@JCLKaytwo "F-Zero 99 is a modified version of the original F-Zero."
It's entirely new from a technical perspective and is running on a modern game engine. It's not a romhack - the SNES Mode 7 elements are strictly aesthetic.
My review, as a huge fan of F-Zero and a GX 100% completionist:
From a mechanical and technical perspective, this is a whole new F-Zero game despite the usage of the SNES theming and tracks. It hews closer to the later GBA titles in game feel than the SNES original, which is for the best in the interest of modernizing the franchise. 99 almost feels like a modern take on X's Death Race.
The new Skyway mechanic is clever - it's effectively adding Wipeout's Autopilot ability to F-Zero. There's strategy to be had with timing it and it serves as a load balancer to keep everyone in the pack. Each vehicle has more distinct pros and cons this time around too (Golden Fox FTW)
Some of the badge unlocks are just so extraordinarily situational that I don't even want to bother with them. They're not difficult, just made exceedingly rare. Namely, the double KO one and "KO a rival" - I must have KO'ed like 3 human racers tops in ~12 hours of play, doing so against a rival in a 98 racer chaotic pack is a non-starter.
I'm also not a fan of the XP leveling/ranking systems tacked on to drip feed unlocks, but I realize I'm probably in the minority. It just feels hollow and only reflects time spent in the game, not necessarily player skill. I understand they do it to provide a sense of "accomplishment", but still.
99 is a great time overall. I do wish it had a dedicated multiplayer mode for pure racing instead of doubling down on the chaos. F-Zero's greatest strength has always been pushing the limits of pure arcade racing without diluting it with weapons or leveling systems, and I hope Nintendo doesn't lose sight of that if this is the catalyst that sparks a revival of the franchise.
@-wc- The controls aren't slippery at all. You can take corners sharper by letting up on the accelerator completely while turning. Tapping the accelerator repeatedly along turns makes the vehicle not drift as much (this was a thing in the SNES original and Maximum Velocity).
It's only "slippery" if you're taking on turns and never letting go of the accelerator. Also, the D-pad is much better suited to this game than the analog stick. I've come in 1st with all vehicles and the Grand Prix and have had zero issues with the controls.
Comments 3
Re: Review: F-Zero 99 - A Brilliant Battle-Royale Revival That Plays To The Series' Strengths
@JCLKaytwo "F-Zero 99 is a modified version of the original F-Zero."
It's entirely new from a technical perspective and is running on a modern game engine. It's not a romhack - the SNES Mode 7 elements are strictly aesthetic.
Re: Review: F-Zero 99 - A Brilliant Battle-Royale Revival That Plays To The Series' Strengths
My review, as a huge fan of F-Zero and a GX 100% completionist:
From a mechanical and technical perspective, this is a whole new F-Zero game despite the usage of the SNES theming and tracks. It hews closer to the later GBA titles in game feel than the SNES original, which is for the best in the interest of modernizing the franchise. 99 almost feels like a modern take on X's Death Race.
The new Skyway mechanic is clever - it's effectively adding Wipeout's Autopilot ability to F-Zero. There's strategy to be had with timing it and it serves as a load balancer to keep everyone in the pack. Each vehicle has more distinct pros and cons this time around too (Golden Fox FTW)
Some of the badge unlocks are just so extraordinarily situational that I don't even want to bother with them. They're not difficult, just made exceedingly rare. Namely, the double KO one and "KO a rival" - I must have KO'ed like 3 human racers tops in ~12 hours of play, doing so against a rival in a 98 racer chaotic pack is a non-starter.
I'm also not a fan of the XP leveling/ranking systems tacked on to drip feed unlocks, but I realize I'm probably in the minority. It just feels hollow and only reflects time spent in the game, not necessarily player skill. I understand they do it to provide a sense of "accomplishment", but still.
99 is a great time overall. I do wish it had a dedicated multiplayer mode for pure racing instead of doubling down on the chaos. F-Zero's greatest strength has always been pushing the limits of pure arcade racing without diluting it with weapons or leveling systems, and I hope Nintendo doesn't lose sight of that if this is the catalyst that sparks a revival of the franchise.
Re: Review: F-Zero 99 - A Brilliant Battle-Royale Revival That Plays To The Series' Strengths
@-wc- The controls aren't slippery at all. You can take corners sharper by letting up on the accelerator completely while turning. Tapping the accelerator repeatedly along turns makes the vehicle not drift as much (this was a thing in the SNES original and Maximum Velocity).
It's only "slippery" if you're taking on turns and never letting go of the accelerator. Also, the D-pad is much better suited to this game than the analog stick. I've come in 1st with all vehicles and the Grand Prix and have had zero issues with the controls.