F-Zero GX
Genres
Platforms
Summary
F-Zero GX is the fourth entry in the F-Zero series and follows on from F-Zero X. The game maintains the series' challenging, high-velocity racing approach, keeping the core gameplay and control scheme from the Nintendo 64 version. A strong focus is on memorizing tracks and quick reflexes, which are key to finishing the game. GX adds a "Story Mode" feature, allowing players to step into the role of Captain Falcon as they progress through nine chapters, completing a range of missions.
Storyline
The story begins with Black Shadow speeding along a highway after losing a Grand Prix. Deathborn catches up and offers him one final opportunity to prove himself, warning it's his last shot. F-Zero GX's story continues with Falcon preparing for the Grand Prix, then racing his rival, Samurai Goroh, through a desert canyon. He's later forced to enter a side bet under the alias "Famicom," a nod to Nintendo's first home console. After claiming victory in that race, Falcon sees on the news that Black Shadow is attacking the Lightning area. He rushes to stop him but is intercepted by a gang led by Michael Chain. After defeating Chain's crew, Falcon enters a facility to rescue Jody Summer. His escape is nearly ruined when the core is set to overload and the building locks down. With Jody safe, Falcon confronts Black Shadow. The villain, aided by Blood Falcon, captures Falcon and locks him in his vehicle, attaching a bomb to the Blue Falcon that will explode if the car slows down. Falcon survives by driving the car off an unfinished road and under a crane, knocking the bomb loose. Falcon later competes in the Grand Prix and wins. After receiving the champion's belt, he watches as Black Shadow is punished by his master, Deathborn, for his failure. Deathborn then challenges Falcon to a one-on-one race for control of both belts. Before the race, Deathborn reveals his plan to conquer the universe, explaining that the energies of light and darkness are stored in the belts and, when combined, will grant him godlike power to destroy Falcon's galaxy. Falcon vows to stop him. True to his word, Falcon defeats Deathborn, who seemingly dies. The two belts merge into one, and Falcon promises to keep winning to protect it from evil. Back at his garage, Falcon is met by the creators. He realizes they orchestrated everything, though they don't explain their reasons. They challenge him to a race, warning that if they win, they'll extract his soul and use it to replace Deathborn. Falcon beats them. The creators vanish in a scream, though it's unclear if they're truly gone or just conceding to his victory, furious but respectful. Falcon removes his helmet and walks out of the room as the credits roll and an exclusive theme song plays. (The camera looks down from above, keeping Falcon's face hidden, only a glimpse of the back of his head visible.)
