F-Zero Hyperdrive is a 2022 launch title for the Nintendo Matrix Console. Developed by Platinum Games in conjunction with Nintendo, it is the first game in the long dormant racing series since 2005's F-Zero Climax and the first in North America since 2004's F-Zero GP Legend. It is also the first game released to a home console since F-Zero GX from 2003. This game serves as a reboot of the series, as it ignores most story elements and character arcs from previous games, while still retaining some characters.
The game is also unique in that it combines elements of RPG's into the game, in the form of purchasing upgrades for your F-Zero machine and interacting with other drivers within the game. There are also elements of combat, though that is mainly restricted to story mode.
Production[]
The F-Zero franchise had remained largely dormant in North America following the release of F-Zero GX in 2003 on the Gamecube. This was largely due in part to Nintendo Director Shigeru Miyamoto not seeing a future for the franchise or finding "something new" to do with it. Rumors that the IP had been exported to second party developer Retro Studios circulated in late 2012, speculating that a new title would be released for the new WiiU console. However these rumors proved unfounded, and the series remained dormant throughout the rest of the decade.
F-Zero was surprisingly revived in 2022 when developer Platinum Games, working with Nintendo on their new console the Wii X and on other titles such as Super Smash Bros. - Nintendo Matrix will be released November 22, 2024, resurrected the long dormant franchise to be released on launch with the Wii X. Not only was series regular Black Shadow added to the Smash Roster, a playable demo was showcased in September 2022 at the revived Spaceworld Expo to hype the new console. There it was confirmed that the new game would act as a reboot of the franchise, ignoring story elements of the previous games while retaining the characters.
Gameplay[]
The game builds on previous F-Zero games, depicting an extreme racing sport involving anti-gravity tracks and machines. The F-Zero Grand Prix, according to this game's storyline, was suspended fifteen years earlier due to the extreme danger, however it was continued as an underground sport during that time. This game depicts the reestablishment of the Grand Prix under a governing body.
In the story mode the player takes the role of a player-designed avatar that enters the Grand Prix as a rookie, competing at different levels to move up in the rankings while using their winnings to upgrade their F-Zero machine. The Grand Prix has 5 different levels of competition and several different racers to compete against. In addition, the player can take on other roles outside the Grand Prix through missions assigned at Space Stations, such as courier missions, bounty hunting, and undercover stings for the Grand Prix's Governing Body which seems to have ulterior motives. It is in these space stations that players can interact with other drivers, with the story changing somewhat depending on interactions and choices made by the player. Ultimately, the ending of the game is determined by these choices, a branching story path more detailed than anything the F-Zero series had produced up to that point.
Outside of story mode, all racers can be used to compete in Grand Prix Mode similar to previous F-Zero titles. Winning Grand Prix matches will open up other race tracks for use in Grand Prix Mode. Up to 4 Players can also compete online in Grand Prix Mode against one another, in addition to competing in Death Race mode (where players try to destroy as many machines as they can on one track in a set amount of time) or in Match Race competitions.
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List of Racers[]
The game features a variety of racers from previous F-Zero titles, many of there previous origin stories are not taken into account (and the anime series based on F-Zero is ignored almost entirely). 42 racers, excluding the player avatar are available for use in Grand Prix, Death Match and Match Race mode.
More to Come...
List of Tracks[]
Coming Soon...