Captain Falcon

Pilot

Quotes

Machine

"THERE ARE TWO KINDS OF DRIVERS IN THIS RACE--ME AND THE LOSERS!" — Captain Falcon in the F-Zero SNES instruction manual.

Captain Falcon
Character information
Alt. names	Falcon, The Bounty Hunter, Captain Falcon
Age	36 F-Zero X 37 F-Zero GX
Machine	Blue Falcon
Theme
Additional Info
Creator(s)	Takaya Imamura Shigeru Miyamoto
Voiced by (English):	Video Games - Eric Kelso (GX) Anime - David Wills
Voiced by (Japanese):	Video Games - Ryō Horikawa (Smash series) Anime - Hideyuki Tanaka

For other uses, see Captain Falcon (Disambiguation).

Famicom redirects here.

Captain Falcon (キャプテン・ファルコン, Kyaputen Farukon^?) is the protagonist of the F-Zero series. He is an F-Zero racer and a renowned intergalactic bounty hunter from Port Town. By the age of 36, Captain Falcon had built a reputation as one of the best bounty hunters in the galaxy, one that has earned him many enemies. Falcon joined F-Zero, desiring to fuel his competitive drive, with his own machine, the Blue Falcon. During his long career, he has consistently thwarted the plans of Black Shadow and other evil forces, both on and off the Grand Prix circuits. Much of Falcon's past is shrouded in mystery.

He also has an evil clone named Blood Falcon, first appearing in F-Zero X. During a Grand Prix accident that hospitalized several pilots including Captain Falcon, 3 years before F-Zero X, Black Shadow obtained Falcon's DNA in order to create Blood Falcon.

Characteristics

In the instruction manual for F-Zero, Captain Falcon is described as an accomplished F-Zero pilot and renowned bounty hunter who is "rumored to be in his early 30s".

By F-Zero X, the character's age was revealed to be 36 years old, and then 37 years old the following year in F-Zero GX.

Little is known of Falcon's past, enshrouding the character in mystery, outside of the fact that he is from Port Town. When he is not taking part in races, Captain Falcon works as a bounty hunter with an "astronomic" record.

Appearance

Captain Falcon removes his helmet in F-Zero X.

Brash and flashy in appearance, Captain Falcon stands tall and firm. His outfit is a combination of a flight suit and body armor. It consists of blue pants, blue form-fitting armor, a black visor, yellow boots with falcon symbols, yellow gloves with orange sleeves, and a red helmet with a falcon crest as well as a single pauldron on his right shoulder. He always carries a sidearm in a holster on his right hip (although he has only been shown to actually use it once).

When Captain Falcon removes his helmet in his Master ending of F-Zero X, he has a scar above his left eye. His hair color was once jet black, but became dark brown as of F-Zero GX.

Originally in the first F-Zero game, Captain Falcon wears white gloves with red palms, his visor more resembles sunglasses, the falcon crest on his helmet is bigger, he also has a headphone mic (which is never seen again, but is later used by James McCloud), his flight suit includes a red stripe with a light-yellow arrow, his belt is red, he wears red elbow pads, and normal black boots which are covered by golden falcons. His scarf is bright orange, and his collar has a different look. He originally wore a brown-yellow shoulder pad instead of his trademark pauldron, and he also doesn't have his usual gun holster.

In the Story Mode cutscenes in F-Zero GX, Captain Falcon's suit is light indigo instead of regular blue. The yellow buttons on his chest have been replaced with bigger gray buttons.

In the F-Zero: GP Legend anime, and the game adaptation, his flight suit is a darker blue, and his pauldron is a golden rectangle instead of appearing metallic.

Personality

Falcon is confident, self-assured, and bold. Despite being a bounty hunter, Falcon was later depicted with a sense of heroism in F-Zero GX's Story Mode. In his interviews, he has a calm, reserved personality, but also seems eager for a challenge as he encourages his rivals to take him on. He is grateful for his fans and gladly provides an autograph. When asked by Mr. Zero if he can remove his helmet and show his face, Falcon suggests it's possible only if he is beaten in a race. (Though he did win the F-Zero X Grand Prix, the instance of him removing his helmet and retiring has been retconned by GX, and was also not prompted by a loss.)

Appearances

Captain Falcon has appeared in some form in most of the F-Zero games so far. He has also been featured in the Super Smash Bros. series of games, and has made cameo appearances in person or by association in other games.

F-Zero games

Captain Falcon made his debut appearance in F-Zero, released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System on November 21, 1990. An eight-page comic was included in the manual of the game, containing the original character designs of Captain Falcon, the three other original pilots, and the F-Zero announcer, Mr. Zero. Taking place in the year 2560, the comic depicted one of Captain Falcon's bounty missions. The comic contained the only scenes of Captain Falcon ever using his sidearm and piloting the Falcon Flyer. In the game, Falcon competes against Dr. Stewart, Samurai Goroh, and Pico. Depending on who you play, either Falcon will win, or one of the others will. most likely the former.

Falcon doesn't return for the next two Grands Prix in BS F-Zero Grand Prix, and BS F-Zero Grand Prix 2 nor does the other three racers.

F-Zero X

Three years prior to F-Zero X, Captain Falcon’s DNA is stolen while he is hospitalized following an accident in a previous F-Zero Grand Prix. Black Shadow's organization in the main games, BS Group, used the DNA to create a clone of Captain Falcon, Blood Falcon, but also stole the sub engine of the Blue Falcon at this time to create the Blood Hawk.

As the three year suspension was lifted for a new Grand Prix, Falcon would then compete with 29 other racers for the Grand Prix, which includes the other three racers from the original SNES game, along with his nemesis Black Shadow, and the mysterious Blood Falcon. According to F-Zero GX, Captain Falcon won the F-Zero X Grand Prix.

F-Zero GX

Captain Falcon in F-Zero GX

In F-Zero GX, Captain Falcon is 37 years old and the sitting champion of the F-Zero Grand Prix, boosting his already high popularity even higher. In the games' story mode, F-Zero GX's story mode begins with Falcon training for the Grand Prix, followed by racing his rival, Samurai Goroh, in a desert canyon and being forced to enter the bet race under the disguise of 'Famicom' (a reference to Nintendo's first home console). After winning said bet race, Falcon notices Black Shadow attacking the Lightning area on the news. Falcon makes his way to stop him, but is delayed by a group of thugs lead by Michael Chain. After dealing with Chain's gang, Falcon enters a facility to save Jody Summer. His escape is a close one as the core was set to overload and detonate, with said facility going into lockdown procedures. With Jody out of harm's way, he confronts Black Shadow. The evil overlord, with the help of Blood Falcon, binds Falcon and traps him inside his vehicle, strapping a bomb to the Blue Falcon that will detonate if the Blue Falcon goes too slowly. Falcon managed to survive, by driving the vehicle straight off an unfinished road and right under a crane, knocking the bomb off.

Blue Falcon in F-Zero GX

Falcon later attended the Grand Prix, where he emerged victorious. After receiving the champion's belt, he witnessed Black Shadow being punished by his master, Deathborn, for his incompetence. Deathborn challenges Falcon to a one-on-one race for ownership of both belts. Before said race occurs, Deathborn reveals his plan to take over the universe, revealing the energies of light and dark are condensed in each belt, and that when combined, provide ultimate power that will turn him into a god-like being, able to lay waste Falcon's galaxy in an instant. Falcon swears to take him down. Falcon stays true to his word, and Deathborn apparently dies. Both belts unite into the Ultimate Champion's Belt, and Falcon vows to keep winning so he can protect the belt from the forces of evil.

At his garage, Falcon is greeted by the Creator. Falcon figures out the Creator was behind everything, though they do not elaborate on their motives. They challenge Falcon to a race, where, if they win, will rip out Falcon's soul and turn it into their creation, implying that he would replace Deathborn. Falcon defeats even them. Screaming, the Creator disappears, though whether they actually die or decide to let Falcon go, honoring (but no less angered by) his victory, is unclear. Falcon then takes off his helmet and relaxes.

F-Zero: Maximum Velocity

F-Zero: Maximum Velocity, set twenty-five years after F-Zero, is the only story-driven game in the series not to feature this character. However, Kent Akechi claims to be related (Nintendo Power altered this to a claim of being a son) to the main Captain Falcon. It is unknown if this is true, or false.

Other video games

Main article: Captain Falcon (Super Smash Bros.)

In SSB4

Captain Falcon is one of four unlockable characters in Nintendo’s 1999 fighting game Super Smash Bros. He is a fast close combat fighter whose combat techniques mix Kung Fu and street brawling. His signature move is the Falcon Punch, a slow but powerful punch in which a flaming falcon surrounds the character's fist. Unlike most other characters, Captain Falcon shouts as he executes most of his special moves. Captain Falcon does not sport his traditional blue outfit; his armor is violet in this game only while his traditional blue outfit is used as an alternate costume exclusive to Team Battles. He also has a red costume based on his evil clone Blood Falcon, and a white and pink costume resembling Jody Summer.

The character is also one of the first available in Super Smash Bros. Melee, the 2001 sequel to Super Smash Bros. His armor is now dark-gray blue instead of violet, and is a bit shorter than he was in F-Zero X. He keeps the same moves from the previous game and is given a variety of close-combat attacks. The Legend of Zelda series character, Ganondorf, is a clone of Captain Falcon (despite having nothing in common with him). Ganondorf's attacks are very similar to those of Captain Falcon, although the character is stronger and less agile. His red and purple colored Blood Falcon costume also returns. In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, the characters' design is original to Smash Bros., and his Final Smash is him getting into the Blue Falcon and running over his opponents. He returned once again in Super Smash Bros. for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U. He also retains his Brawl design. He is once again a playable character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and also retains his Brawl design.

It should be noted that Super Smash Bros. only recognizes the original Captain Falcon and his related media as opposed to anything to do with the anime, despite some oddities in Zoda's trophy information in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U & 3DS.

Cameo appearances

Captain Falcon's material possessions and props have had cameo appearances in three different games.

• The Blue Falcon appears in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. At the back of Hinopio' Inn deep within Barrel Volcano, there are three small models of spaceships sitting on top of boxes. Two of them are the Blue Falcon and Samurai Goroh's Fire Stingray.
• The Blue Falcon also appears in Animal Crossing: Wild World and later Animal Crossing: New Leaf as a furniture item.
• The Blue Falcon also appears in Mario Kart Wii. It Is an unlockable Kart used by those of the Small class.
• The Blue Falcon reappears in Mario Kart 8. It is a downloadable Kart used by those of any class. The Miis are also able to wear a Captain Falcon styled outfit with his Amiibo.
• One of the treasures in Kirby Super Star's "Great Cave Offensive" is called "Falcon's Helmet". This is a replica of Captain Falcon's helmet.

Other Media

Main article: Captain Falcon (GP Legend)

Captain Falcon in the Anime.

F-Zero GP Legend (Legend of Falcon) was an anime based on the F-Zero video games, but is actually an original series unrelated to the mainline series. The anime, which ran for 51 episodes, aired on Japan's TV Tokyo from 2003 - 2004. This incarnation of Captain Falcon is a different character altogether, voiced by David Wills in the English version and Hideyuki Tanaka in the Japanese version. Playing the role of mentor and rival to Rick Wheeler, he was featured in most episodes. Fifteen English-language episodes were produced by 4Kids before the show's cancellation in America, but were also aired out of order and removed/altered certain scenes.

Pilot Profile Movies

Close Call!

Captain Falcon appears in his own profile video, "Close Call!". When he sees a baby about to be run over by a locomotive, he makes a pose, cartwheels, then grabs the infant, followed by him doing a big jump as the locomotive passes by. The baby is saved, but at the same time, Falcon's pants rip, exposing his boxers. Mrs, Arrow, who is presumably the guardian of the baby due to her distress at the beginning, humorously chuckles at the sight. Falcon stands nervously, and salutes while doing a few shy nods.

Captain Falcon later makes a cameo in John Tanaka's Profile video, "Cyberdancer". As John tries to give a rose to Jody Summer, he unfortunately sees her walking with Captain Falcon, holding his arm and seemingly encouraging him to ignore John.

Super Falcon

Super Falcon is a powered-up Blue Falcon and makes its appearance in F-Zero X Expansion Kit, the 64DD "expansion disk" for F-Zero X. It's one of the "super" machines along with Super Cat (powered-up White Cat) and Super Stingray (powered-up Fire Stingray) but also appears as a secret, unused machine making in the F-Zero X game cart. Here Super Falcon appears to lack any textures, randomly switching between textures from other racers varying the resolution viewpoints. It's only accessible through a cheat device though attempting to making him playable is a bit difficult, as the game freezes upon reaching the Settings menu. Its stats are A-ranked, making it the best machine in the game. Like the Blue Falcon, Captain Falcon is Super Falcon's pilot, albeit, wearing a lighter, altered version of his attire (but lacks a mugshot).

Official Data

F-Zero X

North American manual
Age: 36

Japanese manual (translated)

He is a well-known "F-Zero" pilot as well as a highly skilled "bounty hunter". However, his profile is a bit of a mystery, and other than the fact that he is from Port Town, nothing is known about his past.

F-Zero GX

(Captain Falcon's idle posture consists of staring directly at the player's screen with fists gripped in a serious pose. His action poses consist of tightening his long gloves while twisting each respective wrist, then placing his hands on his hips in a "serious" posture while retaining his idle pose. After confirming Machine settings, Captain Falcon takes a step forward and performs his famous right-handed two-finger salute.)

North American profile
Sex:Male Age:37

Captain Falcon was the winner of the previous F-ZERO Grand Prix, an achievement that boosted his already high popularity even higher. Beyond racing, he is quite well-known as an extremely capable bounty hunter-just how many criminals he’s brought in is unknown, but the number is said to be astronomic. Aside from the fact that he hails from Port Town, his past is a complete mystery. His mind and body are honed from the many battles he has survived, and there is no challenge he can’t overcome.

Japanese profile (translated)

He became the champion in the last "F-ZERO X Grand Prix," further increasing his popularity. He is also famous as a skilled bounty hunter, and has caught countless bad guys. Other than being from Port Town, his past is shrouded in mystery. His physical and mental strength, developed through his daily battles, enables him to overcome any difficulty.

Theme lyrics

(The following is for Captain Falcon's Main Pilot Theme)

The song represents Captain Falcon's strong role as a hero of the series. His powerful heroics inspires others to become strong as well.

"In this world, you've got to be strong.
You've got to fight to keep your spirit alive.
And you might feel like there is nothing left to go forward if I fall. But it's the fight that keeps us ready and en garde. Even I can feel the power. When I think of you I see no fear, fear no pain! Forever he will be my hero." ( )

"And know that I'm not just a dreamer."
(and I know I got what he's got)

"I've got power."

Trivia

Captain Falcon has often been considered as the unofficial mascot of the series, as well as being the main character along with his Machine representing the entire franchise. He first appeared in the instruction manual of F-Zero, published in 1990. It was not until F-Zero X that he actually appeared in-game. Though the character's vehicle can be used in the F-Zero series, Captain Falcon himself was never actually playable until the Super Smash Bros. series. The character's only appearance outside of Nintendo games was in the anime F-Zero GP Legend, albeit as a new character simply sharing the title.

• It should be noted that the name "Douglas Jay Falcon" stems from a defunct F-Zero X website headed by Nintendo of America, which is assumed to have simply made up a lot of the information by adding onto unfinished localized pilot bios found within the F-Zero X manual. The JP manual actually states information that is otherwise missing from the English manual. The website also heavily contradicts established lore, and is questionable at best, and not canon as it is not recognized by any official F-Zero media.
• Captain Falcon bears a resemblance to the comic book character Judge Dredd, who may have been the inspiration for the former. Likewise, Captain Falcon's post NES design bears further resemblance to the same inspirational character's movie design.
• Captain Falcon appears in the manga Denshi Yousei Abatamo Ekubo.
• In F-Zero AX, Captain Falcon's theme from F-Zero GX plays during a Victory Lap with any racer.
• In F-Zero X, Captain Falcon is the only pilot to have two 1st place portraits, instead of just one.
• Captain Falcon is the only character to have more than one theme song (his natural theme, and multiple Story mode themes heard throughout the various cutscenes of the story chapters).
• When entering the pilot profiles page, Captain Falcon is always the first (default) option to be highlighted.
• His GX model reveals that his face region above the nose is completely covered in shadowy darkness, meaning he has no eye models or upper face. This design may have likely been intentional as to keep Captain Falcon's identity a close guarded secret. Although his face was shown in F-Zero X, it goes unrevealed in F-Zero GX.
• All but Captain Falcon's red costume from GX is reused in the Super Smash Bros. series. The red costume in Smash Bros. series is instead a color swap for Blood Falcon (noted by the costume's logo).

Videos

Close Call!
Captain Falcon

Gallery

For GP Legend images, see Captain Falcon (GP Legend) Gallery .
For Super Smash Bros. images, see Captain Falcon (Super Smash Bros.) Gallery.

F-Zero

Concept art of Captain Falcon, Dr. Stewart, Pico, and Samurai Goroh from F-Zero.

F-Zero X

Captain Falcon in the Blue Falcon's Stat screen.

Captain Falcon's 1st winning portrait.

Head icon.

Captain Falcon depicted in a Japanese F-Zero X commercial.

Beta artwork of Captain Falcon.

F-Zero GX

Color 1
(Default)

Color 2
(Black)

Color 3
(Green)

Color 4
(Red)

Captain Falcon testing his machine.

Pilot model in-game. His right arm sometimes clips through his shoulder plate.

"Famicom" outfit.

Head model of "Famicom" outfit.

Captain Falcon's profile seen at The F-Zero Grand Prix.

Falcon with the Champion's Belt.

Official digital wallpaper

f-zero.jp wallpaper.

f-zero.jp wallpaper.

F-Zero AX

Early F-Zero AX License Card.

Final F-Zero AX License Card used.

f-zero.jp wallpaper.

References

See also

• Captain Falcon/Vehicles - List of Captain Falcon's vehicles and machines piloted.
• Captain Falcon on F-Zero Facts Wiki - (for additional in-universe facts)

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