 60 frames per second. The game was received positively for its impressive technical elements, refined gameplay, hard rock soundtrack, and abundance of content, some reviewers pointed out that the framerate came at a cost of visual detail. A subsequent Japanese-only release for the short-lived Nintendo 64DD add-on, the ''{{iw|fzerowiki|F-Zero X Expansion Kit}}'', was the first 64DD disk exclusively designed as an add-on to work in conjunction with a Nintendo 64 cartridge inserted into the base console; it primarily added both a vehicle-creation feature and a track-creation tool that was virtually the same tool used during the development of the game itself. | ||
The series mirrored its roots as a technical showcase for a newly launched Nintendo system with the Game Boy Advance launch title ''F-Zero: Maximum Velocity'', which transplanted the Mode 7 presentation style of the original into a handheld | The series once again mirrored its roots as a technical showcase for a newly launched Nintendo system with the Game Boy Advance launch title ''{{iw|fzerowiki|F-Zero: Maximum Velocity}}'', which transplanted the Mode 7 presentation style of the original into a handheld system. Then, the series made its most technically advanced appearance yet in ''{{iw|fzerowiki|F-Zero GX}}'' for the [[Nintendo GameCube]] in 2003. This is the first entry in the series not developed in-house, and was instead outsourced to [[Sega]] as the first official collaboration between the two since their pulling out of the console market. This game was lauded for being the best racing game for the GameCube; critically acclaimed elements include its visuals, high sense of speed and intensity, track design, challenge, and fleshed-out single-player modes, with some criticism leveled against a very sharp difficulty slant. An arcade counterpart to this title named ''{{iw|fzerowiki|F-Zero AX}}'' was published by Sega for the Triforce arcade system board (a system that was conceived from a business alliance between Sega, Nintendo, and [[Namco]]), and it featured special connectivity with the GameCube title in which a player that inserted a Nintendo GameCube memory card into the ''F-Zero AX'' system could instantly unlock content in ''F-Zero GX'' that would normally require successful playthroughs on high difficulties to access. | ||
Following this, Nintendo attempted an alternate-universe take on the franchise with a 51-episode anime series, ''F-Zero: GP Legend'', which began airing in October 2003, | Following this, Nintendo attempted an alternate-universe take on the franchise with a 51-episode anime series, ''{{iw|fzerowiki|F-Zero: GP Legend}}'', which began airing in October 2003 to September 2004. Only 15 of these episodes were dubbed by 4Kids Entertainment outside of Japan, though voice actors claim that all episodes were dubbed before being canceled.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EVjQUawvxQ This F-Zero Anime Dub Will Never See the Light of Day (4Kids, 2004)]</ref>. Two companion games for the anime, both on Game Boy Advance. the first is a game of the same name and the second titled ''F-Zero Climax''. Both were released in Japan near the end of 2003 and 2004, respectively. However, ''F-Zero Climax'' never released outside Japan due to the cancellation of the anime dub. Despite ''F-Zero'' having been consistently featured as one of the contending Nintendo franchises in every installment of the ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' series since that series' inception, the ''F-Zero'' franchise itself remained dormant for almost 20 years ever since the release of ''F-Zero Climax'', and only some series elements made intermittent and minor appearances outside of ''Smash Bros.'' since then. On September 14th, 2023, the ''F-Zero'' series suddenly returned with the announcement and release of ''{{iw|fzerowiki|F-Zero 99}}'' as a free Nintendo Switch Online game. The game is a spin on the classic ''F-Zero'' formula with 99 concurrent players in a single race and a greater emphasis on car combat and sabotaging opponents. It was the first game in the series to be developed by a Western studio, as {{iw|nintendowiki|Nintendo Software Technology}} worked on it. | ||
itself | |||
==In ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]''== | ==In ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]''== | ||
''F-Zero'' is one of the "bonus franchises" in the original ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'', | ''F-Zero'' is one of the "bonus franchises" in the original ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'', as it contributes one unlockable character, one victory theme, and absolutely nothing else - no stages and no items based on ''F-Zero'' appear in the game. Before being unlocked, Captain Falcon makes his appearance in [[Planet Zebes|Samus' stage]] (both Samus and Captain Falcon are known to be bounty hunters, in addition to both having originated from science fiction franchises). ''Super Smash Bros.'' also marked the only time an ''F-Zero'' newcomer was introduced. | ||
===Fighter=== | ===Fighter=== | ||
*[[File:CaptainFalconIcon(SSB).png|50px|right|link=Captain Falcon (SSB)]]'''{{SSB|Captain Falcon}}''' ([[Unlockable character|Unlockable]]): Captain Falcon appears as an unlockable character in the original ''Super Smash Bros.'' | *[[File:CaptainFalconIcon(SSB).png|50px|right|link=Captain Falcon (SSB)]]'''{{SSB|Captain Falcon}}''' ([[Unlockable character|Unlockable]]): Captain Falcon appears as an unlockable character in the original ''Super Smash Bros.'' His design is based off his appearance from ''F-Zero X'', and his moveset is original to the game. His [[neutral special]] is the famous [[Falcon Punch]], which has a considerable amount of startup lag, with extremely high [[knockback]] and damage output to compensate. His attacks are very fast, and overall can [[combo]] into each other well. Captain Falcon currently lies in the A tier of the current ''SSB'' [[tier list]], in 3rd place. | ||
===Music=== | ===Music=== | ||
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===Fighter=== | ===Fighter=== | ||
*[[File:CaptainFalconIcon(SSBM).png|50px|right|link=Captain Falcon (SSBM)]]'''{{SSBM|Captain Falcon}}''' ([[Starter character|Starter]]): Captain Falcon is still the only playable ''F-Zero'' character in the game, but with a new Raptor Boost dash-uppercut attack as his new side special move. His appearance is still based off ''F-Zero X''. He remains a high-tier character for his fighting specifications. Falcon's evil DNA clone rival in the games, [[Blood Falcon]], is playable as an alternative costume in the game.{{ | *[[File:CaptainFalconIcon(SSBM).png|50px|right|link=Captain Falcon (SSBM)]]'''{{SSBM|Captain Falcon}}''' ([[Starter character|Starter]]): Captain Falcon is still the only playable ''F-Zero'' character in the game, but with a new Raptor Boost dash-uppercut attack as his new side special move. His appearance is still based off ''F-Zero X''. He remains a high-tier character for his fighting specifications. Falcon's evil DNA clone rival in the games, [[Blood Falcon]], is playable as an alternative costume in the game.{{clr}} | ||
===Stages=== | ===Stages=== | ||
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*[[File:CaptainFalconIcon(SSBB).png|50px|right|link=Captain Falcon (SSBB)]]'''{{SSBB|Captain Falcon}}''' ([[Unlockable character|Unlockable]]): Like ''Melee'', Captain Falcon is still the only playable ''F-Zero'' character in the game. He resembles his ''Melee'' design, but now has the scarf from his ''GX'' appearance. He has the same moves as in ''[[Melee]]'', along with his final smash, [[Blue Falcon]]. When he uses this, he and the opponent(s) he is facing are taken onto an unknown race track where the [[Blue Falcon]] comes, Captain Falcon hops in it, and he drives it straight into his opponent. The opponent is then sent flying. When he uses [[Falcon Punch]], the player can tilt the control stick the opposite direction he is facing, and he will suddenly turn around, and hit the opponent that was behind him. However, his tier position has went from 8th (high tier) to 34th (fifth to last) due to a nerf in speed and power. | *[[File:CaptainFalconIcon(SSBB).png|50px|right|link=Captain Falcon (SSBB)]]'''{{SSBB|Captain Falcon}}''' ([[Unlockable character|Unlockable]]): Like ''Melee'', Captain Falcon is still the only playable ''F-Zero'' character in the game. He resembles his ''Melee'' design, but now has the scarf from his ''GX'' appearance. He has the same moves as in ''[[Melee]]'', along with his final smash, [[Blue Falcon]]. When he uses this, he and the opponent(s) he is facing are taken onto an unknown race track where the [[Blue Falcon]] comes, Captain Falcon hops in it, and he drives it straight into his opponent. The opponent is then sent flying. When he uses [[Falcon Punch]], the player can tilt the control stick the opposite direction he is facing, and he will suddenly turn around, and hit the opponent that was behind him. However, his tier position has went from 8th (high tier) to 34th (fifth to last) due to a nerf in speed and power. | ||
On the final character select screen (after all characters are unlocked), Captain Falcon joins the | On the final character select screen (after all characters are unlocked), Captain Falcon joins the {{uv|Star Fox}} characters in the sixth column. All these characters fly spaceships (hence having a choice of fighting only up to two of these in {{SSBB|Classic Mode}}). | ||
===Stages=== | ===Stages=== | ||
*[[File:bigbluemelee.png|right]]{{gameIcon|SSBM}}'''[[Melee Stages]]: [[Big Blue]]''' ([[Unlockable stage|Unlockable]]): A returning stage from ''Melee''. A significant change is that floating items like Pokémon don't disappear instantly. However, [[bumper]]s can't be placed in midair. The [[Falcon Flyer]] has also been scaled down.{{clr}} | |||
*[[File:Icon-porttownaerodive.gif|right|link=Port Town Aero Dive]]'''[[Port Town Aero Dive]]''' ([[Starter stage|Starter]]): A stage based on the race course of the same name from [[F-Zero GX]]. Similar to the Mute City stage from ''Melee'', this battlefield takes place atop a moving platform that stops off at different points of the racetrack and players must dodge the F-Zero machines that make their way across the track. These machines are both significantly more powerful and far bigger than they were in Mute City, and are often more difficult to see coming.{{clr}} | *[[File:Icon-porttownaerodive.gif|right|link=Port Town Aero Dive]]'''[[Port Town Aero Dive]]''' ([[Starter stage|Starter]]): A stage based on the race course of the same name from [[F-Zero GX]]. Similar to the Mute City stage from ''Melee'', this battlefield takes place atop a moving platform that stops off at different points of the racetrack and players must dodge the F-Zero machines that make their way across the track. These machines are both significantly more powerful and far bigger than they were in Mute City, and are often more difficult to see coming.{{clr}} | ||
===Assist Trophy=== | ===Assist Trophy=== | ||
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==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''== | ==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''== | ||
There has been little to no ''F-Zero'' releases since ''Brawl'' barring cameos in ''Mario Kart | There has been little to no ''F-Zero'' releases since ''Brawl'' barring cameos in the ''Mario Kart'' series and ''Nintendo Land''. Nevertheless, the series continues to be represented, arguably more closely linked to ''Smash Bros.'' than its own releases in the minds of those who know little to nothing about ''F-Zero''. | ||
===Fighter=== | ===Fighter=== | ||
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==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''== | ==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''== | ||
The ''F-Zero'' universe returns in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. | |||
The F-Zero universe returns in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. | |||
===Fighter=== | ===Fighter=== | ||
*11. [[File:CaptainFalconIcon(SSBU).png|50px|right|link=Captain Falcon (SSBU)]]'''{{SSBU|Captain Falcon}}''' ([[Unlockable character|Unlockable]]): Captain Falcon has received a mix of buffs and nerfs in the transition to Ultimate. Many aspects of his playstyle have been adjusted through the transition, which has resulted in notable changes to the way he operates and an increase in his learning curve. | *11. [[File:CaptainFalconIcon(SSBU).png|50px|right|link=Captain Falcon (SSBU)]]'''{{SSBU|Captain Falcon}}''' ([[Unlockable character|Unlockable]]): The intergalactic bounty hunter returns as an unlockable fighter after being a starter in ''Smash 4''. Captain Falcon has received a mix of buffs and nerfs in the transition to Ultimate. Many aspects of his playstyle have been adjusted through the transition, which has resulted in notable changes to the way he operates and an increase in his learning curve. | ||
===Stages=== | ===Stages=== | ||
All ''F-Zero'' stages from past games aside from {{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{SSBM|Mute City}} have returned. | All ''F-Zero'' stages from past games aside from {{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{SSBM|Mute City}} have returned. | ||
*{{GameIcon|SSBM}}[[File:BigBlueIconSSBU.png|75px|right|link=Big Blue]]'''[[Big Blue]]''' ([[Starter stage|Starter]]): the infamous circuit from ''Melee'' returns after being absent in ''Smash 4'' as a retro stage.{{clr}} | *{{GameIcon|SSBM}}[[File:BigBlueIconSSBU.png|75px|right|link=Big Blue]]'''[[Big Blue]]''' ([[Starter stage|Starter]]): the infamous circuit from ''Melee'' returns after being absent in ''Smash 4'' as a retro stage.{{clr}} | ||
*{{GameIcon|SSBB}}[[File:PortTownAeroDiveIconSSBU.png|75px|right|link=Port Town Aero Dive]]'''[[Port Town Aero Dive]]''' ([[Starter stage|Starter]]): The track | *{{GameIcon|SSBB}}[[File:PortTownAeroDiveIconSSBU.png|75px|right|link=Port Town Aero Dive]]'''[[Port Town Aero Dive]]''' ([[Starter stage|Starter]]): The track returns as a retro stage.{{clr}} | ||
*{{GameIcon|SSB4-3DS}}[[File:MuteCitySNESIconSSBU.png|75px|right|link=Mute City SNES]]'''[[Mute City SNES]]''' ([[Starter stage|Starter]]): The original SNES version of this iconic track returns as a retro stage.{{clr}} | *{{GameIcon|SSB4-3DS}}[[File:MuteCitySNESIconSSBU.png|75px|right|link=Mute City SNES]]'''[[Mute City SNES]]''' ([[Starter stage|Starter]]): The original SNES version of this iconic track returns as a retro stage.{{clr}} | ||
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===Mii Costume=== | ===Mii Costume=== | ||
====Outfit==== | ====Outfit==== | ||
*{{Head|Mii Brawler|g=SSBU|s=24x24px}} '''[[Captain Falcon|Captain Falcon Outfit]]''' | *{{Head|Mii Brawler|g=SSBU|s=24x24px}} '''[[Captain Falcon|Captain Falcon Outfit]]''' | ||
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*{{GameIcon|SSBB}}'''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|Mute City (Brawl)}}''': Another remix of the Mute City theme with a piano in addition to the guitar, from ''F-Zero''. Returns from ''Brawl''. | *{{GameIcon|SSBB}}'''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|Mute City (Brawl)}}''': Another remix of the Mute City theme with a piano in addition to the guitar, from ''F-Zero''. Returns from ''Brawl''. | ||
*{{GameIcon|SSBB}}'''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|White Land (Remix)|White Land}}''': A remix of the themes from White Land I and White Land II, from ''F-Zero''. Returns from ''Brawl''. | *{{GameIcon|SSBB}}'''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|White Land (Remix)|White Land}}''': A remix of the themes from White Land I and White Land II, from ''F-Zero''. Returns from ''Brawl''. | ||
*{{GameIcon|SSBB}}'''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|Fire Field (Remix)|Fire Field}}''': An intense remix of the Fire Field theme from ''F-Zero''. Returns from Brawl | *{{GameIcon|SSBB}}'''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|Fire Field (Remix)|Fire Field}}''': An intense remix of the Fire Field theme from ''F-Zero''. Returns from Brawl. | ||
*{{GameIcon|SSB4}}'''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|Mute City (for 3DS / Wii U)}}''': A techno-based remix of the Mute City theme from ''F-Zero''. Returns from ''Smash 4''. | *{{GameIcon|SSB4}}'''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|Mute City (for 3DS / Wii U)}}''': A techno-based remix of the Mute City theme from ''F-Zero''. Returns from ''Smash 4''. | ||
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==Games with elements appearing in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series== | ==Games with elements appearing in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series== | ||
===''F-Zero''=== | The ''F-Zero'' universe has games represented throughout the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series with a total of 4 represented games. The latest game represented in this universe is ''{{s|fzerowiki|F-Zero GX}}'', released on July 25, 2003. | ||
*Playable | |||
===''{{s|fzerowiki|F-Zero}}''=== | |||
*Playable characters: | |||
**{{GameIcon|SSB}} [[Captain Falcon]] debuts in this game as a playable racer. | **{{GameIcon|SSB}} [[Captain Falcon]] debuts in this game as a playable racer. | ||
**{{GameIcon|SSB4}} Captain Falcon also appears as a costume for the {{SSB4|Mii Brawler}}. | |||
**{{GameIcon|SSBB}} [[Blue Falcon]] debuts as Captain Falcon’s signature vehicle. | **{{GameIcon|SSBB}} [[Blue Falcon]] debuts as Captain Falcon’s signature vehicle. | ||
* | **{{GameIcon|SSB}} Captain Falcon's green costume is based on the Wild Goose. | ||
**{{GameIcon| | **{{GameIcon|SSB}} Captain Falcon's blue costume is based on his appearance in this game. | ||
*Stages: | |||
**{{GameIcon|SSBM}} [[Mute City]] debuts as a track in this game. | |||
**{{GameIcon|SSBM}} [[Big Blue]] debuts as a track in this game. | **{{GameIcon|SSBM}} [[Big Blue]] debuts as a track in this game. | ||
*Stage | *Stage elements: | ||
**{{GameIcon|SSBM}} Several racers appear in the background or as platforms. | **{{GameIcon|SSBM}} Several racers appear in the background or as platforms. | ||
**{{GameIcon|SSBM}} The [[Falcon Flyer]] is first mentioned in this game’s manual. | **{{GameIcon|SSBM}} The [[Falcon Flyer]] is first mentioned in this game’s manual. | ||
*Assist Trophy | *Assist Trophy: | ||
**{{GameIcon|SSBB}} [[Samurai Goroh]] appears as an assist trophy. | **{{GameIcon|SSBB}} [[Samurai Goroh]] appears as an assist trophy. | ||
*Trophies | *Trophies: | ||
**{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBB | **{{GameIcon|SSBM}} Captain Falcon, Blue Falcon, Falcon Flyer, Samurai Goroh, [[Dr. Stewart]], Golden Fox, Fire Stingray and Mute City appear as trophies | ||
*Stickers | **{{GameIcon|SSBB}} Captain Falcon, Blue Falcon, Samurai Goroh, Dr. Stewart, Golden Fox, Pico, and Wild Goose appear as trophies. | ||
**{{GameIcon|SSB4}} Blue Falcon, Golden Fox, Wild Goose, Fire Stingray and Mute City appear as trophies. | |||
*Stickers: | |||
**{{GameIcon|SSBB}} Captain Falcon, Samurai Goroh, Golden Fox, Wild Goose, Fire Stingray and Dr. Stewart appear as stickers. | **{{GameIcon|SSBB}} Captain Falcon, Samurai Goroh, Golden Fox, Wild Goose, Fire Stingray and Dr. Stewart appear as stickers. | ||
*Spirits: | |||
*Spirits | |||
**{{GameIcon|SSBU}} Captain Falcon, Dr. Stewart, Samurai Goroh and Pico appear as spirits. | **{{GameIcon|SSBU}} Captain Falcon, Dr. Stewart, Samurai Goroh and Pico appear as spirits. | ||
*Music | *Music: | ||
**{{GameIcon| | **{{GameIcon|SSB4}} "'''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|Mute City (Original)}}'''": This track uses the original ''SNES'' Mute City music from ''F-Zero''. It is used on the same stage of the same name in the 3DS version and on Port Town Aero Dive in the Wii U version. | ||
**{{GameIcon|SSBM}} ''' | **{{GameIcon|SSBM}} "'''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|Mute City (Melee)}}'''": A remix of the rock music heard on the first track in F-Zero X. Later Renamed to “Mute City (Melee).” | ||
**{{GameIcon|SSBB}} '''Mute City''' | **{{GameIcon|SSBB}} "'''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|Mute City (Brawl)}}'''": A slightly more subdued remix of the series standby track theme that calls parallels to its remix in F-Zero GX. Later renamed to “Mute City Ver. 2” and again renamed to “Mute City (Brawl).” | ||
**{{GameIcon| | **{{GameIcon|SSB4}} "'''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|Mute City (for 3DS / Wii U)}}'''": This track is a remastered version of the original ''SNES'' Mute City music. It is used on the new Mute City stage in the 3DS version and on Port Town Aero Dive in the Wii U version. Later renamed to “Mute City (for 3DS / Wii U).” | ||
**{{GameIcon|SSB4}} "'''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|Big Blue (Original)}}'''": The original track, sourced from the game. | |||
**{{GameIcon|SSBM}} "'''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|Big Blue (Melee)}}'''": A similar remix of the rock music heard on tracks in F-Zero X that take place on the planet Big Blue. Later renamed to “Big Blue (Melee).” | |||
**{{GameIcon|SSB4}} ''' | **{{GameIcon|SSBU}} "'''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|Big Blue (Remix)}}'''": A new, trance-inspired remix of the [[Big Blue]] theme from ''{{iw|fzerowiki|F-Zero|game}}''. | ||
**{{GameIcon|SSBU}} '''Big Blue''': A new, trance-inspired remix of the [[Big Blue]] theme from ''{{iw|fzerowiki|F-Zero|game}}''. | **{{GameIcon|SSB4}} "'''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|Sand Ocean (Original)}}'''": The original track, sourced from the game. | ||
**{{GameIcon|SSBU}} '''Sand Ocean''': A remix of the Sand Ocean theme from ''F-Zero''. | **{{GameIcon|SSBU}} "'''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|Sand Ocean (Remix)}}'''": A remix of the Sand Ocean theme from ''F-Zero''. | ||
**{{GameIcon|SSBU}} '''F-ZERO Medley''': A medley of various themes from ''F-Zero'' featuring vocal backing; it consists of the "Life Lost" jingle, "{{iw|fzerowiki|Death Wind}}", "{{iw|fzerowiki|White Land}}", "{{iw|fzerowiki|Fire Field}}", "[[Mute City]]", "{{iw|fzerowiki|Red Canyon}}", and "{{iw|fzerowiki|Port Town}}". | **{{GameIcon|SSBU}} "'''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|Death Wind}}'''": Taken directly from F-Zero, where it plays on the Death Wind course. | ||
**{{GameIcon|SSBU}} '''White Land''': The White Land I theme, sourced from ''F-Zero''. | **{{GameIcon|SSBU}} "'''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|F-ZERO Medley}}'''": A medley of various themes from ''F-Zero'' featuring vocal backing; it consists of the "Life Lost" jingle, "{{iw|fzerowiki|Death Wind}}", "{{iw|fzerowiki|White Land}}", "{{iw|fzerowiki|Fire Field}}", "[[Mute City]]", "{{iw|fzerowiki|Red Canyon}}", and "{{iw|fzerowiki|Port Town}}". | ||
**{{GameIcon|SSBU}} '''White Land II''': The White Land theme, sourced from ''F-Zero''. | **{{GameIcon|SSBU}} "'''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|Silence}}'''": The {{iw|fzerowiki|Silence}} theme, sourced from ''F-Zero''. | ||
**{{GameIcon|SSBU}} "'''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|Port Town}}'''": The Port Town theme, sourced from ''F-Zero''. | |||
**{{GameIcon|SSBU}} "'''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|Red Canyon}}'''": The Red Canyon theme, sourced from ''F-Zero''. | |||
**{{GameIcon|SSBU}} "'''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|White Land (Original)}}'''": The White Land I theme, sourced from ''F-Zero''. | |||
**{{GameIcon|SSBB}} "'''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|White Land (Remix)}}'''": This was the track that played on all of the White Land tracks. | |||
**{{GameIcon|SSBU}} "'''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|White Land II}}'''": The White Land theme, sourced from ''F-Zero''. | |||
**{{GameIcon|SSBU}} "'''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|Fire Field (Original)}}'''": The Fire Field theme, sourced from ''F-Zero''. | |||
**{{GameIcon|SSBB}} "'''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|Fire Field (Remix)}}'''": The music that plays on the Fire Field track in the original F-Zero. This track is also played during Captain Falcon's Classic Mode credits. | |||
*Misc: | |||
**{{GameIcon|SSBB}} This game appears as a [[Masterpieces|masterpiece]] in ''Brawl'' and ''Smash for Wii U.'' | |||
===''F-Zero X''=== | ===''{{s|fzerowiki|F-Zero X}}''=== | ||
*Playable | *Playable characters: | ||
**{{GameIcon|SSB}}{{GameIcon| | **{{GameIcon|SSB}} Captain Falcon’s design is largely inspired by this game. | ||
*Stages | **{{GameIcon|SSB}} Captain Falcon's black costume is based on his appearance from the Japanese commercial of this game. | ||
**{{GameIcon|SSB}} Blood Falcon, who debuted in this game, appears as an alternate costume for Captain Falcon. | |||
**{{GameIcon|SSB}} Jody Summer, who debuted in this game, appears as an alternate costume for Captain Falcon. | |||
*Stages: | |||
**{{GameIcon|SSBM}} The designs of Mute City and Big Blue are inspired by this game. | **{{GameIcon|SSBM}} The designs of Mute City and Big Blue are inspired by this game. | ||
*Stage | *Stage elements: | ||
**{{GameIcon|SSBM}} The models for the cars on this stage are ripped directly from this game. | **{{GameIcon|SSBM}} The models for the cars on this stage are ripped directly from this game. | ||
*Trophies | *Trophies: | ||
**{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}} | **{{GameIcon|SSBM}} F-Zero racers and Jody Summer appear as trophies. | ||
*Stickers | **{{GameIcon|SSBB}} Jody Summer, White Cat, Mr. EAD, Great Star, The Skull, Sonic Phantom, Blood Falcon, Blood Hawk, Black Shadow, Black Bull, and Zoda and Death Anchor appear as trophies. | ||
**{{GameIcon|SSB4}} Jody Summer, White Cat, Mr. EAD, Great Star, James McCloud, Little Wyvern, Zoda, Death Anchor, The Skull, Sonic Phantom, Blood Falcon, Blood Hawk, Black Shadow, and Black Bull appear as trophies. | |||
*Stickers: | |||
**{{GameIcon|SSBB}} Red Gazelle, Blood Falcon, Octoman , Mr. EAD, White Tiger, Black Shadow, Iron Tiger and Gomar & Shioh appear as stickers. Captain Falcon (F-Zero X) and Samurai Goroh (F-Zero X) use artwork from this game. | **{{GameIcon|SSBB}} Red Gazelle, Blood Falcon, Octoman , Mr. EAD, White Tiger, Black Shadow, Iron Tiger and Gomar & Shioh appear as stickers. Captain Falcon (F-Zero X) and Samurai Goroh (F-Zero X) use artwork from this game. | ||
*Spirits | *Spirits: | ||
**{{GameIcon|SSBU}} Mighty Gazelle, Octoman, Bio Rex, Blood Falcon, Jack Levin, Zoda, Black Shadow, Jody Summer, Baba, Mr. EAD and The Skull appear as spirits. | **{{GameIcon|SSBU}} Mighty Gazelle, Octoman, Bio Rex, Blood Falcon, Jack Levin, Zoda, Black Shadow, Jody Summer, Baba, Mr. EAD and The Skull appear as spirits. | ||
*Music | *Music: | ||
**{{GameIcon| | **{{GameIcon|SSBB}} "'''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|Car Select}}'''": Taken directly from the menu track from F-Zero X. | ||
**{{GameIcon|SSBM}} "'''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|Mute City (Melee)}}'''": A remix of the rock music heard on the first track in F-Zero X for N64, Mute City. It is heard in {{SSBM|Mute City}}. | |||
**{{GameIcon|SSBM}} ''' | **{{GameIcon|SSB}} "'''[[Victory theme#F-Zero Victory Theme|Victory! Captain Falcon]]'''": The victory fanfare of [[Captain Falcon]], both used in ''64'' and ''Melee'', is a techno rock remix of the end-of-race track heard in ''F-Zero X''. | ||
**{{GameIcon|SSBM}} ''' | **{{GameIcon|SSBM}} "'''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|Big Blue (Melee)}}'''": A similar remix of the rock music heard on tracks in F-Zero X that take place on the planet Big Blue. It is heard in [[Big Blue]] as the primary track. | ||
**{{GameIcon|SSBB}} ''' | **{{GameIcon|SSBB}} "'''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|Dream Chaser}}'''": The track that played on all of the Silence tracks in F-Zero X. | ||
**{{GameIcon|SSBB}} "'''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|Devil's Call in Your Heart}}'''": The music track that played on all of the Devil's Forest racetracks, it is taken directly from F-Zero X. | |||
**{{GameIcon|SSBB}} '''Devil's Call in Your Heart''' | **{{GameIcon|SSBB}} "'''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|Climb Up! And Get the Last Chance!}}'''": Taken directly from F-Zero X, this one played on the game's White Land races. | ||
**{{GameIcon|SSBB}} '''Climb Up! | |||
**{{GameIcon| | ===''{{s|fzerowiki|F-Zero AX}}''=== | ||
*Playable characters: | |||
**{{GameIcon|SSBB}} Captain Falcon’s design has been updated with elements of his design from this game and its console counterpart. | |||
*Assist Trophy: | |||
**{{GameIcon|SSBB}} Samurai Goroh uses his design from this game and its console counterpart. | |||
*Music: | |||
**{{GameIcon|SSBB}} "'''[[Victory theme#F-Zero Victory Theme|Victory! Captain Falcon]]'''": The theme played whenever the player successfully completed a race in ''F-Zero AX'' and ''F-Zero GX''. It is used in every title after ''Brawl'' | |||
**{{GameIcon|SSBB}} "'''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|Planet Colors}}'''": This was the track that played in F-Zero AX and F-Zero GX on all of the Green Plant racetracks. | |||
===''F-Zero GX''=== | ===''{{s|fzerowiki|F-Zero GX}}''=== | ||
* | *Stages: | ||
**{{GameIcon|SSBB}} [[Port Town Aero Dive]] debuts as a track in this game. | |||
*Trophies: | |||
**{{GameIcon|SSBB}} [[Port Town Aero | |||
*Trophies | |||
**{{GameIcon|SSB4}} Deathborn appears as a trophy. | **{{GameIcon|SSB4}} Deathborn appears as a trophy. | ||
*Stickers | *Stickers: | ||
**{{GameIcon|SSBB}} Red Gazelle, Blood Falcon, Wild Goose, Blood Falcon, Octoman, Captain Falcon (F-Zero GX), Golden Fox, Mr. EAD, Fire Stingray, Dr. Stewart, White Cat, Black Shadow, Gomar & Shioh, Blue Falcon and Iron Tiger use artwork from this game. | **{{GameIcon|SSBB}} Red Gazelle, Blood Falcon, Wild Goose, Blood Falcon, Octoman, Captain Falcon (F-Zero GX), Golden Fox, Mr. EAD, Fire Stingray, Dr. Stewart, White Cat, Black Shadow, Gomar & Shioh, Blue Falcon and Iron Tiger use artwork from this game. | ||
*Spirits | *Spirits: | ||
**{{GameIcon|SSBU}} Captain Falcon, Dr. Stewart, Pico, Samurai Goroh, Mighty Gazelle, Octoman, Bio Rex, Blood Falcon, Jack Levin, Zoda, Black Shadow, Jody Summer, Baba, Mr. EAD and The Skull use artwork from this game. | **{{GameIcon|SSBU}} Captain Falcon, Dr. Stewart, Pico, Samurai Goroh, Mighty Gazelle, Octoman, Bio Rex, Blood Falcon, Jack Levin, Zoda, Black Shadow, Jody Summer, Baba, Mr. EAD and The Skull use artwork from this game. | ||
*Music | *Music: | ||
**{{GameIcon|SSBB}} ''' | **{{GameIcon|SSBB}} "'''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|Brain Cleaner}}'''": The track that played in F-Zero GX while viewing race replays, it is taken directly from said game. | ||
**{{GameIcon|SSBB}} "'''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|Shotgun Kiss}}'''": This track played on all of the Casino Palace tracks in F-Zero GX and happens to be taken directly from it. | |||
**{{GameIcon|SSBB}} '''Shotgun Kiss''' | |||
==Trivia== | ==Trivia== | ||
*''F-Zero'' and {{uv|Punch-Out!!}} are the only universes where none of their playable characters have any projectile attacks. | *''F-Zero'' and {{uv|Punch-Out!!}} are the only universes where none of their playable characters have any projectile attacks. | ||
*''F-Zero'', {{uv|Kirby}}, {{uv|The Legend of Zelda}} and {{uv|Super Smash Bros.}} itself are the only universes to use the same series symbol throughout the entire ''Smash Bros.'' series. | *''F-Zero'', {{uv|Kirby}}, {{uv|The Legend of Zelda}} and {{uv|Super Smash Bros.}} itself are the only universes to use the same series symbol throughout the entire ''Smash Bros.'' series. | ||
*''F-Zero'' is one of four series not to have a home stage for a fighter in the installment they were first included in, the other three being ''EarthBound'', {{uv|Fire Emblem}}, and {{uv|R.O.B.}} | *''F-Zero'' is one of four series not to have a home stage for a fighter in the installment they were first included in, the other three being ''EarthBound'', {{uv|Fire Emblem}}, and {{uv|R.O.B.}} | ||
**This was technically the case for {{uv|Wii Fit}} and {{uv|Duck Hunt}} as well, as neither series received a stage in ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'', though the {{b|Duck Hunt|stage}} stage would later be added as free DLC to the 3DS version of ''Smash 4'' | **This was technically the case for {{uv|Wii Fit}} and {{uv|Duck Hunt}} as well, as neither series received a stage in ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'' at launch, though the {{b|Duck Hunt|stage}} stage would later be added as free DLC to the 3DS version of ''Smash 4''. | ||
*''F-Zero'' and {{uv|Banjo-Kazooie}} are the only franchises in the ''Smash Bros.'' series to feature a playable character that debuted in a racing game, though ''Banjo-Kazooie'' itself represents the platformer genre. | |||
*''F-Zero'' and {{uv|Banjo-Kazooie}} are the only franchises in the ''Smash Bros.'' series to feature a playable character that | |||
==External links== | ==External links== |
Latest revision as of 00:20, September 2, 2024
F-Zero (universe) | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Developer(s) | Nintendo Amusement Vision/Sega Nd Cube Suzak Nintendo Software Technology |
Publisher(s) | Nintendo Sega (F-Zero AX) |
Genre(s) | Racing |
Console/platform of origin | Super Nintendo Entertainment System |
First installment | F-Zero (1990) |
Latest installment | F-Zero 99 (2023) |
Article on F-Zero Wiki | F-Zero (universe) |
The F-Zero universe, officially stylized as F-ZERO, refers to the Smash Bros. series' collection of characters, stages, and properties that hail from Nintendo's F-Zero series of futuristic racing games. The universe's primary representation is the playable character Captain Falcon, and has been on his own in this form since the franchise's debut in the original Smash Bros.
After the Japan-only release of F-Zero Climax in 2004, the series went on a hiatus and was largely dormant for almost 20 years, only receiving primary representation in the Smash Bros. series, two courses and a kart in the Mario Kart series, and a minigame in Nintendo Land since Climax's release outside of amiibo functionality. The series suddenly returned in September 2023 with the release of F-Zero 99 as a Nintendo Switch Online game.
Franchise description[edit]
The F-Zero series is set centuries into the future, where humankind has since adapted its social framework into a galaxy teeming with a variety of sapient alien races. Multi-billionaire tycoons seeking entertainment sponsor high-tech racing tournaments that are spiritual successors to the Formula One races from centuries past, and are named the "F-Zero Grand Prix". F-Zero races are conducted in plasma-powered hovercars that hover one foot above the track with anti-gravitational technology and can reach speeds of well over 1000 kilometers per hour, and gigantic miles-long tracks hanging far above the surface of various planets comprise the courses in each game. The F-Zero Grand Prix is an extremely dangerous high-octane sport; careless racing machines regularly fly off the tracks to their doom on the surface of the planet far below, while others get demolished as they literally push and grind against each other while vying for first place. Every racing machine comes equipped with a shield barrier to ensure its longevity somewhat, but some of that power may be diverted to a boost in speed.
Several dozen F-Zero racers race at a time in some games, and each pilot has a different reason for taking part in the grand prix, whether it is intergalactic fame, the monetary grand prize, or satisfying some sort of vendetta against another racer or group. Each individual machine is balanced in relation to each other with different gradings in the areas of Body, Weight, Boost, and Grip. The wide cast of humans, aliens, monsters, androids, and other life forms that race against each other are designed in an aesthetic style reminiscent of American comic books, and the recurring character that is the closest to being the series' "mascot" is a space-faring bounty hunter named Captain Falcon, whose wardrobe gives him the appearance of a comic book superhero and whose multiple rivals resemble stereotypical supervillains. Disregarding the alternate-universe GP Legend subseries, there is usually little heed paid to continuity between installments in the series, and little focus on up-front storytelling in a given game itself, except for the story mode in F-Zero GX.
The original F-Zero had a very privileged position in Nintendo's release timeline. Developed simultaneously with Super Mario World and Pilotwings, this seminal entry was a launch title for Super Famicom and its western equivalent, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, and was the technical showpiece for the console's innovative "Mode 7" graphics-rendering technique. This form of texture mapping available on the SNES allowed a raster graphical plane to be rotated and scaled freely, and its usage in F-Zero to partially simulate three-dimensional environments without processing polygons was lauded for providing F-Zero the most convincing racetracks that had yet been seen on a home console. F-Zero was widely praised and financially successful both for its technical achievements and for delivering responsive gameplay supplemented by a wide track variety and a steady increase in challenge, and is credited both for reinvigorating the racing genre and for establishing a sub-genre of racing games that featured a futuristic aesthetic.
Considering the success of the first game, Nintendo notably did not jump into developing a sequel for several years, and what was technically the second installment of the franchise, BS F-Zero Grand Prix, was released in two separate incarnations as downloadable titles for the Satellaview, a Japan-exclusive attachment for the Super Famicom, in the mid-1990s. The sequel would eventually release in 1998 for Nintendo 64 as F-Zero X. Continuing the tradition of being a technical showcase for the console, F-Zero X was able to create large, complex tracks with high speeds and many cars on screen at once all while maintaining an unbroken 60 frames per second. The game was received positively for its impressive technical elements, refined gameplay, hard rock soundtrack, and abundance of content, some reviewers pointed out that the framerate came at a cost of visual detail. A subsequent Japanese-only release for the short-lived Nintendo 64DD add-on, the F-Zero X Expansion Kit, was the first 64DD disk exclusively designed as an add-on to work in conjunction with a Nintendo 64 cartridge inserted into the base console; it primarily added both a vehicle-creation feature and a track-creation tool that was virtually the same tool used during the development of the game itself.
The series once again mirrored its roots as a technical showcase for a newly launched Nintendo system with the Game Boy Advance launch title F-Zero: Maximum Velocity, which transplanted the Mode 7 presentation style of the original into a handheld system. Then, the series made its most technically advanced appearance yet in F-Zero GX for the Nintendo GameCube in 2003. This is the first entry in the series not developed in-house, and was instead outsourced to Sega as the first official collaboration between the two since their pulling out of the console market. This game was lauded for being the best racing game for the GameCube; critically acclaimed elements include its visuals, high sense of speed and intensity, track design, challenge, and fleshed-out single-player modes, with some criticism leveled against a very sharp difficulty slant. An arcade counterpart to this title named F-Zero AX was published by Sega for the Triforce arcade system board (a system that was conceived from a business alliance between Sega, Nintendo, and Namco), and it featured special connectivity with the GameCube title in which a player that inserted a Nintendo GameCube memory card into the F-Zero AX system could instantly unlock content in F-Zero GX that would normally require successful playthroughs on high difficulties to access.
Following this, Nintendo attempted an alternate-universe take on the franchise with a 51-episode anime series, F-Zero: GP Legend, which began airing in October 2003 to September 2004. Only 15 of these episodes were dubbed by 4Kids Entertainment outside of Japan, though voice actors claim that all episodes were dubbed before being canceled.[1]. Two companion games for the anime, both on Game Boy Advance. the first is a game of the same name and the second titled F-Zero Climax. Both were released in Japan near the end of 2003 and 2004, respectively. However, F-Zero Climax never released outside Japan due to the cancellation of the anime dub. Despite F-Zero having been consistently featured as one of the contending Nintendo franchises in every installment of the Super Smash Bros. series since that series' inception, the F-Zero franchise itself remained dormant for almost 20 years ever since the release of F-Zero Climax, and only some series elements made intermittent and minor appearances outside of Smash Bros. since then. On September 14th, 2023, the F-Zero series suddenly returned with the announcement and release of F-Zero 99 as a free Nintendo Switch Online game. The game is a spin on the classic F-Zero formula with 99 concurrent players in a single race and a greater emphasis on car combat and sabotaging opponents. It was the first game in the series to be developed by a Western studio, as Nintendo Software Technology worked on it.
In Super Smash Bros.[edit]
F-Zero is one of the "bonus franchises" in the original Super Smash Bros., as it contributes one unlockable character, one victory theme, and absolutely nothing else - no stages and no items based on F-Zero appear in the game. Before being unlocked, Captain Falcon makes his appearance in Samus' stage (both Samus and Captain Falcon are known to be bounty hunters, in addition to both having originated from science fiction franchises). Super Smash Bros. also marked the only time an F-Zero newcomer was introduced.
Fighter[edit]
- Captain Falcon (Unlockable): Captain Falcon appears as an unlockable character in the original Super Smash Bros. His design is based off his appearance from F-Zero X, and his moveset is original to the game. His neutral special is the famous Falcon Punch, which has a considerable amount of startup lag, with extremely high knockback and damage output to compensate. His attacks are very fast, and overall can combo into each other well. Captain Falcon currently lies in the A tier of the current SSB tier list, in 3rd place.
Music[edit]
- 23: C. Falcon Wins: The victory theme of Captain Falcon is a techno rock remix of the end-of-race track heard in F-Zero X.
In Super Smash Bros. Melee[edit]
F-Zero had its representation in the Smash series expanded upon in Super Smash Bros. Melee, with one character, two new stages and many new trophies, and all 30 F-Zero Racers appear together in those stages and trophies as well.
Fighter[edit]
- Captain Falcon (Starter): Captain Falcon is still the only playable F-Zero character in the game, but with a new Raptor Boost dash-uppercut attack as his new side special move. His appearance is still based off F-Zero X. He remains a high-tier character for his fighting specifications. Falcon's evil DNA clone rival in the games, Blood Falcon, is playable as an alternative costume in the game.
Stages[edit]
Melee is the first game to introduce stages for the F-Zero series.
- F-Zero Grand Prix: Mute City (Starter): Taking place on the first racetrack of F-Zero X, this stage is unique in that it is a platform that routinely travels along the track, then stops and changes shape for a moment as players must both battle and stay out of the way of racing F-Zero machines that appear from the background, lest the characters get damaged. It is currently banned in Melee tournaments, though it was formerly legal in singles battles.
- F-Zero Grand Prix: Big Blue (Unlockable): Taking place on a racetrack on a planet named Big Blue, this stage takes place on the F-Zero racing machines themselves as they zoom along at consistent speeds as disconnected platforms. Some items and Pokémon will fly off towards the left if sent out, due to the fact that they are floating in place, but the stage is moving.
Music[edit]
- Mute City: A remix of the rock music heard on the first track in F-Zero X for N64, Mute City. It is heard in Mute City. It is Song 17 in the Sound Test.
- Big Blue: A similar remix of the rock music heard on tracks in F-Zero X that take place on the planet Big Blue. It is heard in Big Blue as the primary track. It is Song 18 in the Sound Test.
- Capt. Falcon's Victory: The victory theme of Captain Falcon is a rock remix of the end-of-race track heard in F-Zero X. It is Song 46 in the Sound Test.
Trophies[edit]
In Super Smash Bros. Brawl[edit]
A fair amount of content from the F-Zero universe appears in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.
Fighter[edit]
- Captain Falcon (Unlockable): Like Melee, Captain Falcon is still the only playable F-Zero character in the game. He resembles his Melee design, but now has the scarf from his GX appearance. He has the same moves as in Melee, along with his final smash, Blue Falcon. When he uses this, he and the opponent(s) he is facing are taken onto an unknown race track where the Blue Falcon comes, Captain Falcon hops in it, and he drives it straight into his opponent. The opponent is then sent flying. When he uses Falcon Punch, the player can tilt the control stick the opposite direction he is facing, and he will suddenly turn around, and hit the opponent that was behind him. However, his tier position has went from 8th (high tier) to 34th (fifth to last) due to a nerf in speed and power.
On the final character select screen (after all characters are unlocked), Captain Falcon joins the Star Fox characters in the sixth column. All these characters fly spaceships (hence having a choice of fighting only up to two of these in Classic Mode).
Stages[edit]
Melee Stages: Big Blue (Unlockable): A returning stage from Melee. A significant change is that floating items like Pokémon don't disappear instantly. However, bumpers can't be placed in midair. The Falcon Flyer has also been scaled down.
- Port Town Aero Dive (Starter): A stage based on the race course of the same name from F-Zero GX. Similar to the Mute City stage from Melee, this battlefield takes place atop a moving platform that stops off at different points of the racetrack and players must dodge the F-Zero machines that make their way across the track. These machines are both significantly more powerful and far bigger than they were in Mute City, and are often more difficult to see coming.
Assist Trophy[edit]
- Samurai Goroh: Captain Falcon's hefty rival slashes at opponents with huge sword swipes.
Music[edit]
Original Tracks[edit]
- Mute City: A slightly more subdued remix of the series standby track theme that calls parallels to its remix in F-Zero GX. It is used on the Port Town Aero Dive stage.
- Fire Field: The music that plays on the Fire Field track in the original F-Zero. It is used on the Port Town Aero Dive stage. This track is also played during Captain Falcon's Classic Mode credits.
- White Land: This was the track that played on all of the White Land tracks. It is used on the Port Town Aero Dive stage.
Returning Tracks[edit]
Big Blue (Melee): Taken directly from Melee. It is used on the Big Blue stage.
Mute City (Melee): Taken directly from Melee. It is used on the Big Blue stage.
Source Tracks[edit]
- Car Select: Another track taken directly from the source, this one is the menu track from F-Zero X. It is used on the Port Town Aero Dive stage.
- Dream Chaser: The track that played on all of the Silence tracks in F-Zero X, this track is also taken directly from F-Zero X. It is used on the Port Town Aero Dive stage.
- Devil's Call in Your Heart: The music track that played on all of the Devil's Forest racetracks, it is taken directly from F-Zero X. It is used on the Port Town Aero Dive stage.
- Climb Up! And Get the Last Chance!: Yet another track taken directly from F-Zero X, this one played on the game's White Land races. It is used on the Port Town Aero Dive stage.
- Brain Cleaner: The track that played in F-Zero GX while viewing race replays, it is taken directly from said game. It is the theme of the Port Town Aero Dive stage.
- Shotgun Kiss: This track played on all of the Casino Palace tracks in F-Zero GX and happens to be taken directly from it. It is used on the Port Town Aero Dive stage.
- Planet Colors: This was the track that played in F-Zero GX on all of the Green Plant racetracks. It is used on the Port Town Aero Dive stage.
Victory Theme[edit]
- Victory! Captain Falcon: The theme played whenever the player successfully completed a race in F-Zero GX.
Trophies[edit]
Stickers[edit]
Masterpiece[edit]
In Super Smash Bros. 4[edit]
There has been little to no F-Zero releases since Brawl barring cameos in the Mario Kart series and Nintendo Land. Nevertheless, the series continues to be represented, arguably more closely linked to Smash Bros. than its own releases in the minds of those who know little to nothing about F-Zero.
Fighter[edit]
- Captain Falcon (Starter): Captain Falcon returns as a starter character in Super Smash Bros. 4. Captain Falcon has been significantly buffed from Brawl, in which he was a low-tier character despite his speed and power. Several of his moves have been given more reach and knockback, and some of his situational moves, such as his up tilt, have been greatly improved. Falcon's grab game has also been buffed, as his throws have less ending lag, allowing him to string together combos more reliably, much as he could before Brawl. Complementing this is his newly buffed dash grab, which comes out very quickly and covers a lot of distance. Falcon also significantly benefits from the changes to two of Brawl's mechanics - hitstun canceling, which is now only possible at higher percents and restored his comboing ability for lower percents, and chain grabbing, which is now impossible and was one of his biggest weaknesses in Brawl. As he is a heavyweight character, Falcon also benefits from the rage mechanic, without his combos being affected. As in SSB and Melee, Falcon is mainly a heavily offensive rushdown character who relies on overwhelming his opponents with rapid combos and powerful finishers.
Stages[edit]
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS[edit]
- Mute City (Unlockable): A brand new stage that is based on Mute City from the original F-Zero on SNES. Similar to Big Blue from Melee, it is possible to stand on the vehicles as they race along the track. The race goes towards the screen, rather than horizontally to the right. It is one of the few pixelated stages.
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U[edit]
Port Town Aero Dive (Starter): This stage returns from Brawl with new textures for the HD console.
Assist Trophy[edit]
Mii Costume[edit]
Outfit[edit]
Headwear[edit]
Music[edit]
Original Track[edit]
- Mute City Ver. 3: This track is a remastered version of the original SNES Mute City music. It is used on the new Mute City stage in the 3DS version and on Port Town Aero Dive in the Wii U version.
Returning Tracks[edit]
Mute City: Taken directly from Melee. This plays on Port Town Aero Dive.
Big Blue: Taken directly from Melee. This plays on Port Town Aero Dive.
Mute City Ver. 2: Taken directly from Brawl. This plays on Port Town Aero Dive.
Fire Field: Taken directly from Brawl. This plays on Port Town Aero Dive.
White Land: Taken directly from Brawl. This plays on Port Town Aero Dive.
Source Tracks[edit]
- Mute City: This track uses the original SNES Mute City music from F-Zero. It is used on the same stage of the same name in the 3DS version and on Port Town Aero Dive in the Wii U version.
- Red Canyon: This track uses the original SNES Red Canyon music from F-Zero. This plays on Port Town Aero Dive.
- Car Select: This track uses the original N64 Car Select music from F-Zero X, which first appeared on Brawl. This plays on Port Town Aero Dive.
- Dream Chaser: This track uses the original N64 Silence music from F-Zero X, which first appeared on Brawl. This plays on Port Town Aero Dive.
- Devil's Call In Your Heart: This track uses the original N64 Devil's Forest music from F-Zero X, which first appeared on Brawl. This plays on Port Town Aero Dive.
- Climb Up! And Get the Last Chance!: This track uses the original N64 White Land from F-Zero X, which first appeared on Brawl. This plays on Port Town Aero Dive.
- Brain Cleaner: This track uses the original NGC Replay music from F-Zero GX, which first appeared on Brawl. This plays on Port Town Aero Dive.
- Shotgun Kiss: This track uses the original NGC Casino Palace music from F-Zero GX, which first appeared on Brawl. This plays on Port Town Aero Dive.
- Planet Colors: This track uses the original NGC Green Plant music from F-Zero GX, which first appeared on Brawl. This plays on Port Town Aero Dive.
Victory Theme[edit]
- Victory! Captain Falcon: The theme played whenever the player successfully completed a race in F-Zero GX. Unchanged from Brawl.
Trophies[edit]
Masterpiece[edit]
In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[edit]
The F-Zero universe returns in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Fighter[edit]
- 11. Captain Falcon (Unlockable): The intergalactic bounty hunter returns as an unlockable fighter after being a starter in Smash 4. Captain Falcon has received a mix of buffs and nerfs in the transition to Ultimate. Many aspects of his playstyle have been adjusted through the transition, which has resulted in notable changes to the way he operates and an increase in his learning curve.
Stages[edit]
All F-Zero stages from past games aside from Mute City have returned.
Big Blue (Starter): the infamous circuit from Melee returns after being absent in Smash 4 as a retro stage.
Port Town Aero Dive (Starter): The track returns as a retro stage.
Mute City SNES (Starter): The original SNES version of this iconic track returns as a retro stage.
Assist Trophy[edit]
Mii Costume[edit]
Outfit[edit]
Headwear[edit]
Music[edit]
Original Tracks[edit]
Arrangements and remixes unique to Ultimate.
- Big Blue: A new, trance-inspired remix of the Big Blue theme from F-Zero.
- Sand Ocean: A remix of the Sand Ocean theme from F-Zero.
- F-ZERO Medley: A medley of various themes from F-Zero featuring vocal backing; it consists of the "Life Lost" jingle, "Death Wind", "White Land", "Fire Field", "Mute City", "Red Canyon", and "Port Town".
Returning Tracks[edit]
Arrangements and remixes from previous Smash Bros. titles.
Mute City (Melee): A guitar-led remix of the Mute City theme from F-Zero. Returns from Melee.
Big Blue (Melee): An airy remix of the Big Blue theme from F-Zero. Returns from Melee.
Mute City (Brawl): Another remix of the Mute City theme with a piano in addition to the guitar, from F-Zero. Returns from Brawl.
White Land: A remix of the themes from White Land I and White Land II, from F-Zero. Returns from Brawl.
Fire Field: An intense remix of the Fire Field theme from F-Zero. Returns from Brawl.
Mute City (for 3DS / Wii U): A techno-based remix of the Mute City theme from F-Zero. Returns from Smash 4.
Source Tracks[edit]
Tracks directly sourced from the F-Zero games.
- Mute City: The Mute City theme, sourced from F-Zero.
- Big Blue: The Big Blue theme, sourced from F-Zero.
- Sand Ocean: The Sand Ocean theme, sourced from F-Zero.
- Death Wind: taken directly from F-Zero, where it plays on the Death Wind course.
- Silence: The Silence theme, sourced from F-Zero.
- Port Town: The Port Town theme, sourced from F-Zero.
- Red Canyon: The Red Canyon theme, sourced from F-Zero.
- White Land: The White Land I theme, sourced from F-Zero.
- White Land II: The White Land theme, sourced from F-Zero.
- Fire Field: The Fire Field theme, sourced from F-Zero.
- Car Select: The theme when selecting a car, sourced from F-Zero X.
- Dream Chaser: The Silence theme, sourced from F-Zero X.
- Devil's Call in Your Heart: The Devil's Forest theme, sourced from F-Zero X.
- Climb Up! And Get the Last Chance!: The theme of the White land and Big Hand circuits, sourced from F-Zero X.
- Brain Cleaner: The theme when viewing replays, sourced from F-Zero GX.
- Shotgun Kiss: The Casino Palace theme, sourced from F-Zero GX.
- Planet Colors: The Green Plant theme, sourced from F-Zero GX.
Victory Theme[edit]
- Victory! F-Zero Series: An electric guitar-based remix of the race finish theme from F-Zero GX. Unchanged from Brawl and Smash 4.
Spirits[edit]
Games with elements appearing in the Super Smash Bros. series[edit]
The F-Zero universe has games represented throughout the Super Smash Bros. series with a total of 4 represented games. The latest game represented in this universe is F-Zero GX, released on July 25, 2003.
F-Zero[edit]
- Playable characters:
Captain Falcon debuts in this game as a playable racer.
Captain Falcon also appears as a costume for the Mii Brawler.
Blue Falcon debuts as Captain Falcon’s signature vehicle.
Captain Falcon's green costume is based on the Wild Goose.
Captain Falcon's blue costume is based on his appearance in this game.
- Stages:
- Stage elements:
Several racers appear in the background or as platforms.
The Falcon Flyer is first mentioned in this game’s manual.
- Assist Trophy:
Samurai Goroh appears as an assist trophy.
- Trophies:
Captain Falcon, Blue Falcon, Falcon Flyer, Samurai Goroh, Dr. Stewart, Golden Fox, Fire Stingray and Mute City appear as trophies
Captain Falcon, Blue Falcon, Samurai Goroh, Dr. Stewart, Golden Fox, Pico, and Wild Goose appear as trophies.
Blue Falcon, Golden Fox, Wild Goose, Fire Stingray and Mute City appear as trophies.
- Stickers:
- Spirits:
- Music:
"Mute City (Original)": This track uses the original SNES Mute City music from F-Zero. It is used on the same stage of the same name in the 3DS version and on Port Town Aero Dive in the Wii U version.
"Mute City (Melee)": A remix of the rock music heard on the first track in F-Zero X. Later Renamed to “Mute City (Melee).”
"Mute City (Brawl)": A slightly more subdued remix of the series standby track theme that calls parallels to its remix in F-Zero GX. Later renamed to “Mute City Ver. 2” and again renamed to “Mute City (Brawl).”
"Mute City (for 3DS / Wii U)": This track is a remastered version of the original SNES Mute City music. It is used on the new Mute City stage in the 3DS version and on Port Town Aero Dive in the Wii U version. Later renamed to “Mute City (for 3DS / Wii U).”
"Big Blue (Original)": The original track, sourced from the game.
"Big Blue (Melee)": A similar remix of the rock music heard on tracks in F-Zero X that take place on the planet Big Blue. Later renamed to “Big Blue (Melee).”
"Big Blue (Remix)": A new, trance-inspired remix of the Big Blue theme from F-Zero.
"Sand Ocean (Original)": The original track, sourced from the game.
"Sand Ocean (Remix)": A remix of the Sand Ocean theme from F-Zero.
"Death Wind": Taken directly from F-Zero, where it plays on the Death Wind course.
"F-ZERO Medley": A medley of various themes from F-Zero featuring vocal backing; it consists of the "Life Lost" jingle, "Death Wind", "White Land", "Fire Field", "Mute City", "Red Canyon", and "Port Town".
"Silence": The Silence theme, sourced from F-Zero.
"Port Town": The Port Town theme, sourced from F-Zero.
"Red Canyon": The Red Canyon theme, sourced from F-Zero.
"White Land (Original)": The White Land I theme, sourced from F-Zero.
"White Land (Remix)": This was the track that played on all of the White Land tracks.
"White Land II": The White Land theme, sourced from F-Zero.
"Fire Field (Original)": The Fire Field theme, sourced from F-Zero.
"Fire Field (Remix)": The music that plays on the Fire Field track in the original F-Zero. This track is also played during Captain Falcon's Classic Mode credits.
- Misc:
This game appears as a masterpiece in Brawl and Smash for Wii U.
F-Zero X[edit]
- Playable characters:
Captain Falcon’s design is largely inspired by this game.
Captain Falcon's black costume is based on his appearance from the Japanese commercial of this game.
Blood Falcon, who debuted in this game, appears as an alternate costume for Captain Falcon.
Jody Summer, who debuted in this game, appears as an alternate costume for Captain Falcon.
- Stages:
- Stage elements:
- Trophies:
F-Zero racers and Jody Summer appear as trophies.
Jody Summer, White Cat, Mr. EAD, Great Star, The Skull, Sonic Phantom, Blood Falcon, Blood Hawk, Black Shadow, Black Bull, and Zoda and Death Anchor appear as trophies.
Jody Summer, White Cat, Mr. EAD, Great Star, James McCloud, Little Wyvern, Zoda, Death Anchor, The Skull, Sonic Phantom, Blood Falcon, Blood Hawk, Black Shadow, and Black Bull appear as trophies.
- Stickers:
- Spirits:
- Music:
"Car Select": Taken directly from the menu track from F-Zero X.
"Mute City (Melee)": A remix of the rock music heard on the first track in F-Zero X for N64, Mute City. It is heard in Mute City.
"Victory! Captain Falcon": The victory fanfare of Captain Falcon, both used in 64 and Melee, is a techno rock remix of the end-of-race track heard in F-Zero X.
"Big Blue (Melee)": A similar remix of the rock music heard on tracks in F-Zero X that take place on the planet Big Blue. It is heard in Big Blue as the primary track.
"Dream Chaser": The track that played on all of the Silence tracks in F-Zero X.
"Devil's Call in Your Heart": The music track that played on all of the Devil's Forest racetracks, it is taken directly from F-Zero X.
"Climb Up! And Get the Last Chance!": Taken directly from F-Zero X, this one played on the game's White Land races.
F-Zero AX[edit]
- Playable characters:
- Assist Trophy:
- Music:
"Victory! Captain Falcon": The theme played whenever the player successfully completed a race in F-Zero AX and F-Zero GX. It is used in every title after Brawl
"Planet Colors": This was the track that played in F-Zero AX and F-Zero GX on all of the Green Plant racetracks.
F-Zero GX[edit]
- Stages:
Port Town Aero Dive debuts as a track in this game.
- Trophies:
- Stickers:
- Spirits:
- Music:
"Brain Cleaner": The track that played in F-Zero GX while viewing race replays, it is taken directly from said game.
"Shotgun Kiss": This track played on all of the Casino Palace tracks in F-Zero GX and happens to be taken directly from it.
Trivia[edit]
- F-Zero and Punch-Out!! are the only universes where none of their playable characters have any projectile attacks.
- F-Zero, Kirby, The Legend of Zelda and Super Smash Bros. itself are the only universes to use the same series symbol throughout the entire Smash Bros. series.
- F-Zero is one of four series not to have a home stage for a fighter in the installment they were first included in, the other three being EarthBound, Fire Emblem, and R.O.B.
- F-Zero and Banjo-Kazooie are the only franchises in the Smash Bros. series to feature a playable character that debuted in a racing game, though Banjo-Kazooie itself represents the platformer genre.
External links[edit]
| |
---|---|
Fighter | Captain Falcon (SSB · SSBM · SSBB · SSB4 · SSBU) |
Assist Trophy | Samurai Goroh |
Stages | Mute City · Big Blue · Port Town Aero Dive · Mute City SNES F-Zero Grand Prix (Adventure Mode) |
Vehicles | F-Zero Racers (Blue Falcon) · Falcon Flyer |
Trophies, Stickers and Spirits | Trophies (SSBM · SSBB · SSB4) · Stickers · Spirits |
Music | Brawl · SSB4 · Ultimate |
Masterpiece | F-Zero |