STAR FOX 64 REVIEW

Note: This is a review of Star Fox 64, NOT Star Fox 64 3D (the reprised version for the 3DS)

Nintendo really pushed the technological boundaries of the 16-Bit era when it released the original Star Fox. Coupled with the FX chip (a software coprocessor enabling the usage of 3D polygons on the SNES), Star Fox was a console game that looked like no other at the time. While the polygon-look was very primitive compared to the ones on computer and arcade games, it was still extremely cutting edge for the console market (whose processors lacked the muscle to create convincing 3D worlds) and garnered much praise from fans for its uniqueness.

Defying (if not shattering) the laws of physics, Star Fox 64 is the proverbial second lightning strike. While pretty much following the original's format of being a rail-shooter, Star Fox 64 still manages to present itself with a fresh new style and energy. Star Fox 64 is not a game with any particular strengths or weaknesses. Instead, it is a game so equally complete in virtually every aspect (from graphics to gameplay), it is simply a thing of beauty.

Gamers are once again thrusted into the role of mercenary pilot, Fox McCloud, in his battles against the forces of Andross. While mission levels are structured well around the ongoing plot, there's nothing groundbreaking in the 'kid-friendly' story.

Examining the game from a more traditional view reveals that it is heavily sculpted in an arcade fashion. The action is quick and frantic and I found playing the game's dynamically routed 8 levels to be a rather short experience. Another flaw that bothered me was the limited arsenal of weapons (just a laser and a lock-on laser). However, Nintendo alleviates both of these preceding problems by injecting many other elements of substance in the game.

For example, the game may be short, but the ride is a wild one. Playing out like a festival for the senses, it assures you won't feel slighted at the end. The graphics are amazing, the sound/music is on target, and the control (enhanced by the mildly stimulating and entertaining rumble pak) is tight. Offering alternate routes and goals throughout the levels also gives a more dynamic feel to the game. A workable 4-player competitive mode was also added to ensure play-life.

In the case of its limited weapons, Star Fox 64 draws attention away from that by giving the Arwing more capabilities like barrel rolls, somersaults, and U-turns (in some levels). Players are also offered either a mini-tank or submarine in certain levels. The inclusion of the "team" element, in which comrades fly around offering you their assistance and, more often, requesting for yours, also helps to draw attention away from the lack of weapons. In other words, it's not how many weapons the player is given that's important, but the many uses and situations you are afforded with them that keeps things interesting.

SCORING



Being a liability is fun!

GRAPHICS: 9.0  For the N64 and even more so for the time period, Star Fox 64 is right on target. Nothing too advanced, but not too much of a primitive feel, either.

AUDIO: 9.0  Classic Star Fox music from start to finish. Enough said.

GAMEPLAY/PLOT: 9.5  Sure, the game is so short that you could easily beat the entire storyline 5 times in a day. However, the action that is packed into that timeframe leaves the gamer with a roller coaster feeling every time. As Fox, you are flying a fighter plane and shooting things with lasers...can it really get better than that? Actually, it can. The only reason this score isn't a 10 is because you can't blow Slippy the freakin' Toad out of the sky.

DIFFICULTY: 8.0  We love Star Fox. We really do. But in all honesty, the game just isn't that difficult. That said, it sure as hell didn't stop me from beating it approximately 600 times as a kid.

MULTIPLAYER/ONLINE PLAY: 8.5  Very workable. It is nothing short of awesome to dogfight with up to three of your friends. You can even run your own little mini-tournament if you wanted. Doesn't get old too quickly, and that's what scores the points here.

MISCELLANEOUS: 9.0  Really nothing to speak of here, just solid gameplay at every turn.


OVERALL: 9.0

Ultimately, Star Fox 64 is pure harmony. Its minor flaws are more than proportionally corrected by its many great features and almost all of the elements (story, graphics, gameplay) come together to form one of the most artistically cohesive video games in recent times, and a second strike of lightning in an already wildly entertaining series.