It’s been fifteen years since the Nintendo 3DS launched and provided a Star Fox game in its first year. I say this as that was the first and last Star Fox game I have played. Not counting Starlink: Battle For Atlas’ Star Fox content. Despite that, I was still a fan of the world, and wanted to explore more of it. So, what a surprise it was that Nintendo announced Star Fox would come to the Switch 2. As a remake of Star Fox 64. That didn’t phase me, as I knew I’d enjoy reliving that experience.

And, though the visuals had seen a great boost with the remake, it wasn’t just the visuals that have seen a boost. Nowhere is that more clear than with the opening cutscene. A cutscene that in past versions was only told through text. The betrayal of Pigma to the original Star Fox team, which left James McCloud stranded in enemy territory. It looks great, providing a neat cinematic start to this adventure.

Skipping ahead in years to James’ son now head of Star Fox, the introduction to the new team happens in the training simulation. Peppy Hare, who has been tutoring Fox to head the team. Slippy Toad, who means well but can be accident-prone. And Falco Lombardi, a cocky wise-cracker who also has an air of indifference. The personality of each pilot can be seen with their introduction into the simulation and what they do within it.

The simulation does all it needs to prepare pilots for flight, running through every move available. The boost and brake, the tight turning and barrel rolls. And various combat options such as charge shots and bombs. Moving from the on-rails section to all-range mode for the end of the simulation, movement is now free as Falco ramps up the heat by putting in too many enemies. The new mouse mode is also given a test during the simulation, though I opted not to try since I was in handheld.

With the simulation over, the team are called on to head to Corneria to put a stop to Andross’ invasion. This introduction is where the visuals truly shine, with the flight over water leading into the canyons, revealing the destroyed city beyond. A city that has received a massive glow up, making it look like a city rather than a few disparate city elements on a grassy plain. The smoke and fires providing great contrast to that flight over water before heading out to more grassy fields and water.

After getting through the level, a boss appears. Bosses usually come in the form of one giant enemy, with weak points to destroy to finally defeat them. It is these bosses I have an issue with, and is something that comes from the visual upgrade. In the original and even 64 3D, hits that were chipping away at the health of enemies had a clear highlight showing that. With this remake, there is no such highlight. Thus, a reliance on the health bar at the side of the screen is needed. Making it easier to be hit from enemy attacks if glancing at it to see if health is being chipped away.

With Corneria saved, Star Fox now have the task of freeing Lylat from the threat of Andross’ forces. Depending on certain actions taken in the previous location, the route taken through Lylat can change. After tackling five other locations, which take the team to the likes of the snowy Fichina, the stormy seas of Zoness, and even the system’s sun Solar, Andross’ base of Venom is invaded. Leading to a battle with the mad scientist himself.

Certain locations will require other vehicles. The Landmaster trundles along the ground, while the Blue-Marine tackles under the ocean. Both of these share the same controls as the Arwing, though will feel slightly different when manoeuvring. There are very few locations in which these other vehicles will be used, so it makes sense to keep things similar. And those who might end up struggling with either will be happy that it is mostly Arwing action.

Speaking of Arwing action, away from the campaign is the Battle Mode. Playable solo against bots or going online to face off against others, the teams of Star Fox and Star Wolf engage in battles across three locations. The team with the most points at the end of the battle wins, with points being given for taking down members of the other team. Along with less points for support ships from that team. Along with the events.

Each location has its own event, with Corneria offering up king of the hill. Fichina a destroy and collect. Sector Y is my favourite of the events, being capture the flag-like. No matter which location is being battled on, there’s plenty of tight fights possible to come out on top of the event. If facing off against bots or in a private room, events can be turned off, along with a few other settings such as time limit, shield durability, and speed.

It has been a great time reliving the experience of Star Fox. The on-rails combat feels as great as ever, same as in all-range mode. The cutscenes really add to the experience, getting to see a bit more of the personality of the Star Fox team within the command area of the Great Fox. The same goes for when in the cockpit on missions. Such chatter makes it feel like the four really are working together.

Nintendo really have made Star Fox feel a lot more cinematic. Not only through the visuals, but also through the music. Which feels a lot more grand now. All that makes it a delight to run through the campaign, even with the lessened highlights on hitting enemies. Add the battle mode for some fun team-based combat, and Star Fox is an easy recommendation.

Images Taken From:
Star Fox | Nintendo Switch 2 [Handheld / Docked]