Super Nintendo: Star Fox
February 22, 2008 - 9:06 am - Posted by Sean R.
When I first purchased Star Fox back in 1993, it was a truly groundbreaking title.
The cinematic opening sequence showing a squad of ships taking off from a hangar was a showcase in of itself.
Everyone I showed the game to was blown away by its 3D polygon graphics and shifting camera angles.
These cutting-edge visuals were made possible by a special graphics chip embedded in the cartridge itself.
The characters in Star Fox are personified animals, and you play the role of Fox McCloud, a brave star pilot out to defeat an evil Emperor.
The action can be viewed from a first-person perspective or from behind your ship.
Your squad is composed of a falcon (Falco), rabbit (Peppy), and frog (Slippy), but they’re mainly only good for comic relief.
When they’re not getting in your way, you’re constantly having to bail them out by shooting down enemies on their tail.
As a shooter, Star Fox has not aged well. The polygon graphics don’t look so bad, but the choppy frame rate, rampant slow-down, and lagging controls take their toll on the fun factor.
Most stages take place on the surface of a planet, and there are some impressive sights like hulking robots carrying construction materials.
Other stages are set in outer space, but these tend to be somewhat disconcerting.
Your targeting system is very constrained in the third-person view, and the cross hairs are surprisingly jumpy in first-person.
The explosions are fantastic, and I love how bosses fall apart piece by piece, making their destruction all the more satisfying.
While not terribly addicting, Star Fox is remains entertaining thanks to its thoughtful design and high production values.
The heroic orchestrated score is outstanding, and hearing it will instantly transport you back to 1993.
If you like this post, then please consider subscribing to our full RSS feed.
