Star Fox returns on Switch 2 with a fully modernized take on the classic Star Fox 64 experience. While the game has been rebuilt with upgraded visuals, new cutscenes, and added gameplay features like Challenge mode and improved restart systems, critics are divided on how much it actually evolves the original. Some see it as a faithful and visually stunning remaster that successfully brings the Arwing back into the spotlight, while others argue it doesn’t do enough to justify revisiting a campaign that many players already know by heart.
7.9
Average Score (adjusted)
Confidence: Low
Some disagreement
Reviews: 3
Top Review: Nintendo Life (9.0)
Spread: 2.0
⭐ 7 / 10
Gamespot's verdict is that Star Fox for Switch 2 is a visually impressive but ultimately redundant remake of Star Fox 64. The review praises the updated visuals, which look great and make each planet distinct, and the new cutscenes that add weight to characterizations and strategy. It also appreciates the easier system for restarting stages to retry missed objectives. However, the campaign is fundamentally still Star Fox 64, making it hard to recommend for anyone who has played the original, especially since it's already available on Switch Online. Additionally, the updated graphics can be harder to read during gameplay, with less obvious targets and weak points, and some ships looking oddly weightless when destroyed.
⭐ 8 / 10
IGN's verdict is that this remake of Star Fox 64 is a great success that proves the Arwing isn't out of style yet. The review praises the impressive updated visuals, the compelling new cutscenes that deepen characterizations, and the rewarding Challenge mode that adds tricky new objectives to each stage. It also highlights the game's deceptive depth, with hidden routes and score-chasing that keep the brief campaign runs fun across multiple playthroughs. However, the review notes that the revamped multiplayer mode is limited to only three maps, and the cosmetic unlockables come with some weird restrictions. The Challenge mode, while fun, could have pushed things further with ideas like a boss rush.
Nintendo Life
⭐ 9 / 10
Nintendo Life concludes that Star Fox on Switch 2 is a sublime remaster of Star Fox 64, and that is both its best and worst feature. The review praises the stunning visual overhaul that makes it one of the best-looking games on the system, the snappy controls with great HD Rumble 2, and the neat reasons to keep playing thanks to the new Challenge mode and fun online multiplayer. It also highlights the new cutscenes that add weight to mission selection and better define the characters. However, the campaign is still just Star Fox 64 again, offering no surprises for those who have played the classic hundreds of times, and the story remains brief. The multiplayer mode is fun but feels slight with only three maps and no local splitscreen.