F-Zero 99

Despite its relatively unchanged look, F-Zero 99 is unexpectedly refreshing. Though it may not be the return for the franchise that fans hoped for, it's a triumphant and welcome look back at Captain Falcon's first game with a clever twist. F-Zero is simply suited for the -99 style structure in ways that Tetris, Mario, and Pac-Man aren't; it was already an elimination-style battle royale, just a small one. Adding more players doesn't just feel perfect for F-Zero, it feels natural. This isn't the definitive way to play F-Zero, but it is a brilliant take that supplements what worked so well in the original with thoughtful additions that make chasing victory utterly addictive.

F-Zero 99 scratches a very specific itch where gamers can get an intense and thrilling rush for a bit before moving on to something else. It will be very disappointing when Nintendo inevitably terminates the service for it because it is some of the best F-Zero content since F-Zero GX.

F-Zero 99 currently represents the most richly crafted offering to emerge from the wave of nostalgia-driven endeavors on Nintendo Switch Online. Without deviating from the original formula, the company has chosen to set it against an immensely entertaining backdrop that nods to battle royale dynamics, creating a fast-paced and immediately addictive experience. On one hand, it serves as the perfect hook to introduce newcomers to the essence of the series, and any longtime fan should definitely give it a chance; on the other hand, experiences of this kind have been known to fade prematurely without a trace. The hope is that it will prove to be a small yet enjoyable interlude, paving the way for the series' grand return, perhaps alongside the Grande N's new console.

A satisfying blend of high-speed action, chaos, and strategy makes this glorious revival of the F-Zero franchise stand out. Let's hope it won't be another 19 years before we get another game in the series.

F-Zero 99 is a true love letter to the fans of the series: after almost 20 years since the last chapter, Nintendo has released the definitive and modern edition of a game that is now over 30 years old.

Despite its smaller and unfortunately limited pool of content, F-Zero 99 still stands not just as another terrific application of the 99-player Royale format, but one that goes as far as to redefine any and all prior knowledge people may have had of the original SNES debut. That Nintendo’s latest effort does so much with so little — once more in a genre far removed from the comfort of shooters — is a testament to the simple-yet-highly-addictive heart of F-Zero’s gameplay. That such accessibility is elevated more so amidst a new-found sense of chaos, dread and sheer unpredictable madness. Where the series’ debut through Tetris proved that strategy can stem from every moment, F-Zero 99 asserts victory — in all its methods — can come and go in just as lightning-fast a speed.