This reinvented action game expands the original Nintendo 64 version with optional gyroscopic controls, thrilling action, and a unique multiplayer mode featuring live video and picture feeds from participating players.
The Hype
Fox McCloud is Back in a Re-mastered Nintendo Classic.
Star Fox 64™ 3D invites players to take on the role of legendary Fox McCloud as they lead a fearless squadron of fighters in fierce aerial combat to battle the evil forces of Andross and save the galaxy from destruction. The rich 3D visuals provide a remarkable sense of depth, distance and position as players dodge meteors and blast enemy fighters out of the sky.
- A complete graphical update brings a Nintendo classic into the era of portable 3D fun. The game makes effective use of the Nintendo 3DS system’s dual screens: The top screen features 3D aerial combat, while the bottom screen displays characters and dialogue.
- There are two control methods for the player to experience. The Nintendo 64 Mode offers original controls, while the new Nintendo 3DS Mode uses the motion controls of the built-in Gyro Sensor of the Nintendo 3DS system.
- Trusted wingmen Peppy, Slippy and Falco are along for the ride – if one of them is chased or captured by an enemy, players must act to protect them in order to keep their team strong.
- Each mission takes players through a different planet of the Lylat system as they blast enemies, collect power-ups and fight powerful bosses on their way to the final battle.
- A new multiplayer option lets up to four players engage in fierce aerial combat via a local wireless connection (using four systems and one game card via DS Download Play). The multiplayer mode also includes new power-ups and special weapons. Players can use the Nintendo 3DS system’s inner camera to display a live video feed of their faces as they battle, bringing a new level of fun and personalization to the multiplayer experience.
The Reality
The thrilling shooter/action game Star Fox 64 3D puts powerful action in the palm of the hand on the Nintendo 3DS. This reinvented action game expands the original Nintendo 64 version, originally released in 1997, with optional internal gyroscope sensor controls so players can actively change airship and vehicle pitch when airborne.
Got as many as four players with a Nintendo 3DS and one copy of the Star Fox 64 3D game? Great! Enjoy the local multiplayer mode through local download play with up to four players and only one game copy required. The multiplayer battle mode (survival, time and point) represents the biggest improvement in this re-mastered version. Players can see everyone, even themselves, with viewing options from the inner camera, which takes live pictures and video feeds during gameplay. No online multiplayer option yet, but players could see that in future installments.
This nostalgic update delivers thrilling aerial battles as players can also control submarines and tanks, which can fly temporarily. The Arwing starship, the Landmaster tank and Blue Marine submarine all have great moves. The Arwing’s 360 degree aerial movements also echo on land and in the sea. Players can also hit the down button for a “quick escape” aerial somersault. The tank can barrel rolls and bombs, but take damage when enemies fall on them, so keep those reflexes sharp.
The short mission lengths are perfect for playing “on-the-go”. Players can choose the 64 mode or 3DS mode (fifteen medals in each). Each mission has specific goal tiers that can be easily mastered once players familiarize themselves with enemy fighting patterns (past Star Fox 64 players have a great advantage here). Play among three difficulty levels and get points (money) at the end of each mission, so, as in most quality games, performance counts. Environments include volcanic, arctic, arid, aquatic, space, and urban ground areas.
Special weapons include homing missiles (hold A button) and bombs (y button). Barrel rolls utilize the L or R buttons. Use x button to boost and somersault while climbing. Players earn an extra vehicle for every 100 hits, so make those shots count. Ending results statistics includes a hit ratio as well.
The various storylines become the focus in the single player mode. Each game session saves automatically after clearing each mission. Players can replay missions in the score attack mode and improve on high scores, discover hidden paths, acquire medals, or find unlockables. Online leader boards would have been great here, especially since the reward system is largely score based. Players can also unlock the expert game mode after completing special conditions.
Battles against computer opponents are fierce as beginning missions offer tutorials and hints from leader Fox McCloud’s supporting crew: Peppy Hare, a rabbit and member of the original Star Fox team;
Slippy Toad, a frog and the mechanical and energetic expert of the team; and Falco Lombardi, a falcon and former gang member. The game present several opportunities for Fox, the main playable character, to save his team mates as players learn special moves at the same time.
Fox’s team and their opposition react to Star Fox’s victories and failures…strongly at times. The exiled scientist Andross head the rival Star Wolf crew consisting of Wolf O’Donnell, Leon Powalski, Pigma Dengar and Andrew Oikonny. The dog character General Pepper, who leads the military, hires the Star Fox crew to defeat Andross. ROB 64, a robot, provides field support for the Star Fox crew while other characters include bulldog Bill Grey and Katt who was in Falco’s gang. Fox’s father, James McCloud also factors into the decent storylines. Voice acting is decent as the rapid, Muppet-like mouth movements also offer some laughs, especially since the dialogue does not synchronize with the dialogue…English or Japanese.
Rely on a little help from your friends. Damaged teammates will withdraw from battles, so protect them or lose their assistance. Falco can navigate well; Peppy strategizes and exploits weak points; and Slippy analyzes damage.
Incoming screen messages provide more assistance with easy access with the touch capabilities. Sometimes screens clutter the visuals with too much information, but provide some authenticity with complicated aerial equipment. The bottom screen also displays damaged vehicle areas.
Training mode makes perfect practice while options include control settings and erasing save data. Unfortunately there is only one save file.
Star Fox 64 3D is welcome addition to the Nintendo 3DS game library. Star Fox 64 is currently available on the Nintendo Wii’s Virtual Console.
Review: Star Fox 64 3D
Where to Buy: Amazon and other stores
Price: $39.99
What I Like: Multiplayer mode with one game card, fast paced aerial battles, medium to high challenge level, solid control schemes and response, colorful environments, helpful colored visual cues, immense unlockables and secrets
What Needs Improvement: missing online leader boards, only one save file
Source: Provided by publisher