F-Zero GX (GameCube)

F-Zero GX is the fastest racing game ever made--no question about it. As the original futuristic racing game it's also one of the most imaginative and fun to boot. For those who don't know, it's a racing game set in the far future--the original F-Zero on the SNES was the original inspiration for Wipeout, but now that Sony's future racing series seems to have run out of steam the stage is set for Nintendo's baby (now developed by Sega) to reclaim its crown.

Instead of boring flat courses you get to zoom around enormous rollercoaster-like tracks, constantly defying gravity and moving at speeds that make any other racer seem static. There are also up to 30 other "cars" on the track at the same time, which makes for an even more unusual and exciting race--especially when you realise you can knock them off to their flaming death at any time.

Another new aspect in the game is the degree to which you can customise your vehicle. You can edit or build from scratch your own car using parts you buy at the in-game shop, then add existing logos or ones you paint yourself to create your own personal speedmobile.

Despite all these original features the one thing F-Zero games have never had is very good graphics, but that's all changed now--GX features some quite stunning backdrops that make the impression of speed and height even more realistic than ever. Add in the four-player mode and this could even rob Mario Kart of its crown for the best next-gen racer around. --David Jenkins

"Everything we hoped it would be... rapidly approaching racing perfection. 9/10."

"[The developer] has bettered the previous Nintendo-developed versions... yet another reason to keep faith in the GameCube. 8/10."

"Racing doesn't get any better than this... fast, furious, great to play and lovely to look at. Utterly essential. 92%."

Prepare for the future of racing. Nintendo and Sega--both accomplished masters of high-speed fun--have collaborated to create the fastest, most visually stunning racing game of all time in F-Zero GX. Hunt for turbo boosts as you battle aggressive racers through obstacle-studded straightaways, along the inside and outside of pipes, and over massive jumps. You'd better be ready to race for the long haul with 20 courses and over 30 pilots to choose from.

F-Zero GX is arcade-compatible: when you use a memory card with F-Zero Arcade, you can transfer new pilots or machine parts that you can use for customisation on your GameCube; you can even race your home-built machine in the arcade version. The interaction between the home and arcade versions of the game is unique. With the arcade, you sit in a cockpit that tilts and rumbles as you drive, creating a sensation that you're really in the race. Making a racer at home to race in an arcade will appeal to many racing fans and the additional pilots and the many machine parts available for transfer will be irresistible.