The sequel to the 2003 game F-Zero: GP Legend, Climax is also based on the 2003-2004 anime F-Zero: Falcon Densetsu, itself an adaptation of the F-Zero game series. While it does not feature a dedicated Story mode, it features a new Survival mode that allows players to unlock character profiles and episode synopsis from the anime.In addition, the game features an updated boost power mechanic (combining F-Zero X gauge-based boosting with F-Zero limited-use "super-boosting") and a built-in circuit editor (with support for transferring circuits to other players either via Link Cable or through passwords).F-Zero Climax is notable for being the last game in the series (as of May 2021). It was later digitally re-released as a Virtual Console title for the Wii U exclusively in Japan on December 16, 2015.GameplayThe core gameplay is identical to that of the other 2D F-Zero games.Like other F-Zero games, the player's booster unlocks at the start of the second lap. However, in Climax, the player also receives a "Super Boost" stock at the end of each lap. By pressing the booster button twice in succession, the machine gains an even stronger boost of speed at the cost of one stock.The player can slide into turns or quickly shift to a side by using the shoulder buttons. Pressing L and R together executes a spin attack; the booster can be used to enhance this attack, as well.ModesGrand PrixThe main mode of the game. Players compete in five- or eight-track sets and attempt to place 1st.SurvivalThe player take on a sequence of challenges, such as competing in a one lap race or staying above a certain speed limit. It consists of Tour, Challenge, and Battle.Time AttackThe player can select a track from Grand Prix and race for the best time. It also includes the Zero Test, which challenges the player to complete a portion of track within a time limit.EditThis mode allows the player to create a track. The track can then be traded to friends using either the Link Cable or a password feature.CommunicationThis allows up to four players to compete against each other.OptionsThis mode lets players change the controls, and includes two galleries: one features the profile for racers and their machines, and the other contains episode summaries for the anime series.MachinesAll 34 machines (and their drivers) from F-Zero: GP Legend return, along with four new ones (Red Bull, Soldier Anchor, and Hyper Death Anchor), and a hidden version of . In addition, players can unlock hidden versions of the Blue Falcon (driven by the new Captain Falcon) and the Dragon Bird (driven by Clank Hughes).Like in F-Zero: GP Legend, each machine can be tuned between Acceleration and Top Speed and have their own unique rating, using a letter grade from E (weakest) to A (strongest), in three categories:Body, which rates the machine's strength in terms to the damage it can withstand from collisions against both the wall and other racers.Boost, which rates the machine's boost power in terms of speed increase and duration.Grip, which rates machine's track "grip" in terms of maintaining control while turning corners.In Single Pak multiplayer, the game only uses different-colored copies of the Dragon Bird (Green Bird, Yellow Bird, Red Bird, and Blue Bird).CharacterVehicle / PodWeight (kg)BodyBoostGripCaptain FalconBlue Falcon1260BCBDr. StewartGolden Fox1420DADPicoWild Goose1620ABCSamurai GorohFire Stingray1960ADBJody SummerWhite Cat1150CCAMighty GazelleRed Gazelle1330EACBabaIron Tiger1780BDAOctomanDeep Claw990BBCDr. ClashCrazy Bear2220ABEMr. EadGreat Star1870EADBio RexBig Fang1520BDABillyMad Wolf1490BBCSilver NeelsenNight Thunder1530BAEGomar & ShiohTwin Norita780EACJohn TanakaWonder Wasp900DADMrs. ArrowQueen Meteor1140EBBBlood FalconBlood Hawk1170BAEJack LevinAstro Robin1050BDAJames McCloudLittle Wyvern1390EBBZodaDeath Anchor1620EACMichael ChainWild Boar2110ACCSuper ArrowKing Meteor860EBBKate AllenSuper Piranha1010BCBRoger BusterMighty Hurricane1780EBBLeonSpace Angler910CCADraqMighty Typhoon950CADBeastmanHyper Speeder1460CCAAntonio GusterGreen Panther2060ABDBlack ShadowBlack Bull2340AEAThe SkullSonic Phantom1010CADRyu SuzakuDragon Bird1850BBBLucy LibertyElegance Liberty1000BCALisa BrilliantPanzer Emerald1900ADBMiss KillerMoon Shadow1110BCBDark SoldierSoldier Anchor1620EAC"Captain Falcon"Blue Falcon1380BBCBerserkerRed Bull2200ACBClank HughesDragon Bird1880BACHyper ZodaHyper Death Anchor1670CADCircuitsIn Grand Prix, players initially have access to 30 courses, split into three Cups (Bronze, Silver, and Gold) and two sets of difficulties (Novice/Standard and Expert). Players can complete one of the Expert Cups to unlock 15 additional courses (each of the three Cups in the Master difficulty).Completing these Cups at any difficulty unlocks a fourth Cup (Platinum Cup, which is based on the Platinum Cup from F-Zero: GP Legend and contains eight circuits from the original F-Zero). Completing Platinum Cup unlocks access to a new unique circuit for Time Attack (White Land: Eagle Circuit).In Single Pak multiplayer, the game only uses one unique circuit (Fire Field: Rat Race).Bronze Cup (Novice/Standard)Mute City: Six CaratSand Ocean: High Speed EdgePort Town: Sky HighwayWhite Land: WolfFire Field: Heat CircuitSilver Cup (Novice/Standard)Big Blue: SlalomRed Canyon: Inside OutMist Flow: Double LinkFire Field: Front LineSilence: NightmareGold Cup (Novice/Standard)Lightning: R TracePort Town: Half DomeSand Ocean: Key BreakBig Blue: Slip DownIllusion: Lost WayBronze Cup (Expert)Mute City: Eight CaratWhite Land: White WolfBig Blue: Arch HillPort Town: Sky Highway IIRed Canyon: Inside Out IISilver Cup (Expert)Sand Ocean: High Speed Edge IILightning: Trust JumpMist Flow: Mist RingMute City: Cactus CircuitFire Field: Burnt-Out RinkGold Cup (Expert)White Land: HornetSilence: Nightmare FearBig Blue: Single CourseSand Ocean: Key Break IIIllusion: Lost Way IIBronze Cup (Master)Red Canyon: Barrel RollSand Ocean: High Speed Edge IIILightning: G TraceMute City: Ten CaratWhite Land: Last WolfSilver Cup (Master)Mute City: Cactus Circuit IIMist Flow: Puzzle RingLightning: Loss LandingFire Field: Front Line IISilence: Nightmare OneGold Cup (Master)Port Town: Half Dome IIWhite Land: Hornet HouseSand Ocean: Key BreakBig Blue: Twin CourseIllusion: Lost Way IIIPlatinum CupUnlocked by clearing all three other Cups. Each of the eight circuits are based on circuits from the original F-Zero and do not have separate Expert or Master variants.Mute City: MultiplyBig Blue: Big BillowSilence: Silence IIPort Town: Great WingsRed Canyon: Red Canyon IISand Ocean: Sand OceanWhite Land: White Land IIFire Field: Fire Field
