Summary
- Release Year: 2003
- Genres: Racing
- Platforms: Game Boy Advance, Wii U
- Developers: Suzak
F-Zero: GP Legend: A futuristic racing masterpiece
Released in 2003 for the Nintendo GameCube, F-Zero: GP Legend is the fourth installment in the futuristic racing game series F-Zero. The game introduces new characters, tracks, and gameplay modes to the series, while also expanding on the lore of the F-Zero universe.
Gameplay
F-Zero: GP Legend is a high-speed racing game that takes place in the year 2560. Players take control of one of eight characters and race on tracks that are located on different planets. The game features a variety of tracks, each with its own unique layout and challenges.
The game’s controls are simple and easy to learn, but difficult to master. Players use the analog stick to control their vehicle’s movement, and the A button to accelerate. The B button is used to brake, and the X button is used to drift. Players can also use the L and R buttons to perform stunts, such as barrel rolls and flips.
F-Zero: GP Legend features a variety of gameplay modes, including:
- Grand Prix: Players race against seven other opponents on a series of tracks. The player who finishes first in the most races wins the Grand Prix.
- Time Trial: Players race against the clock on a single track. The player with the fastest time wins the Time Trial.
- Death Race: Players race against seven other opponents on a track filled with hazards. The last player to finish each lap is eliminated. The last player remaining wins the Death Race.
- Multiplayer: Players can race against up to three other players on a variety of tracks.
Characters
F-Zero: GP Legend features a cast of eight playable characters, each with their own unique abilities and vehicles. The characters are:
- Captain Falcon: A bounty hunter and the protagonist of the F-Zero series. He drives the Blue Falcon, a well-rounded vehicle with good speed, acceleration, and handling.
- Rick Wheeler: A young racing prodigy who is the son of the legendary F-Zero racer James McCloud. He drives the Wild Goose, a fast and agile vehicle with good handling.
- Dr. Stewart: A brilliant scientist who has developed a new type of F-Zero machine. He drives the Mighty Typhoon, a powerful and durable vehicle with good speed and acceleration.
- Pico: A small and agile alien who is the youngest racer in the F-Zero Grand Prix. He drives the Pika, a small and fast vehicle with good handling.
- Samurai Goroh: A skilled swordsman who has entered the F-Zero Grand Prix to prove his worth. He drives the Fire Stingray, a heavy and powerful vehicle with good speed and acceleration.
- Beastman: A large and powerful mutant who is the strongest racer in the F-Zero Grand Prix. He drives the Death Anchor, a slow but durable vehicle with good strength.
- Black Shadow: The main antagonist of the game and the leader of the Black Shadow Racing Team. He drives the Black Bull, a fast and powerful vehicle with good speed and acceleration.
- Deathborn: A mysterious and powerful racer who is said to be the reincarnation of Black Shadow. He drives the Shadow GX, a fast and agile vehicle with good handling.
Story
F-Zero: GP Legend features a deep and engaging storyline that follows the eight playable characters as they compete in the F-Zero Grand Prix. The story is told through a series of cutscenes that are interspersed between races.
The story begins with Captain Falcon being hired to track down the whereabouts of Black Shadow, who has disappeared after the events of the previous F-Zero game. Falcon’s investigation leads him to the F-Zero Grand Prix, where he discovers that Black Shadow is planning to use the race to take over the universe.
Falcon and the other racers must team up to stop Black Shadow and save the universe. Along the way, they will learn more about themselves and their motivations for racing.
Graphics and sound
F-Zero: GP Legend features impressive graphics for its time. The tracks are detailed and varied, and the vehicles are well-designed. The game also features a dynamic soundtrack that changes depending on the track and the player’s performance.
Conclusion
F-Zero: GP Legend is a classic racing game that is still enjoyed by fans today. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, deep story, and memorable characters make it a must-play for fans of the F-Zero series and racing games in general.
Review Score
8.5/10