Pico (F-Zero)
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| Pico | |
|---|---|
 Pico, seen here in some GX artwork, is a "hard-boiled" ex-military hitman who stars in the F-Zero series games. |
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| Game series | F-Zero series |
| First game | F-Zero |
| Designed by | Takaya Imamura |
| Voice actor(s) | Kenichi Mochizuki (GP Legend) |
Pico (ピコ?) is a video game character the in the F-Zero series, Nintendo's fast paced futuristic racing video game. He first appeared in the 1990 game F-Zero, as one of four original characters in the game and the only one out of the four that has not been seen outside of the F-Zero series. Introduced as a mysterious alien racer from the 26th century, Pico was not typical of racing games at the time. Only his machine actually was shown in game, portrayed by a two-dimensional sprite-- not until ‘’F-Zero X‘’ would his character be conveyed by a computer-generated image. Also, the character has solely been seen outside the Nintendo games in general — on a television show called F-Zero GP Legend. The game F-Zero: Maximum Velocity is the single story mode driven game in the series not to feature this character.[1]
Pico is a ex-military hitman and a highly skilled marksman. In F-Zero X, and later in GX, he was known as an former assassin of a special unit in the Poripoto army where he carried out a number of dangerous missions.
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[edit] Characteristics
Pico is described as an highly aggressive cold-hearted pilot rumored to be an competent hit-man in the first F-Zero game which was released for the SNES.[2] During this game it is believed he was an solider who worked in the Polipoto Army's Special Fighting Unit. However, F-Zero X confirmed that he was did indeed part of the Poripoto army. Currently, it is not known exactly what type of alien species he is. Pico's species is never named through any game. The term "Poripoto" is confirmed to be the military division whom he belonged to, but not the name of his race, or his home world. In the original game, it was spelled "Polipoto". His homeworld is Death Wind[2] in the first F-Zero title then is called "Tortiz 3" in F-Zero X.[3] It is unknown if Death Wind is a part Tortiz 3 or Pico's homeworld was completely changed.
[edit] Physical appearance
In F-Zero X Pico claims to be 123, then claimed to be 124 a year later in F-Zero GX.[4] Both are considered to be around the age of adolescence on his planet, however in the first F-Zero game, he was 34.[2] This unique-looking alien has green skin and a tortoise-like shell on his back. His skin is covered by veins and muscle structure unlike anything seen on any other alien in the galaxy. His elongated head features a mouth full of fangs and two small, dark eyes.[3]
[edit] Machine Information
Pico's machine is the Wild Goose, which lacks in acceleration, but its durability and turning make up for it. The machine has the second highest max speed in the first F-Zero game. In this game Pico's homeworld was Death Wind, the general of Death Wind, which is the special unit of the Polipoto military, designed this machine for use in command of the unit. When the general retired, the Wild Goose's military history was recognized, and it was adopted for racing. The soldier who designed the Wild Goose is a member of the strong fighting spirited Polipoto tribe of Death Wind.[2] It is able to withstand heavy damage and was made to perform attack runs thus making it suitable for Pico's aggressive driving nature. However, its weak acceleration and below-average drifting ability in corners are a bit disconcerting.[5]
| Body | Boost | Grip | Weight | Vehicle Designer | Engine Model Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | B | C | 1,620 kg (3571.49 lbs) | General Repeat | ES8302x3 |
[edit] Appearances
[edit] Video games
In F-Zero GX, many considered Pico's reckless driving to be the cause of a major accident that ended the F-Zero Grand Prix four years prior to the events in this game. This has caused much of his fanbase to disappear seemingly overnight. However, this fact does not seem to deter Pico from being an absolute menace on the racetrack. After retirement from the army, Pico opened a small shop near the military base, but he still operates as a notorious assassin.[6] If he wins the F-Zero Grand Prix, he will use the money to host the "Pico Cup".[7]
[edit] Other appearances
[edit] Cameo appearances
Pico's machine, the Wild Goose briefly appears in Super Smash Bros. Melee. Players can view the F-Zero Racers trophy in the gallery and collection sections. The Wild Goose can also be seen racing in the background of the F-Zero-based battle arenas.
[edit] References
- ^ Nintendo (2001). F-Zero: Maximum Velocity instruction manual. (in English).
- ^ a b c d Instruction manual for F-Zero. URL retrieved 24 February 2007.
- ^ a b “Pico's Biography.” All game guideSite. Retrieved July 21, 2006.
- ^ Instruction manual for F-Zero GX. URL retrieved 24 February 2006.
- ^ “Pico's GX Biography.” GamespySite. Retrieved November 6, 2006.
- ^ Pilot & Machine. F-Zero.com (2003). Retrieved on February 24, 2006.
- ^ Mr. Zero: What do you plan to do with the 1 billion space credits in prize money?? Pico: Host the Pico cup! The world's most exciting F-Zero race. Nintendo EAD. F-Zero GX. Nintendo. Nintendo GameCube. (in English). 2003-08-26.
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Pilots in the F-Zero series
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| Captain Falcon | Dr. Stewart | Pico | Samurai Goroh
By game F-Zero X | F-Zero AX |
