The recent release of Star Fox Zero on Wii U has put me in a Star Fox mood lately, even though I’m not planning on buying that game. Instead, I’ve been playing Star Fox 64 (on Nintendo 64, of course). This was my first time playing it in years…perhaps the first time since 2011, when I recorded a gameplay video of the first two stages.
I played through on the easiest path and beat the game, and then later I went back to take some of the other paths. Even though it’s a short game, it is fun to play. But I had forgotten just how annoying the creatures on my team can be. And nothing says annoying quite like Slippy Toad.
Right from the very beginning of the game, he’s already screaming for help. Help me, Fox! Help me, help me, help me! And for that matter, why does Slippy sound like a little girl? In the original Star Fox on Super Nintendo, Slippy had a fairly deep “dip-dip” ribbit voice. But I’m going off on a tangent.
Back to my point, teammates in general will fly right in front of you, as you’re shooting, and then get mad and insult you for shooting them.
And of course, that makes me want to shoot them even more. 
Then don’t fly right in front of me, bird brain! And shut the Falcup.
And what’s with Andross (the final boss)? It looks like Nintendo was playing around with Mario’s face from the title screen of Super Mario 64, and just decided to turn him into an evil monkey. The disembodied head has the nerve to suck you in and chew you up (before vomiting you back out–but I’d rather not bring that up).
But unlike a lot of shooters, Star Fox 64 has a decent amount of replay value. It’s designed for repeated playthroughs, with alternate routes to new stages, as well as medals that can be earned in each level. The game also keeps track of your ten best scores, so you always feel like there’s room for improvement. It’s an enjoyable game that’s worth playing through again every couple years or so.
Here is the video I recorded back in 2011:
If you’re not bothered by a little toilet humor, check out the Star Fox 64 parody I wrote up, called Star Flush 64.
Star Fox Zero
As for the new Wii U game, Star Fox Zero, I don’t currently plan on buying it…despite my initial interest when the game was first announced. Based on the reviews I’ve read, the forced motion controls sound needlessly complicated and awkward. I don’t mind the outdated graphics, but I can’t stand games that are hard to control. I really wish Nintendo would stop trying to force motion controls and other gimmicks on us and just go back to making great games.
But for those of you who are willing to give Star Fox Zero a try, the physical version comes bundled with a spin-off game called Star Fox Guard. You can check the latest price for the bundle, or buy the games separately online in the Wii U eShop.
