Star Fox 64
Posted: April 30th, 2016, 3:21 pm
This is it. This is the game that is widely respected by classic and modern gamers alike, where the Star Fox formula was perfected but never equaled. Star Fox 64 is about as near perfect as a video game can get. It does everything right to present a frantic shooter with non stop arcade action while going beyond your garden variety shooter.
The action is scripted but it never feels like it, with numerous alternative routes, secrets, and branching paths scattered throughout the game, enhancing the replay value. The controls are fantastic and the shooting action is exciting and addictive without being repetitive or frustrating. Taking down multiple enemies simultaneously allows you to rack up extra points on kills, and bosses tend to give you high scores as well (the Macbeth boss giving you 50 points for example).
The game manages to run smoothly and it's always clear of what's going on. Even the free movement sections are fun because of the charge and lock on controls. You'll rack up powerups such as bombs, rings to increase your health or add lives, upgrade your laser, and even repair your wings. Enemy shields are analyzed before bosses, and advice is frequently given so you'll rarely forget what to do. Memorable audio delivers a fine soundtrack and quotable (so-bad-they're-good) lines from the voices, impressive for an N64 title
Star Fox 64 actually feels more fun today than it was in 1997. The game is polish and very well designed (the training mode is a separate feature outside the main game, and it never feels discouraging. I can't think of any flaws worth mentioning. Bottom-line, few shooters, and games for that matter, are as purely fun as this, and you owe it to yourself to play this masterpiece.
Final Grade: A+
The action is scripted but it never feels like it, with numerous alternative routes, secrets, and branching paths scattered throughout the game, enhancing the replay value. The controls are fantastic and the shooting action is exciting and addictive without being repetitive or frustrating. Taking down multiple enemies simultaneously allows you to rack up extra points on kills, and bosses tend to give you high scores as well (the Macbeth boss giving you 50 points for example).
The game manages to run smoothly and it's always clear of what's going on. Even the free movement sections are fun because of the charge and lock on controls. You'll rack up powerups such as bombs, rings to increase your health or add lives, upgrade your laser, and even repair your wings. Enemy shields are analyzed before bosses, and advice is frequently given so you'll rarely forget what to do. Memorable audio delivers a fine soundtrack and quotable (so-bad-they're-good) lines from the voices, impressive for an N64 title
Star Fox 64 actually feels more fun today than it was in 1997. The game is polish and very well designed (the training mode is a separate feature outside the main game, and it never feels discouraging. I can't think of any flaws worth mentioning. Bottom-line, few shooters, and games for that matter, are as purely fun as this, and you owe it to yourself to play this masterpiece.
Final Grade: A+