F-Zero 99Published by NintendoPlayed on Nintendo Switch
The Skinny: A drop of water in the Sand Ocean

The original F-Zero was a launch title for the Super Famicom / Super Nintendo, showing off the system’s flashy Mode 7 graphics and faster processing. Over the subsequent console generations a few sequels and media tie-ins followed, but the series always seemed to be in the shadow of Nintendo’s more popular racing franchise, Mario Kart. While series characters and vehicles have made appearances in other games, Nintendo hasn’t released a new F-Zero game in nearly twenty years.
Until earlier this month, when Nintendo announced F-Zero 99 as a part of the most recent Nintendo Direct. Like previous titles Tetris 99 and Pacman 99, the game is a reimagining of a retro classic as a multiplayer battle royale. And the chaotic, fast-paced gameplay makes F-Zero a perfect addition to the franchise. Unfortunately, I’m terrible at it.Each race opens with an expanded starting area to accommodate all 99 players. Only the original four vehicles are currently available, but players are able to unlock new color schemes and customize them as they gain rank and complete challenges. Hopefully, they will release more content to add the roster and tracks from later games in the future. Starting a race is lighting fast, possibly due to high interest at launch. All players vote on a track from the original game, and can get racing in seconds. This streamlining is a nice feature, as F-Zero 99 can be absolutely brutal.
The game encourages aggressive driving by adding a spin-attack which charges over time, and changing the boost so that it depletes the life meter. These options create an engaging risk and reward mechanic that rewards players not just for using them, but for using them at the correct time. Hitting opponents causes them to drop little golden pellets of energy that charge a separate meter. When filled, it replaces the boost with a second, higher track that allows players to get ahead of the competition and avoid obstacles.
In addition to individual races, the game has a Grand Prix mode where players race in predetermined cups requiring tickets, and Splatoon-like team battles. These extra modes are on a timer, and aren’t always available. It’s frustrating when the race you want to do isn’t available, but it also keeps the game balanced and prevents any one player from camping at the top of the leaderboards.
While F-Zero 99 is an entertaining curiosity, using slightly updated graphics from the original, It mostly just whets my appetite for a fully-featured F-Zero game, which hasn’t appeared in Nintendo’s catalog since the days of the Game Boy Advance.
F-Zero 99 is a fresh take on a classic that Nintendo seems to have all but abandoned since the days of the Game Boy Advance. It’s a tasty little snack, but here’s hoping that it is a hint of a more satisfying entree on the horizon.