Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Star Fox 64 delivers a fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled experience that builds on the foundation of the SNES original while taking full advantage of the Nintendo 64’s hardware. Players pilot the legendary Arwing fighter craft through a variety of mission types, from classic forward-scrolling dogfights to free-roaming 3D arenas with objectives that range from escorting allies to demolishing massive bosses. The controls are tight and responsive, with the analog stick offering fluid steering and precise maneuvers that feel intuitive whether you’re weaving through enemy fire or lining up a critical shot.

The game’s branching level structure adds a layer of strategic depth and replayability. After each mission, your performance determines which path you take next on the Lylat System’s “Little Tree” map, splitting into easy, medium, and hard routes that converge at the final confrontation. Players are incentivized to replay missions, earn higher frag counts, and discover secret routes that lead to unique environments and tougher challenges. This system keeps each run feeling fresh and encourages mastery of every stage.

Star Fox 64 also spices up the formula by occasionally shifting gameplay modes. You’ll climb into the rugged Landmaster tank for ground-based combat, pilot the nimble Blue Marine submarine under the seas of Katina, and experience zero-gravity battles in deep space arenas. Each vehicle is handled with the same level of polish as the Arwing, ensuring that transitions feel seamless and that no two missions become monotonous. Wingmen such as Slippy Toad, Peppy Hare, and Falco Lombardi chime in with tactical advice or urgent calls for help, adding a lifelike camaraderie to the action.

Graphics

For a Nintendo 64 release, Star Fox 64 boasts impressive visuals that have stood the test of time. The game’s polygonal models remain crisp and distinctive, with each environment rendered in vibrant colors that pop on modern displays. From the sun-soaked corridors of Zoness to the icy caverns of Fortuna, the level design strikes a balance between aesthetic flair and functional readability, ensuring that hazards, enemy formations, and power-ups are always easy to spot in the heat of battle.

The Nintendo 64’s graphical capabilities shine through in the game’s dynamic lighting and simple particle effects. Explosions bloom with satisfying bursts of sparks, and laser shots streak across the screen in smooth arcs that heighten the sensation of speed. While textures are relatively low-resolution by today’s standards, the art direction compensates with bold shapes and contrasting palettes that maintain visual clarity even when multiple enemies converge on screen.

Cutscenes, delivered through in-engine cinematics and full-motion video sequences, punctuate the action with narrative beats and boss introductions. These sequences make excellent use of the console’s processing power to animate character expressions, memorable enemy reveals, and epic set pieces without interrupting the flow of gameplay. Even after decades, Star Fox 64’s graphics manage to retain a nostalgic charm while proving that good design can outlast hardware limitations.

Story

At its core, Star Fox 64 is a straightforward tale of intergalactic heroism and camaraderie. Fox McCloud and his ragtag team of pilots—Falco Lombardi, Peppy Hare, and Slippy Toad—are called into action when the nefarious Andross threatens the peace of the Lylat System. The narrative unfolds mission by mission, punctuated by radio chatter that evolves depending on your performance and chosen routes, creating a sense of consequence with every objective you complete or fail.

While the plot doesn’t deviate into grand philosophical territory, it succeeds through memorable characters and iconic catchphrases. “Do a barrel roll!” has become part of gaming lore, and the personalities of your wingmen add levity and tension in equal measure. Peppy’s wise advice, Falco’s trademark arrogance, and Slippy’s lovable incompetence turn each mission into a drama of its own, with the stakes rising as you approach the climactic showdown against Andross himself.

The branching paths on the universe map influence not only mission sequences but also narrative tone. Easier routes may feel more forgiving but lack some of the game’s most inventive set pieces, while harder branches unveil deeper story moments and more challenging bosses. This design choice rewards skilled players with extra context and visual spectacle, ensuring that those who seek out every mission also experience the full breadth of Star Fox 64’s storyline.

Overall Experience

Star Fox 64 remains a shining example of arcade-style space combat done right. Its blend of high-speed action, varied mission design, and branching pathways creates a gameplay loop that’s easy to pick up yet difficult to master. Whether you’re guiding your Arwing through waves of enemy fighters or diving underwater in the Blue Marine, each mission feels carefully crafted to maintain a sense of momentum and escalating challenge.

The multiplayer mode extends the fun beyond the single-player campaign, allowing up to four players to dogfight in Arwings or—if you’ve unlocked all on-foot stages—battle on-foot with laser cannons in arenas inspired by the single-player levels. These frantic skirmishes capture the same charm and intensity as the main game, making it a perfect party feature and a showcase for the N64’s four-controller ports.

Even decades after its release, Star Fox 64 offers a robust experience with high replay value. Its tight controls, strategic branching system, and charismatic cast of characters combine to create a package that feels complete from start to finish. For those seeking a classic space shooter that balances accessibility with depth, Fox McCloud’s return to the Lylat System remains as exhilarating today as it was in 1997.

Retro Replay Score

8.3/10