The wait is over – and what a thrilling reboot it is! Nintendo's iconic space-shooter Star Fox 64 has landed on the Switch 2 with a bang, bringing its signature aerial combat to a new generation. This refreshed version of a 1997 classic has all the hallmarks of a game that's been lovingly tweaked for the modern era – but retains the very essence of what made it an arcade sensation back in the day.
The original Star Fox series exploded onto the SNES scene in 1993, with its unforgettable animal characters and high-octane dogfights. The direct sequel, Star Fox 64, cemented this winning formula and now its latest iteration for the Switch 2 is following a similar path to a 2010s update for the 3DS handheld.
The storyline remains unchanged, with Fox McCloud and his team battling the diabolical Andross – but what a transformation it's undergone visually! Gone are the pixelated environments and basic speech animations of old; replaced by rich textures and cinematic cutscenes that would put even Pixar to shame. It's an immersive visual feast that draws you in and refuses to let go.
Early feedback suggests this remake delivers on its promise of non-stop action, with short, sharp missions (typically lasting between 10 to 20 minutes) offering a thrilling mix of aerial combat and boss battles. The game encourages replayability, mirroring the design philosophy of older titles where you'd need multiple playthroughs to unlock all content. You'll want to keep coming back for more, especially with the chance to compete against friends in online multiplayer.
But it's not just about nostalgia – Nintendo has also taken the time to introduce some practical improvements. Simplified controls mean you can pick up and play without getting bogged down by complex three-pronged controller layouts of old. And while some new control methods, like using Joy-Con 2 controllers for mouse-style aiming, might need a bit more fine-tuning, it's great to see the option to switch back to traditional schemes.
Nintendo has clearly taken a calculated risk by revisiting this classic rather than innovating with a brand-new title. But their gamble seems to be paying off – securing sales from existing fans while introducing a new generation of players to an entry in the franchise that's been lovingly preserved for the modern era.