Starfox 64
Nintendo 64 * Nintendo

Review by Michael Vafeas
9.6

Putting aside any opinions that may have been formed about the game itself, Starfox was, at the time of its release in 1993, one of the most technologically ambitious projects at the time. Implementing software technology that boosted the polygon processing capabilities of the Super NES, the original Starfox was a programming triumph, as well as a stellar game. The idea to bring the long-awaited sequel to Starfox to the Nintendo 64 was a fine one indeed, and the end result is a shooter which remains in the highest echelon of its genre.

Without doubt, the first and most immediately noticeable feature of Starfox 64 is the attention that was paid to graphic detail. While it may seem that each successive game pushes the visual envelope a little bit further as of late, Starfox 64 is one of those rare titles which offers excellent design and near-flawless execution in one coherent package. Elegant textures, beautiful movement and animation, and a frame rate which makes it all silk are a few of the graphical splendors of Starfox 64. One could also go on to mention the great real-time cinemas and the impressive (to say the least) bosses at the end of each level, but you probably get the point. Such eye candy is obviously the result of months of relentless work, and it shows. Despite the occasional slowdown and intermittent pop-up, this game takes the crown from FF7 and Turok as the most gorgeous title on a console.

In an interesting decision to include both subtitles and recorded voice, Starfox 64 is full of expressions from both your allies and enemies. The speech is clear and effective, as are the sound effects. However, it seems that the limitations of the N64 media have finally forced Nintendo's in-house maestro, Koji Kondo, to compromise his work. Although still well composed, the music in Starfox is quite tinny and disappointing. With a sampler and some authentic instruments, Starfox 64's soundtrack could have been fantastic, but unfortunately compares unfavorably even to the more realistic-sounding soundtrack of the 16-bit Starfox. In time, however, the music fades behind the other sound effects and speech, but could have ultimately been handled better.

The gameplay and mechanics of Starfox 64 are similar to those of the game's 16-bit predecessor, but are also expanded upon in several ways. While the majority of the game still confines the vehicle to movement along a set track, the track has been widened and some 360 degree arenas have been included. Additionally, the inclusion of two new vehicles - the LandBlaster and Submarine - helps to diversify the gameplay and provide different challenges. Also, your actions in each level determine the successive stage to which you will be proceeding, which adds a great amount of strategy and replay value to the game. The four-player battle mode is an interesting feature, though a multiplayer storymode is conspicuously lacking. The tight control makes for excellent maneuverability of the various crafts you navigate, and the level design and strategic enemy placement is nothing short of shooter nirvana. This is unquestionably a title that spent many months in the testing stages; the sense of balance in the game is omnipresent. The feeling of life given to the various characters through their expressions is also something rarely found outside an RPG, and is used effectively in this shooter. What was the last shooter that made you want to save your screaming team member from the clutches of an intimidating enemy? The feeling of cooperation and unity among characters in this game is almost unheard of in this particular genre, but in this title it works, and it works quite well.

Starfox 64 sits alongside Mario 64, Wave Race 64, and Turok as one of the main reasons to own a Nintendo 64. The fact that the game seems to combine perfect amounts of insanity, tension, and challenge is a testament to the seemingly unlimited genius of the design team. Impressive graphics, grand design, and a lengthy, challenging quest all add to the amazing Starfox experience, which is rivaled only by the fantastic Panzer Dragoon series. Only a few graphical glitches and a weak soundtrack keep this title from complete perfection, but as far as gameplay is concerned, the game only represents what Nintendo 64 desperately needs more of. Bottom Line: An outstanding sequel to a great game.


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