The F-Zero franchise has been dormant for nearly 20 years and even its most die-hard fans have practically given up hope that Nintendo will bring it back. However, Nintendo surprised everyone by reviving F-Zero in an unexpected form after its lengthy hiatus. Unveiled in today’s Nintendo Direct, F-Zero 99 introduces a battle royale format with 99 racers competing simultaneously. Like Tetris 99, F-Zero 99 is exclusive to Nintendo Switch Online members and launches later today.
Drawing from the original F-Zero Super NES game, F-Zero 99 incorporates classic courses and machines, while introducing features tailored to the battle royale genre. Players will have to manage their Power Meter, which decreases if they crash, and players are eliminated when the meter runs out. There’s a bit of strategy, since the Power Meter can be consumed to fuel a temporary speed boost. Completing goals while racing will unlock cosmetic options for the machines.
It might not be the F-Zero game fans were hoping for, but at least there’s a new way to listen to the fantastic soundtrack from the Super NES game.
