In a recent interview with a French gaming website the almighty ‘Nintendo Legend’, Shigeru Miyamoto, was surprised to find out that there are a lot F-Zero fans that are yearning for a new installment in the futuristic, high speed, racer… and I’m one of them.
The interviewer asked him the following question, and this was his response: *Note – Translation may not be accurate*
Gamekult: After a quick survey on Twitter, one of the games French gamers miss the most is F Zero. Nobody really understands why Nintendo hasn’t made a new one since 2004. Is there a chance we can see it back on Wii U?
Miyamoto: :eyes open wide: I am really pleased to hear Twitter’s opinion, because since the first episode on SNES many games have been made but the series has little evolved. I thought people had grown weary of it. I’d like to say: Thank you very much and try to wait by playing Nintendoland’s FZero minigame. I am also very curious and I’d like to ask those people: Why FZero? What do you want that we haven’t done before?
The one main concern I take away from that answer is that there isn’t a new F-Zero game being developed at the moment, but hopefully that will soon change, given his surprise.
Now, what I want to focus on, and the point of this article, is Miyamoto’s question about the possibility of a new game in the F-Zero series: What do you want that we haven’t done before?
My answer?… Nothing much. Just expand on what you’ve already got. Like that old wise saying: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. And this is very true, especially with the Gamecube iteration: F-Zero GX. In all honesty I would be very happy with a GX re-release in HD, with a couple of new modes and tools added on. But in the off chance that Lord Miyamoto may stumble across this article, here is a list of things I would like to see in a new F-Zero:
Grand Prix Mode
As with every other F-Zero game, a Grand Prix mode is required. Five different cups, with five different tracks, increasing in difficulty as you go through the courses. The only new thing I would add to this mode would be to allow up to four or even five (using the Wii U Gamepad) players to join in and to be able to unlock an additional five more cups.
Online Modes
Now this is the main thing that should be focused on with a new F-Zero: 30 player online spread over various different modes:
- Single Race: Just like in Mario Kart Wii, there is a constant group of people racing, to build up your racing points, and you can simply jump in and out at any moment, you can also bring three other friends along for four player split-screen.
- Cup Race: Online racing with a goal, to win the cup. 30 players meet up, a cup is selected and you all race the five tracks to get your dirty mitts on the prize.
- Team Cup Race: Just like Cup Race but you’re split into teams. How about two teams of 15 or even six teams of five?
- Elimination: One track is selected, after each lap the players in the last three positions get eliminated from the race. This carries on until there are three players left where its a race to the finish.
- Death Race: A return of the the classic mode from F-Zero X on the N64. One simple, loop track, 30 players, the aim? To destroy each other by knocking them off the course or depleting their energy till they explode.
Customisation
F-Zero GX had a ‘Create a Machine’ option, which allowed you to create your own racing vehicle. F-Zero X was also released on the ill-fated 64DD, which had a track editor mode added on. Both of these should return for a new F-Zero, but with added bells and whistles. Custom made tracks can be sent to an online hub, of sorts, where other players from around the world can download and race on them, which can also be shared with your friends.
Controls
There’s no escaping it, if a new F-Zero was to be released on the Wii U, its inevitable that motion controls will play a big part in it. Using the Wii U’s GamePad to steer your vehicle may not feel so bad, but it shouldn’t be the only choice of control. Allow us to use the GamePad, as standard, with the touch screen being home to the map, different views of the course or a rear view mirror and allow us to use the Wii U’s Controller Pro for the classic feel. Please don’t restrict us.
Give us options Nintendo
Story Mode
One of the more surprising modes from F-Zero GX was its Story Mode, which followed Captain Falcon as he tried to hunt down Black Shadow whilst competing in various, unique forms of racing. Sure the story was overly campy and cheesy, but that’s what made it so good. Plus it was ridiculously difficult but that made it even more satisfying when you completed it… if you ever completed it. Any additions to a Story Mode would simply be having more characters to choose from, with their own story and missions. Not too many, say about five or six others, such as: Jody Summer, Samurai Goroh and Pico to name a few.
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NO ITEMS or WEAPONS!
One thing that should NEVER happen in an F-Zero game, is the inclusion of items or weapons to use during a race. F-Zero has always been about pure speed and skill, using the terrain and drifting mechanics to get you through the race. I certainly don’t want to be racing along, only to have some heat seeking missile, ramming into my exhaust pipe, causing me to explode! No, Nintendo, no!! Keep that stuff away thank you very much.
Well there you go Shigsy, you asked what we would like and I have given you my thoughts. But what do you lot think? Should F-Zero evolve from what we know it as? Is there a need to revive the franchise? (Of course there is!) Do you agree with my suggestions or are they the worst ideas since the history of ideas? Let me know in the comments below, I read every single one.
