F-Zero X Climax

F-Zero X Climax is a hack of F-Zero X for the N64 by Philippe Brodier, released on 21 October 2014. It’s a full game conversion of the N64 game made in the spirit of the Japan-only F-Zero Climax for the GBA.

You can get the ROM from its download page by using the password falconclimax. Then apply the patch to a ROM called F-ZERO X (U) [!].z64 by using Flips.

About F-Zero X Climax

This hack is basically a map conversion of F-Zero X to make it have the same race tracks that were available for the game on the Game Boy Advance. At the time the hack was made, the GBA version was the final F-Zero game ever made (until F-Zero 99 in 2023) so it was due for a 3D remaster.

That said, there are some upgrades. The original GBA game was in Mode-7 (ish) 2D like the original F-Zero on the SNES, so the creator of F-Zero X Climax added some twists to make it more like the N64 game.

All the courses follow the same basic map structure as the GBA versions, but a sense of verticality was added to the N64 versions to make things a bit more exciting. The tracks don’t only go up and down, but they also have tunnels whose walls you can ride on and those epic jumps the series is known for.

There’s also a few bits and pieces that are changed as well. For example, the acceleration/top-speed slider has been changed for slider/jumper which enhances your horizontal movement or your time in the air after a jump.

Review and conclusion

F-Zero X Climax is the first F-Zero hack I’ve covered here, and it sets the bar high. Not only does it adapt the GBA sequel for the N64, but it also plays like a full expansion pack loaded with fresh content.

If I had to be picky, its main limitation is that in order to stay true to the original it had to keep a fairly flat stage design. It’s kind of how a game like Mario Kart 7 has retro stages but they stick out like a sore thumb because of how flat they are. Now, the author does try to keep things fresh by adding a little bit of verticality, but 60% of the stage still feels like you’re playing F-Zero on the SNES.

The other issue is the difficulty. I struggled to get anything other than last place, and I figured it was because I was out of practice but I played the original game and came in 1-5 on the same difficulty. It turns out that the CPU players have their speed boosted so it’s intentionally made to be nigh impossible to get first place unless you play the game flawlessly.

Overall, playing F-Zero X Climax is a great way to be able to experience all those tracks that never made it overseas. Plus they’re in 3D now. Just make sure not to take it personally when you end up 30th.