8.7 out of 10
IGN.COM

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In yet another symbol of Nintendo's persistence to create sequels to its 16-bit games, StarFox 64 takes the never-say-die shooter genre to new levels of complexity, sleek design, and gameplay control. StarFox 64 represents the next leap in the evolution of Nintendo games, with full-speech samples, FMV-animation and fantastic production value, a challenging branch system, and multiplayer gaming all in one cartridge.

Staggered throughout the game is the use of full-motion video animation, eloquent cinematic sequences that wrap the gameplay up in a rich storyline, setting each mission with the right mood. Boasting a remarkable amount of voice sampling for a cart game, each team member's former burbles are turned into live voice samples. While not a CD-ROM killer, StarFox 64, like Super Mario 64 before it, demonstrates to second- and third-party developers what can be achieved on a single cartridge. StarFox 64 is an 8 megabyte cartridge containing almost 3 MBs of straight sound, and each of the 23 characters has, as it were, something to say.

An exceptional shooter that's only improved since its original 16-bit inception, StarFox 64 is deep with gameplay, strategy, and calculated level progression mechanics. Much like StarFox on Super NES, Slippy the frog, Peppy the hare, and Falco the falcon join Fox McCloud as they fly through space in their patented 'Arwing' fighters in forward-scrolling fashion. Players will also pilot a rather clunky submarine and a unique tank (with hovering capabilities), depending on the various mission they encounter. But what differentiates StarFox 64 from its past version is that gamers will play in both forward-scrolling levels, found in latter-day shooters like Sega Saturn's Panzer Dragoon, while newer missions enable full 3D movement, usually couched in a closed spherical environment. In each, the Arwings are capable of relatively quick acceleration, quick hard braking, Immelmans, loops, barrel rolls, and a wonderful control system that's as responsive, and as smooth as silk.

[INFO PROVIDED BY IGN64.COM]

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Internet Reviews:

The branching system, loads of secret paths, intelligently designed levels, originally designed bosses, and multiplayer gaming all add up to overcome the game's minor weaknesses. If anything can be said, StarFox demonstrates that shooters are more alive now than ever.
~IGN.COM




from Peer Schneider
Star Fox 64 is one of the coolest shooters to come along since the 16-bit days. The graphics and sound all make for a wonderful, cinematic experience -- but the branching path system that forces you to play the first level again and again is too archaic to match the hi-tech presentation. The free-range dogfights and tank levels are outstanding, but the music is a major letdown from its predecessor. I love all the little movie references to Star Trek and Star Wars and the fact that all the characters talk is cool (if only Slippy would shut up once in a while...). Another quality title from Nintendo.

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