Star Fox Video Games, Ranked

After Star Fox Adventures managed to earn some enthusiastic reviews when it added much more emphasis on Zelda-esque on-foot gameplay segments, the next sequel, Star Fox: Assault, tried to up the ante by ramping up the use of ground vehicles during battles. But having three different types of gameplay might have been too much, since critics felt that none of them was particularly excellent. But reviewers did have plenty of negative things to say about the on-foot portions of the game in particular, which they said was a major downgrade from Adventures. The idea wasn't bad, but the execution didn't live up to what came before.

"A great example of a 'good' game. The not-so-good parts (the foot missions) aren't bad enough to weigh the entire package down, but the excellent bits (the flying chunks) just aren't enough to counter the rest." —Phil Theobald, GameSpy

Despite the title, Star Fox Zero is not a prequel to Star Fox 64 or the original title for SNES. Instead, this one is more like an alternate reimagining of Star Fox 64 made with the help of the folks at Platinum Games—seemingly an enticing prospect two years after that studio delivered the beloved Bayonetta 2 for Nintendo. While critics seemed to enjoy Zero well enough as a new iteration of a classic, they were frustrated by the insistence of making use of every available Wii U feature and gimmick, including motion controls and the extra screen on the gamepad. In hindsight, it's not too that didn't go over well, since the Wii U's overemphasis on these sorts of gimmicks was one of the reasons the system sold so poorly.

"I just wish it felt like a cohesive experience and not a bunch of polished demos for different control interfaces. I've rarely been as simultaneously frustrated, startled by and, for fleeting moments, exhilarated with an interface. It's a measure of all that's right and wrong with Star Fox Zero that you'll probably have all three reactions as you play." —Matt Peckham, Time

This quirky title, a tower defense game, was released alongside Star Fox Zero. Star Fox Guard isn't really a full entry in the franchise on its own, and it barely has any connection to the rest of the series, but it nonetheless managed to win over a surprising number of critics with its compelling gameplay. But the lack of a meaningful connection to the other games, and the fact that it doesn't really play like a normal Star Fox title, led to plenty of frustration from some reviewers, and others complained about the required use of the Wii U gamepad screen and the lack of variety in the gameplay.

"The graphics are basic and the controls can be tricky. Switching cameras is a nightmare when you can't remember the positions, making the business of stemming the tide of bots a little more stressful than it should be. Yet Star Fox Guard turns out to be weirdly addictive." —Stuart Andrews, Digital Spy

This shooter title for the Nintendo DS handheld is one of the few games in the Star Fox series that's almost never on rails, allowing players nearly complete freedom of movement inside each battle area. That's something players could do only sparingly in the other games in the series. Command also incorporates some light strategy components, though reviewers complained that those weren't substantial enough to add much to the overall experience. Despite the middling overall score, reviews were all over the place on Star Fox Command, with critics divided between those who deemed it an awesome franchise evolution and others who thought it felt like a hollow imitation of the real Star Fox.

"It falls in an uncomfortable category somewhere between good and average that makes it almost impossible to define. There are flashes of genius, marred by long moments of mediocrity. Excellent flight sections are needlessly maimed by an over tight timer and difficult controls." —N-Europe

This recreation of Star Fox 64 for the Nintendo 3DS was very faithful–maybe too faithful, according to critics, some of whom were irritated that this updated version didn't add any meaningful new content to the game. That's a problem because Star Fox 64 was ludicrously short—though its branching paths do add to the replay value a bit. Otherwise, reviewers were largely in lockstep with their enthusiasm for Star Fox 64 3D, with their love for the original version being enough to sustain them as they played the nearly identical 3DS version.

"The strength of Star Fox's aesthetic counts for a lot, as it distracts you from the rather simplistic rail shooter that lies underneath. Juxtaposed with the recent resurrection of Ocarina of Time, Star Fox 64 3D is no masterpiece. All the same, it's one of the best-looking games on the platform, and a respectful restoration that will please the fans." —VideoGamer

The latest new version of Star Fox 64 (we're at three remakes and counting!) isn't trying to reinvent the wheel any more than Star Fox 64 3D or Star Fox Zero did. But it does make the wheel look a lot prettier than it used to, thanks to the Switch 2's actually-modern graphical capabilities. Star Fox earned props from pretty much everyone for both those gorgeous revamped visuals and the game's new sound design, including fresh voice performances and a resounding new musical score. Critics also seemed to enjoy the other new bells and whistles like the competitive and cooperative online modes and the new story cutscenes and lore. But many still took issue with the fact that, beneath that new coat of paint, this Star Fox is still just the same extremely short, nearly-30-year-old game that Nintendo has already made two new versions of. And $50 is quite a price tag for that.

"This Switch 2 remake is a joyful, updated reminder of why the 1997 game is, in fact, very good and fun, but it also casts a spotlight on the fact that we are long overdue for something – frankly, anything – new from Star Fox and team." —Kyle Hilliard, Game Informer

Nintendo's first attempt at following up on the success of Star Fox 64 was this GameCube title that had the air of a new Legend of Zelda, since it spent a lot more time with on-foot exploration gameplay than its predecessor did. But Star Fox Adventures famously began development as an original new game called Dinosaur Planet, with Star Fox elements strapped to it late in the process. And a number of critics could feel the disconnect there. But since Adventures actually ended up being really fun, most of them didn't complain too much.

"Rare's stylish presentation, wondrous depiction of an alien world, and, ummm, mediocre yet steady gameplay come together in a way that simply isn't seen that often in console or PC gaming." —Games Domain

It's no surprise that Star Fox 64 sits in this lofty spot. While it may not be the game that started it all—that honor belongs to its predecessor on the SNES— Star Fox 64 was the game that turned the brand into a franchise that gamers still care about today. In 1997, it was the complete package, with simple but exciting space shooter gameplay and a story campaign with tons of branching paths. While much of what made Star Fox 64 special then is pretty dated now, like its on-rails nature, so it may not hit the same way these days for new players. But for those who played it back then, Star Fox 64 remains a classic.

"Star Fox 64 is the kind of game you will spend many sleepless nights with - even after you finish. An instant N64 classic." —GameSpot