F-Zero X

F-Zero X is a fast-paced futuristic racing video game where 30 competitors race on high-altitude circuits inside plasma-powered hovercars in an intergalactic Grand Prix. Taking place after the original tournament was discontinued for several years due to the extreme danger of the sport, F-Zero X begins after the Grand Prix is brought back with the rules and regulations revised under the same name as the video game. The tracks include hills, loops, tunnels, corkscrews, and pipes. Players can drift into turns without losing momentum by using the control stick and trigger button.

The game introduces 26 vehicles, and reprises the 4 from the original F-Zero game. Each has its own performance abilities affected by its size and weight, and a grip, boost, and durability trait graded on an A to E (best to worst) scale. Before a race, players are able to adjust a vehicle's balance between maximum acceleration and maximum top speed.

In mid-1996, during Mario Kart 64 development, Shigeru Miyamoto said he planned a sequel to F-Zero for the Nintendo 64. Initially titled "F-Zero 64", Famitsu magazine revealed the project in mid-1997. Tadashi Sugiyama and Shigeru Miyamoto served as director and producer, respectively. Taro Bando and Hajime Wakai served as composers.

Several key Wave Race 64 programmers including the lead programmer made up the in-house development team. Developed by Nintendo EAD, it is the sequel to the original F-Zero (1990), and is the first F-Zero installment with 3D graphics. It debuted at the Nintendo Space World event on November 20, 1997, publicly playable for the first time. IGN reported this version was 60% complete and consistently ran at 60 frames per second.

Critical reception of F-Zero X was overall positive. 61% based on 15 reviews at GameRankings, and a metascore of 85 at Metacritic. Critics generally praised its fast gameplay, abundance of courses and vehicles, keeping a high framerate with up to thirty racers on screen at the same time, and track design. However, the lack of graphical detail has been widely criticized.

Peer Schneider of IGN described the gameplay as "god-like", "hair-splitting" speed and said it rivaled its predecessor Wave Race 64 with its "perfectly fine-tuned controls and a fresh approach to racing". F-Zero X received the Game of the Month award for November 1998 from Electronic Gaming Monthly. An editor stated that "the graphics may be simple, but they're smooth and the action is fast". Next Generation stated: "From the rocking guitar tunes (courtesy of the same composer who created the original's music) to the insanely addictive Grand Prix races, the game is a blast."