F-Zero 99 Nintendo Switch Review - Is It Worth It?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 ก.ย. 2023
- The 99 format at its finest
Written by Charlie Wacholz: www.nintendolife.com/reviews/...
Video by Felix Sanchez: / felixsandwichez
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#racing #nintendo #nintendoswitch - เกม
I was skeptical at first, but I seriously cannot put this game down. It’s the perfect blend of racing, aggression, and skill. It’s like the 99 formula was made for this game.
Of course it is
Fzero is about races with 50+ vehicles literally destroying each other or sending each other flying off course.
Play GX you'll have fun
@@greenbean4422oh of course. F-Zero X is one of my favorites haha. I have yet to play GX
@greenbean4422 50+? GX had 30
@IAmNotASandwich453 and yet they designed like 10 extra staff characters just because
You ask me? They were dealing with console limitations and not lore limitations.
You'll never see a modern GX game, let alone a port so long as the switch is the main console
@meekmeek93 fzero x is ass from what I've heard too so you would really like the other games
I actually really like how Grand Prix is only available in short windows. It makes it feel like a big event and makes crashing out feel like a serious loss and raises the stakes just enough to make me sweat lol. Proud that I've been able to clutch 3 Grand Prix victories so far! I'm ecited for future updates.
Absolutely
I’ve so far only been able to reach podium twice, both times in third place. On a run where I’m pretty sure I would’ve gotten at least second place, I somehow messed up the jump ramp on the final lap of Silence and flew off the course. I just immediately went to bed after that.
Totally agree.
If GP's would be available whenever you want, it wouldn't feel special. And there's Mini Prix to fill up the gap. Other than that, GP's are common in the weekend, which is also really cool. Rack up tickets during the week and start entering GP's in the weekend. It's great!
I'm fine with the fact that the grand prix only appears at certain intervals. I'm not fine with the fact that you need tickets to enter one.
It's very close to the original F-Zero, but optimized for multiplayer. I love it.
Agreed, it isn't fzero with battle royale, it's just fzero with more players, it feels like the original vision finally realized.
Graphics have been facelifted as well, really well done 🍻
@@tonyrosario1940 I unironically love how the scaling and everything looks in widescreen. Even the sky backdrop for Mute City you can see planes/ships fly by. I love little subtle touches.
I get a tad mad whenever people say this was a lazy game to make. Optimizing an old game for nearly 100 players is alot of work.
This was supposed to happen long ago for the Original F-Zero on the SNES but Nintendo just couldn't pull it off due to the hardware limitations at that time and they wanted to make a less intense, more forgiving racing game for players, hence giving birth to Super Mario Kart and the entire Mario Kart franchise.
Edit: forgot to mention the part where they wanted to make it easier for the hardware to process, hence Mario Kart.
Nintendo finally managed to make the best 99 game.
You really trying to knock Tetris 99, huh?
Well mario 35 was the best
Both Tetris99 and Super Mario 35 are far better
They are all very great games! I prefer Pac Man 99 and Mario 35. They should do Donkey Kong 45...
The best “so far”
the boost using your general energy, as well as the spin attack, were introduced in other games, namely F-Zero X for the N64, but these mechanics were only used in the 3d games (X on N64, and GX/AX on gamecube and on arcade machines). so the boost system and spin attack were taken from the 3d games, while most of the rest was taken from the 2d ones.
The boost mechanics were also used in GP legend and Climax.
@@danieljimenez1989and Climax mixed the original and modern boosts together, with the original being in the form of Boost Fire.
F-Zero 99 is the core of what F-Zero is all about. Racing for the Nr. 1 spot and destroying every car you can get. Something I felt other games didn't do as well as this game because killing opponents gives you massive advantages. The balancing is immaculate with a comeback mechanic that feels earned because there is always strategy and skill invovled. Same goes for staying in the Nr. 1 spot. You can't just relax and enjoy the ride when you are first like in mario kart for example because they put obsticles in your path that need skill to overcome. I never felt once that the game was unfair just that I could do better next time.
Unlocking stuff feels super good and I love all the new pixel art and music we got. This game feels like a true F-Zero SNES remake. I hope Nintendo sees the success this has gained and releases a physical copy that also includes more offline and lobby modes in the future.
yeah thats what m hopeing for to. they did it with some games like tetris. they will do with this game down the road mabay were it will only cost 5 bucks to able to play offline with 98 cpus on grind prix. and yeah we need lobbys to hope they bring that over in future updates when they add queen and king cup. let us make a lobby to invite our friends and whos ever host of the lobby they will be able to follow us with online with strangers
F-Zero was always a series I didn’t care for. I just liked Captain Falcon in smash bros 64.
F-Zero 99 is AMAZING. An endorphin-thrill ride. I still struggled with smashing into walls and CRASH OUTs! Never making it to the end. After awhile, got used to the insane turns. Got my first Top 3 Grand Prix 5-match cup & single-race win. Loving this!
Need Starfox 99 and more multiplayer for older Nintendo games. And new F-Zero titles will come with online multiplayer!
I honestly wish he wasn't in smash so comments like this would stop
@@not_kjbwhy? What's the problem exactly?
I unironically love seeing those Mode-7 tracks in HD and in widescreen. It's also nice to see real time distance scaling for the hovercars. Can't wait for more tracks to release. Especially, now that we'll finally get to use them in Practice/Time Trial mode.
I want a StarFox 99 game now, or any massive multiplayer StarFox game.
This might be my favourite 99 game the gameplay is really fun and it has a lot of strategy into it with the boost and the yellow energy
Just to clarify, the boost management and spin attacks may be new to the original, but both X and GX had them, not sure that that came across in the video, it sounded more like they were brand new ideas. It's great to see fzero get some attention though, and this 99 is great fun!
My favorite thing about this game is the rival system. I'm not the best at racing games. I'll probably never win a race in this particular game. But with the rivals system, as long as I beat most/all of my rivals, that feels like a win to me. The game awards experience based on beating rivals even if I can't win the race itself, but getting that XP doesn't feel like a consolation prize because it still requires work to actually beat rivals that are chosen based on my own level.
I like that this game meets the player where they're at in terms of skill. Are there a few customizations I won't be able to unlock without winning? Sure. But the vast majority of unlockables require things I can actually do, and that's cool too.
This is perfect for me as I'm a very casual racing gamer; there are no preparation or customisation to go through outside of the basic vehicle choice, you can just jump right in for short bursts of play. It's CHAOTICALLY fun!!
That's probably the biggest problem I have MK8. While I enjoy the customisatnon it'd be an easier game to pick up and play if there were some standard builds and/or if I could make some favourites.
Limited GPs are great! It makes them feel like an event and it heightens the intensity. That being said, players can play in near constant GPs on weekends, so there’s really no problem. 99 mode is the bread and butter, and GP is a special thing in between.
Yes yes yes. I would hate if they took away the limitation on the grand prix
My favorite franchise returns to the spotlight and I'm absolutely here for it
I'm happy to hear from a fan that you're actually into it.
When I saw this announced I was getting some flashbacks to Metroid Prime Federation Force as in that it seemed like a gimmicky spin-off after years of nothing, but an even much longer weight.
But it does look fun and if it can capture the F-Zero "spark" that's great.
Was about fucking damn time incompetent Nintendo threw out something that wasn't just another lameass mario game.
@@Quakecon-s9r Or Pokemon.
So something cool about the skyway is that it also won't drop you till you are on a comfortable set of track so if you use it when approaching a really curvy stretch of track to get a skyway extension
The skyway is especially busted on Silence if used right before the chicane.
I’ve been dropped directly in front of the u-turn on Big Blue so many times, it’s extremely finicky
Never felt the Switch era had bland UI. I quite like it’s style.
Some games do in my opinion (Pikmin 4, the Super Mario RPG remake, the home screen…) but I like the style of this game!
Fair play to Felix it looks like he’s got a few wins and is a very adept F-Zero 99 player already.
As someone who’s finished the original on the hardest (master) difficulty back in the 90s and more recently on the SNES classic, I’ve only had 1 top 10 finish so far from about 30 races!
Great game and fantastic to finally see F-Zero back. Now what about that F-Zero GX remaster with added online multiplayer for 30 racers? 😍😍😍😍😍😍🤞🤞🤞
This game is incredible. It fixes my only problems with the original f-zero: lack of multiplayer & modes! My first 1st place win was one of the most fulfilling gaming moments in 2023. Hope they add lobbies and matchmaking soon. Wild Goose gang, where are you at?
A great part of why I like the game is that you can play it for as long or as little as you want. The races last just long enough that if you are short on time, you can squeeze a couple races in no problem. But it hits that sweet spot that you can race multiple times and next thing you know an hour or so has past without you noticing lol.
I am happy people are enjoying this - and hopefully a full sequel will grace the new Switch
I'd love a sequel with 99 as a core mode.
ONE OF THE GREATS
Something funny and nostalgic that i dont think no one mentions is how that wifi signal is like the way the DS online connectivity symbol was. Or...i guess, how the PictoChat connection symbol looked like
The kind of game you would want to play several times because each 2-3 minute match is just pure concentrated fun.
It sure is, and honestly, might be the best F-Zero to date… it takes the same original concept of a death race and makes it real by introducing 99 players on the track. Also, the presentation is exquisite, embracing that pixel art and illustrations. Perfection
It's quite fun and nuanced. I do wish it had ability to see your friends and race them directly and see them in game easily. The best I can do is call my friend and we join at the same time. Works most the time, but we have to call out our rankings.
Yes it is, very much so. I'm of the opinion that F-Zero already had this kind of "battle royale, survival racer" feel to it, and F-Zero 99 just bumped up the number of racers to 99 and FINALLY added online play to the series (as well as added other balancing features like the Super Sparks and Skyway mechanics, among others). I know people want either an F-Zero GX remake, or another game in the same vein as F-Zero GX with a big flashy story mode and everything, but to say that this game isn't a true F-Zero game is ignoring the fundamentals of what F-Zero even is at it's core. Plus, you're denying yourselves and exhilarating, fun time by rejecting it, though I suppose that's just my personal opinion. In the end, this definitely feels like a "test the waters" situation to see if there's still a market for more F-Zero games, and the fact that this is actually on-boarding people into becoming F-Zero fans only gives me more hope that there might be more to come. At the very least, a new F-Zero after almost 20 years of nothing is a plus in my book.
Agreed. One of my personal pet peeves with the F-Zero fanbase is that, for the most part, they ignore every game that isn’t GX, though X does get mentioned every now and then. They completely ignore the 2D games (though Maximum Velocity is kinda understandable, given that that’s the weakest F-Zero game, period). I hope we get all 3 GBA games on NSO soon. Climax could even be left untranslated, since most of the necessary info for the game is already in English.
@@paperluigi6132 They HAVE released untranslated Japanese games on NSO before, so they could do the same for Climax. Would definitely love to see more love for the series regardless!
I'm so glad they made a 99 game out of something I've been training my whole life for. I've actually won games in this.
The '35/99 games' have all been so much fun and this is another great addition. I still can't fathom why they didn't make Super Mario Bros 35 a permanent feature for NSO subscribers
I love the hop in and just go nature of this game. It controls amazing and the menu's that blend with the old art are awesome. Definitely a very fun game!
I don't mind that some modes are time limited and require a ticket. To me it makes me want to come back time and time again. This is a great release.
I like the timed Grand Prixs since if theyre all available at once, the available players will be split between all the modes, and will lead to smaller rooms and longer wait times for everything.
A week ago I would have told you that I wanted a proper F-Zero game.
Today? I’d rather have this. This is the most fun I’ve had with a multiplayer racer… ever.
I somewhat agree but I want both and I want a similar online versus experience in the new one!
The first time i played this game was in 1999 (played like one or two hours), and every few years i play one or two races max, because it wasn't a blast for me... and i thought i was decent until this game came out and i couldn't stop playing. Almost one week later i just unlocked Silence through getting top 20 in grand prix and during that track i was so hype with the music, so simple that stuck into my mind while i was remembering all the times i tried to get there, failed, and then, i did it.. i ended in 11th place but i felt 1000 times joy than placing first on mario kart. And i thought, so this is like a real racer getting into exclusive tracks just by being good and competitive...
It's makes you feel like you are captain falcon
cant wait to dominate the Queen and King leagues, hope some of the satelliview tracks come too because if u think abt fzero 99 is kind of like a modern satelliview broadcast
I reeeeeally hope they can add local co op, lobbies and matchmaking, id love to be able to have a gaming night on this one.
Im completely new to fzero, and I had so much fun with this one. Grabbed it because it was free for NSO subs and heard wonders about it.
This was definitely interesting and considering I never picked up an F-Zero game before this fascinated me. This makes me want to try the original game, F-Zero X, and assuming they bring GameCube to Switch online then eventually F-Zero GX.
It's the return to the franchise I didn't know I needed
Man, Im glad that did this with the SNES version also due to the godlike OST. White Land 1 so good
I really enjoy this game! Although I'm a very average player (always end in the high 40s each time I play), I still have lots of fun, although it's taking me a while to get used to F-Zero's peculiar physics (which make sense given the cars don't actually touch the floor, but still). At least, it's giving me the same fun I had playing with the original game on my SNES! And I'm still gobsmacked that it runs so well, what with 99 online players at the same time (with often dozens of players on screen on the same track at any moment, unlike other 99 games).
I had the original at launch and it was always weird that a racing game was one player, my brother and I would compete in time trials but this rights the ship tenfold. Great vid.
Is Fire Field on the game? I have seen the other maps, but not Fire Field!
man i'm absolutely loving this game! i really hope they continue to support it and add the other Tracks and cars from the GBA games! there are so many dials they could use to balance other cars as well, you could have one that was considerably "worse" but who had much longer time on the skyway, or cars that regenerate spin faster or do more damage with their spins... you could have cars that are better but they constantly drop sparks making it harder for them to stay in 1st place (as 2-10th tend to get less sparks and thus can't use the skyway as frequently) ... there are lots of cool things you could do... but honestly just adding more cars and tracks would be fantastic.
Got my first Victory yesterday, I was so unbelievably pumped. This game absolutely rules.
the boost at any time at cost to energy and spin attack are nice additions from gx and i love this this is the one battle royal i can actually play
I was never really into fzero growing up but this has me wanting to see when I've missed out on. Having so much fun with it
I was never really into F-Zero, but I am a big Mario Kart racer, it is so nice having an online racing game where skill outweighs luck, yes, there is still a little luck involved in this game but not so much so as like in Mario Kart, I do wish however that they would have used F-Zero X as the setting instead of the Super Nintendo version, but I'm sure Nintendo did that because sprites are easier to process than polygons
It gives me a headache every time, any way to decrease the control's sensitivity?
Nintendo officials had commented several times over the years that they were having trouble envisioning the next step for the series and were also unsure of how to differentiate it from Mario Kart.
This. This is the correct answer. Genius! It makes perfect sense to not only take advantage of the large number of machines in a single race but to actually triple that number and then enable 99 person battle royal for the multiplayer. And nobody saw it coming!
i want to see the rainbow energy bar maxed out so bad... i seen someone get it long enough to have purple beyond blue once
this is something i cant play super long periods as i burn out quickly as i consistantly get near 50th place
but its free to play if you got the online membership already, so its a no brainer
Don't be surprised if it turns into a physical copy much like Tetris 99.
This is a legit entry to the series, despite that it's a service game
My own opinion, this is an entry meant to spark interest. Then when they do a remaster or new game, people will think "oh i know that series. I had fun with it. I'll get that. " and that might just be the beginning of a new era for the series.
@@ravenebony2267 we're not getting a new Fzero. This is it
It's interesting when people are clairvoyant like that. Not long ago, i would have said TTYD would return, and yet....
@@ravenebony2267 I also predicted that the eshop closures would mean they'd resell 3ds games anyway. Now we have Luigi's Mansion 2 soon
The Grand Prix post-crash "bash the other racers" mode has a delightful Pilotwings Bonus Game feel to it.
Just the music..the music alone is soooooooo good! THE MUSIC IS SOOOOOOOOO GOOOOD!
I love the F-Zero games. F-Zero X on the N64 is still my favourite, some of them introduced really weird behaviour, like leaning didn't work in the same way and you had to let off throttle to stop sliding. Anyhow, it looks like this introduces a lot of the game mechanics from F-Zero X. Would love to see a 99 version of that.
YESS finally felix's personal thoughts!! love to see it
My best place is 11th on big blue.. hope they add more vehicles an tracks down the road
I hope this is like a test run for the development of a brand new F Zero. This has been surprisingly a lot of fun and I usually don’t play games like this
This one definitely held my attention a lot better than Tetris 99, and I’ve been playing it a lot. Maybe I’m just bad at puzzle games, but I could never do well. Managed to snag a 1st place yesterday, though, and already almost to S rank.
F zero is one of my favorite games and it getting the 99 treatment on the switch is nice well done review
i love this game so much, i can't put it down. if there was one problem i have, it's that in normal races, much like with mario kart, everyone always picks mute city or big blue.
Got onto this last night and couldn't stop playing. It's so addictive...
TBH I haven't even heard of F-Zero before. I've heard of Captain Falcon but I didn't know what franchise he's from. But playing this game turned me into an instant fan! I haven't had this much fun since the first time I played the BOTW series. It might have even saved me from selling my Switch 😂
I really hope they do a "modernized" take on the core gameplay, I grew up playing GX and I miss it so much
The spin attack doesn't give more damage, but prevents the player from receiving damage.
This is crazy. Hopefully it's sucess spurs Nintendo into making a full new 3D modern graphic F-Zero too!
I have never played fzero for shame, except the mario kart tracks, and ive never tried to play any of the other nintendo 99 games, but this looks great.
I was feeling like i was in one of those speed boost scenes from The Fast & The Furious. Truly an epic classic, I got a new found respect for F-Zero... always appreciate a good classic
I want the FZero X version of this game.
Played it late at night and it looks so good on the OLED .
GP is on the top of every hour… and mini prix on the half hour… definitely not an annoyance at all, the only thing this game needs is: more machines, more challenges for cosmetic unlocks, and even more people playing it (so we can show Nintendo how much we want more F-zero!) It’s amazing!
Edit: finished the video and I agree, being able to invite friends to play with you would actually be a very nice addition!
Loving the game so far! Surprising, it feels almost exactly as the original game:)
I also came back to F-Zero X but with the N64 controller. It plays WAY better with this one, than with the Switch controllers.
And I do hope that F-Zero 99 is Nintendo heating up the audience before a new release or a remaster of GX with online support and (maybe) with new tracks.
You like the n64 switch controller for this you're saying?
@@faceofbear8024 for F-Zero X. I play 99 on pro, or just handheld. Pro is more comfortable
this game is so much fun, i'm sad so many people are hating on it because it isn't f-zero X or GX 99
imagine a 99 people battle royale with the slipperyness and crazy speed of X, i don't think it would work as well (and the original f-zero aesthetic imo aged better than the sylicon graphics style of X)
Great fun game but my only gripe is the soundtrack which to me it’s the same soundtrack. Gameplay I love which is plenty of fun.
If this keeps getting regular updates from Nintendo, this will go down as one of the all-time great multiplayer games on Switch.
Really enjoying it, but it’s frustrating that Mute City keeps winning the map vote.
That’s why you do the special events like the pro tracks so you get better tracks, the pro track events don’t cost a ticket.
Agree.
It’s included with Switch Online so you may as well try it. Unlike most battle royales, each match is short and the rival system makes it so you can still succeed despite not finishing in first place.
I hope there's a new F-Zero after this one that includes F-Zero 99 as a multiplayer mode. ^^
This game is so good and addicting, The timed events make this game what it is and not get dull.
Whoa!! I might have to renew my subscription for this.
I like that the Grand Prix are on a timer. The fact that I can't just jump into another one makes me feel like the one I'm in matters more.
I mean despite it downright insulted me still playing GX and waiting for proper sequel for last 20 years... it's actually pretty good. It just kills me little bit inside every round knowing this is all I got for waiting 20 years.
As a full grown adult I have put in countless hours into the original game. I am the expert. My only complaint with this 99 is that they have softened the handling and controls for casuals. Because I am so acquainted with the original controls and handling that I often cut corners a little too soon. getting used to the softer handling takes some getting used to
I very much excel on the courses with lots of windy turns because those require skill that most lack. Big Blue and Mute City 1 are essentially just randomizers for me sometimes i win sometimes i lose. anything beyond those 2 courses I can place pretty high in the rankings
I'm glad Nintendo didn't abandon F-zero. Seriously, Namco needs to bring back Ridge Racer. Cruis'n returned in 2017, Hot Wheels racing game returned in 2021, LEGO racing game and F-Zero returned this year. Also, This year marks the 30th anniversary of Ridge Racer. If Ace Combat, Klonoa, and even Baten Kaitos can be revived, why not Ridge Racer? Necro Felipe says Ridge Racer 8 has not been cancelled. I hope what he says is true. If you want to know the problems with racing games, watch Raycevick's I Love Racing Games, They Suck! It's a great video.
I don't get the critical points. The UI looks fitting, I like that the grand prix mode is not always on and you need fo gather tickets to access.
Not the biggest fzero fan but this is addictive. It's not as fun as Mario 35 was but I've joined many games trying to be first place in this
I’m remember the original game back in the 90s good game back then
Can't wait for F-Zero on the Switch2 in 4k and 120 fps
As someone who's played F-Zero since it first released, I have to admit that this game is pretty solid. That said, I do wish that they could match the speed of the original game. After putting some time in 99, I went pack to the original and it's actually faster. Also, I wish we had the option to bump it down to about 25-30 player matches. I just think that 99 players is way too chaotic and not in a good way. I wish we could get true next gen F-Zero, but if I'm going to be honest, the best F-Zero is still the original. The music, the tracks the overall art style has still yet to be topped. I believe Nintendo knows, this and this is why we haven't gotten a next/current gen F-Zero since GX.
I think I’m holding out until the Queen and King League launch and all 15 tracks are out there. I used Fire Stingray almost exclusively in the original F-Zero and right now that car is basically useless.
You know that special version of Zelda 1 Nintendo made internally to test ideas for Breath of the Wild? This feels like it could be doing the same for a hypothetical future F-Zero.
The fzero n64 play list is the reason I have a taste for metal, it’s just so good.
A free, no micro-transaction game! Best I've played this year
I’m watching this video in between mini Grand Prix races 😆✌🏻
Obviously it’s gonna depend on everyone’s preference. But this is my favorite 99 by far, the first one that’s actually got me wanting to play lol
No video review for Teal Mask?
I would love the game if it actually worked. I tried 10 online races since release and only managed to finish one. Two crashes and 7 dropped connections ended the other races.
@NaNoRarh Yeah I suppose that could be an issue but every other device in the house works fine and I don't have connection issues with any other online game/apps on the switch. Just Fzero 99. As soon as a get into race it gives me low connection notice in the bottom left and drops it usually on lap 3 or 4. There isn't lag or stuttering either its silky smooth performance then I get a error prompt and returned to menu.
We need F-ZERO GX online!! For chaos speed death race
I like the gameplay but I'm quite disappointed by the lack of variety in tracks. Seems like I'm playing the same three or four courses over and over and over again.
Gotta love how everyone in the comments is praising and giving it hope into thinking “F-Zero is revived”. No offense, but if it’s online only, you best hope it can compete with other massive online titles or new games that pulls away the attention of F-Zero 99 players. Otherwise, it’s gonna be in the bin pile of being forgotten within a year. Honestly, as a true fan to the series, I wished they dropped in a remake/remaster of the classic, or a new title that can be played endlessly forever without dying off and being forgotten again. Well, I’ll just hope the next Nintendo console brings a true F-Zero title seriously this time. The series needs a second chance in life, not be held on life support while resting on its death bed.
After seeing the amount of downvotes for F-Zero 99's trailer here on TH-cam, I was initially concerned, but it seems like this game is getting a ton of traction. Also, it's admittedly the primary reason I finally pulled the trigger on getting a Switch after all these years (found a 64GB OLED bundled with 11 games).
If you're someone who started with SNES F-Zero, like myself, you will likely love this game; However, don't jump in thinking you'll beat everyone with ease! While being an SNES F-Zero veteran does help, and while it does still feel remarkably similar enough to SNES F-Zero...You have to deal with 98 other racers, and all the changes made along with it!