In 1993, (the year I was born) Nintendo released a video game titled, “Star Fox” on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System or SNES for short. It follows the titular character and his team to stop a warlord from conquering the galaxy. The game earned huge praise for its gameplay and introducing three-dimensional aspects.
Three Years Later, Nintendo introduced the Nintendo 64. Its technological capabilities allowing the player to explore the world in three-dimensional territory. “Super Mario 64” became a game changer forever cementing video game history for its immersive experience that’s never been done before. Nintendo dominated the second half of the ’90s publishing notable games such as “Goldeneye 007,” “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time,” “Mario Kart 64,” “Mario Party” 1-3″ & “Super Smash Bros.” One game in particular retells the original SNES is none other than “Star Fox 64.”
Released in 1997, (same year Final Fantasy VII came out) Star Fox 64 earned critical acclaim from critics and gamers alike. Plus, it became a commercial hit selling a bunch of copies worldwide. Both the SNES and Nintendo 64 spawned further games and crossover appearances within the Super Smash Bros. series featuring Fox as a playable fighter along with Falco.
As you may know, Universal, Nintendo & Illumination made a billion dollars for “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.” Thanks to its unexpected success as one of my Top 12 Favorite Films of 2023, the aforementioned companies are producing a sequel and spin-offs. If they’re working on non-Mario movies like “The Legend of Zelda” or Star Fox, it’s gonna be a big gamble. Anyway, I wanna share my thoughts on Star Fox 64.
This review contains no SPOILERS. I’m giving newcomers a chance to play this masterpiece. I’ll have you know I never played a bunch of Nintendo games growing up. I’m more of a PlayStation guy. Regardless, I had very little games on the Nintendo 64 including Goldeneye 007, Mario Party 1-3, Mario Kart 64 & “Banjo-Tooie.” By the way, I never played the 1993 original version.
Victory & Defeat Aspects
Victory: Voice Actors all did a solid job for their respective voiceover performances.
Graphics at the time were impressive and still hold up.
Gameplay/Mechanics
- Presented as a rail-shooter, you play as Star Fox piloting an Arwing flying his way through enemies and hazardous obstacles. Besides aircraft, Fox pilots a tank, Landmaster and a submarine, Blue Marine.
- Fox’s allies, Falco, Peppy & Slippy help you on your missions. If one of them is down, a specific character has to bail on the next mission to repair his ship. Be careful, friendly fire can damage your teammates. You’ll need Slippy to analyze a boss’ health.
- Combat never gets old. Offensive maneuvers – Shoot lasers, charge a guided ball towards a target and fire a bomb. Defensive maneuvers – dodge oncoming attacks, (barrel roll) some enemy fire can be deflected and boot your speed.
- Boss Fights are fun to engage in battle. Many of ’em have unique attack patterns and weak spots.
- Collecting all three golden rings increases your health. Obtaining a silver ring replenishes your health.
- The Lylat System lets you pick a route. Depending on your choice, a certain route ranges from easy to hard. Exploring a route encourages replay for alternate paths. If you complete the game taking the hard route, you’ll earn the actual ending.
- Invite your friends in a four-player multiplayer battle.
My favorite level is Katina. Why? Because it recreates the final battle from one of my all-time favorite movies, “Independence Day.”
Memorable Dialogue provided by a few characters. Each line earns an Extra Point for making me laugh.
- Peppy – Do a barrel roll!
- Peppy – You’re becoming more like your father.
- Peppy – Shoot the… (fill in the blank)
- Peppy – You’ve got an enemy on your tail!
- Peppy – Slippy get back here!
- Peppy – It’s quiet, too quiet. (I know that line’s been done many times in other works)
- Peppy, Falco and Slippy – NOOOOO! (if you die)
- Granga – My emperor I’ve failed you!
- Star Wolf – What the heck?!
- Star Fox – AHHHHHH!
- Star Fox – Slippy!
- Falco – Hey, Einstein! I’m on your side!
- Falco – Here they come!
- Train Conductor – No! Hit the Breaks! I can’t stop it!
Nintendo did some innovation introducing the “Rumble Pack.” The player inserts a device attaching a controller. Whenever you get hit, the control vibrates creating an immersive experience. Correct me if I’m wrong, Nintendo pioneered control vibration.
Even though the acting’s hokey, the delivery made me chuckle.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Star Fox 64 still holds up. I had good memories playing it at a young age. If you own a Nintendo Switch, the 64 version is available as an online monthly subscription. Introduce your kids to this classic game. They’ll definitely have a blast from the past.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 