Fox and Friends
It is not uncommon to see a remake of a game anymore, heck it feels like standard practice. But what about two remakes? That seems ridiculous right? Let me introduce to you Star Fox, the first game to receive, let me check, technically three remakes. Now I know the Nintendo guys are screaming at me right now, but let’s be fair, Nintendo doesn’t seem to know what to do with this franchise. The original Star Fox on SNES was amazing, they made a sequel and buried it for years until they released the mini console. Then the game got rebooted with Star Fox 64…then the 3DS remake…and now it returns again, telling the intro story of Fox McCloud and his team.
If for some reason you have been living under a rock, Star Fox is a rail shooter that sometimes spins into an open-area space shooter with anthropomorphic animal characters that work as mercenaries across the galaxy. The story, yet again, follows Fox and his team as they are taking on missions to eventually take down Andross. There has always been dialogue and story, but this new version takes it to a new level. Full on cut scenes really flesh out the story and look amazing. While some people have issues with some of the character designs, I thought they were all really well done.
MSRP: $59.99
Platforms: Switch 2
Price I’d Pay: $59.99
The concept seems simple, but Star Fox is actually a deep and intricate game. There are several systems in play at all times and mastering them takes some skill. Knowing the invincible frames in maneuvers and the different styles of attacks all while taking down multiple enemies is fun. Of course being a Nintendo game, they made it so anyone can jump into the action with multiple difficulty options.
The core game remains true to the original(s). What was always unique about Star Fox is that it is not a game designed to be seen all at once. Instead, players can choose their path as they make their way through the campaign. After certain levels I had the choice to take one of two paths, each having their own cut scene. Each run of the game is not exactly long, being a little over an hour, but to see it all it will take around 10-12 hours depending. Star Fox has always been built to be played multiple times, so if that is not your idea of a good time, this game may not be for you.
What I love about this method though is that there are always things sprinkled into the levels such as shortcuts that make learning them fun. This new version also includes a challenge mode, which can definitely test the best of players. These are optional missions that are unique to each stage. Again, this is more for score chasers and completionists, but they are fun. There are also unlockable cosmetics and a bestiary that continues to expand on the lore of the series. Nintendo clearly put a lot into fleshing out the lore of Fox McCloud and his friends.
This version also introduces an online PVP mode. The big hook to this is the avatars players can use to represent themselves, which can be creepy. These can also be unlocked playing the main game. Sadly, this mode feels lacking. While it is fun, the amount of modes and maps is abysmal. There are only three maps to be found currently. This is kind of perplexing since there are so many unique biomes in the campaign that could have been used. I assume Nintendo will add more over time, but will anyone still be playing by then? There really isn’t an abundance of modes either, and I really only played enough matches to get a feel for the combat. I had little desire to revisit after the review period.
Let’s talk about the visuals. This game is gorgeous. I had to check to make sure it was indeed running on my Nintendo Switch 2. They did an amazing job with the levels and characters. The frame rate is rock solid, and seeing these classic areas fully realized in a modern style is simply incredible. This is what I dreamed Star Fox could look like when I played it on the SNES. The audio is equally impressive with great voice acting for each character and an arranged selection of familiar tunes that really spark that nostalgia.
I love the Star Fox series, and while I joke about its abundance of remakes, I am there day one for each one. This new version is by far the best in the series, and of course Nintendo knew with Fox appearing in the new Super Mario movie, people would be interested in its return. I do hope we can finally move on now though. I want to explore this world more, not simply live in its past. Let’s finally do a proper Star Fox 2 and bring Fox McCloud and his cohorts into the fold with other beloved Nintendo characters. The iron is hot Nintendo, strike now and strike true.
Review copy of game provided by publisher.
