Best Nintendo titles you've never heard of (#1)

This article is the beginning of a mini-series in which I will detail lesser-known games that fell through the cracks, as well as upcoming games that may be on their way to falling through the cracks. If things go well, I will add more sections to the mini-series, including cancelled games.

Stunt Race FX
Late in the life-cycle of the Super Nintendo, the advent of modification chips in game cartridges was introduced. These chips were used for higher processer calculation speeds, which allowed for things such as 3D graphics to be used in some games. The most popular of these chips was the "Super FX" chip.

Between the Super FX chip and its successor, the Super FX 2 chip, 15 games were planned and developed. Only 7 of these 15 were ever released for the Super Nintendo*.

The second title released was racing game called "Stunt Race FX." Despite being a first-party Nintendo title, was not marketed well, and sales suffered in the United States because of this. This came as a surprise to many, as Shigeru Miyamoto was one of the lead designers, notable for Super Mario and Legend of Zelda fame. His games were known for their popularity and success. But this games' failure was not in its gameplay -- in fact, the game received mostly high reviews in gaming magazines.

Stunt Race FX, as the "FX" in its title suggests, utilized 3D graphics and environments. Players could choose between four vehicles, a COUPE, F-TYPE, 4WD, and 2WD, as well as five racing modes. Players could use a fifth car, the TRAILER, only in a BONUS mode.



As is the case with many first-party Nintendo titles, some notable Nintendo characters make cameos in the game -- with Mario, Fox McCloud (of Star Fox), and Kirby appearing on billboards in certain levels. Also, the Arwings from Star Fox fly overhead in one of the night levels.

Despite its poor performance in North America, the game remains a cult classic for hardcore gamers and those who happened upon it in rental stores and gave it a chance.

While it is considered a celebrated title more than decade after its release, it is still not widely remembered. But fear not, Stunt Race FX fans, as is the case with many previous generation Nintendo titles, there is hope that it may reappear on the Nintendo Wii's Virtual Console, downloadable for anyone willing to shell out the $6 for it. Though the Virtual Console is usually limited to widely successful games, and it may take a bit of luck for Stunt Race to show up.

* Super Mario FX was a developing game for Super Nintendo. After five frustrating years of development, however, Nintendo was not pleased with what was accomplished. The game was repackaged and redesigned into what begame Super Mario 64, released on the Nintendo 64.