We desperately want to see Captain Falcon and the F-Zero franchise return to our screens — the game's appearance in Smash Bros. just isn't enough! Luckily, there are some fantastic indie games out there that look to recapture the spirit of the anti-gravity racing series. And Aero GPX might just be the best example we've ever seen.
This PC-bound racer's Kickstarter launched today and has been developed by one person — Aaron McDevitt. The game is primarily inspired by F-Zero X and F-Zero GX, but McDevitt also took a shine to Wave Race 64 and Kirby Air Ride, wrapping Wave Race's summer vibes and Kirby's pick-up-and-play nature in some hardcore, fast-paced racing.
Last November, we interviewed McDevitt about Aero GPX, and back then he said, "I would also love for Aero GPX to exist on consoles one day starting with the Switch!". And while today's Kickstarter does confirm the game is only slated for a PC launch initially, McDevitt has reiterated the importance of the Switch:
"Aero GPX belongs on the Switch just as much as it belongs on the PC. It also belongs on other consoles to give all players the opportunity to experience the distinct and relentless anti-gravity racing experience that Aero GPX provides.
Depending on the possible success of the Kickstarter campaign past the initial funding goal, more might be able to be promised. However, a PC release is all that can be committed to for now."
And, well, as F-Zero fans here, why wouldn't we want to see this on Switch? McDevitt says that Aero GPX — which stands for Aerodynamic Grand-Prix Experience — takes place in a far-off future, with over 30 pilots with big and varied personalities, and seven distinct planets and locations spread across the galaxy.
From the Kickstarter page alone, the racing looks exhilarating. But the page claims that the game is aiming to be "one of the most responsive racing experiences you've ever played". Our eyebrows are certainly raised at the prospect of that. There will be a Career mode, alongside Grand Prix mode, local multiplayer, single races, Time Trials, a Practice mode, over 30 courses, and tons to unlock.
Working on the game's rocking soundtrack is guitarist Myrone, whose SoundCloud page sheds a light on the musician's head-banging summer anthems. Contributing to the game's art — including character portraits and promo artwork — is Norrie, an illustrator and comic creator who has been heavily inspired by sci-fi and '90s anime.
The Kickstarter is aiming to make just over $72,000 USD. At the time of writing this, it's almost at $20k already. There are a few Stretch Goals for the game too, though many of the rewards are sneakily hidden and could well be revealed "after a week". Perhaps that Switch port is hiding under there...
You can check all of Aero GPX's details over on the Kickstarter page, or keep an eye on the game's progress on Twitter by following Aaron McDevitt.
Are you hoping to see Aero GPX on Switch in the future? Blast on over to the comments to let us know!
Update: There's also a demo available to download on Steam right now. Go and check it out!
[source kickstarter.com]
Comments 31
We want a real f zero. Not a clone.
@sixrings "We?"
I know I myself would be happy with any really good anti-grav racing game, regardless of the title on the box.
It looks fantastic but also way too close to F-Zero GX so I wouldn't be surprised if Nintendo had a word..
@cmdrmarc Only Nintendo fans think such things, honestly. It's doing enough to stand on it's own to avoid such litigation.
Okay, it's using actual music, instead of that droning, boring techno from Redout. That alone has me interested, checking it out on Steam, looks incredible!
Thanks for reporting on non-Nintendo stuff sometimes, NL, I appreciate the diversity!
@CharlieGirl ok. I’m sorry for speaking for you. But for me. The music and the characters make up video games. So sure there are games that look like Zelda, Metroid, or f zero. But without the music and the characters it just doesn’t feel the same. You can be happy but I’ve played enough of these clones to realize that it can’t just look and play like a certain game. It has to have the things which gave the game personality to begin with or it isn’t the same thing.
If he commits to Switch, I’m supporting!
@SonOfDracula It's got nothing to do with being a Nintendo fan, I'm just voicing a concern, and I hope you're right.
@cmdrmarc I hope you're sincere, but I dunno man, this site weirds me out with all the strange takes people have. It looks echo-chambery, here. I would direct you to the recent Bayonetta articles, as an example.
@sixrings 'We' want both, but we will be very happy with this clone. Also is it just a clone if it manages to improves on the original? Sometimes that happens, such as Bug Fable bettering recent Paper Marios. When that happens I'd call it a spiritual successor or a love letter.
@sixrings Are there more than one of you, or are you trying to speak for everyone as a group?
Learn to speak for yourself, and no one else.
This is actually quite impressive.
It also gets me thinking 'how hard can it be for Nintendo to make a new F-Zero?' If a small team can do this then there's no excuses for Nintendo themselves frustrating fans for years hoping for a new game in the series.
'Inspired?' Hahahah. Good one. (Does look close to GX but a little souless.)
I'd be down for this. I only recently discovered F-Zero X and realized what an incredible game it is.
I really hope it makes it to Switch because while I like many of the other "clone" contemporaries, they aren't exactly F-Zero. This will fill that void perfectly
@sixrings I agree.
There are enough clones. So many weird takes on this site..
I will add, it's been far too long since Nintendo made a sequel. We are ready.
@sixrings what do you think I've been waiting for for the last 20 years!? I'll take what I can get at this point
Was looking forward to this ever since I first seen it
OK, this seems like the real deal! A clone of Fzero but different and without extra bizarre mechanics like swap colors, energy, or tight stages, or weapons etc. I hope in Switch version will have 60 fps and 4 player local multi-player.
@SonOfDracula I LOVE the Redout musics...that game has: trance, music with singers, opera, music with lyrical singing, rock orchestra. Every kind of music you find on Redout. Do you have all DLC with all tracks and musics? That game is fantastic (on steam, not on Switch).
Complete Redout = 60 tracks
Love Redout...one of the all time best games in this genre.
I love that Aero GPX could be F-zero on Nintendo Switch!
@cmdrmarc I'm not real sure why people think Nintendo can do anything about games inspired by their titles.
Nintendo isn't, can't, and won't do anything towards this dev.
That’s straight up F-Zero.
The gameplay looks solid but it also needs a character of it's own to stand out from the crowd because it's literally just one (albeit unexpected) reveal of a new F-Zero game to fall into redundancy. With over 30 pilots it could be possible but I hope they don't sacrifice quality for quantity.
@SonOfDracula apparently there are at least 8 people I’m speaking for. Thanks for volunteering to be the moderator.
I hope Nintendo makes an F-Zero that overcomes all this!
For me, Fast RMX still holds the AG racing crown on Switch and nothing I've seen here has changed my mind.
Can't wait to get Fast RMX physical and (unless I missed it) can't believe Nintendolife didn't mention it was being released.
It's true that it looks a bit too much like F-Zero, but seeing that Nintendo has moved on from that series, this has me really interested. It looks pretty solid. Wish it came to Switch, actually!
Dang. This guy is really good at copying F-Zero X! Kind of shameless, but legal nonetheless and we all know Nintendo won’t give us any F-Zero so why not I guess.
The art style looks awesome, definitely may check it out on Steam.
@sixrings No need to speak for the public, a sshole.
@SonOfDracula I think you should apply to be a moderator. You are obviously even tempered. It would suit you well. Enjoy your holiday young man.
Show Comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...