Despite a lack of graphical detail, F-zero X's fast and smooth game-play make it the best racing game on the 64.
The bad: Some players may be turned off by it's lack of graphical detail
Game-play: 10/10
Graphics: 7/10
Sound: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Tilt: 10/10
Average Score: 9.5/10
In 1991, Nintendo released F-zero for their Super Nintendo. A classic game, it was praised for revolutionizing racing games with its famous Mode 7 graphics and for its futuristic setting. Fans anticipated its next release, but they had to wait about seven years for that to come. Finally, in 1998, every F-zero fan's dreams came true with the release of F-Zero X on the Nintendo 64. Because the 64 had a boatload of gems (we're talking titanic sized), it should come as no surprise that this is one of the golden gems.
This game introduced 27 new characters, a record. There's not much to complain about these racers, and they're each fun to use. The game takes place in the future, and it has loops, trampolines, speed boosts, corkscrews, hard turns, and 30 racers on the screen! And guess what? The framerate is 60 frames per second, and this game runs faster than even Mario Kart wii! This is the fastest 64 game I've ever played, and it's also one of the most fun.
Basically, The controls are very simple and fun to use. The A button controls your speed, and the B button gives you boost power into the 2nd lap. Although controlling you vehicle at tight turns is wall crashing, this is meant for the challenge. Another great feature is the addition of lives in GP mode. If you fall off a course (which you might a lot if you are not patient), you can always restart the course, unless you get a game over. This makes it better to play than most other racers, and adds replay value to it.
You choose from 30 vehicles, 23 of which have to be unlocked. There are also 2 cups to unlock, and they are challenging to get. I believe you need to be in first place total to get these in cups. The challenge is extremely reasonable, and the tight tracks and evenly spaced health spots make it more of a fun challenge. You can even change your speed and acceleration before each race.
The game-play is just awesome. The game barely has frustration and you'll never feel bored or angry. The speed is unbelievable in here. No other 64 game has gotten close to the speed shown here. The fun is shown and stands the test of time extremely well. Thanks to its Gamecube racer style speed, it is one of the coolest and most revolutionary racers I have ever played.
Graphically, the effects are amazing. Water flips when the tracks do corkscrews, and the scenery looks colorful and crisp. Although there is a lack of detail in graphics, it turns out worse graphics make better game-play. Who knew? The sound effects are above average, but the rock soundtrack is the best on the 64.
Overall, Despite a lack of graphical detail, F-Zero X's fast and smooth game-play make it the best racing game on the 64. There's no limit to fun on this game, and its biggest improvement over the Super Nintendo game is that it has multiplayer. F-Zero X did everything right in game-play, and anyone who even is a racing fan can make this a must have.