This was a ground-breaking step. Unlike games like Super Mario Kart and Doom, which incorporated Mode 7 but very little polygons, Star Fox went all the way, using sprites only for cutscenes and individual enemies (sometimes when you shoot down a ship, its pilot will fly into your windshield... pixelated, but humorous nevertheless). It created a full 3D environment. Sure, it wasn't the first game to do it, but it was definitely the best.
The downside to this 3D environment was the SNES's limited power. The models always had single-colored faces, and the game ran as slow as a hearse in molasses. Still, the fun factor made up for this. It's nothing compared to Star Fox 64, or later flight combat games such as Rogue Squadron: Rogue Leader. But for the early '90s, this was something that was unlike anything else.
But even by that era's standards, Star Fox's sound effects were sub-par. The sound always sounded like something out of Donkey Kong, only muffled and distorted. They definitely could've improved upon this. The music, however, was excellent. Star Fox featured some of the most exciting, catchy, and classic music on the SNES.
Star Fox was an innovative and captivating game. It spawned one of Nintendo's classic series of the same name, and although its gameplay and graphics are outdated by today's standards, it is still a classic that any old-school gamer should pick up when given the chance.
Graphics: 8/10
Gameplay: 9/10
Sound: 7/10
Replay Value: 7/10
Overall: 7.75/10