Soapbox: It's Time To Admit That F-Zero X Is The Best F-Zero

I was about to jokingly ridicule @antdickens, as clearly everyone agrees with me - F-Zero GX is no doubt the best, and 100% of voters agree with me. Then I realized I was the only that voted.

F zero gx is clearly the best no competition also I love the simplicity of the original f zero always playing it on my snes mini really wish there was a new version for switch in the pipeline

I laughed when I got the poll and it was 100% for GX.
Sadly after voting it's now only 78% for GX.

Did not read, only here to say that GX is the best! 😁

Surely nobody doubts this anyway?

@antdickens Not sure if that was sarcasm, but I actually did read it =) I just happened to be online right as you posted it, apparently. To be fair, I have a really hard time picking between X and GX. I think it just comes down to timing, and GX has stuck with me a bit more than X for whatever reason. At least X is getting some love now!

I don't really like any F-Zero.

But I do own a copy of GX (Which I never asked for or bought so I have no idea where it came from!). So I'll vote that.

@antdickens Nice piece, Ant. I'm more of an Extreme G fan, myself. But I did have loads of fun with F-Zero X

Maybe F-Zero Snes biased me into NOT liking the other ones. I think the snes one is the best. The other ones feel like wipeout.

The author is correct.

GX is unnecessarily hard. And the music isn't as great as that in X.

Ramming was faster to pull off in X also. A quick double tap, with no adjustment to your direction required.

Like the author, I jumped on importing the Japanese copy. But I didn't let converter issues stop me; I opened up my N64 and cut out the lockout tabs. That's right: I sliced up my Nintendo console for this game. And I have never regretted it.

@antdickens Nostalgia is rarely rational, right? So maybe I should take back my statement - I probably need to go back and play both again before making a definitive statement as to which is "best" - but GX is my favorite.

It is very clear from your writing here that your preference for X doesn't lie so much in the game itself, but rather the nostalgia you have surrounding that game and the time at which it was released. Nostalgia is a hell of a drug.

Great article and great timing as I just booted up X yesterday. You got boost power

F Zero X all the way, that Mute City guitar riff is unforgettable!

The GameCube F-zero title is currently the GOAT hands down.

F-Zero X is insanely good. But I still feel like GX is better (though difficult to a fault).

I still think a good case can be made for X being the best.

I was hoping to hear a bit about the 64DD expansion when I saw the box pictured. I'd REALLY like to hear about BS F-Zero Grand Prix 1 and 2, since information about that game basically doesn't exist on the internet. At least in English.

I still haven't played an F-zero game yet. Come on nintendo, it's time to bring the cap back home!

GX is without doubt the best. Nintendo is stumped as it’s probably impossible to surpass it. I’ll be more than happy with a remastered version with online time trials

"F-zero x" metascore: 85
"F-zero gx" metascore: 89
So F-Zero GX Is The Best F-zero of all time.

I can't really vote - I've only played the SNES original on the SNES mini.

> even the third-placed Sega Saturn was blessed with better racers than Nintendo's console

I'd argue that, the Saturn had more recognizable and fan favorite racers, but not necessarily better ones.

At first I thought you meant that the game in the UK released at £70 to £80! But oh, I see, that was the import price. I just had a look at an old GAME Christmas catalogue from 1998 (because I have that sort of thing lying around) and F-Zero X was £40 when it released. If you'd waited like three months, you could have had enough money left over for another game! To be fair, the Japanese box art is dope as heck, so, fair enough.

Sorry man. If you can't see how subtle F-Zero GX is, then that's on you. You can steer by breathing on the stick!

Haven't played it. I know this is a silly thing to do but I've been avoiding playing this game until Nintendo has actually managed to finally accurately emulate this game.

The options music in X far surpasses any music from GX. It’s literally harder than anything Metallica have put out in the last 30 years.

I picked the Maximum Velocity because it is the only one I ever bothered beating. Also it was my first GBA game. I got the GBA at launch and F-Zero was the best launch title IMO.

The reason we haven't gotten a new FZero is because FZero GX came out by Sega and did it better than Nintendo. Nintendo is even documented as asking for all of the source code as they were so impressed. Is it possible that Nintendo is simply too scared to try and one up GX now at the potential of looking like they can't make a better version than Sega!?

Also FZeroX is for people not good enough to play FZeroGX. Sorry dude - nothing to be ashamed about that.

The results speak loudest here. GX 4 Life

F-Zero X has the best music, GX has the best gameplay.

I think F-Zero GX is the better game but F-Zero X could've been better if the full version (as in being able to access the expansion kit content) was released outside Japan in some form (track creators really add a lot to racing games). See how Europe managed to get the American exclusive Super Mario Advance 4 levels on Wii U for example.

I'm a huge F-ZERO fan, GX is my fave!

I wish Ninty would make SX!

@antdickens You must be a heavy breather lol

F-Zero GX/AX is not only the best F-Zero, it's the best racing game ever. Followed closely by Mario Kart. F-Zero X was amazing though, still takes 3rd place after the original Snes one (And maximum velocity on GBA). I need a new F-Zero in my life!

I can't handle F-Zero's break neck speed. Wave Race is more up my alley. I would love a new Wave Race.

GX is the best. GX let you assemble your own racing machine, color them, put decals on them and choose whatever pilot you wanted, which gave even more life to the already content-rich and beautiful game. The only thing wrong with it was Story Mode's ludicrous difficulty in the higher levels.

They seriously need to remaster it for Switch. I have no idea why three Nintendo consoles (never mind handhelds) have come out since the Gamecube and this isn't a reality yet.

F-Zero X...I had some experience with it, but I only played the game briefly so I can only say it was...nice too.

Fantastic article. In my early teen years I spent so much time (remember free time!?) glued to both games, but I distinctly remember X just feeling so absolutely perfect that I often give it the nod in terms of what I like better, but GX is also as close to perfect as you can get, so I don't think I could ever actively choose.

In fact, I don't want to choose! leave me alone!

I voted GX, but it doesn't matter in the end because it's obvious the only one Nintendo cares about is the SNES one.

Off topic: who is that female character on the magazine cover in the yellow outfit? For the life of me I don't recognize her and I've been gaming for a long time...

My boy F-Zero GX called, he says you best be joking.

This forms part of a collection that Nintendo have no interest in anymore, bar cameo appearances. Games that I can think off which have skipped 2 generations or more......
F-zero
Wave racer
Metroid (could still skip switch due to delay)

I don't understand this! F-Zero X is (in my opinion) far superior to GX/AX. I like GX, and own it too, but X is just on another level. Perhaps it's just because I had the time as a teenager to sink lots of hours into X and I was a bit more grown up when GX came out, but I always feel there's something magical about X that hasn't been captured in subsequent F-Zero games.

@Dualmask I'm guessing she's from tekken

GX is clearly the best. SEGA did what Nintendidn't; make the best F-Zero game.

My favorite F-Zero was actually GP Legend, even though I haven't seen the anime, and it wasn't my first game from the series either.
My second favorite is the OG F-Zero. Incredible soundtrack, a great sense of speed, great level design... It aged very well. X was always one of my lesser favorites, but it's still cool.

For me, the choice between X and GX is really impossible. As the article says... They're both F-Zero, but they both have a very distinct flavor. And I love both flavors.

i've only played F-Zero on SNES via Wii U VC. so it's currently my favorite out of everything else. (that could change soon. )

I will say this about FZero X: It would have been a lights out amazing port on the 3DS with network support.

GX is the better game for me,but both are great

Once again: the superior opinion.

@Dualmask I want to say she's in Gauntlet Legends...but that's just a guess.

I've only played X. Not a racing game expert but I liked it. My only experience with GX was overhearing this conversation in a game store between a little boy holding a GX box and his father:
Boy: "Captain Falcon game!"
Father: "Can you play that with your brother?"
Boy: "Captain Falcon game!!!"
Father: "If you two can't play it together, I'm not buying it."
Boy: "CAPTAIN FALCON GAME!!!!!!!!!"
Father: "Put it down. We're leaving."

I liked all of them besides GX, I hated that one because they made it way too hard.

X is a very pure, nearly perfect game. Everything it does is executed flawlessly and polished to near perfection. I even think it still looks good. It's low poly graphics and bright colors running at a smooth 60 fps give it a distinct look that holds up much better than anything else from that era.

GX has a bunch of superfluous crap that adds nothing to the game. The story mode has a lot of variety but just isn't fun, the character profiles are boring, the cutscenes are awful, and F-Zero TV has to be the most asinine thing I've ever witnessed in a game.

BUT!!! GX is still better. Despite all the unnecessary stuff, GX has the edge where it matters. Tight controls, fantastic tracks, and an unparalleled sense of speed. GX will beat you down and spit in your face, but it is never unfair. You have all the tools you need to win, and when you do, it is the most satisfying feeling gaming has to offer. X is a great game. GX is my favorite game of all time.

I voted F-Zero X because of the emotional damage @antdickens would suffer from a landslide loss. I’m there for you buddy — bad life choices and all

I've never played GX, but I will say that I have a very soft spot for F-Zero X and if I were to ever play GX or AX, it would be very tough to beat the enjoyment I had for the N64 version. Next to Super Mario 64, I think F-Zero X is the best N64 game. It has alot of hardcore charm to it. The Deathmatch Mode, the heavy metal music, the fact that they remade N64 Rainbow Road as a playable course and the hypothetically infinite amount of enjoyment that can be found in the X Cup.

Even the original F-Zero is also a top contender for me for the record. The GBA instalments however just don't have that same tightness.

Shameful results so far. How can y'all call yourself Nintendo fans and vote en masse for a SEGA game? Rediculous!

Nah, GX is better. That game is just loaded with content and stuff to discover, It's also so, SO deliciously cheesy, a perfect representation of the F-Zero universe in my opinion.

Though F-Zero X is really good as well, I wish there was a more convenient way to experience that game with the awesome expansion content.

I agree love F-Zero X, GX is great for sure but X has that more Nintendo feel. Where GX more Sega influences. Both amazing but also don’t forget the glorious SNES F-Zero.

Can’t believe you completely failed to mention the best feature (according to my old house mate): playing 4-player, killing yourself off and then playing the roulette game to try and cripple the other racers.

A genius feature, completely missing from GX.

Also X had the best announcer ever. You got Boost Power!! You’re going the wrong way!!

All that and the X cup (which admittedly occasionally throws up a fair bit that’s either boring or unplayable) make this light years ahead of GX (though mission mode and custom cars are great additions).

GX is awesome. Though did get RedOut for the Xbox One in the recent sale. And ... Wow! Though it lacks characters and some of the more absurd F Zero tracks it's groovily sublime. HD spectacle with one of the best soundtracks, like a 90s throwback with modern threads.

Sorry but you're totally wrong. The first F-Zero is the best F-Zero.

We can close this thread now.

kk thx bye!

F Zero X is a really good game, but i prefer GX. They do have some decently sized differences physics wise which both have good things about them.

GX is fun. The story mode is a nice distraction. The fact that you can make your own racer is cool.

But the racing itself is superior in X.

F Zero X is the best game. I preferred the soundtrack and the physics. I agree that although different, GX was still well designed. Fond memories of the magazines. I would buy 2 mags a month, N64 and ONM.

SNES version since I’ve not played the others. Top Gear Rally and Extreme G on the N64 and Double Dash on the Cube were my racers.

TheRe won’t be many people that have played AX but it gets my vote because of the completely mental seat that swung from side to side when you turned a corner. I have never seen an Arcade machine since that had a seatbelt!

I was lucky enough to come across a machine in 2004 at the Trocadero in London and promptly put about a tenner in knowing full well I’d never see it again.

I haven't ever played any F Zero game. I just voted F Zero GX to be contrary to the author. Neat little history lesson though, good stuff.

The poll speaks for itself. GX is better in every way except for music.

I always have trouble winning on Master Difficult on F-ZERO X. While F-ZERO GX is tough, I have a much easier time winning (besides that Story Chapter 5 - Very Hard, which I swear is impossible).

Also no love for F-ZERO Climax? Such an awesome GBA game!

I agree.

Take away the visuals of F-Zero GX and the tracks just aren't as well designed; there's too many blind corners and obstacles you can't see until you basically hit them, and that's a flaw in the game design right there. Sure, some people played the tracks long enough that they remembered the layouts and don't hit every second wall, and those people probably think that means the tracks are fine--but they're wrong. Sometimes it's possible to over-design something, and that's what happened with many of the tracks in GX imo (especially just in terms of being a bit visually busy, making it harder to read them quickly/intuitively as you raced around at like 2000 km/h).

So, yeah, X is the best in the series as far as I'm concerned.

I do like that GX had actual cutscenes and stuff though, which really brought the F-Zero world to life--although, despite nailing the look of the characters and world really pretty great, the cgi looks terribly plasticky now. But, if they ever do a new F-Zero, I'd def like them to have cutscenes in there, just using the in-game engine time so they hold up better over time.

Of course, the original is still basically perfect for what it is too, but it lacks the multi-player of X that really took the series to the next level.

F Zero X was all about death race for me. If the gamecube version had death race, it would likely take my lead slot.

@antdickens I'll wholeheartedly agree with you that F-Zero X is, like you said, definitely the most Nintendo version of an F-Zero game, as it should be, it does indeed have a bit more subtlety to it, and I also prefer its soundtrack over Sega's effort on the GameCube, but you've probably already guessed where this is going: as a speed freak, I simply HAVE to choose F-Zero GX/AX. I own almost every speed racing type game (unless it's on a Sony platform) and the faster, the better.

I also own all the N64 and GameCube versions of Extreme G. I can easily recommend these to anyone liking the same type of games as well, although they're obviously nowhere near as fast and fluid as both F-Zero X and F-Zero GX, but they're still pretty enjoyable in their own right.

But nice article, though. And always a nice trip down memory lane, with pieces like these, especially with those photos of these wonderful N64 magazine pages.

Magazines that we'd eagerly await every month, in large part not knowing what they would contain (other than what was already spoiled on the last page of the current month's mag), instead of being able to stop by a dedicated website whenever you desire...

I knew most people would pick GX/AX, not because it's a better game (it's not), but because better graphics and presentation so easily trick most people into thinking a game that doesn't play/feel quite as well or even fairly as some other game is actually better all round. If I could magically swap the visuals of each game around this wouldn't even be a debate. But I can't switch the visuals around--so the vast majority will never believe me.

LIES, LIES, ALL LIES!! F-Zero SNES is the ONLY F-Zero! Mode-7 forever! The others were just racing games but SNES felt like a revolution along-side Pilotwings!

@antdickens Wow, that's pretty rare to see you pen an article yourself. That was fun to read!

@ReaderRagfihs Eh, console games don't get any smoother than 60fps--and F-Zero X was a rock-solid 60fps.

But just goes to show how what I said in my previous post is 100% true: People see the prettier visuals and automatically equate that to being a better game--to the point they even fool themselves into "seeing" things that simply aren't there.

Rock-solid 60fps:

At last my favorite game given the prevalence it deserves. Totally agree with the article. Love Death Race, the Giant Hand track, the X Cup, the music. What a game.

No good racing games on the N64 before F-Zero X? cough*Wave Race 64*cough

Anyway, I do actually agree that F-Zero X is the best F-Zero (or at worst tied with the original). I never got on with GX, it just seemed unnecessarily hard. My main memory of it (I’ve not been back to it in years) is that my car would sometimes just randomly fly off the track.

I never managed to master the counter steer skid in F-Zero X though. I really need to go back to it and try to get it right.

Huge fan of GX. It was faster, deeper, longer, more skilled, and had an actual storyline. To me, there was nothing as satisfying as destroying all your competitors in a race so they couldnt get any points.

GX is my favorite non-Mario Kart racing game ever.

We need a new fzero ffs!

@sarethums I hear ya.

Nintendo sometimes makes the dumbest of decisions. And what's really annoying is that I recall reading it was Miyamoto who made this particular decision because he thought they'd done all they could with F-Zero and couldn't come up with anything new.

Well, tell that to all the people playing and loving WipEout Omega Collection on PS4 (and especially on PSVR), Miyamoto!

Calling it. New Fzero game will come out in 2020!

@impurekind I read that very article

F-Zero X is the correct choice.

The g key on your keyboard is broken.

GameCube version sucks, SNES and N64 versions are great

@Dualmask After lots of Google and eBay searching (seriously don’t search for 64 Magazine on eBay, it finds all sorts of adult stuff that reached issue 64) I wasn’t able to find that cover. However from looking at the other screenshots I could see it referenced Forsaken on the cover.

I did a Google search for Forsaken 64 and found this scan, so she does appear to be from Forsaken: https://goo.gl/images/EbKYPe

Numbers don’t lie! GX is superior in nearly every facet. Too hard, probably, but leaps beyond X (so much so that an article hardly warrants that argument, let alone the contrary).

GX is the best. Buttery smooth and beautiful graphics. Plus those fun cutscenes!

I remember thinking X was ugly and off-putting even on it's launch day. It didn't even look or feel like a professional game to my Jr. High School self.

Everyone has a right to their own opinion, but I have to disagree with the sentiments behind this article. The GameCube version reigns supreme for several reasons. Not only is it far more aesthetically pleasing and revolutionary with the track designs and sheer number of options, but the pure cheese factor and cringiness of the character designs and cutscenes will always cement GX as my favorite F-Zero.

F Zero X is my least favourite!

Except it isn’t. GX all the way, all day, everyday.

GP Legends is fantastic. So there!

@BulkSlash thanks for your efforts! If I wasn't at work I would have tried doing an image search myself, and it was gnawing at me. I still don't know the character but I remember a marketing campaign for that game now... "The future is Forsaken..." I recall being repeated over and over on the commercial.

Don't think I ever played the game. It caught my eye here because it's rare to see attractive female characters in games these days, and black women even more so, so I just had to know what game that was and I couldn't imagine such a character design would have escaped my notice. But indeed it did...

GX wins for me. It's a close call. The Guitar/Rock-Music of X was fantastic!

But why wasn't top gear rally a choice? 🤑

@getyourak

That is very true! I don’t know why Nintendo seems to hate F-Zero so much. Even if they only slightly updated the textures and included online play for a 3ds version of F-Zero X it would have still been amazing.

@impurekind Well, just to add my two cents to that, from my own perspective: I liked the graphics of GX, yes, and they're that good, that as an arcade racer, the game still holds up pretty well to this day, but for me personally, it was the absurd speed and accompanying difficulty curve, that made it such a good game.

But both of them had their strengths and weaknesses. I love it when soundtracks match with a game, and I've always preferred F-Zero X's soundtrack over the GameCube game, so I'll exchange that instead of anything else, and then GX would be an even better game then it already is.

Then again: it's all just opinions anyway, and I think that most people that really like the N64 game won't simply choose GX because of the better graphics. I know I certainly didn't, at least...

@BulkSlash Here. let me help you with that:

X is the right answer,but if you're playing it on NTSC.

@antdickens This was a fun bit of trolling to read lol, but jokes aside, thanks for sharing your perspective

Between money being an issue, even during the slow trickle release days of AAA games on N64, and focusing on college, as a die hard SNES F-Zero fan, I totally dropped the ball on F-Zero X and never played it, so I can't fairly join this "debate" as I made up for things with GX once GCN rolled around. At one point, I entertained going back to finally play F-Zero X (for science!) to play "Nintendo's" best F-Zero experience, but just kept putting it off. I think thanks to this article, and an on-going longing for Nintendo to give me a new F-Zero, I'm going to go ahead and download it for Wii U so I can finally give my fullest opinion of that game and fairly join the "debate" lol

I owned and played SNES F Zero and F Zero GX at the times of their release. I enjoyed them enough, but never thought much of them beyond that.

I then recently picked up F Zero X, never having owned it at the time, and that’s when I realised what the fuss is about with F Zero.

It’s hard to pinpoint what I prefer about it over GX. I like the learning curve when playing the cups in order. I started rubbish but by the end I was quite good. I never had that with GX. The more I played it, the more frustrating I found it. The tracks look prettier in GX, but the tracks themselves are better in X.

In summary, I agree with Ant!

I NEED A NEW F ZERO IN MY LIFE

@GravyThief I kinda had the same experience in that I only recently got X on Wii U virtual console and really like it. That being said I still prefer GX. I was able to get pretty good at it but still haven’t finished the story. I remember the first track I got good at, Aeropolis. The wide turns were a good place to really learn the game. I’d recommend going back to GX. I was never great at it, but getting good st it was one of my most satisfying experiences with a game.

GX is the best game in the series. Period. There is no other objective best game in the series.

F-Zero X my man @Antdickens Im with you to the end of the line
Bring back the hard rock and comic aesthetic

Not in a world where GX exists, but pretty good article.

F-Zero X is my favorite of the series. The original felt fast and had great controls, it felt really good sliding around the corners ; but X just upped the stakes in every way. Faster, 30 racers and tracks that looped and swerved every which way.

Now GX is obviously technically superior, but it didnt click with me like the previous games did. I think Nintendo games usually nail the feel of the controls and GX just didnt completely have that for me, it felt like 90% there, whether it be because of the game or the NGC controller.

Can anyone tell me what the picture in the article title is from?

anyone realised that there was more time between the first game and the last game than between the last game and now ? ... sad ...

I think Fast RMX is the best F-Zero game. In a seriousness if Nintendo refuses to make anymore F-Zero Games they should get in touch with the Fast RMX team and let then work with the license

I kept waiting for F-Zero X 3D but it never happened... 😑

@HeroOfCybertron
I was wondering that too! I'm guessing a TV spot.

@antdickens
Thank you for creating Nintendolife! I have almost as much fun on your site as I do playing games.

Not an F-Zero guy, racing games have always felt boring to me. Though clearly, as impressive as F-Zero X is, GX has it beat at everything I'd say.

True Fact.

No Death Race, no dice.

F-Zero must be for cheaters only

I love racing games so after hearing about how F-Zero GX is one of the greatest games ever, I tracked down a copy about a year ago. I also bought a Game Cube controller since I never had one for my Wii before. So I was finally able to see what all the fuss is about... I'm still wondering. I'm sorry, but when it comes to futuristic racing, it's only so-so.

Yeah F-Zero AX & GX all the way, nothing beats Sega's masterpiece.

X had superior music and musical style, very good. Gotta say the music sucked on GX badly.

As far as classing the game from gameplay it's a matter of graphics and processing capabilities but both are fantastic games. GX is standing on the shoulders of what previous iterations had done.

Really one of my fav. racers on the 64 was Extreme G 2

F-Zero X's course world record videos are an absolute stunner.
There was so much depth to the controls that unbelievable moves were possible. You could launch yourself into the sky and you basically went flying 3 laps at 3000 mp/h.

Yea, X is my favorite with the original SNES a close second. GX is a good game in its own right and technically impressive, but it just didn't click with me like the previous 2 games did. I don't know if it was the difficulty or just overall handling. Similar to how I feel about Wave Race 64 and Wave Race Blue Storm. Each to their own I guess.

I really wish there was an F-Zero legacy collection, with SNES+BS tracks, X+Expansion Kit, GX+AX, all with leaderboards/ghosts and a few bonus challenges/features. That would be so awesome.

The SNES entry only scored 10%?! Damn, that's cold

Having been a teen when the first entry arrived, it made the greatest impact. Pretty much dug everything but the handheld versions

Both are fine racing games, but nothing can top the Kart Racing from Sonic Adventure 2 Battle!

We have Fast RMX, so not looking back. I will play the SNES F-Zero from time to time as I have fond memories of it but otherwise I see no interest in bringing the series back. Xenon Racer is coming soon and that might scratch the itch as well.

I will freely admit it!

While I was taken aback by the graphics in GX, and I love the vast array of theme songs for the characters, it was my first F-Zero, and once I finally played X, there was no question about it being the more responsive and more tightly designed game. :9

Maaaannnnnn i miss this series so much😥

Still my favorite game franchise ever, the only one for me to consider myself an annoying fanboy of. The only game that comes a bit close to F-Zero in terms of driving style is Super Pilot, but beyond that and the track editor, there's nothing more. The characters, the ships, the crazy style, the amount of content... No game today is close. Just bring back the series already, Ninty. You know that "we don't know how to improve the game" makes no sense today, after 15 years since the last entry in the series.

The original and GX are the only ones I have ever played, so it’s not fair for me to vote. Your writing does make me want to try X one day though; here is hoping for N64 classic.

The poll just reflects the more mainstream appeal of GX's shinier graphics.
GX is great, but X is perfection. For the true connoisseurs.
https://www.neogaf.com/threads/why-f-zero-x-is-better-than-gx.634046/page-2#post-253198759
@antdickens You do know you can adjust the control stick sensitivity in GX?

"But if you don't think X is the best of the bunch, then you're wrong."
@antdickens Happy to be wrong in that case.

I have loved every F-Zero game I played from the very first one on Super Famicom (I used to live in Japan as a kid), which also happened to be the first console game I played alongside Super Mario World.

X was incredible and I understand your point about subtlety, but I prefer GX. A game soundtrack is very important and GX had by far the best F-Zero soundtrack. I remember listening for the remastered version of Big Blue for hours and I have been hoping for a new entry in the serie (which I keep calling SX hoping it will happen on the Switch). After reading your article I am hoping for a version that could please everyone, merging best parts of all F-Zero games.

@Yorumi That is indeed worse. Again, I say he simply needs to look at what Sony did with WipEout Omega Collection to see that he's just thinking of things all wrong.

Miyamoto has been quoted as saying he needs fresh ideas for a new F-Zero. Death Race Battle Royale?

Those digital shoulder buttons on the Switch controllers are ideal for F-Zero X style side attacks- one thing in particular that is undisputably better in F-Zero X.

I know i'm going to get backlash for this but i wasn't a fan of GX. I thought it had iffy controls and so so camera angles, but it was still great don't get me wrong but i give it a 8/10 as even though its not for me i can see how some people would love it. F Zero X 9/10 All day long i loved F Zero X.

Really loved the article, brought back all sorts of memories importing games for my Saturn back in the day.

Simply put, X is better than GX for 3 major things...

Firstly, the controls were better. In X, you use Z and R to strafe left and right, Side attack by tapping said button twice quickly, and spin attack by tapping one button, with the other in quick succession; and it made complete sense. Bizarrely in GX, they assigned the attacks to separate buttons, which to me was pointless and unnecessary. At least strafing was still the L and R triggers, but the attacks should've stayed the same.

Secondly, near the end of the story mode turns into a rage fest that isn't fun in the slightest. No, it's not Dark Souls of racing games, at least in Dark Souls you'll masochistically return to the game, whilst GX's story mode makes you not want to play it ever again and just play the regular Grand Prix modes.

Third, the music. X out beats GX's sound track hands down, and is one of the main reasons why I fell in love with FZero X back in 1998!

When it comes to content and game play, I'd have to side with f-zero x. Especially if you're lucky enough to have the coveted expansion kit in your possession. Gx wins everything else.

I still prefer x. I have a painting of the Japanese box art hanging on my wall. It's too awesome to pass up!

@Spanjard it's not hard to emulate. Though I'd recommend an original n64 controller to play it over any other. It feels weird otherwise.

I see you are a man of class. White Cat is the only proper choice of vehicle. I agree that X is the best. GX looks nicer, but theres nothing more satisfying than X's sounds. Also, X just always felt smoother to me.

F-Zero GX is miles better than F-Zero X. I actually prefer the SNES F-Zero over F-Zero X, too.

I voted for F-Zero X. But I would like to vote on all three. F-Zero, F-Zero X and F-Zero GX.

This comment sums it up: "GX feels like an aggressive arcade racer (it's developed by SEGA, after all), whereas my love for X was born in the precise controls with sweeping corners and boosting to the line. GX is harsh where X is subtle; it’s just a different style of gameplay".

Anyone that voted for GX (currently 55% vs 29% for X) doesn't appreciate the ethos of F-Zero games: sustained speed. The original on SNES and X does that precisely. It's about pure racing, holding the line and sustaining the speed. In contrast, GX introduced gimmicks that ruined the experience. Worrying about hitting obstacles or barriers, or flying off ridiculously off-camber courses, is simply anti-F-Zero. It wasn't all courses. There are classics like the Mute City 1 (Twist Road) and Port Town 1 (Aero Dive). Even then, Mute City had gaps you could miss, especially if bumped at an inopportune time. Unfortunately, there were enough bad courses to ruin the overall experience. In contrast, each time I play X and go through the cups, there's an excitement upon appearance of nearly every course, and no dread on any.

As for a reprisal on Switch, GX has even less claims. It's modern enough already. X deserves the remake treatment. Such a classic game should have the lush visuals to match its lush gameplay, and don't forget to include the track editor from the DD version. To really furnish it, add the best and most F-Zero-faithful courses from GX, the 6 AX courses, and a selection from the 16 bit era to make an F-Zero Ultimate of about 60 courses. All would have a four-player split-screen mode too.

PS: I could complete master difficulty on X; I couldn't quite do it on GX. Nothing wrong with my skills; it was the game. The cheap losses that would ruin a cup made it unappetising to persist, especially when it meant replaying bad courses.

I am still awaiting for Toshihiro Nagoshi to get a team together to-do a new F-Zero.

Heck, part of me would enjoy a mix-up where it is half racing, and another half Yakuza/LAD-esque with Captain Falcon or Samurai Goroh.

I'm sorry, but the numbers don't lie. People prefer GX, myself included. I liked the story mode and its insanely difficult missions, especially on harder difficulties. I liked unlocking videos for every character. I liked getting interviews at the end of each Grand Prix. I liked building my own racing machines and making my own stickers for them.

@antdickens Looks like you got ratio'd.

Still a fan of the SNES original over the others. My mate bought my modded US SNES for me while I was away back when it came out, and clocked up loads of times on F-Zero before handing it over. The amount of hours spent shaving fractions off Death Wind....I was so glad when it turned up on NSO after all these years, the only back n forth we did were shots of our Death Wind records, just like old times.

F-Zero X went pretty much the same way as the N64 for me, a console that just never clicked with me at all. I would still put GX over X as well.

F-Zero
Maximum Impact
AC
GX
X
the other two

I see someone woke up this morning and chose violence!

GX for me and not even close. The hours I spent unlocking everything 100% was crazy hard work but worth it. Not sure if I could do it again tho.

In terms of Gameplay I still think the original F-Zero was the most interesting one.

F-Zero X was cool and a blast to play, but technical gameplay in F-Zero is just better IMO.

F-Zero GX was a bit bland on the gameplay experience compared to those two, but it was clearly incredible in terms of content and quality put in.

I never bothered too much for the GBA ones, for whatever reason, they didn't feel as smooth as Super NES one.

I still prefer the SNES game, personally. If and when the series gets revived, I would love for a new game to copy the style and feel of the original.

Although, honestly, I would much rather see a new Wave Race.

I think that X is great but GX is better but too difficult. The SNES game is still awesome, like Super Mario Kart.

@tanasten I agree, I played the GBA games and the SNES entry is better.

@ChaseGP Me too, if we are talking about Nintendo IPs, I need a new Wave Race game more than anything else.

GX definitely tops X. GX's controls are absolutely amazing, X tends to feel a bit too stiff by comparison. The only things X has over GX is X Cup and Death Race. And arguably the music, but that's even more of a personal taste thing.

Both entries are amazing though and you can't go wrong either way.

GX is the best
and by FAAAAAR, from any point of view

I wholeheartedly agree with this assessment. I loved X and could not get into GX either.

I love F-Zero X and still play it almost daily. I wish i could play GX but seems like its gonna be a while for them to ever put it on Switch Online. Ive seen footage of it and it definitely looks nice but X seems far superior in the mechanics, music and even design. GX just seems to go really fast and with X it has some very advanced mechanics like sliding, going airborne to gain speed, and just really a lot of mechanics I dont see in GX. GX is a great looking Gamecube game though.

F-Zero X is good and all, and I'mma let you finish, but F-Zero GX is one of the best games of ALL TIME.

Wipeout Pure.

your daughter was hotter in high school than they were in elementary school. miyamoto would agree. however, your daughter in college, might have been a bit too stressful and dramatic to bear. in any case, i was never worthy for her company.

As much as I dislike most of Sega, GX is an absolute marvel especially for its time. Great game!

its time to admit that i dont know what f-zero is.

For me Fzero Gx squeezes past X because of the shinier graphics, more insane tracks, and I prefer the soundtrack over X’s. X sounds more metal but GX has its metal tracks but I don’t know really what you’d call it’s genre that makes up for it, it’s a bit techno or electronica I guess, whatever it is it fits the futuristic look of it.

HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO TEACH YOU THIS LESSON OLD MAN!

@KayFiOS Dude you crazy, Everyone knows Hello Kitty Cruiser on the Wii U is king.

probably the best OST imo is the Snes game. but they really need to do something for this series on the switch.

I don't really have a horse in this race, partly because a horse can't keep up with a futuristic hover car, also I've only played the first game and F-ZeroX. Out of those two, X for sure.

@RobTheIII maybe I'm crazy, but you're even crazier for not recognizing Garfield Kart as the masterpiece it truly is!

For the music, absolutely. Gameplay though? That's still to be decided between X and GX.

I couldn't get into GX, and every time I play it, I like it less. Aside from it having probably the best visuals on the Gamecube, I agree that it's just too unnecessarily hard, and the Story Mode in particular is just plain masochistic. X by comparison is tighter, more focused, more aggressive, more balanced in its difficulty while still being challenging, far superior in terms of music, and it has the X Cup. If X had the visuals of GX, it would unquestionably be the better game.

GX was too bloody hard for its own good. I don’t mind a difficulty curve and I have fast enough reactions that so have 100%ed every Wipeout game. But GX was something else entirely. The only way I saw any of it was via a cheat disc save from Cube Magazine.

AX was the superior title by a long mile. There was something about having the wheel and the chair that kicked from side to side that really heightened the game. It’s the only arcade game I’ve ever played where wearing a seatbelt was mandatory!

But I’ve never liked the series as much as WipEout.

Gx is the best... it's not even a competition.

The best one is the one Nintendo is yet to produce. Come on Nintendo please

X is more accessible, and fun. This is like debating License to Ill vs Paul's Boutique.

It's a crime against humanity that there is not a sequel to GX.

This is really a tough one. F-Zero GX is better in several ways, but still, when popping in for a few minutes of fast joy, I prefer F-Zero X.

GP Legends is my favorite.

GX - while very hard - was also insanely rewarding. I remember the satisfaction from taking out all the other hovercrafts with the spin attack. And the hidden waggle speed was another cool addition. I didn’t have any issues with the controls - a steep learning curve but never unfair at least in the race mode. I didn’t play X much so will have to go back to make a complete assessment - but for now, I vote GX.

I decided that X is the best (never really thought about it much before) based not only on points brought up here that I agree with, but something that should be irrelevant to this type of game: story.

Now I know what you're thinking; F-Zero-X had no story! GX had all those insane interviews with all the racers and even something close to a story mode with Captain Falcon. The truth of the matter is that these aspects are poorly done in GX. The characterization is more trash than even your average Saturday morning cartoon based on a video game (the Zelda one comes to mind).

This matters to me because I dream of an action game starring Captain Falcon, something that marries his incredible moves in Smash to his driving in F-Zero. For that game to work I think you'd have to ignore most of the mess added by GX and build from the great foundation of characters provided by X. If anybody ever even thought about making this at Nintendo, they probably forgot about it after attempting to reconcile the information provided by GX and getting a headache. Platinum would be a top choice to make the game, and even though their stories are often also incomprehensible, they would likely do a better job of wrangling such a large roster of characters into an exciting overall story than GX did. They'd have to start with X. /endrant

X is an incredible N64 racer, but these days I would rather just play GX as they are both ludicrously hard.

The best F-Zero is F-Zero NX, the new entry on Switch that only exists in my dreams.

F-Zero deserves to live alongside Mario Kart on Switch

There's one thing F-Zero X has that GX doesn't: Death Race.

As much as I love how GX looks, sounds and plays barren the high difficulty, that's the one thing I wanted to see back.

I agree, and my vehicle of choice was White Cat too!

F Zero X when compared to Wipeout was one of the games that made me want to stick with the Nintendo console.

Death Race on X is great too.

@antdickens I agree the nuanced controls in X were better. I think the meme could have been the other way around as F-Zero GX is the shinny more visually impressive game, whereas X is by many comparisons the better game. Still I went with the masses and voted GX as the arcade-style gameplay is just what I remember in recent memory, and maybe that is because the Wii U port was so bad on it's controls. Both in my opinion deserve remasters.

F-Zero Maximum Velocity was my first F-Zero game, so therefore it's the best.

That's the reason why I chose it. I love it.

Let the rest squander over GX and X....

I picked up Mario Kart 8 for the Switch this week (a nice Prime day sale) and I forgot not only how much I loved the game when I put 80 hours into it on the Wii U, but how much I hate it for destroying any possibility for an F-Zero sequel.

Especially considering I was reminded of how much MK8 feels NOTHING like F-Zero despite having occasional zero gravity, and tracks that loop upside down. It's such a tease and I hate how much fun I'm having, while also crying because it's not what I REALLY want.

Yo!! I remember FZEROGX.com back in the day! I was hype for GX and started searching for it and then I found the site, huh who knew. Also, I do think X is just a better game. GX is good but lacks the charm X had

Guess the author of this article didn’t really play many racing games on N64- there was- Mario Kart 64, Wipe Out64, Wace Race, Diddy Kong Racing, Extreme G 1/2, Rush( a couple titles) F Zero, Carmagedon, and those are the games I own. There are probably even more and I feel those are even more diverse than what was available on the PlayStation 1. Nintendo Life, you should make sure your journalists know console gaming properly before writing Official articles!

Refuse to vote. My Grandma bought the first F-Zero for SNES on the Christmas of 1991 (or was it 92? I can't remember). I really enjoyed it, but felt like F-Zero X was everything it should've been. Both F-Zero and F-Zero X had phenomenal soundtracks, imo. GX is arguably the best of the series, but X is my favorite, with its over-the-top heavy-metal attitude.

This again? You were wrong then, you're still wrong now. The crown goes to F-Zero GX, obviously.

The music was better in X.
They were both ‚the best‘ at their time to me. I still play GX from time to time, while I pray for a new one to happen. HD and online and battle Royal and adventure/story modes (of multiple characters with dlc).. Wake up Nintendo!!

F-Zero, Xtreme-G and Xtreme-G 2 were my to go on the N64 back then. Didn’t even know that Wipeout 64 existed until way after the system’s death. Crazy thing is that Acclaim had codes so that your bike in Xtreme-G would be switched out with one of the Wipeout 64 vehicles, and they handled the same as in Wipeout as well.

Crazy fun times back then.

As for making fansites back in the day? I had made a 3rd Strike flash page for a school project in college LOL before that, it was making static pages in fortunecity, geocities and tripod. I forget the other ad-fueled free services, but I probably used them as well back in the day.

Fun times all around.

As for F-Zero GX? It’s a great game but there was something missing in the formula, but I love the soundtrack. AX was not in my area as it came out when arcades where almost extinct in the US and would only be found in the large metropolitan centers which I did not live in. I do miss quarter arcades but console is bulky and i have no room.

@fpcreator2000 Another Extreme-G fan here. Awesome graphics and music!

The best thing about the first two F-Zeros is the soundtracks. When I saw a high-resolution F-Zero where the race tracks have actual scenery, I became so hyped for GX. But the handling and the soundtrack made me hate it in comparison to X. It used EDM before EDM had matured to the point of being good. This made the difficulty of the handling not worth overcoming for me.

Also, as for favorite drivers, Baba was me well before Baba is You.

Ohh I remember unlocking the AX tracks in GX with a GameShark back in the day… GX is superior BUT any F-Zero is god

GX was not difficult, it was challenging, that’s another thing.

I’d give all my siblings for another F-Zero akin to GX

I'm probably going to get attacked for admitting this, but...I've never gotten into the F-Zero series. I'm more of a Mario Kart guy myself.

At the very least give us a collection of all the games especially the three that never left Japan such as F-Zero 2: Grand Prix, F-Zero Climax and F-Zero X: Expansion Edition.

İ liked F-zero X the most.

The only reason I don't have the love for X like GX is because during the N64, funds were limited, and every time I wanted to take a stab at X, I had something else I'd rather play. Fast forward to GX, and I was determined to make up for missing X. I loved the custom hovercars you could make as I had one tailored to not only handle all the most insane turns, but could reach like over 2200kmh with a boost/zipper combo-- Good times. I tried to go back to X, one to try and redeem the past, and two because I'm so starved for a new F-Zero; But it just doesn't grab me like GX did, so I guess I'll have to leave it in the past.

F-Zero GX will always be better than F-Zero X.

Yikes to all the F Zero X delusionals. Even Barry Goldwater coming in 10 points ahead of it.

GX is a looker, but X is more fun.

The one for gamecube is the best, don't fool yourself

F-Zero X is like Yamcha,

F-Zero GX is Vegeta
Nuff said

X is easily my favorite but GX is probably objectively the best. However, remake X with some actual scenery and keep everything else and it's perfect.

X is brilliant, absolutely brilliant, loved it, so much I bought a 64DD and the expansion to play more. But GX is better heh.

It's undisputed X is superior. It's F-Zero in its purest form with the emphasis on sustained speed on fiendish track design. There's no better feeling of exhilaration. Whereas GX introduced gimmicks like off camber bends, weird bumps and obstacles to upset the flow, while some tracks were straight out boring. While some tracks nailed the X ethos (like Port Town), there was too much trashy stuff, and overall it felt trashy. Those that favour GX are probably seduced by the superior graphics. I can't believe anyone playing each game side by side would legitimately pick GX as the superior F-Zero experience. Nobody.

The poll closed so quickly I couldn't vote for GX in time

good old Antie Dick!

GX is not only the best FZero. It is one the best aracde racer of all time alltogether.

X was good but there is no comparaison possible

That's such a weird meme. The girl that guy ogles is so much uglier than his own girlfriend.

For me F-Zero GX is the best, if played with a cheat device. It's just way to hard without it.

Nah, GX is the best, the graphics, the music, the challenge, the SEGA / Nintendo cross over... it still looks great now.

I made an account just to comment that this article got me to try F-Zero X on Switch yesterday and holy cow, I've been missing out. I was never that into the series because I had only played the SNES and GBA games but X is on a whole other level of speed and personality. Also very cool that you ran a fansite back in the day. I love seeing screenshots of the old internet.

I have to reserve judgement as I never had a GameCube and thus GX. Only experience with the game was in a store when it was on demo. Otherwise, I would agree.

Wow a whole recycled article about how Nintendolife find X the best and then the public consumers vote and its GX which is the clear leader.

I hate article titles like this. I don't have to admit anything I don't want to. Take it down a notch, just a little bit.

You've got "You're Wrong" Power!

Kidding aside, playing X again on the Switch just makes me want a remaster of GX that much more.

But seriously, this is a long form opinion being passed on as fact, at best.

@HenryKibble
F-Zero, unlike Mario Kart, required skills. thats why.

@Banjo- I still need to get the n64 nintendo online controller for the switch. Either that or find a modded 64 for hdmi. Or, get my n64 modded.