Yes, F-Zero 99 was a cute diversion after Nintendo’s high speed racing series seemingly went into hibernation, but fans are still waiting for that next proper F-Zero game to arrive.
Aero GPX
Publisher: Aaron McDevittDeveloper: Aaron McDevittAvailability: TBCDownload the demo on: Steam
It turns out, though, we didn’t need Nintendo after all. Solo developer Aaron McDevitt has developed Aero GPX, a futuristic racer that’s F-Zero in all but name. Grands prix of 30 colourful characters? Rollercoaster tracks? A banging electro-rock soundtrack? Check, check, check.
It’s presented in a cartoonish, cel-shaded aesthetic that brings to mind the Japan-only F-Zero anime GP Legend, and provides a clean, crisp look to the super fast racing. And yes, it’s very fast.
Crucially, it handles like F-Zero too. I jumped straight into a grand prix race and immediately felt at home after years of playing Nintendo’s N64 and GameCube hits. Handling is responsive and smooth, with the triggers used to strafe and steer through tighter corners. One track was a straight loop, similar to the classic Silence track, where you strafe between boost pads to hit max speed. Another was a cylindrical track – don’t fly off if you go too fast!