Review - Star Fox

Developer: Velan Studios

Publisher: Nintendo

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2

Reviewed on: Nintendo Switch 2

"Do a barrel roll!" For over 30 years, gamers have associated that phrase with one of gaming's most infamous characters, Peppy Hare of the video game Star Fox. A game that pushed innovation, the original Star Fox is one of the very first 3D games, using simple polygons to replicate its energetic world of space combat. Star Fox has gone through something of a hiatus, especially after the ill-fated Star Fox Zero. Now the foxy maverick has returned. 

The simply named Star Fox has arrived to bring the series back to its simplest roots, and that is pure arcade video game action. This time, the game has gotten the remake treatment. With breathtaking new graphics, cinematics, and new modes, Star Fox is a great return for 2026, and a fantastic entry for those unfamiliar with this crew of furry ace pilots.

 

Lylat Wars

Corneria. The heart of the Lylat System. Prosperous and full of life, the evil Dr. Andross sought to use experimental technology for devious methods. Banished to the toxic planet Venom, Dr. Andross has awaited his chance at vengeance. When the Star Fox team is sent to investigate, a betrayal occurs, and its leader, James McCloud, suffers a grim fate, leaving his son orphaned.

Years later, Star Fox is led by James' son, Fox McCloud. With a new team gathered together, Fox and his crew answer the call as an embattled General Pepper contends with the revenge of Dr. Andross and his siege of the Lylat system. The worlds of the system have fallen under siege. Using their skills and the latest combat equipment, the team sets off on a mission of utmost importance. They are going to need a lot of good luck to make it. 

Back to Basics

Star Fox began as an on-rails shooter on the Super Nintendo in 1993. The game's unique gameplay and presentation were extraordinary for the time, using geometric shapes and polygons to portray its gameplay experience. In 1997, Star Fox was remade into Star Fox 64 for the Nintendo 64 system, with the same gameplay but new presentation and new features, such as the Rumble Pack. The game was remastered in 2013 for the Nintendo 3DS. This current iteration is a full-fledged remake of Star Fox 64. 

Star Fox is an on-rails arcade space shooter. The goal is to shoot down as many enemies as possible throughout the course of several stages, and of course, survive the enemy. Along the way, players rack up high scores, defeat enemy bosses, and explore secret routes, all en route to the final destination, Venom, the homeworld of Dr. Andross. 

Tools of the trade

Players take to the Arwing, a state-of-the-art interstellar starfighter. The Arwing is capable of various modes of firepower, from lasers to bombs to a charge shot that can clear enemy groups. The craft is highly maneuverable, able to make tight turns, boost, and brake. Additionally, players may do somersaults and 180-degree flips. 

The Arwing has an advanced deflector shield called the G-diffuser. Doing a barrel roll deflects incoming laser fire and is essential for surviving the game’s most heated encounters. Finally, there is the all-range mode, which allows players to play off the rails and into an arena. This mode comes up several times during the course of the adventure. Upon booting up the game, a helpful tutorial shows players the ropes in handling the Arwing.

Trust Your Instincts

The Arwing is not the only tool in the arsenal. Two missions involve a futuristic battle tank called The Landmaster. This brings the action to the ground to take down targets and bosses in intense ground fighting. One mission features the Blue Marine, a special submarine with advanced weapons for underwater combat. These missions provide a different take on the action, but most of the time, players are in the cockpit of the Arwing. 

There are 16 stages in Star Fox, but players will see only 7 during their playthrough. The ultimate goal is to make it to Venom and defeat Dr Andross. A run on the campaign can last up to 90 minutes from start to finish. However, like its predecessors, Star Fox is designed to be greatly replayable. Each planet has medals to achieve, and planets have multiple routes to choose, with some being secret and others being affected based on who in your squad survives the level. Teammates help out in each level but are susceptible to friendly fire. If they are downed during a mission, they are out for the remainder of the existing mission and the next mission. 

Tour of the System

At the end of each level is a stage-clearing boss. Each boss is unique and different, requiring new strategies with each one. Some are massive ships with weak points, while others are bioweapon monstrosities. These bosses are tough, requiring a mastery of the game’s principles, though there are multiple difficulty settings for those who prefer. 

As mentioned before, your teammates play a role. Peppy Hare is the team strategist and gives tips throughout a level and when fighting bosses. Slippy Toad is the team’s engineer and analyzes the health bar for bosses. Falco is the hotshot and provides support, along with taunts.

What’s Old is New Again

Playing Star Fox harkens back to the days when gameplay was pure and straightforward. There aren't menus or complex mechanics to learn, only simple controls and engaging gameplay. The gameplay is simply: shoot everyone down. It's easy to pick up but hard to put down. It's the kind of gameplay that has inspired many games after it, including one I recently reviewed, Fur Squadron: Phoenix. 

It's direct to the player, providing instant fun and enjoyment. It's challenging and enthralling yet accessible and enjoyable. It's a gameplay hook that keeps players looped in for maximum enjoyment. The gameplay is timeless, and it's enjoyable to see again in 2026, at a time when the industry is on fire and studios still vehemently push for live-service models. There is the nostalgic factor, but most importantly, this is an arcade game built for pure fun. 

Rebuilt from the ground up

As a remake, it is a tremendous success. Star Fox has never looked better, and while the new character designs are jarring, they grew on me, especially with the game’s cinematics and voice acting. The boys are back in town, and it feels just darn great to see them again and play a game that is as faithful to the original material as well as being a blast to play. The controls feel just right, and the presentation complements the gameplay. 

The Arwing handles just right, but perhaps is a little more nimble than I remember back in 1997. It feels refreshing to play with proper joysticks as opposed to the N64 single stick. Shooting, dodging, and performing maneuvers feel just right, too. One nice bonus is that performing the somersault and the 180-degree only requires a single button push, a significant improvement over the original. 

Looking good out here

Visually, the game is stunning, packed with more detail than ever before. Water glistens off the Corneria surface. The asteroids of Meteo have texture and weight. The fires of Solar are rich in flame and lava. The arwing has many moving parts and systems. Of course, the characters of Star Fox now have actual emotion and feeling with the new designs. This is also complemented by a rich orchestra that takes the familiar tunes and ramps them up with powerful swells of excitement. I got goosebumps hearing the soundtrack again in this rich new take. 

The new cinematic additions give more life to the story and narrative. There is reasoning behind taking routes, and the stakes are made clearer. The original games barely had much of a narrative, taking place between communications in-game. This new game has fleshed out cinematics that take place between missions, and they complement the game well. 

New and familiar

As someone who played Star Fox 64 hundreds of times, I couldn’t help but grin ear to ear playing this new remake. It’s a barrel of fun and a wonderful good time. It feels euphoric to play this type of game again and not only remember the experience but relive it again. The game is a little harder than I remember, but nonetheless enjoyable. The visuals, music, and gameplay bring back the familiar Star Fox feeling I remember. 

In addition to the main campaign, there are two other modes. Challenge mode unlocks special challenges to complete in each of the 16 missions. These challenges are unlocked as you play through the main campaign multiple times. These challenges range from eliminating a specific target to finishing a level within a time limit. There are challenges for both normal and expert. Expert unlocks after completing the Normal challenges, and they are a true test of skill and patience.

Some meat on the bones

Star Fox also features a multiplayer mode. It's light and bare bones, but it is there if players want to delve into it. Across three maps, players play in 3 different game modes. Control, cargo, and meteor collection. Control has players control a section of the map for points. Cargo has players intercept a cargo capsule and bring it back to their base in a capture-the-flag style gameplay setup. Meteor collection has players scramble for special resources from meteors to rack up the winning score. 

Star Fox is a completionist game. Playing multiplayer, completing challenges in challenge mode, and repeatedly playing the routes allows for the maximum enjoyment of Star Fox. The campaign alone lasts up to 90 minutes, and the key to Star Fox is the constant replayability. With that, Star Fox is a winner, but there is one gaping fact that has to be addressed. 

What Does The Fox Say

Star Fox is a remake of a game that was remade, remastered, and reimagined. We need something new. This is such a rich IP with anthropomorphic creatures dogfighting in space across various planets. There is absolutely a case for making more games in different gameplay styles and telling stories. We need something new. It can happen. Hopefully, this new game is a springboard for new titles. There has been chatter about a Star Fox movie, and I hope that happens too. 

Additionally, while this is a faithful remake, I feel there was an opportunity to add more. Perhaps more levels, more multiplayer options, or even lumping in a remake of Star Fox 2 in there to make a beefier game. Even putting in the original games would have made for a nicer package. As it stands, Star Fox is worth the price, but keep in mind this is a completionist game where replaying it with different routes is the core experience. That may not be for everyone. 

Good Luck, Star Fox

Velan Studios has breathed new life into Star Fox with this newest interpretation, and it’s an exciting breath of fresh air. The remade presentation, from the visuals to the music, is incredibly engrossing, and the gameplay is as timeless and fantastic as ever. Star Fox is great for seasoned players and a great entry point for those new to both the game and the genre. 

Nintendo seems to be charting a new course in remakes and revitalizing titles, and it’s a great opportunity. Experienced players with a hankering for nostalgia can enjoy Star Fox while the door opens for a new generation of players. Like the Arwing, let’s hope Star Fox blazes a trail across the stars. Good Luck!

STAR FOX IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED