Following his explosive debut on the silver screen in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Fox McCloud and company are finally ready for a proper debut on the Nintendo Switch 2. During a StarFox Direct the other day, Nintendo announced that StarFox, a remake-from-the-ground-up of StarFox 64, will arrive on the console on June 25th. And yes, it’ll be digital and physical, with full game on cart.
This news got fans plenty excited about what’s to come, especially with its amazing visuals and challenges. But some people dismissed the news, seeing it as “yet just another remake of StarFox 64”, like the 3DS had gotten years ago. “Nintendo is clearly out of ideas,” the complaints read.
But they’re not looking beneath the surface here. There’s a lot more at play with StarFox than what some folks realize. So let’s dig a little deeper and explain why this game isn’t “just another remake.”
The Origin Story of StarFox
As you see in the footage below, we’re not just learning about the StarFox legacy from Fox’s perspective. We’re also getting a glimpse of what happened to his dad, James.
In the footage, we see the elder McCloud betrayed by one of his own, who would later go on to work alongside Star Wolf. Peppy witnesses everything firsthand, and is sent away for his own safety, before being told to “take care of Fox.”
It’s a haunting sequence, because it not only shows how doomed James is in the situation, but also why Peppy keeps reminding Fox of his father. The kinship there gives you a better idea.
I just hope this gets more focus in the final release next month. There’s a fascinating story here, and one that makes you wonder…man, why are Star Wolf such dicks anyway?
Speaking of Which, StarFox Lets You Play As Star Wolf
Multiplayer in StarFox 64 was always cool, with four-player split-screen across air, land and on foot. But Battle Mode in StarFox takes it to another level with full-on 4 vs. 4 dogfights between StarFox and Star Wolf. And yes, that’s awesome.
Not only can you team up with friends (or go against them, treacherous people) in battle, but you can also link up with random players in case you feel like jumping in. The game features three different maps to conquer, with plenty of objectives and ways to come back if the score falls behind. It looks very cool, to say the least.
You can also play around with the chat filters and Avatars to become a team member of StarFox. Hey, it’s a Furry’s dream come true! But no really, this is an awesome option and I wish more games did something like it. Imagine virtually becoming Captain Falcon from F-Zero. You would lose your damn mind.
Oh, You Want Challenge In StarFox?
Want to break out in a cold sweat? Step up to Challenge Mode! In it, you’ll be able to replay stages across StarFox, but this time completing certain tasks in an effort to unlock plenty of bonuses. For those thirsting for the ultimate quest to become StarFox, this is the best thing you can go for.
Of course, if you prefer the easier setting, the game presents it as well. That way, if you’re having trouble with a mission, you can always try again on a simpler setting. Everyone wins. (And don’t pick on the rookies, everyone earns their wings in their own special way.)
Did We Mention That StarFox Looks Drool-Worthy?
To top it all off, StarFox breaks from the “remake” mold with its breathtaking visuals. We’re talking wonderfully remastered levels and a zippy frame rate, even in the most chaotic of situations. Not to mention the fact that we also get cinematics, learning more about what motivates the StarFox team.
Not to mention that Slippy gets a chance to show off some smarts instead of just being clumsy all the time. The poor toad will finally get his due here.
It’ll be nice to have another in-depth look along the lines of what we saw in Starlink: Battle For Atlas a few years ago. Enjoy the storytelling!
StarFox Isn’t Far Off, Folks
Do a barrel roll! StarFox for Nintendo Switch 2 has plenty to celebrate, and you’ll be able to dive in digitally and physically when the game arrives next month. Don’t let the naysayers hold you back, there’s more than enough reason to dive back into its world.
Need more deep space fun? Check out our review of R-Type Delta HD Boosted!
