Star Fox Reviews Summary

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.

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 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.

GameInformer's verdict is that this Switch 2 remake of Star Fox 64 is a joyful and updated reminder of why the 1997 game is very good and fun, but it also casts a spotlight on the fact that we are long overdue for something new from Fox McCloud and team. The review praises the great-looking environmental visuals, the smooth and rewarding Arwing controls, and the exceptional new music with stirring choral additions. It also appreciates the minor but worthwhile gameplay additions like the Holoviewer lore details, the new cutscenes between levels, the transparent route requirements, the fun challenge mode reminiscent of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater, and the more substantial than expected multiplayer modes with online matchmaking. However, the review notes that another remake of Star Fox 64 is not what it wants from the franchise, and while the expansions are appreciated, it all still feels held back. The voice actor performances also struggle compared to the nostalgic original lines. The review concludes that despite these reservations, the game provides a great nostalgic time.

Shacknews's verdict is that Star Fox for Nintendo Switch 2 is a beautiful masterpiece that faithfully recreates the N64 classic while elevating the experience. The main pros include stunning graphics, a rock-solid 60fps frame rate, an outstanding orchestral soundtrack, great replay value with new modes, cinematic cutscenes that enhance the action movie feel, and a revamped script that elevates the narrative. The primary con is that some voice acting performances, particularly for Andross's minions and ROB64, lose the charm of the original game.