A large part of what makes F-Zero GX so memorable to this day is its use of a multitude of tracks. Each track features unique encounters, level designs, and soundtracks that set it apart from the others.
With over 20 tracks to choose from (including all secret tracks), some leave a more lasting impression than others. Indeed, not all tracks are created equal, and some are simply better when compared to others. We will be ranking some of the best tracks in the game on the basis of their replayability, fun factor, and overall difficulty.
Top 10 tracks in F-Zero GX
Despite its age, F-Zero GX has a ton of fun to offer. Much of this can be attributed to its replayability, vehicles, and fun gameplay loop that has stood the test of time. Of course, no racing game is complete without its tracks, and F-Zero GX shines remarkably well here.
There are a total of 26 tracks to choose from in the game, with 6 of these being ‘secret tracks’ which can only be unlocked by playing through the game. Taking all of this into consideration, here are the top 10 tracks in F-Zero GX:
10. Casino Palace (Split Oval)
Casino Palace has a lot of creative additions | Image Credits: Nintendo
One of the more creative additions to the map, Casino Palace resembles a large casino of sorts, filled to the brim with slot machines, arcades, and sky-high buildings. The skybox is filled with casino signs and looks fantastic overall.
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The music is also on point, but the level design could be a fair bit more complex. There are only two paths here, which kind of dulls the experience.
9. Mute City (Twist Road)
The first track for F-Zero GX | Image Credits: Nintendo
This is the first track you will race on in F-Zero GX, and it leaves a lasting impression. You can tell the developers went all out with the presentation here, and Twist Road features a futuristic city with meandering roads that threaten to take you off the path.
While the design is admittedly rather simple, it more than makes up for it with its visual spectacle and bombastic soundtrack.
8. Big Blue (Drift Highway)
Big Blue brings the vastness of the ocean | Image Credits: Nintendo
Big Blue/Drift Highway brings the ocean to you, in a stunning vista of blue-green and industrial camouflage. This is one of the more striking tracks in F-Zero GX, largely thanks to its tunneled underwater sections that look absolutely amazing.
It’s also one of the more difficult tracks on this list, especially on higher difficulties. The stopgaps and turns are much more intense and can take a while to get used to despite its simple, shorter design.
7. Port Town (Long Pipe)
Long Pipe is one of the harder stages | Image Credits: Nintendo
Yet another industrial-themed entry within this list, Port Town separates itself from the rest by having the race take place entirely within a cylindrical structure. This makes for some rather fun encounters, and managing your orientation across the map is also quite the challenge.
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Long Pipe also features a total of 3 spinning wheels, which must be expertly dodged in order to avoid a crashing halt. Combined with the often unpredictable nature of the course, it is quite a fun addition to have.
6. Port Town (Aero Dive)
Aero Dive is a hit of nostalgia | Image Credits: Nintendo
Port Town/Aero Dive is one of the more visually spectacular tracks on this list. This is classic F-Zero, and a lot of this is reflected in its level design. Aero Dive features twisting pathways and high-octane ramps where speed trumps all.
Another of my favorite additions here would be the inclusion of ROB the Robot, a rather obscure piece of Nintendo hardware (even if it is really just a background prop).
5. Green Plant (Intersection)
Intersection is one of the several Green Plant maps | Image Credits: Nintendo
Taking place within the Green Plant biome, Intersection is just one of the several jungle-themed maps in the game. However, it stands out in offering a rather unique take on the whole biome.
Intersection has players navigating between flat terrain and the inside of a cylindrical track, which makes it much more difficult and enjoyable than the more ‘vanilla’ entries in this list.
4. Aeropolis (Dragon Slope)
Dragon Slope has you flying | Image Credits: Nintendo
As the name implies, Dragon Slope takes place in a colossal megacity on a sloping race track that is full of danger. Players are directed to race through the megacity, in all of its futuristic glory, on a rather fragmented track in the racing game.
Track sections are broken up, and players will find themselves having to jump across the gap several times, which makes for quite the thrilling experience.
3. Lightning (Thunder Road)
Rain effects in glorious Gamecube graphics | Image Credits: Nintendo
This is a Lightning-based track, and comes with all the environmental goodies such as rain effects and the like. While fairly simple in its design (when compared to other entries in this list), it remains one of the more challenging tracks in the game.
This is mostly thanks to its use of sharp 90-degree turns, which make navigating it without crashing a real challenge. This is perfect for series veterans or those who are well-versed in the game’s controls.
2. Green Plant (Spiral)
Spiral is the longest map in the game | Image Credits: Nintendo
Spiral is yet another entry within Green Plant. Arguably the longest map in the game, Spiral has players struggling to keep up with rival racers in a track that’s (quite literally) full of twists and turns.
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The background also looks immaculate, weaving together industrial designs, cityscapes, forests, and waterfalls.
1. Outer Space (Meteor Stream)
The best was saved for last | Image Credits: Nintendo
As the name implies, Outer Space takes place in, well, space! This is perhaps the most visually striking track of them all, taking place in a space station of sorts, with multiple corridors of differing landscapes.
Rushing through narrow, meandering pathways while meteors shower above you never gets old, and this is arguably the most iconic track in all of Nintendo‘s F-Zero GX.
This wraps it up for our list of the best F-Zero GX tracks. What are your favorite tracks? Let us know in the comments section below!
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