Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Star Fox Command introduces a fresh strategic layer with its map-based missions, offering thirty distinct challenges that require more than just blazing through enemy lines. In this mode, you plot your Arwing’s route across the Lylat system by tapping and dragging the stylus, deciding when to engage or avoid hostiles. This adds a compelling sense of anticipation and risk management as you juggle limited fuel and the threat of interceptors.

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When battles erupt, the action switches seamlessly into real-time dogfights. You guide your craft by sliding the stylus left or right across the bottom screen while monitoring radar and health bars. Bombs are dropped via the touch screen, and cannon fire can be activated with any face button. Though unconventional, this control scheme emphasizes precision and allows for quick maneuvering once you grow accustomed to the dual-screen coordination.

Star Fox Command also spices things up with new pilots and ships, each bringing unique stats to the fray. Octoman and other CPU challengers introduce fresh aerial styles for single-player skirmishes, and you can even customize your pilot’s “gibberish” battle cries with the built-in noise generator. This personalization deepens your bond with your squadron and adds a lighthearted touch to the high-stakes combat.

Beyond the main campaign, the six-player Wi-Fi mode channels the competitive thrills of Shine Runners and Star Fox 64’s multiplayer. You dart around compact arenas, gunning down opponents to collect stars before time expires. The DS Rumble Pak support heightens every impact, making each missile hit and barrel roll physically satisfying. Whether you’re duking it out with friends or testing strategies in solo battles, the multiplayer delivers endless replay value.

Graphics

Leveraging the Nintendo DS’s dual screens, Star Fox Command achieves a surprising level of visual polish. The 3D models of Arwings, Landmasters, and new ships appear crisp, with smooth animations even during intense dogfights. Pop-in is minimal, and performance remains steady, ensuring that speedy barrel rolls and loop-de-loops never stutter.

Environments range from verdant planet surfaces to Venom’s ominous acid oceans, each rendered with distinctive color palettes and atmospheric effects. The acidic seas glisten with greenish currents, conveying real biological danger, while space backdrops peppered with stars and space stations draw you into the system’s sprawling scale. Explosions erupt in satisfying bursts of light, and smoke trails linger realistically as you evade enemy fire.

Though limited by the DS’s hardware, textures are thoughtfully designed to avoid muddy visuals. Cockpit HUD elements—radar, shields, and weapons indicators—sit cleanly on the bottom screen, allowing you to focus on the action above. The integration of rumble feedback complements the on-screen visuals, making every hit feel weightier and more impactful.

Story

Star Fox Command picks up with Fox McCloud at the helm once more, racing to save the Lylat system from a new threat. General Pepper’s sudden illness prompts the venerable Peppy Hare to step into command, lending a nostalgic touch for series veterans. This leadership shake-up sets the stage for an emotionally resonant campaign that honors the franchise’s roots.

The discovery that Venom’s seas are corrosive and teeming with lethal Anglars raises the stakes considerably. These mutated sea dragons add a fresh layer of peril, forcing the team to adapt their aerial tactics to avoid both organic and mechanical foes. The evolving narrative unfolds through mission briefings and in-flight communications, weaving urgency and camaraderie into each objective.

One of Command’s most engaging features is its branching paths and multiple endings. Your choices on the strategic map determine which missions you tackle and which allies you rescue. Depending on your decisions, you may witness entirely different resolutions to the Venom crisis, encouraging multiple playthroughs to uncover every outcome and the full scope of Fox’s journey.

Overall Experience

Star Fox Command strikes a rare balance between strategy and action, pushing the series forward while paying homage to fan-favorite mechanics. The union of map-based planning and stylus-driven combat introduces fresh tactical depth without detracting from the hallmark dogfight excitement. New pilots, ships, and the creative gibberish generator infuse the experience with playful variety.

The multiplayer component extends the game’s lifespan dramatically, whether you’re competing online via Wi-Fi or hosting local showdowns. The DS rumble pak support accentuates each crash and collision, turning routine skirmishes into visceral contests. While purists may miss the analog precision of earlier titles, the stylus controls quickly feel intuitive, and the game’s pacing never suffers.

For potential buyers, Star Fox Command offers both familiar thrills and innovative twists. Its branching narrative, diverse mission design, and robust multiplayer deliver substantial replayability. Whether you’re a long-time Star Fox devotee or a newcomer seeking engaging aerial combat on the go, this entry is a worthy voyage through the stars.

Retro Replay Score

7.1/10