Nintendo has launched Star Fox exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2, bringing one of the most beloved flight-action games of all time into the modern era. This is not just a simple resolution upgrade; it is a ground-up reimagining of the classic Lylat Wars from the Nintendo 64.
I’m not going to lie, when I saw this announcement I was less than impressed. What I wanted was a new entry to the franchise, but my goal when playing and ultimately reviewing this title was to take it for what it is, and I’ve got to say it is worth your time.
Welcome Back to the Lylat System
At its core, Star Fox revisits the classic narrative that captured imaginations decades ago. The brilliant but completely maniacal scientist Andross has launched an all-out assault to seize absolute control of the Lylat star system. With the galaxy’s conventional forces overwhelmed, the cornered planetary governments turn to a mercenary squadron to save them. Players step into the flight suit of Fox McCloud, the leader of the Star Fox team. Alongside your trustworthy crew, the veteran Peppy Hare, the hot-headed Falco Lombardi, and the overly enthusiastic Slippy Toad. You have to pilot your high-tech Arwing fighter across the galaxy to stop Andross before everything burns.
How It Works: Classic Flying Meets Next-Gen Tech
Mechanically, Star Fox retains the satisfying, fast-paced aerial combat that made the original game a staple of the late nineties, but it modernises the entire experience. You navigate your Arwing through intense, three-dimensional combat zones, utilizing signature maneuvers like barrel rolls and somersaults to deflect incoming lasers and shake off aggressive enemy pilots.
What the game does exceptionally well is structure its progression. The Campaign Mode changes depending on your performance. The specific objectives you manage to complete, the number of foes you shoot down, and the hidden secrets you uncover will actively alter your flight path through the galaxy. This means multiple playthroughs are practically mandatory if you want to experience every stage and boss encounter. Nintendo has also introduced a Challenge Mode, letting you replay cleared stages with brutal new objectives that were completely absent from the main story.
The game also introduces the new Joy-Con 2 mouse controls, which aim to provide sharper, more responsive aiming during chaotic dogfights. The highly publicised “GameChat” feature lets you use an interactive avatar that mirrors your actual facial expressions to look like Fox or his crew during multiplayer matches. It sounds incredibly immersive, but it requires a separate USB-C camera accessory, meaning the full cockpit experience sits behind an extra purchase.
Who Is This Space Adventure For?
If you have a fondness for the high-speed rail-shooting action of Sin & Punishment or find yourself regularly replaying the classic space battles of Star Wars: Rogue Squadron, Star Fox will feel like an absolute dream. It perfectly bridges the gap between old-school arcade challenge and modern cinematic storytelling.
Final Verdict: Recommended
Star Fox is a spectacular remake. It honors the legacy of Lylat Wars while delivering a complete visual overhaul, fully voiced cinematic cutscenes, and a sweeping orchestral soundtrack. The robust campaign and the brand-new 4-vs-4 multiplayer Battle Mode against Team Star Wolf make this an essential title. Recommended.
