List of F-Zero characters

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

F-Zero X, which has the most characters to debut in a single game, brought twenty-seven new characters into the franchise.
F-Zero X, which has the most characters to debut in a single game, brought twenty-seven new characters into the franchise.

This is a chronological list of characters from Nintendo's F-Zero video game franchise by game release. Numerous characters were introduced in each completed installment of the F-Zero video games with many of them appearing in multiple titles. They come from all over the universe to compete in the F-Zero Grand Prix. Each character has their own unique reason for entering the Grand Prix and unique vehicle that have different performance abilities. Some of the characters are superheroes, supervillains, cyborgs, mutants, and the like, which makes the series akin to something out of an American comic book.

Contents

[edit] Development and reception

In the original F-Zero game, there were only four characters with their playable vehicles. During the development of the first F-Zero game, Takaya Imamura was surprised at the level of freedom he was given to design the characters and courses since this was his first game.[1] The producer, Shigeru Miyamoto, wanted more than four characters to be in the original game, however this was not possible due to the technical limitations of the SNES.[2] It would not be until the Nintendo 64 sequel, F-Zero X, that the storyline would be further developed, and newer characters would be added to the cast, composing of all the racers.

IGN called Captain Falcon "one of the most important and recognizable characters from the franchise".[3] Toshihiro Nagoshi stated this character "has a very strong image, and represents a dominant visual aspect for the series". He claimed this is the type of character Sega does not have in their racing games like Daytona or Sega Rally that the player can "identify with behind the wheel". Nagoshi, one of F-Zero GX's co-producers, was fond of the characters and found a way to draw out their personalities during the games' development.[4] The co-producer mentioned Amusement Vision was given relative freedom in designing the characters.[5] With the introduction of a story mode in F-Zero GX, Shigeru Miyamoto mentioned that the characters Imamura created are finally "coming to life and taking on some personality". Nagoshi stated that its story mode was included because the development team felt that the F-Zero universe was unique and they wanted to explain some of the characters' motivations and flesh out the game world.[4]

The characters Mr. EAD and James McCloud bear some resemblance to Mario and Fox McCloud respectively, though in different degrees (faintly and strikingly, respectively). "EAD" is also the same abbreviation used with Nintendo's internal development group located in Japan. According to Nintendo Power, "It's just one of the fun things the developers decided to put into F-Zero GX". Although James is also the name of Fox McCloud's father in the Star Fox games, they also stated "As similar in looks as they are, Fox and James McCloud don't have any connection".[6]

[edit] Characters

† indicates name alterations due to localization.

In comparison between the Japanese and English version of some of the F-Zero video games, some of the characters and a few of the vehicles were given different or more elaborate names. In regard to a few of the characters that debuted in F-Zero X, their names on the English F-Zero X official website, are absent or different on the Japanese website. Such alterations were either retconned out of continuity or ignored altogether by the games succeeding it.

[edit] Captain Falcon

Captain Falcon (キャプテン・ファルコン Kyaputen Farukon?, Captain Douglas Jay Falcon) is considered the poster child of the franchise.[7] He is described as an accomplished F-Zero pilot and renowned bounty hunter.[8] In F-Zero X, it is rumored that he is called "Captain" because he was once an officer on the Internova Police Force.[9] By the age of 36, Captain Falcon had built a reputation as one of the best bounty hunters in the galaxy, one that has earned him many enemies. This constant danger forces him to live in a sanctuary on a chain of islands off the coast of Port Town, where he spends most of his time. His desire for solitude is such that even after winning a race, he takes his award and quickly dashes home. Each of his home islands contains a different racetrack, allowing him to keep his racing skills at their peak while remaining relatively safe.[10][11]

The character drives the Blue Falcon in his races, and uses a sidearm and a midsize spacecraft called the Falcon Flyer in bounty missions.[8][12] In F-Zero X, Captain Falcon’s DNA is stolen while he is hospitalized following an accident in the F-Zero Grand Prix. The thieves use the DNA to create a clone of Captain Falcon, Blood Falcon.[13][14] In F-Zero GX, Captain Falcon is 37 years old and the sitting champion of the F-Zero Grand Prix, boosting his already high popularity even higher. In the games' story mode, after winning a number of races and saving Jody Summer, he goes on to defeat Black Shadow and Deathborn.[15][16] Also in F-Zero GX, at the end of the final chapter in Story Mode, Captain Falcon is seen jumping out of his Blue Falcon and walking out of his home base, leaving his helmet behind. In F-Zero: Maximum Velocity, which is set twenty five years after the main series, Kent Akechi claims to be the son of Captain Falcon.[17]

"Captain Falcon" is also featured in the F-Zero GP Legend anime as a title given to a person, instead of an individual's actual name.[18] Throughout most of the anime, Bart Lemming holds this title, and it is passed onto Rick Wheeler after Bart's "death" in the last episode. Although he does not appear in every episode, he plays a significant role in the series: his main goal is to stop the efforts of the Dark Million Organization. In F-Zero GP Legend, Captain Falcon is voiced by Hideyuki Tanaka and David Wills in the Japanese and English versions respectively.

Captain Falcon appears as a playable character in the Super Smash Bros. series. He is one of the fastest characters in the series, second only to Sonic the Hedgehog, who only appears in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

[edit] Other characters

Character: Vehicle: Original descriptions:
Originated from F-Zero
Dr. Stewart Golden Fox Respected M.D. who participated in the races after the death of his father.[8]
Pico Wild Goose Rumored to be a notorious contract killer who aggressively drives around the circuits.[8]
Samurai Goroh Fire Stingray Boss of a group bandits who reside in Red Canyon.[8]
Originated from F-Zero X
A total of twenty-seven characters debuted in F-Zero X, with two of them sharing the same vehicle.
Antonio Guster Green Panther Former partner and friend of Samurai Goroh, that was later betrayed and abandoned by him. As a result, Guster now seeks revenge on Goroh.[19]
Mrs. Arrow Mrs. Monique L’Amoreaux Arrow[20]† Queen Meteor Always enthusiastically enjoyed F-Zero and pursued a career in racing at the age of 14 where she eventually befriended and married Super Arrow.[20]
Baba Baba Orninion[21] Iron Tiger A rookie pilot who greatly desired to be an F-Zero racer and now seeks to win the entire Grand Prix.[21]
Beastman Hyper Speeder Beastman participates in the races to relieve himself of the mental torment he suffered after being mauled by an alligator at age 7.[22]
Billy Mad Wolf A primate who wants to prove that monkeys are superior to humans.[23]
Bio Rex Big Fang A genetically-engineered mixture of man and dinosaur who races to prove bioengineered species are superior to all other natural species.[24]
Black Shadow Black Bull The "King of Evil" who wants revenge on Captain Falcon for arresting a witch doctor who is said to have given Shadow his abilities.[25]
Blood Falcon Blood Hawk
Hell Hawk (JP)[26]		 A nearly identical clone of Captain Falcon who was created by Black Shadow in order to ruin the Captain's reputation.[25]
Dr. Clash Crazy Bear Scientist who created numerous F-Zero vehicles then decided to enter himself for the fame.[27]
Draq Mighty Typhoon An alien who had deep aspirations of entering the Grand Prix which became a reality after stealing a couple of vehicles with Roger Buster from a delivery service the two work together in.[28]
Mr. EAD Great Star Created by the organization "EAD, this cyborg participates in the F-Zero races to test his IQ and intellect.[29]
Gomar & Shioh Twin Noritta The two aliens were originally prevented from entering due to the fact only one racer per vehicle is allowed. However, these aliens who come from a species who live in pairs and act as one were eventually allowed to participate.[30]
Jack Levin Astro Robin The F-Zero committee was looking for someone who could attend to the new, younger demographic. Levin was selected and now sends back money to his poor family gained from his popularity.[31]
James McCloud Little Wyvern Participates in the F-Zero races to win enough funds in order to keep the organization he is part of afloat.[32]
Jody Summer White Cat Summer dedicated her F-Zero career to her father who passed away.[33]
John Tanaka Wonder Wasp Vows to protect Jody Summer in the F-Zero tournaments after the death of a professor who was very influential in Tanaka's life and who was also Jody's father.[34]
Kate Alen Super Piranha A singer and dancer who decided to fulfill her desire to take part in the F-Zero racing.[35]
Leon Space Angler Introduced to F-Zero racing after impressing the Arrows on his home planet.[36]
Michael Chain Wild Boar An orphan who was accepted by a gang then later took part in the F-Zero tournaments due to his addictive hobby to racing.[37]
Mighty Gazelle MM Gazelle (JP)[38] Red Gazelle Talented racer who wiped out his vehicle, ended up hospitalized and then was later revived as a cyborg after pushing his vehicle too hard in the races.[39]
Octoman Octman (JP)[40] Deep Claw An alien from a world that are required to watch his races.[41]
Roger Buster Mighty Hurricane Had aspirations of entering the Grand Prix which became a reality after being convinced by Draq to steal a couple of vehicles with an unknown recipient and no return address from a delivery service the two work together in.[42][28]
Silver Neelsen Night Thunder Holds the record for most F-Zero races entered, but has yet to win a Grand Prix.[43]
The Skull Arbin Gordon (JP),[44] Alias: Sterling LaVaughn[45]† Sonic Phantom Former pilot of the old days of F-Zero who was resurrected from the dead by science and black magic to race again.[45]
Super Arrow King Meteor Helped lift the ban of the F-Zero tournaments which was the result of a crash that had killed fourteen racers[46]
Zoda Death Anchor Seeks revenge on the Arrows and Captain Falcon after 26 of his men were turned in.[47]
Originated from F-Zero: Maximum Velocity
Alexander O'Neil The Stingray Former football player
Blitz Wagner Silver Thunder
Jane B. Christie J. B. Crystal Is probably lying about her age
Kent Akechi Falcon MK-II Claims to be the son of Captain Falcon
Kumiko Fighting Comet
Lord Cyber Dirty Joker Sly Joker† A wealthy baron
Megan Hot Violet Rumored to be a Karate expert
Mickey Marcus Fireball Fan-favorite of the F-Zero circuit
Nichi Wind Walker Nicknamed "The Sweep Man"
Yazoo Jr. Jet Vermilion
Originated from F-Zero AX
Dai Goroh Silver Rat The only son of Samurai Goroh. As an F-Zero pilot, he seems to show more aptitude and potential than his father.
Dai San Gen Pink Spider Similar to Gomar & Shioh, these three aliens share a telepathic link.
Don Genie Fat Shark Famous mogul head of the universal traders. Has been arrested numerous times for shady dealings and is a suspected conspirator with Black Shadow.
Lily Flyer Bunny Flash A young soldier in the Galactic Federation reserves.
Phoenix Rainbow Phoenix Time-traveling detective.
PJ Groovy Taxi Suspended taxi driver who modified his cab into an F-Zero machine.
Princia Ramode Spark Moon Energetic princess of the desert kingdom of Magica. Was determined to race in the Grand Prix after witnessing a race on Earth.
QQQ Rolling Turtle Phoenix's robot partner.
Spade Magic Seagull A magician trying to raise money for his circus.
Terry "Digi-Boy" Getter Cosmic Dolphin A boy genius.
Originated from F-Zero GX
Deathborn Dark Schneider A human who has died three times, only to resurrect himself by replacing his damaged organs with mechanical ones on each occasion, making him essentially immortal. Seeks to harness the combined forces of light and dark to conquer the universe.
Originated from F-Zero: GP Legend
Ryu Suzaku Rick Wheeler†[2] Dragon Bird A champion racer and a detective, Rick's life came to a tragic end after chasing down a criminal. He was revived 150 years later and joined the Galaxy Mobile Platoon. Rick now competes in F-Zero races, but vows to bring the one who nearly killed him to justice.
Lucy Liberty Elegance Liberty Lucy's a newcomer to the Galaxy Mobile Platoon. She works very close with Dr. Clash to learn the mechanics of F-Zero and occasionally take part in races.
Misaki Haruka / Miss Killer "Miss Killer" was changed to Luna Ryder.†[2] Moon Shadow Miss Killer was originally Misaki Haruka, Rick Wheeler's girlfriend. She was deepfreezed and woke up 150 years later. Brainwashed, she joined Black Shadow.[2]
Lisa Brilliant Panzer Emerald She is the wife of Samurai Goroh and a member of his group of intergalactic thieves.
Originated from F-Zero Climax
Alternate characters become available after completing and placing first on all cups in every difficulty.[48]
Berserker Red Bull Bart Lemming, disguised himself as Berserker in order to find out Dark millions plans.
Clank Hughes (Tech) Dragon Bird EX He "inherits" Rick Wheeler's Dragon Bird after he becomes Captain Falcon. Being too young, Clank uses the android Tech as his aide.
Dark Soldier Soldier Anchor

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Interview: F-Zero AC/GC. IGN (2002-03-28). Retrieved on 2007-06-21.
  2. ^ a b c d DeWoody, Lucas (2005-01-05). The Legendary Race - The History of F-Zero. Advanced Media Network pp. 1, 4. Kombo. Retrieved on 2008-01-30.
  3. ^ André Segers; Colin Moriarty (2008-02-08). Super Smash Bros. Brawl Characters. IGN. Retrieved on 2008-03-12.
  4. ^ a b F-Zero Press Conference. IGN (2003-07-08). Retrieved on 2007-06-21.
  5. ^ Interview: Sega talk F-Zero. Arcadia magazine. N-Europe (2002-05-17). Retrieved on 2008-02-02.
  6. ^ “Player's Pulse”, Nintendo Power (Redmond, WA: Nintendo of America) 175: pp. 11-12, January 2004 
  7. ^ Gerstmann, Jeff (2003-08-25). F-Zero GX review. GameSpot. Retrieved on 2007-01-16.
  8. ^ a b c d e [1991-08-13] in Nintendo EAD: F-Zero instruction manual (in English). Nintendo, pp. 14-17, 21-28. 
  9. ^ Fran and Peer; Craig. Smash Profile: Captain Falcon. IGN. Retrieved on 2007-06-05.
  10. ^ F-Zero X Driver Bio. fzerox.com. Nintendo. Archived from the original on 2001-10-25. Retrieved on 2007-08-05. “Some men are good. Some men are evil. Captain Falcon qualifies as a little bit of both. No one is sure why he is called “Captain” although it is rumored that he was once an officer in the Internova Police Force. There is no evidence to back up this story and Captain Falcon is a private man who will disclose nothing about his past. He is almost as elusive as his present day life, as he is a fierce bounty hunter who must protect himself from his dangerous enemies at all times. Captain Falcon makes his home on a string of islands off Port Town. Guarded by high security, each island has a practice racecourse for his F-Zero machine, the Blue Falcon. There are only two things that will lure Captain Falcon away from his archipelago fortress: the lure of high bounty, or the chance to compete in the F-Zero GP.”
  11. ^ Sackenheim, Shawn. Captain Falcon's F-Zero X biography. All Game Guide. Retrieved on 2007-01-16.
  12. ^ HAL Laboratory. Super Smash Bros. Melee. Nintendo. Nintendo GameCube. (2001-12-03) “Captain Falcon's speedy midsize star cruiser boasts an on-board computer that allows Falcon to control it remotely ... perhaps that's why it's never appeared on-screen in an F-Zero game. Without this ship, Falcon couldn't prowl the galaxy like a lone wolf: the Blue Falcon is a state-of-the-art machine, but it's only used for F-Zero races.”
  13. ^ Pilot & Machine. F-Zero.com (2003). Retrieved on 2006-12-16.
  14. ^ (2003-08-25) in Amusement Vision: F-Zero GX instruction manual (in English). Nintendo, pp. 32, 41. 
  15. ^ Pelland, Scott (ed.) (2003). F-Zero GX Player's Guide. Redmond, Washington: Nintendo of America, Inc, pp. 9, 76 - 94. ISBN 1930206-35-6. 
  16. ^ Schneider, Peer. F-Zero GX story guide. IGN. Retrieved on 2006-11-24.
  17. ^ “Advance Strategies: F-Zero Maximum Velocity”, Nintendo Power 145, June 2001 
  18. ^ Captain Falcon Biography. IGN. Retrieved on 2008-02-15.
  19. ^ Sackenheim, Shawn. Antonio Guster's F-Zero X biography. f-zerox.com. Allgame. Retrieved on 2008-04-17.
  20. ^ a b Sackenheim, Shawn. Mrs. Arrow's F-Zero X biography. f-zerox.com. Allgame. Retrieved on 2008-04-17.
  21. ^ a b Sackenheim, Shawn. Baba Orninion's F-Zero X biography. f-zerox.com. Allgame. Retrieved on 2008-04-17.
  22. ^ Sackenheim, Shawn. Beastman's F-Zero X biography. f-zerox.com. Allgame. Retrieved on 2008-04-17.
  23. ^ Sackenheim, Shawn. Billy's F-Zero X biography. f-zerox.com. Allgame. Retrieved on 2008-04-17.
  24. ^ Sackenheim, Shawn. Bio Rex's F-Zero X biography. f-zerox.com. Allgame. Retrieved on 2008-04-17.
  25. ^ a b Sackenheim, Shawn. Black Shadow's F-Zero X biography. f-zerox.com. Allgame. Retrieved on 2008-04-17.
  26. ^ The Pilots & Machine 6 (Japanese). Nintendo. Retrieved on 2008-03-23.
  27. ^ Sackenheim, Shawn. Dr. Clash's F-Zero X biography. f-zerox.com. Allgame. Retrieved on 2008-04-17.
  28. ^ a b Sackenheim, Shawn. Draq's F-Zero X biography. f-zerox.com. Allgame. Retrieved on 2008-04-17.
  29. ^ Sackenheim, Shawn. Mr. EAD's F-Zero X biography. f-zerox.com. Allgame. Retrieved on 2008-04-17.
  30. ^ Sackenheim, Shawn. Gomar and Shioh's F-Zero X biography. f-zerox.com. Allgame. Retrieved on 2008-04-17.
  31. ^ Sackenheim, Shawn. Jack Levin's F-Zero X biography. f-zerox.com. Allgame. Retrieved on 2008-04-17.
  32. ^ Sackenheim, Shawn. James McCloud's F-Zero X biography. f-zerox.com. Allgame. Retrieved on 2008-04-17.
  33. ^ Sackenheim, Shawn. Jody Summer's F-Zero X biography. f-zerox.com. Allgame. Retrieved on 2008-04-21.
  34. ^ Sackenheim, Shawn. John Tanaka's F-Zero X biography. f-zerox.com. Allgame. Retrieved on 2008-05-07.
  35. ^ Sackenheim, Shawn. Kate Alen's F-Zero X biography. f-zerox.com. Allgame. Retrieved on 2008-05-07.
  36. ^ Sackenheim, Shawn. Leon's F-Zero X biography. f-zerox.com. Allgame. Retrieved on 2008-05-07.
  37. ^ Sackenheim, Shawn. Michael Chain's F-Zero X biography. f-zerox.com. Allgame. Retrieved on 2008-05-07.
  38. ^ The Pilots & Machine 2 (Japanese). Nintendo. Retrieved on 2007-08-26.
  39. ^ Sackenheim, Shawn. Mighty Gazelle's F-Zero X biography. f-zerox.com. Allgame. Retrieved on 2008-05-07.
  40. ^ The Pilots & Machine 3 (Japanese). Nintendo. Retrieved on 2007-08-26.
  41. ^ allgame ((( Octoman > Overview )))
  42. ^ Sackenheim, Shawn. Roger Buster 's F-Zero X biography. f-zerox.com. Allgame. Retrieved on 2008-05-07.
  43. ^ allgame ((( Silver Neelsen > Overview )))
  44. ^ The Pilots & Machine 10 (Japanese). Nintendo. Retrieved on 2007-08-14.
  45. ^ a b allgame ((( The Skull > Overview )))
  46. ^ allgame ((( Super Arrow > Overview )))
  47. ^ allgame ((( Zoda > Overview )))
  48. ^ F-Zero: Climax Cheats

[edit] References

v • d • e
F-Zero series
Games
Related
Characters · Anime (Episodes)