Reviews

Star Fox 64

By Corey

Star Fox for the SNES was considered one of the best on the system. Naturally, Star Fox 64 would continue the tradition of the series (and make up for the canceling of Star ox 2) wouldn't it?

Graphics: 9

The visuals are still among the best on the N64. Everything about the game looks realistic, as it should. The levels are detailed. The effects, such as the explosions, are among the best on the N64 as well. The bosses in this game are probably the best bosses you'll fight on the system too. Seeing your character through the glass of your ship is pretty cool.

Game Play: 9

Your ship (Arwing) automatically moves forward across the screen as enemy ships, missiles, and other obstacles get in your way. You have the ability to fire your laser, fire bombs, slow down, speed up, and do summersaults to avoid everything. Most of the levels keep you on your toes at all times. Area 6 is probably the most action packed level I have ever played. The screen is constantly filled with enemies.

As you play, what you do one each level determines your path. If you follow the enemy ship into the waterfall in Corneria, you will go to a different level then you would if you didn't. So even though you may beat the game easily at first, the real difficulty is getting to all the levels.

You are encouraged to kill everything in your path in this game. If you get enough hits (kills), you get a medal. Getting medals on all 15 levels will grant you the expert mode. The expert mode is the same as normal except for the fact it is harder.

Playing as the Tank and the Submarine are a nice break from the normal game play. Sure, they basically do the same thing as the Arwing, but they control slightly different and have a unique feel to them. They also allow for better level design.

Keeping your characters alive is a big plus. Not only do they take enemy fire away from you, they also make the boss fights easier. If Slippy is dead, for example, you will have no idea how much life the boss has left. If Peppy is dead, you might have to search for the weak points a little more. If Falco is dead...um...you don't have to listen to him. I guess he warns you of enemy fire everyonce in a while too.

Sound: 10

I think I like the sound of this game better than any other N64. The music is nice, the sound effects aren't bad, but what makes the sound so good is the voices. Your fellow pilots are constantly communicating which makes the game more realistic. Sure, Slippy can get on your nerves and some extremely corny lines are said ("Sorry to jet, but I'm in a hurry!" Who ever thought of that should be locked in a room and be forced to listen to that over and over.), but overall the Star Fox member's voices are great. The winner of the best voice award goes to multiple bosses though. They constantly taunt you, try to trick you, and some sound really cool. Leon's voice is easily tops on the N64.

Geeze, I make it sound like hearing the sound is enough reason to buy the game. Hmmm...

Lasting Value: 8

Beating the game in one sitting isn't a problem (probably because you have to...). However accessing all 15 levels may be a bit of a challenge and it could take a while. After that, you could go for all the medals. Then there is the expert mode, which really isn't that much different from normal but it is harder to live and get the medals in. Multi-player also can get fun if you have 3 friends and the tank and on foot characters unlocked. Overall, this game will keep you busy for a while.

Bottom Line

This is one of the better N64 games. If you haven't played it, I recommend you to go out and find a copy as soon as possible. At least give yourself the pleasure of renting it.

Final Score: 9 out of 10 (This is no an average)