The Machines and Their Pilots

Each of the four playable “machines” offers a combination of varying acceleration, top speed, handling, and power. While most players in the ’90s likely chose a machine based on its design and its pilot, the differences between them have a substantial impact on playstyle. The F-Zero instruction booklet offers a detailed look at the machines and their pilots:

Captain Falcon

“Besides being an accomplished F-Zero pilot, Captain Falcon is a renowned and talented bounty hunter. Not much is known about his past.”

Blue Falcon

“This machine has been given a complete, well-balanced tuning by Captain Falcon. Even beginners will be able to skillfully drive the machine after only a little practice.”

Dr. Stewart

“Though he had followed the lifestyle of the elite as an accomplished and well-respected medical doctor, Robert Stewart has participated in the F-Zero Grand Prix as the pilot of the Golden Fox since the death of his father the scientist, Professor Kevin Stewart.”

Golden Fox

“During the design and construction of this machine, its developer, Kevin Stewart (now deceased), gave priority to acceleration. In compensation for its power output, the body was made to be light to reduce the G force on the course surface. This characteristic makes it difficult to strike a good balance between turning and engine power, resulting in difficult cornering. It is an undeniable fact that the Golden Fox stands up poorly to impact. Pilots using this machine are required to have a high level of skill.”

Pico

“Believed to be an ex-soldier who worked in the Polipoto Army’s Special Fighting Unit. Pico is a highly aggressive pilot, and his cold heart is a perfect complement to this. Officially, his occupation is an F-Zero pilot, but, it is rumored that he is also a competent hitman.”

Wild Goose

“This machine is designed to withstand very heavy damage. The primary purpose of its design was to allow it to run using a highly aggressive racing style. The soldier who designed the Wild Goose is a member of the Polipoto tribe of Death Wind—a tribe with a strong fighting spirit.”

Samurai Goroh

“The leader of a renegade band of thieves known to hide out in Red Canyon. It is known that he participates in the Grand Prix under an alias, and it is also rumored that this machine is stolen property.”

Fire Stingray

“This machine has two RS-5025 engines, the pride of the Universe. It is a heavily-bodied machine and accelerates very slowly. This machine has recorded the fastest speed of the four main machines. Careful and perfectly-timed use of the S-Jet is a key point in the operation of this machine. It is also highly rated for its stability while cornering.”