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{{Short description|Video game series}}
{{About|the video game series|the first game in the series|F-Zero (video game){{!}}''F-Zero'' (video game)}}
{{Redirect|Captain Falcon|the French adventure film|Captain Falcon (film){{!}}''Captain Falcon'' (film)}}
{{Infobox video game series
| title     = F-Zero
| image     = F-Zero logo.png
| caption = Logo since 1998
| developer = {{Unbulleted list|[[Nintendo EAD]] {{Small|(1990-2000)}}|[[List of Nintendo development teams#SRD|SRD Co., Ltd.]] {{Small|(1990)}}|[[NDcube]] {{Small|(2001)}}|[[Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio|Amusement Vision]] {{Small|(2003)}}|[[Suzak Inc.]] {{Small|(2003-2004)}}|[[Nintendo Software Technology]] {{Small|(2023)}}}}
| publisher = [[Nintendo]]
| creator   = [[Shigeru Miyamoto]]<br />[[Takaya Imamura]]
| platforms = {{Hlist|[[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]]|[[Satellaview]]|[[Nintendo 64]]|[[64DD]]|[[iQue Player]]|[[Game Boy Advance]]|[[Nintendo e-Reader]]|[[Arcade game|Arcade]]|[[GameCube]]|[[Nintendo Switch]]}}
| genre     = {{Unbulleted list
  | [[Racing video game|Racing]] }}
| spinoffs  =
| first release version  = ''[[F-Zero (video game)|F-Zero]]''
| first release date     = November 21, 1990
| latest release version = ''[[F-Zero 99]]''
| latest release date    = September 14, 2023
}}

{{Nihongo foot|'''''F-Zero'''''|エフゼロ|Efu Zero|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a series of [[racing game]]s published by [[Nintendo]], developed by [[Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development|Nintendo EAD]] and other third-party companies. The [[F-Zero (video game)|first game]] was released for the [[Super Famicom]] in Japan in 1990. Its success prompted Nintendo to create sequels on subsequent consoles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=7206 |title=Nintendo Feature: 100 Best Nintendo Games - Part Two |work=Official Nintendo Magazine |access-date=2013-01-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090223134335/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=7206 |archive-date=2009-02-23}}</ref>

The series is known for its high-speed, futuristic racing, characters and settings, difficult gameplay, and original music, as well as for pushing technological limits to be one of the fastest racing games.{{Clarify|reason=Fast in terms of speed of the in-game racers or how the game runs?|date=February 2025}} The original game inspired games such as ''[[Daytona USA (video game)|Daytona USA]]''<ref>{{cite web|last=Bryant|first=Paul|date=2002-03-29|url=http://www.gaming-age.com/news/2002/3/28-106|title=Interview: F-Zero press conference|publisher=Gaming Age Online|access-date=2007-04-04|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929155224/http://www.gaming-age.com/news/2002/3/28-106|archive-date=2007-09-29}}</ref> and the [[Wipeout (video game series)|''Wipeout'']] series.<ref name="SNES VC review">{{cite web|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/759/759087p1.html|title=F-Zero (Virtual Console) review|last=Thomas|first=Lucas|date=2007-01-26|publisher=IGN|access-date=2007-02-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070315022902/http://wii.ign.com/articles/759/759087p1.html|archive-date=2007-03-15|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="preview of X">{{cite web |author=IGN Staff |date=1998-07-14 |title=F-Zero X |url=http://ign64.ign.com/articles/120/120418p1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070819090308/http://ign64.ign.com/articles/120/120418p1.html |archive-date=2007-08-19 |access-date=2007-05-30 |publisher=IGN}}</ref>

The series has been largely dormant since the release of ''[[F-Zero Climax]]'' in 2004 in Japan, although elements have been represented in other Nintendo video games, most notably the ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart]]'' franchises. Past installments have been emulated across multiple Nintendo consoles with the [[Virtual Console]] service. The original ''F-Zero'' is one of the selected games emulated on the [[Super NES Classic Edition]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.com/super-nes-classic|title=Super NES Classic Edition|publisher=[[Nintendo of America, Inc.]]|date=September 29, 2017|access-date=September 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928025849/https://www.nintendo.com/super-nes-classic|archive-date=September 28, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Nintendo Direct 9.4.2019| date=4 September 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TVE44feo_I |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/8TVE44feo_I |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|language=en|access-date=2019-09-06}}{{cbignore}}</ref> ''F-Zero'' was one of the launch games for the [[Nintendo Switch Online#Super NES games|Super Nintendo Entertainment System: Nintendo Switch Online]] collection, released on September 5, 2019. After over 19 years of absence, a [[Battle royale game|battle royale]] based on the original game, called ''[[F-Zero 99]]'', was released for the [[Nintendo Switch]], exclusively for [[Nintendo Switch Online]] members.

==Gameplay==
Each of the games in ''F-Zero'' series requires the player to beat opponents to the finish line while avoiding obstacles such as land mines and slip zones. The games usually require a mixture of memorization of the tracks and quick reflexes for its fast-paced racing gameplay. In ''[[F-Zero (video game)|F-Zero]]'' and ''[[F-Zero: Maximum Velocity]]'', a speed boost is given to the player for each lap completed. Starting with ''F-Zero X'', players may execute speed boosts if they have finished at least one lap, but now in exchange for losing energy when boosting. It is therefore necessary to use recharge strips around courses to replenish this energy, or risk exploding when it drops to zero. Strategically situated dash plates allow boosts without energy loss. In combination with course obstacles, drivers are allowed to attack each other with their vehicle bodies.

The games' planets include different climates and terrains, and are home to many different races and tribes of aliens. There are geographical differences from game to game, but distinctive locations recur, such as Big Blue, Mute City and Port Town. Circuits are usually set on the outskirts of cities or above them situated high in planet atmospheres at an elevation as much as {{convert|300|ft|m}} above ground. They contain anti-gravitational guide beams on both sides of the course that keep them in place.<ref name="SNESmanual">{{cite book |title=F-Zero instruction manual |date=1991-08-15 |publisher=Nintendo |editor=Nintendo EAD |pages=3–4, 20–28}}</ref> Rich merchants from cities in the clouds or asteroids with almost uninhabitable environments invested their wealth in the construction of racing circuits.<ref name="SNESmanual" /> Some cities have multiple circuits—circuits not used for the Grand Prix are open to pilots for practice. The dynamic structure of the courses are colossal in scale, as most circuits feature a single lap that spans over six miles (10&nbsp;km).<ref name="GXmanual">{{cite book |title=F-Zero GX instruction manual |date=2003-08-25 |publisher=Nintendo |editor=Amusement Vision |pages=6–7, 33, 41}}</ref>

The vehicles used to race in these video games are known as "F-Zero machines", which are designed to hover instead of travel on wheels. An anti-gravity unit, known as the "G-Diffuser System" (first used by the ''[[Star Fox]]'' franchise's [[Arwing]]),<ref>{{cite web |date=14 May 1997 |title=StarFox 64 Manual Translation: Pt.1 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1997/05/14/starfox-64-manual-translation-pt1 |access-date=16 May 2020 |archive-date=12 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112045222/https://www.ign.com/articles/1997/05/14/starfox-64-manual-translation-pt1 |url-status=live }}</ref> allows an F-Zero machine to drive at high speeds while retaining a hold of the track, located from a few inches to a foot below it.<ref name="preview of X" /> However, the slip zones, also referred to as the "magnetic field block coat" in the first ''F-Zero'' game, blocks the vehicle from retaining a hold on the track. The racing machines developed for these tracks used the latest in this magnetic technology, and are able to perform tune-ups.<ref name="preview of X" /><ref name="SNESmanual" /> Out of the over forty-four known machines, only five do not weigh over a [[short ton]].<ref name="player guide">{{Cite book |title=F-Zero GX Player's Guide |publisher=Nintendo of America, Inc |year=2003 |isbn=1-930206-35-6 |editor-last=Pelland |editor-first=Scott |location=Redmond, Washington}}</ref> ''F-Zero'' machines have a maximum speed exceeding that of sound. This is possible due to the ultra-compact micro-plasma engines used by the machines.<ref name="X manual">{{cite web |title=F-Zero X manual |url=http://www.world-of-video-games.com/n64/manuals/f-zero_x.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928045346/http://www.world-of-video-games.com/n64/manuals/f-zero_x.shtml |archive-date=2007-09-28 |access-date=2006-07-01 |publisher=World of Video Games}}</ref>

Each machine has four basic performance attributes: body, boost, grip, and weight. Body, boost, and grip are rated on a scale from A to E (A being the best, E, the worst).<ref name="Tips & Techniques">{{cite web |last=Schneider |first=Peer |author-link=Peer Schneider |date=2003-08-25 |title=F-Zero GX Tips & Techniques |url=http://guides.ign.com/guides/480123/page_2.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061018215248/http://guides.ign.com/guides/480123/page_2.html |archive-date=2006-10-18 |access-date=2006-11-12 |publisher=IGN}}</ref> The higher a machine's Body rating, the more durable it is and the less damage it will sustain in a collision. Machines with a good Body rating are, therefore, able to withstand more attacks before exploding.<ref name="player guide" /> The Boost rating takes into account the duration of a vehicle's boost, and how great a speed increase it provides. A machine with a high rating can travel at higher than normal speeds for a longer period of time.<ref name="player guide" /> Grip determines how well a machine negotiates turns. A higher Grip rating means that the player's vehicle will execute steadier turns, while a low one will cause the vehicle to drift more, especially when turning tightly.<ref name="player guide" /> Weight affects a vehicle's acceleration, grip, cornering ability, maximum speed, and the amount of damage it sustains in a collision. A lighter vehicle is superior in the first three categories, while a heavier vehicle has the advantage in the latter two.<ref name="player guide" /><ref name="Tips & Techniques" />

{{Clear}}

==Plot==
While there were originally four ''F-Zero'' pilots in the first game, this has grown with each game to more than 40 characters in the later games of the series. Each character has their own unique vehicle, story and reason for entering the F-Zero Grand Prix, but the most well known character is Captain Falcon. The winner of the Grand Prix receives a huge sum of prize money, but many pilots have been lost pursuing it.<ref name="GXmanual" />

The ''F-Zero'' games are derived from the 20th and 21st century [[Formula One]] races<ref name="SNES VC review" /><ref name="SNESmanual" /> and the fictitious F-Max Grand Prix races from the 24th century.<ref name="X manual" /> The games portray races in the future as having come under the influence of wealthy ex-space merchants. They thought that a fast and violent race would be an effective way to get people to gamble, so the ex-merchants established the ''F-Zero'' Execution Project.<ref name="X manual" /> The ''F-Zero'' Grand Prix dates to the 26th century, and is still sponsored by the wealthy elite who originally organized the Execution Project for those events. These races feature the most technologically advanced racing machines, competing in numerous circuits of fast-paced action. It is known for its wild fans, and usually eccentric competitors. Winners of the Grand Prix receive large sums of money, as well as a great deal of prestige throughout the universe.<ref name="GXmanual" />

The ''F-Zero'' games are primarily set on a futuristic Earth in the 26th century, although some games take place much earlier and some circuits have been set on different planets. ''F-Zero X'' defined the F-Max Grand Prix as the precursor to the ''F-Zero'' races which took place during the 24th century.<ref name="X manual" />

''[[F-Zero (video game)|F-Zero]]'' begins in the year 2560 where the human race's countless encounters with alien life forms throughout the universe greatly expanded Earth's social framework resulting in trade, technology transfer, and cultural interchange are carried out on an interplanetary basis. An association of wealthy space merchants created the "F-Zero Grand Prix", in an attempt to add some excitement to their opulent lifestyles. When the first race was held, people were angered at the brutality of the competition, due to the various obstacles and traps along the raceway. As time passed, however, they became accustomed to these dangers, and even began to demand more excitement and danger in the races. Winning the ''F-Zero'' championship soon became the highest claim to fame in the universe. This period of time is called the "old-school" ''F-Zero'' days where the rules seemed non-existent in ''F-Zero X''.<ref name="SNESmanual" />

''[[F-Zero X]]''{{'}}s storyline starts after the seven-year suspension of Grand Prix races due to the Horrific Grand Finale.<ref name="Skull">{{cite web |last=Sackenheim |first=Shawn |title=The Skull |url=http://www.allgame.com/cg/agg.dll?p=agg&sql=2:3276 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130116114053/http://www.allgame.com/cg/agg.dll?p=agg&sql=2:3276 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 16, 2013 |access-date=2006-12-16 |publisher=Allgame }}</ref> The game explains the "Horrific Grand Finale" was a violent and fiery accident that burnt fourteen drivers to death, including Sterling LaVaughn during the old days of ''F-Zero''.<ref name="Skull" /> A racer named Super Arrow escaped unscathed as the only survivor. No racing was allowed by the Federation after the crash; despite the ''F-Zero'' racing prohibition, the sport went underground where many racers went to hone their skills in secret.<ref name="Stewart">{{cite web |last=Sackenheim |first=Shawn |title=Dr. Stewart |url=http://www.allgame.com/cg/agg.dll?p=agg&sql=2:3284 |access-date=2007-06-18 |publisher=Allgame |archive-date=2019-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208163410/http://www.allgame.com/cg/agg.dll?p=agg&sql=2:3284 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The crash ushered in the establishment of the "F-Zero Racing Academy", after a speech, by Super Arrow to the Federation Congress, which helped to lift the ban.<ref name="Arrow">{{cite web |last=Sackenheim |first=Shawn |title=Super Arrow |url=http://www.allgame.com/cg/agg.dll?p=agg&sql=2:3286 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120722094627/http://www.allgame.com/cg/agg.dll?p=agg&sql=2:3286 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 22, 2012 |access-date=2006-12-16 |publisher=Allgame }}</ref> The fictional competition was brought back with the rules and regulations revised.<ref name="X manual" />

''[[F-Zero: Maximum Velocity]]'' takes place 25 years after the original in the year 2585. Players race against the descendants of the original F-Zero racers.<ref>{{cite web |author=T.J. Deci |title=F-Zero: Maximum Velocity |url=http://www.allgame.com/cg/agg.dll?p=agg&sql=1:33373 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120719175051/http://www.allgame.com/cg/agg.dll?p=agg&sql=1:33373 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 19, 2012 |access-date=2006-10-22 |publisher=Allgame }}</ref> ''Maximum Velocity'' is considered a [[Reboot (fiction)|reboot continuity]] to the rest of the home console games since it has made no indication of the safety revisions carried forth after the huge accident, in fact it states just like the original ''F-Zero'' game, the extreme danger involved when participating in those races.

''[[F-Zero GX]]'' does not mention the Grand Finale event, but instead the game states Sterling LaVaughn was racing during the ''F-Max'' era and the F-Zero Grand Prix was suspended four years ago.<ref name="GXmanual" /> This game states the character Mighty Gazelle was injured in the huge accident four years ago. The Nintendo 64 game mentions that Mighty Gazelle's accident and the accident that suspended the Grand Prix were two separate events.<ref name="GXmanual" /><ref name="X manual" />

''[[F-Zero: GP Legend (video game)|F-Zero: GP Legend]]'' is set in a different continuity and begins in the year 2201.<ref name="anime" /> It was continued with ''[[F-Zero Climax]]''. These games feature some different incarnations of Captain Falcon, Zoda, and other characters.

{{Clear}}

==Development==
{{Timeline of release years
| subtitle = Main entries in '''bold'''
| compressempty =True
| range1       = 1990
| range1_color = #93a7b9 #d7e3ee <!-- Color from the series logo -->
| 1990  = '''''[[F-Zero (video game)|F-Zero]]'''''
| 1996  = ''[[BS F-Zero Grand Prix]]''
| 1997  = ''[[BS F-Zero Grand Prix 2]]''
| 1998  = '''''[[F-Zero X]]'''''
| 2000  = ''[[F-Zero X Expansion Kit]]''
| 2001  = '''''[[F-Zero: Maximum Velocity|Maximum Velocity]]'''''
| 2003a = '''''[[F-Zero GX]]'''''
| 2003b = ''[[F-Zero AX]]''
| 2003c = '''''[[F-Zero: GP Legend]]'''''
| 2004  = '''''[[F-Zero Climax]]'''''
| 2023  = ''[[F-Zero 99]]''}}

{{Further|List of F-Zero media}}[[File:SNES F-Zero.png|left|thumb|''F-Zero'', one of the first games to use [[Mode 7]]]]

===SNES / Super Famicom (1990–1997)===
The first game in the series originally launched for the Super NES, ''[[F-Zero (video game)|F-Zero]]'' was also the first game for the platform to use a technique that Nintendo called "[[Mode 7]] Scrolling". When Mode 7 was combined with scaling and positioning of the layer on a scanline-by-scanline basis it could simulate [[3D computer graphics|3D]] environments. Such techniques in games were considered to be revolutionary in a time when most console games were restricted to static/flat backgrounds and 2-dimensional ([[2D computer graphics|2D]]) objects. The result was developer [[Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development|Nintendo EAD]] creating a game that [[IGN]] reviewer Craig Harris called the fastest and smoothest pseudo-3D console racer of its time.<ref name="MVelocity" /> ''F-Zero'' was one of the launch games for the SNES that [[Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development]] had approximately fifteen months to develop completely.<ref name="EAD">{{cite web |author=Anthony JC |author2=Pete Deol |date=2000-12-15 |title=Nintendo GameCube Developer Profile: EAD |url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/089/089011p1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207204353/http://cube.ign.com/articles/089/089011p1.html |archive-date=2008-12-07 |access-date=2008-10-04 |work=N-Sider |publisher=IGN}}</ref> In Japan, only it and ''[[Super Mario World]]'' were initially available for launch.<ref>{{cite book |last=Sheff |first=David |title=[[Game Over: How Nintendo Zapped an American Industry, Captured Your Dollars, and Enslaved Your Children]] |publisher=Random House |year=1993 |isbn=978-0-679-40469-9 |edition=First |location=New York |page=[https://archive.org/details/gameoverhowninte00shef/page/361 361] |orig-year=1993}}</ref> In North America and Europe, ''Super Mario World'' shipped with the console, and other initial games included ''F-Zero'', ''[[Pilotwings (video game)|Pilotwings]]'' (which also demonstrated the console's "[[Mode 7]]" pseudo-3D rendering capability), ''[[SimCity (1989 video game)|SimCity]]'', and ''[[Gradius III]]''.<ref name="SNES lineup">{{cite web |last=Parish |first=Jeremy |date=2006-11-14 |title=Out to Launch: Wii |url=http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3155264 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819040529/http://www.1up.com/features/launch-wii |archive-date=2012-08-19 |access-date=2007-07-03 |work=[[1UP.com]]}}</ref>

Kazunobu Shimizu recalls that F-Zero initially began as a sequel to ''Famicom Grand Prix: F1 Race''. The sequel was rejected by Nintendo of America staff, stating that "[r]acing cars should be cooler". Shimizu then stated, “Well, if that’s what you say, then I’ll make something really cool!” During Shimizu's stay in America, the 1989 film [[Batman (1989 film)|Batman]] "was a big hit," and so he "bought a bunch of Batman comics and then came back to Japan. And that just happened to be when [Yasunari] Nishida was experimenting with a racing game." He also stated that the futuristic setting was also inspired by the 1989 film "because a futuristic world like the one portrayed in the Batman movie was on my mind." Shimizu added on, saying that "having tyres would have made things much more difficult."<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/News/2017/September/Nintendo-Classic-Mini-SNES-developer-interview-Volume-2-F-ZERO-1277331.html | title=Nintendo Classic Mini: SNES developer interview – Volume 2: F-ZERO }}</ref>

Artist 	Takaya Imamura stated that the racers in F-Zero was an afterthought, and that "... Captain Falcon was originally the mascot character for Super NES." Imaura elaborated, stating that "[e]ven most people at Nintendo don’t know that. When development of F-ZERO was almost complete, I was doing a bunch of illustrations and someone expressed a desire to make a mascot character for Super NES, with a name like Captain Something. So I started thinking about a character who would match the colors of the Super Famicom controller, with some red and blue and yellow."<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/News/2017/September/Nintendo-Classic-Mini-SNES-developer-interview-Volume-2-F-ZERO-1277331.html | title=Nintendo Classic Mini: SNES developer interview – Volume 2: F-ZERO }}</ref>

''F-Zero'' later had a sequel for the SNES that was cancelled,<ref name="VCreview">{{cite web |last=Thomas |first=Lucas |date=2007-01-26 |title=F-Zero (Virtual Console) review |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/759/759087p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070315022902/http://wii.ign.com/articles/759/759087p1.html |archive-date=2007-03-15 |access-date=2007-02-27 |publisher=IGN}}</ref> but was released unfinished through the Japanese-only [[Satellaview]] peripheral under the name ''BS F-Zero Grand Prix'' in 1996. Like most Satellaview games it was released in parts across multiple broadcasts, and featured an update of the first game. It was followed up by ''BS F-Zero Grand Prix 2'' in 1997, an expansion which featured brand new courses.<ref name="SNES VC review" /><ref>{{cite web| title=BS F-Zero 2 Grand Prix| url=http://cheats.ign.com/objects/573/573890.html| access-date=2006-12-17| publisher=IGN| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061005163016/http://cheats.ign.com/objects/573/573890.html| archive-date=2006-10-05| url-status=live}}</ref>

''[[Zero Racers]]'' (''G-Zero'') was in development for the [[Virtual Boy]] in early 1996. The game was completed and had an age rating from the [[ESRB]], but never released as the console was discontinued.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/02/mythical-virtual-boy-f-zero-spin-off-was-100percent-complete-according-to-former-noa-staffer |title=Mythical Virtual Boy F-Zero Spin-Off Was 100% Complete, According to Former NOA Staffer |date=28 February 2022 |access-date=2023-09-28 |archive-date=2023-09-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927163203/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/02/mythical-virtual-boy-f-zero-spin-off-was-100percent-complete-according-to-former-noa-staffer |url-status=live }}</ref> The game was previewed by [[Nintendo Power]], and had been earmarked for launch in the United States in fall 1996.<ref>{{cite magazine | year = 1996| title = Preview: Zero Racers| magazine = [[Nintendo Power]] | volume = 87| pages = 40–41 | publisher = [[Nintendo]]}}</ref> Gameplay differed from all other ''F-Zero'' games as the vehicles race in all three spatial dimensions in tunnels.

===Return to international markets (1998–2004)===
After a seven-year hiatus outside Japan, the series made the transition to 3D with the third installment, ''[[F-Zero X]]'' on the [[Nintendo 64]]. The game introduces twenty-six new vehicles, while also including the four from the original ''F-Zero'' game. In addition to a Grand Prix mode, the game introduces a "death race" mode and a random track generator called the "X Cup". In the death race, the player's objective is to annihilate the twenty-nine other racers as speedily as possible, while the X Cup generates a different set of tracks each time played.<ref name="IGN Xreview">{{cite web|url=http://ign64.ign.com/articles/150/150418p1.html |title=F-Zero X (review) |access-date=2007-05-22 |author=Schneider, Peer |author-link=Peer Schneider |author2=Casamassina, Matt |date=1998-10-27 |publisher=IGN |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090213141009/http://ign64.ign.com/articles/150/150418p1.html |archive-date=2009-02-13}}</ref> The hardware limitations of the N64 resulted in the game running at 60 frames per second with thirty machines on screen at the same time, but with little processor power left for graphical detail and music.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://guides.ign.com/guides/480123/page_12.html |title=F-Zero GX guide: History |last=Schneider |first=Peer |author-link=Peer Schneider |date=2003-08-25 |publisher=IGN |access-date=2008-05-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060613043441/http://guides.ign.com/guides/480123/page_12.html |archive-date=2006-06-13}}</ref>
[[File:N64 F-Zero X.jpg|206px|right|thumb|Graphical detail was a sacrifice that had to be made in ''F-Zero X'' to keep the game at 60 frames per second.<ref name="IGN Xreview" />]]
A [[Nintendo 64DD]] expansion, ''[[F-Zero X Expansion Kit]]'', was released in Japan as the last 64DD add-on disk for the system. The ''Expansion Kit'' added a course editor, a vehicle editor, two new cups, three new machines, and new music. The course editor was the main attraction of this expansion, and was praised for its depth, as it was virtually the same program the game's designers used to make the courses.<ref>{{cite web|last=Schneider|first=Peer|author-link=Peer Schneider|date=2000-07-18|title=F-Zero X Expansion Kit (Import) review|publisher=IGN|url=http://ign64.ign.com/articles/155/155488p1.html|access-date=2006-11-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061025081915/http://ign64.ign.com/articles/155/155488p1.html|archive-date=2006-10-25|url-status=live}}</ref>

''[[F-Zero: Maximum Velocity]]'' is the series' fourth released installment, but the first incarnation of the franchise for Nintendo's [[Game Boy line|Game Boy handheld]]. It was the first game developed by the first party subsidiary [[NDcube]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.n-sider.com/articleview.php?articleid=98 |title=Maximum Velocity review |author=JC, Anthony |access-date=2006-11-16 |publisher=N-Sider |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061115031442/http://www.n-sider.com/articleview.php?articleid=98 |archive-date=2006-11-15 |url-status=dead }}</ref> This [[Game Boy Advance]] (GBA) launch game returned to the SNES ''F-Zero'''s gameplay with a Mode 7-styled game engine.<ref name="MVelocity">{{cite web |url=http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/165/165423p1.html |title=F-Zero: Maximum Velocity review |last=Harris |first=Craig |author-link=Craig Harris (journalist) |date=2001-06-14 |publisher=IGN |access-date=2006-12-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061214210309/http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/165/165423p1.html |archive-date=2006-12-14 |url-status=live }}</ref>

''[[F-Zero GX]]'' was released for the [[GameCube]] and developed by [[Sega]]'s [[New Entertainment R&D Dept.|Amusement Vision]] team, and is the first ''F-Zero'' game to feature a story mode. The game was initially titled ''F-Zero GC''. The arcade counterpart of ''GX'' was called ''[[F-Zero AX]]'', which was released alongside of its Nintendo GameCube counterpart in mid-2003. The game had three types of arcade cabinets; standard, the "Monster Ride", and the deluxe (which resembled an ''F-Zero'' vehicle). ''F-Zero AX'' had six original courses and ten original characters. However, by certain difficult means, the six courses and ten characters could be unlocked in ''F-Zero GX''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Gerstmann|first=Jeff|author-link=Jeff Gerstmann|date=2003-08-25|title=F-Zero GX for GameCube review|url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/driving/fzero/review.html|publisher=GameSpot|access-date=2006-12-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070126142027/http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/driving/fzero/review.html|archive-date=2007-01-26|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/arcade/driving/fzeroac/news.html?sid=6071127&mode=previews |title=F-Zero AX Impressions |last=Torres |first=Ricardo |date=2003-07-08 |publisher=GameSpot |access-date=2006-12-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930012827/http://www.gamespot.com/arcade/driving/fzeroac/news.html?sid=6071127&mode=previews |archive-date=2007-09-30 |url-status=live }}</ref>

''[[F-Zero: GP Legend (video game)|F-Zero: GP Legend]]'' is the second [[Handheld game console|handheld]] game released for the [[Game Boy Advance]] and the second installment featuring a story mode; however, this one is based on the [[anime]] series of the [[#Anime|same name]], introducing a new character named Ryu Suzaku/Rick Wheeler.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gameboy.ign.com/objects/608/608773.html |title=F-Zero: GP Legend |publisher=IGN |access-date=2006-12-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070108193849/http://gameboy.ign.com/objects/608/608773.html |archive-date=2007-01-08 |url-status=live }}</ref> Unlike the games before it, ''GP Legend'' takes place in an alternate continuity set in the 22nd century, instead of following the original continuity set in the 26th century.<ref name="anime">{{cite web|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/434/434548p1.html|title=F-Zero: The Cartoon|author=IGN Staff|publisher=IGN|date=2003-08-20|access-date=2007-05-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070214011251/http://cube.ign.com/articles/434/434548p1.html|archive-date=2007-02-14|url-status=live}}</ref>

''[[F-Zero Climax]]'' was released in Japan for the [[Game Boy Advance]] on October 21, 2004. Like its handheld predecessor, ''F-Zero: GP Legend'', ''Climax'' was published by Nintendo and developed by both them and [[SUZAK Inc.|Suzak]]. This is the first ''F-Zero'' game to have a built-in track editor without the need for an expansion or add-on. Custom tracks can be saved to one of thirty slots for future use and they can be exchanged with other players via link cable. If memory becomes full or link cable connection cannot be done, the game can generate a password for the track; when it is input on any ''Climax'' cartridge, the password will generate the track.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/558/558768p1.html|title = F-Zero Climax Playtest|access-date = 2006-12-13|last = Gantayat|first = Anoop|date = 2004-10-21|publisher = IGN|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060919144610/http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/558/558768p1.html|archive-date = 2006-09-19|url-status = live}}</ref>

===Hiatus (2004–2023)===
Takaya Imamura, who worked directly on ''F-Zero'' throughout its different incarnations, said in 2003 "hav[ing] worked on the ''F-Zero'' series, and seeing the results of the collaboration with Sega, I found myself at something of a loss as to how we can take the franchise further past ''F-Zero GX'' and ''AX''".<ref name="Conference">{{cite web |author=IGN Staff |date=2003-07-08 |title=F-Zero Press Conference |url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/427/427647p1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070214011100/http://cube.ign.com/articles/427/427647p1.html |archive-date=2007-02-14 |access-date=2006-11-04 |publisher=IGN}}</ref>

''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'' magazine asked Shigeru Miyamoto in April 2012 regarding a future ''F-Zero'' installment. Miyamoto stated: "I think at the time [F-Zero] was a really big surprise, a new thing, a product that made sense and the Wii and DS lacks to create a similar impact".<ref>{{cite web |last=Brown |first=Nathan |date=2012-12-04 |title=Miyamoto keen on new Link To The Past |url=http://www.edge-online.com/news/miyamoto-keen-link-past-sequel |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418232442/http://www.edge-online.com/news/miyamoto-keen-link-past-sequel |archive-date=2012-04-18 |access-date=April 13, 2012 |publisher=IGN}}</ref> In June 2015, news site ''[[Nintendo Life]]'' reported that in early 2011 Nintendo of Europe approached ''[[Burnout (series)|Burnout]]'' series developer [[Criterion Games]] to work on a pitch for a new F-Zero game which they hoped to unveil at [[Electronic Entertainment Expo 2011|E3 that same year]] alongside the then-unreleased [[Wii U]] console, and potentially release the game during the console's launch period. However, the developer was unable to handle the pitch as, at the time, they devoted much of their resources into the development of ''[[Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2012 video game)|Need for Speed: Most Wanted]]'' for multiple platforms. Criterion co-founder Alex Ward (who left the company in 2014) confirmed that Nintendo of Europe did indeed approach the company for a potential ''F-Zero'' game on the Wii U.<ref>{{cite web |last=Robertson |first=Liam |date=2015-06-23 |title=Exclusive: We Almost Got A Wii U F-Zero Created By Burnout Studio Criterion |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/06/exclusive_we_almost_got_a_wii_u_f-zero_created_by_burnout_studio_criterion |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623210153/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/06/exclusive_we_almost_got_a_wii_u_f-zero_created_by_burnout_studio_criterion |archive-date=2015-06-23 |access-date=2015-06-23 |website=[[Nintendo Life]]}}</ref>

In a January 2015 video from [[Smosh#Smosh Games|Smosh Games]], Miyamoto was featured as guest star and stated that a new installment in the franchise could be possible if Nintendo were to develop a unique controller interface for one of their [[Nintendo Switch|upcoming consoles]] that would be suited for a new game.<ref>{{cite web |title=F-Zero Wii U: Nintendo Confirms That F-Zero Actually Isn't Dead Forever |url=http://www.idigitaltimes.com/f-zero-wii-u-nintendo-confirms-f-zero-actually-isnt-dead-forever-406506 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602003137/http://www.idigitaltimes.com/f-zero-wii-u-nintendo-confirms-f-zero-actually-isnt-dead-forever-406506 |archive-date=2016-06-02 |access-date=2016-06-09}}</ref>

Six years later, the producer of ''F-Zero GX'', [[Toshihiro Nagoshi]] said that he would be open to working with Nintendo on another installment if the company were given the opportunity to do so, and that he would make a future ''F-Zero'' game challenging for advanced players, unlike the "fun and accessible" nature of Nintendo's ''[[Mario Kart]]'' series.<ref>{{cite web |last=Doolan |first=Liam |date=January 2, 2021 |title=F-Zero GX Producer Toshihiro Nagoshi "Wouldn't Mind" Working On Nintendo's Futuristic Racing Series Again |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/01/f-zero_gx_producer_toshihiro_nagoshi_wouldnt_mind_working_on_nintendos_futuristic_racing_series_again |access-date=February 6, 2021 |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |archive-date=February 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213202037/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/01/f-zero_gx_producer_toshihiro_nagoshi_wouldnt_mind_working_on_nintendos_futuristic_racing_series_again |url-status=live }}</ref> In July 2023, former Nintendo artist Takaya Imamura cited the massive popularity of ''Mario Kart'' as a key factor to why there hasn't been any new developments with the ''F-Zero'' series.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/07/takaya-imamura-f-zero-hasnt-been-revived-because-mario-kart-is-nintendos-most-popular-racing-game |title=Takaya Imamura: F-Zero Hasn't Been Revived Because Mario Kart is Nintendo's "Most Popular Racing Game" |date=4 July 2023 |access-date=2023-08-26 |archive-date=2023-08-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826074907/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/07/takaya-imamura-f-zero-hasnt-been-revived-because-mario-kart-is-nintendos-most-popular-racing-game |url-status=live }}</ref>

===''F-Zero 99'' (2023)===

''[[F-Zero 99]]'' was released for the [[Nintendo Switch]] on September 14, 2023 following its announcement in a Nintendo Direct the same day. The game is a battle royale remake of the original ''[[F-Zero (video game)|F-Zero]]'' taking inspiration from ''[[Tetris 99]]'' and ''[[Pac-Man 99]]'' having 99 racers on the track at once. The game is available for free on the [[Nintendo eShop|eShop]] but requires a [[Nintendo Switch Online|Nintendo Switch Online subscription]] to play.

{{Clear}}

==Reception==
{{Video game series reviews
| gr = yes
| mc = yes
| mc_title = [[Metacritic]]<br />{{Small|(out of 100)}}

| game1 = [[F-Zero (video game)|F-Zero]]
| year1 = 1990
| gr1 = 83%<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/588351.asp | title=F-Zero (SNES) reviews | access-date=2009-08-09 | publisher=[[GameRankings]] | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090111000737/http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/588351.asp | archive-date=2009-01-11 | url-status=live }}</ref>
| mc1 = —

| game2 = [[F-Zero X]]
| year2 = 1998
| gr2 = 87%<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/197414.asp| title=F-Zero X (N64) reviews| access-date=2010-08-23| publisher=Game Rankings| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090111140445/http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/197414.asp| archive-date=2009-01-11| url-status=live}}</ref>
| mc2 = 85<ref name=metacritic>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/f-zero-x/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-64 |title=F-Zero X (n64: 1998): Reviews |access-date=2011-11-06 |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |archive-date=2008-06-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080603015507/http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/n64/fzerox |url-status=live}}</ref>

| game3 = [[F-Zero: Maximum Velocity]]
| year3 = 2001
| gr3 = 84%<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/468549.asp| title=F-Zero Maximum Velocity (GBA) reviews| access-date=2010-08-23| publisher=Game Rankings| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090110220406/http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/468549.asp| archive-date=2009-01-10| url-status=live}}</ref>
| mc3 = 86<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/gba/fzeromaximumvelocity |title=F-Zero Maximum Velocity (GBA) reviews |access-date=2009-08-09 |publisher=Metacritic |archive-date=2024-05-25 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240525002108/https://www.webcitation.org/5sCxC1vBJ?url=http://apps.metacritic.com/games/platforms/gba/fzeromaximumvelocity |url-status=dead}}</ref>

| game4 = [[F-Zero GX]]
| year4 = 2003
| gr4 = 89%<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/560617.asp | title=F-Zero GX (GCN) reviews | access-date=2008-10-31 | publisher=Game Rankings | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081002025243/http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/560617.asp | archive-date=2008-10-02 | url-status=live }}</ref>
| mc4 = 89<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/f-zero-gx/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube |title=F-Zero GX (GCN) reviews |access-date=2011-11-06 |publisher=Metacritic |archive-date=2011-11-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111111123501/http://www.metacritic.com/game/gamecube/f-zero-gx |url-status=live }}</ref>

| game5 = [[F-Zero: GP Legend (video game)|F-Zero: GP Legend]]
| year5 = 2003
| gr5 = 77%<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/919100.asp| title=F-Zero GP Legend (GBA) reviews| access-date=2008-10-31| publisher=Game Rankings| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081002021622/http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/919100.asp| archive-date=2008-10-02| url-status=live}}</ref>
| mc5 = 77<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/f-zero-gp-legend/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance |title=F-Zero GP Legend (GBA) reviews |access-date=2011-11-06 |publisher=Metacritic |archive-date=2012-04-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120430020600/http://www.metacritic.com/game/game-boy-advance/f-zero-gp-legend |url-status=live }}</ref>

| game6 = [[F-Zero 99]]
| year6 = 2023
| gr6 = —
| mc6 = 82<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/f-zero-99/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch|title=F-Zero 99 Critic Reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|accessdate=September 25, 2023}}</ref>
}}

''[[IGN]]'''s Lucas Thomas called the design and style of ''[[Mach Rider]]'' as an influence to the ''F-Zero'' series noting its sense of speed where players have "only a split second to react before you crash into a rock or enemy road warrior".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/805/805675p1.html |title=Mach Rider Review - IGN |publisher=Wii.ign.com |date=2007-07-17 |access-date=2013-01-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110419113609/http://wii.ign.com/articles/805/805675p1.html |archive-date=2011-04-19 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Matt Casamassina]] of ''[[IGN]]'' said in 2003 that the ''F-Zero'' franchise has remained regarded one of the best video game series in the racing genre.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/434/434947p1.html|last=Casamassina|first=Matt|author-link=Matt Casamassina|title=F-Zero GX|publisher=IGN|date=2003-08-22|access-date=2007-07-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216172728/http://cube.ign.com/articles/434/434947p1.html|archive-date=2010-12-16|url-status=live}}</ref>

<!-- closing cmts http://ign64.ign.com/articles/150/150418p1.html -->
In 2008, an editor from Pro-G stated ''F-Zero GX'' "still ranks as one of the best high-speed racers ever made, but the series has been lying dormant for years".<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.videogamer.com/features/article/20-03-2008-344-4.html |title= Top 10: Nintendo games we'd love to see on Wii |access-date= 2008-09-29 |last= Yin-Poole |first= Wesley |date= 2008-03-20 |work= VideoGamer.com |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080513102631/http://www.videogamer.com/features/article/20-03-2008-344-4.html |archive-date= 2008-05-13 |url-status= dead }}</ref>

''[[The Tampa Tribune]]''{{'}}s review of ''GP Legend'' mentioned that "it feels a little strange to see what was an esoteric-but-outstanding racing franchise attempt to go mass-market".<ref>{{Cite news | last =Buel| first=Doug |publication-date=2004-11-05|title=Video Games - F-Zero : GP Legend |newspaper=[[The Tampa Tribune]]|page=41 }}</ref>

''Nintendo World Report'' gave ''Climax'' a 7.5 out of 10.<ref name="nwr">{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/4287 |title=F-Zero Climax Review - Review - Nintendo World Report |access-date=2013-03-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140423211716/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/4287/f-zero-climax-game-boy-advance |archive-date=2014-04-23 |url-status=live }}</ref> Siliconera praised the fast gameplay and track editor features, but criticized it for feeling more like an [[expansion pack]] than a sequel.<ref name="siliconera review">{{Cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/gba/fzeroclimax/041026.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110054930/http://www.siliconera.com/gba/fzeroclimax/041026.htm|url-status=dead|title=F-Zero Climax Review|archive-date=November 10, 2013}}</ref>

[[Shigeru Miyamoto]] commented in 2007 that past ''F-Zero'' and ''[[Star Fox]]'' collaborations with outside development houses turned out to be a disappointment for Nintendo. He stated that "consumers got very excited about the idea of those games, but the games themselves did not deliver".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ew.com/article/2007/05/08/man-who-made-mario-super/|title=The Man Who Made ''Mario'' Super|last=Keighley|first=Geoff|date=2007-05-04|publisher=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=May 9, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070509022206/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20037961,00.html|archive-date=2007-05-09|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{Clear}}

==Legacy==

===Anime===
{{Infobox animanga/Header
| name = F-Zero: GP Legend
| image = 
| caption = 
| genre = <!-- Note: Use and cite reliable sources to identify genre/s, not personal interpretation. Please don't include more than three genres (per [[MOS:A&M]]). -->
| creator = Nintendo
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type            = tv series
| director        = Ami Tomobuki
| producer        = Fukashi Azuma<br />Yutaka Sugiyama<br />Kiyonori Hirase
| writer          = Akiyoshi Sakai
| music           = [[Takayuki Negishi]]
| studio          = [[Ashi Productions]]
|licensee = {{english anime licensee
 | NA = [[4Licensing Corporation|4Kids Entertainment]]
}}
| network         = [[TV Tokyo]]
| first           = October 7, 2003
| last            = September 28, 2004
| episodes        = 51
| episode_list    = 
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Footer}}
{{nihongo foot|'''''F-Zero: GP Legend'''''|F-ZERO ファルコン伝説|Efu Zero Farukon Densetsu, literally "F-Zero: Legend of Falcon/Falcon Legend"|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a 51 episode animated adaptation of the video game series produced by [[TV Tokyo]], [[Dentsu]] and [[Ashi Productions]] and directed by Ami Tomobuki, with Akiyoshi Sakai handling series composition, [[Toyoo Ashida]] designing the characters and [[Takayuki Negishi]] composing the music.<ref>{{cite web |title=F-ZERO ファルコン伝説 |url=https://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/f-zero/staff_cast.html |access-date=2008-11-08 |archive-date=2009-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090302074619/http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/f-zero/staff_cast.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Shigeru Miyamoto]] and [[Takaya Imamura]] served as supervisors for the series.<ref>{{cite web |title=MMV: F-ZERO ファルコン伝説 |url=https://www.marv.jp/special/f-zero/ |access-date=2008-11-08 |archive-date=2014-07-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715022517/http://marv.jp/special/f-zero/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It debuted in Japan on October 7, 2003, on TV Tokyo; the final episode aired on September 28, 2004.<ref name="anime" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Archived copy |url=http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/f-zero/story/story01_26.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080406041152/http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/f-zero/story/story01_26.html |archive-date=2008-04-06 |access-date=2008-11-08}}</ref> [[4Kids Entertainment]] licensed the anime series for North American broadcast. According to Kombo, in [[North America]], the show was modified by 4Kids.<ref name="advancedmn">{{cite web |last=DeWoody |first=Lucas |date=2005-01-05 |title=The Legendary Race - The History of F-Zero |url=http://gc.advancedmn.com/article.php?artid=4063&pg=4&comments=&preview= |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070315215920/http://gc.advancedmn.com/article.php?artid=4063&pg=4&comments=&preview= |archive-date=2007-03-15 |access-date=2007-08-15 |publisher=Advanced Media Network}}</ref> Fifteen episodes of ''GP Legend'' aired on the FoxBox channel in the United States before its cancellation. It was being re-aired on [[Tokyo MX]] from 7:30 to 8:00 every Thursday in Japan.<ref>{{cite web |title=TOKYO MX ＊ アニメ｢F-ZERO｣ファルコン伝説 |url=http://www.mxtv.co.jp/fzero/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517082605/http://www.mxtv.co.jp/fzero/ |archive-date=2013-05-17 |access-date=2013-01-14 |publisher=Mxtv.co.jp}}</ref> It is a reboot of the franchise taking place in the year 2201. Lifeforms from all across the galaxy come to compete in the new racing tournament called "F-Zero".

In [[Italy]], the series was broadcast on [[Disney XD (Italy)|Jetix]].

Police detective Ryu Suzaku (Rick Wheeler in the 4Kids adaptation) is one of the [[protagonist]]s.<ref name="anime" /> He suffers a near-fatal car accident while in pursuit of an escaped criminal named Zoda. Ryu nearly dies and is put in cryogenic suspension until he is revived in the year 2201 by Mobile Task Force members Jody Summer and Dr. Stewart. The Task Force tries to keep prize money out of the hands of unsavory people like the Dark Million Organization run by Black Shadow and Deathborn. That organization is responsible for cryogenically evolving Ryu's old enemy Zoda, leading to Ryu joining the Task Force to help take down Zoda and the rest of Dark Million. While pursuing his objectives, Ryu unexpectedly meets up with the legendary racer and bounty hunter Captain Falcon, as well as several other various racers along the way.

Captain Falcon is one of the protagonists,<ref name="anime" /> and is shrouded in mystery. When not racing, he works at a bar that he owns under the name Bart (Burt in the 4Kids adaptation) Lemming. Later it is revealed that he is Andy Summer, Jody's brother, who supposedly died in the accident that revolved around Zoda (unbeknownst to the rest of the Mobile Task Force for the majority of the series). He fights constantly against Black Shadow and the Dark Million Organization, and often lends a hand to the Task Force. Towards the end of the series, "The Legend of Falcon" is told to Ryu by Dr. Stewart. According to the legend, Captain Falcon and Black Shadow are incarnations of light and dark, and in the manner of Yin and Yang, they cannot defeat each other on their own. Also, in the beginning of the Universe, after the Big Bang, six powerful objects called "Reactor Mights" were created, and the one who controls them all gains unimaginable power. It is also revealed that Ryu Suzaku is "The Savior" of the Universe and is destined to finally tip the scales in Falcon's favor. During the final battle, Falcon and Ryu team up to destroy Black Shadow's Dark Matter Reactor with their collected Reactor Mights. But before Captain Falcon fights with Black Shadow, Falcon tells Ryu that the name of "Captain Falcon" is a title given only to the best, that "only the one who can exceed Falcon can become Falcon". After telling this to Ryu, Falcon proceeds to fight Black Shadow ending in Black Shadow's defeat and Captain Falcon's sacrifice. Shortly after the battle, Ryu becomes the new Captain Falcon and driver of the Blue Falcon.

The anime uses two pieces of theme music in the series; one opening theme and one ending theme. The opening theme is called "The Meaning of Truth" and is sung by [[Hiro-x]]. The ending theme is called "Resolution" and is sung by [[Ai Maeda (voice actress)|AiM]]. The opening animation for each changes after the first thirty-nine episodes, while the opening animation adds the sound effects for the show's title card after the first four episodes. The final episode did not air with an opening due to the opening theme being played during the final battle's climax scene.

===Other media===
''F-Zero'' has appeared in other franchises, most notably in Nintendo's fighting game [[List of crossovers in video games|crossover franchise]] ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'', where Captain Falcon has consistently appeared as a well established playable character. His moveset is almost entirely original; as of ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', however, Falcon makes a reference to ''F-Zero'' by using the Blue Falcon as his "[[Final Smash]]", a powerful, single-use special move.<ref>{{cite web |title=Captain Falcon - Smash Bros. Dojo!! |url=https://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/characters/hidden05.html |access-date=2020-05-16 |archive-date=2022-02-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221172029/https://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/characters/hidden05.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The ''Super Smash Bros.'' franchise also features a few stages directly derived from the games, such as Mute City or Big Blue, and includes many other ''F-Zero'' characters as virtual trophies, stickers, and spirits. The Blue Falcon appears in ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'' as a vehicle, though only small/light characters can use it. The Blue Falcon also appears in ''[[Mario Kart 8]]'', albeit via ''The Legend of Zelda × Mario Kart 8'' [[downloadable content]] pack.<ref name="MKDLC">{{cite web |title=DLC - Mario Kart 8 Wiki Guide |date=6 May 2014 |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/mario-kart-8/DLC |access-date=2020-05-16 |archive-date=2021-04-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423045636/https://www.ign.com/wikis/mario-kart-8/DLC |url-status=live }}</ref> The same DLC pack also adds a course based on Mute City, while the ''Animal Crossing × Mario Kart 8'' [[Downloadable content|DLC]] pack adds a course based on Big Blue.<ref name="MKDLC" /> The Captain Falcon [[amiibo]] figure is used in ''Mario Kart 8'' to unlock a [[Mii]] costume based on his appearance. The amiibo figure is also used to unlock a Captain Falcon costume in ''[[Super Mario Maker]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Super Mario Maker Amiibo Support |url=https://www.nintendo.com/amiibo/games/detail/super-mario-maker-wii-u/ |website=Nintendo.com |access-date=2023-01-31 |archive-date=2022-01-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128234620/https://www.nintendo.com/amiibo/games/detail/super-mario-maker-wii-u/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A minigame based on the ''F-Zero'' series, ''Captain Falcon's Twister Race,'' is part of the [[Wii U]] ensemble game ''[[Nintendo Land]]''. Several playable characters can dress as Nintendo characters in the Wii U version of ''[[Tekken Tag Tournament 2]]'', where [[Bruce Irvin (Tekken character)|Bruce Irvin]], [[Bryan Fury]], [[Craig Marduk]], and [[Raven (Tekken character)|Raven]] can take on Captain Falcon's appearance.
{{Clear}}

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Portal|Video games|Japan}}
{{Commons category|F-Zero}}
* Unaffiliated:
** [https://web.archive.org/web/20060613043441/http://guides.ign.com/guides/480123/page_12.html History of ''F-Zero''] at [[IGN]]
** Official:
** [http://backup.segakore.fr/f-zero.jp ''GX''/''AX''] official website (third-party archive)
** [https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n08/bftj/index.html ''F-Zero Climax''] at Nintendo.co.jp

{{F-Zero}}
{{Nintendo franchises}}
{{Ashi Productions}}

[[Category:F-Zero| ]]
[[Category:2003 anime television series debuts]]
[[Category:Nintendo franchises]]
[[Category:Science fiction video games]]
[[Category:Video game franchises]]
[[Category:TV Tokyo original programming]]
[[Category:Ashi Productions]]
[[Category:Video game franchises introduced in 1990]]
[[Category:Video games set on fictional planets]]