F-Zero AX
|
|
| F-Zero AX | |
| Developer: | Sega / Amusement Vision |
| Publisher: | Nintendo |
| Release date: | 2003 |
| Genre: | Racing |
| Game modes: | Single player |
| Cabinet: | Sit-down |
| Controls: | Wheel; 2 pedals |
| Monitor | |
| Orientation: | Horizontal |
| Type: | Raster, ? |
| Notes | |
| use the Triforce hardware | |
F-Zero AX is an arcade racing game and the latest addition of the F-Zero franchise established on the Super Nintendo, released alongside of its Nintendo GameCube counterpart, F-Zero GX, and so far the only arcade title in the series. There are several versions of the game cabinet, one of which includes a moving seat (to further the illusion of realism).
There are two modes of play, the Time-Trial and the Grand Prix. In Time-Trial, you must complete the selected track faster than the best time given. In Grand Prix, you must complete six tracks on one of three difficulties (Novice, Standard, or Master) with first place on all tracks in order to be called champion.
Also, there are three other features in F-Zero AX: customizable machines, Internet rankings, and memory cards. As with F-Zero GX, you can create your own racing vehicle, using parts bought with tickets, which are won in Grand Prix. There are also Internet rankings, which are gained through Time-Trial, but an F-Zero AX license card is needed, along with your own account (these can be vended from the AX cabinet for a fee). Lastly, if one owns a GCN memory card with F-Zero GX data on it, one can plug that memory card into the AX cabinet and access the custom vehicles contained there, as well as take home any custom vehicles, parts and even racetracks won on the AX cabinet. (The license card keeps track of the same data, but it cannot be plugged into your GameCube.) It should be pointed out that the AX and GX versions contain different tracks, vehicles and vehicle parts. Without the aid of a cheating device, the only way to assemble a complete collection is to play both versions using the same GCN memory card.
While the idea of arcade-console interface is intriguing, the plan has fallen prey to the general decline of video arcades, which have suffered a loss of business as in-the-home multiplayer games such as Counter-Strike, Halo, EverQuest and Super Smash Bros. replace arcades as the cutting edge of head-to-head play. (AX does not actualy support player-vs-player.)
External links
- Official F-Zero GX and F-Zero AX Website (http://www.f-zero.com)
- F-Zero World (http://www.smashboards.com/fzero/index.php)
- KLOV entry for F-Zero AX (http://www.klov.com/game_detail.php?letter=F&game_id=10971)ja:F-ZERO AX