Star Fox Zero

64%
Game Brain Score Based on 102 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Star Fox Zero Game Cover
Star Fox Zero is a fun trip back to the days of the Super FX chip on the SNES, but for a modern sci-fi shooter on the Wii U it feels a bit threadbare.
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"Star Fox Zero" is a thrilling sci-fi shooter game with both single-player and co-op modes. Players take control of Fox, Falco, Peppy, and Slippy to save the Lylat system, using the Wii U GamePad for a unique viewpoint and control. The game boasts exceptional visuals, spectacular gameplay, and fantastic music, with multiple vehicles including the Arwing, Gyrowing, and Landmaster Tank.

  • Wii
  • Wii U
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

64%
Audience ScoreBased on 102 reviews
story11 positive mentions
grinding2 negative mentions
  • Star Fox Zero successfully captures the nostalgic feel of the original games while introducing new elements and mechanics.
  • The graphics are visually stunning, showcasing the capabilities of the Wii U and providing an immersive experience.
  • The game offers a fun co-op mode that enhances the gameplay experience, allowing players to work together.
  • The motion controls are awkward and can be frustrating, requiring a significant adjustment period that may deter some players.
  • The game is relatively short, with a main campaign that can be completed in just a few hours, leading to concerns about replay value.
  • The reliance on dual screens can be disorienting, making it difficult to focus on both the gamepad and the TV screen simultaneously.
  • story62 mentions

    The story of "Star Fox Zero" is largely a retelling of the classic "Star Fox 64," featuring a familiar plot of preventing Andross from taking over the galaxy, with some minor twists and new elements. While it successfully evokes nostalgia and maintains character engagement, many reviewers find the narrative to be generic and lacking depth, with limited replay value and little innovation compared to previous entries in the franchise. Overall, it serves as a reboot that attempts to refresh the series but ultimately feels repetitive to long-time fans.

    • “It was a true thrill, all of which was somehow successfully compacted into an emotionally nostalgic, modern-day twist of a classic story that only needs a few hours to find consummation.”
    • “Overall, I think this retelling of the story of Star Fox 64 was needed after the series had gone in a few bizarre directions over the years.”
    • “The storyline adds little information to the canon franchise and mostly listens like a greatest hits record; you play through many of the most memorable scenes in the franchise in beautiful HD with the new control scheme.”
    • “The story and plot is pretty generic; prevent Andross from taking over the galaxy.”
    • “We've heard this story told before, and aside from some occasional deviations, it's not hard to see where it's going.”
    • “The story is the same as before except even more empty with a promise of a big reveal that has something to do with those portals.”
  • gameplay42 mentions

    The gameplay of the game is a mix of immersive experiences and new mechanics, reminiscent of classic titles like Star Fox 64, but it requires a significant adjustment period due to its unique control schemes, particularly motion controls. While many players appreciate the variety and fun introduced by different vehicles and gameplay styles, some find the execution inconsistent, leading to moments of frustration and a lack of cohesion in level design. Overall, the game offers a rewarding experience for those willing to invest time in mastering its controls, though it may feel brief and lacking in replay value.

    • “And let me be honest with you: in all of the parts of SFZero where the two-screen mechanic truly came into play, such as the mother strider on the frozen planet, the boss on Titania, and the final battle against Andross—the level of immersion was so intense and so realistic that I had never experienced anything like it before. I felt like a true Star Fox pilot, making my way through a galaxy, area by area, conquering the small evils in hopes of defeating the ultimate machination that threatens all.”
    • “As for gameplay, this is pretty much the Star Fox game I've always wanted to see from the series; the arcade-like quality the original games embraced is back in full force, but with some new modern twists here and there!”
    • “The addition of the walker and the hovercraft keeps the gameplay interesting and adds fun new mechanics to the series.”
    • “Expect to spend at least an hour (if not several hours) learning how to play the game, partly due to the fact there are different vehicles with their own mechanics that utilize the motion control.”
    • “The boss battle in question plays like it was made for different mechanics than the ones you work with, your ship's viewpoint too small on either screen to see everything you need to, and the ship in question not facilitating movements that respond well to the boss.”
    • “When you're trying to figure out where to look, missing shots that clearly should be connecting because you're supposed to look at the gamepad, fumbling with the controls, and experiencing the frustration of the entire gameplay experience, the game fails drastically.”
  • graphics40 mentions

    The graphics of the game are generally praised for their beauty and solid performance, with many reviewers noting that they are visually appealing and immersive, especially in HD. While some comparisons to other Wii U titles suggest that the graphics may not be the absolute best, they are still considered impressive, with smooth frame rates and a nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic titles. However, a few critiques mention that the level of detail could be lacking in certain areas, and some players feel that the graphics could have been enhanced further by simplifying the cockpit view.

    • “The graphics are beautiful, the music... it could have been a little more memorable, however a lot of the scores are pretty nostalgic.”
    • “The graphics are great with great atmosphere and iconic characters.”
    • “The graphics are generally pretty good, the music is excellent, and the team banter is fun.”
    • “The graphics are a bit sub-par.”
    • “I would have rather they had taken out the cockpit view completely and focused on the graphics we see on screen.”
    • “The graphics in all Star Fox games have always been influenced/constrained by whatever innovations Miyamoto has envisioned.”
  • music19 mentions

    The music in the game has been widely praised for its quality and nostalgic ties to previous entries in the series, particularly Star Fox 64, with many noting the excellent remixes and sound design. While some reviewers found the soundtrack memorable and fitting for a space-themed game, others felt it lacked distinctiveness. Overall, the music enhances the game's atmosphere, though opinions vary on its memorability and impact.

    • “It is the best sounding Star Fox game to date, and the music carries over from Star Fox 64 in most cases with nice upgrades.”
    • “The design is amazing, the look and feel is definitely Star Fox, and the music/sound is by far the best in the series.”
    • “The soundtrack is amazing and is very fitting for a space-themed video game.”
    • “Even the soundtrack isn't as good.”
    • “No memorable music.”
    • “Forced gamepad and motion control use - no option for a normal controller.”
  • replayability13 mentions

    The game's replayability is a mixed bag; while some players appreciate the branching paths, hidden objectives, and the challenge of earning medals, others find the overall replay value lacking, citing limited content beyond personal high scores and collectibles. The ability to choose different routes and alternate completion methods adds some depth, but many feel that the experience is ultimately too brief and doesn't encourage repeated playthroughs. Overall, opinions vary widely, with some players arguing for its replayability while others deem it minimal.

    • “The structure is also as nicely crafted as it's ever been; the scenery is exhilarating, and the good ol' branching paths add to the game's replay value.”
    • “Each stage has an alternate way of beating it which is very nice for replayability.”
    • “There are also five medals you can earn each stage which are essentially hidden objectives that add to the challenge and replayability as well.”
    • “Aside from getting personal high scores and beating the levels again after you get adjusted to the controls, there's hardly any replay value.”
    • “Cons: little to no replay value - outside of collecting medals (that unlock challenge missions) and unlocking the sound tests, there really isn’t much to do.”
    • “The gameplay is pretty good, the controls could have been better, but the game is overall only a decent experience, but far too brief with nearly no replay value.”
  • atmosphere2 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its impressive graphics and the nostalgic charm reminiscent of classic Star Fox, effectively capturing the essence of the original series while featuring iconic characters.

    • “The graphics are great, creating an immersive atmosphere with iconic characters.”
    • “It has the classic Star Fox atmosphere of old and carries it beautifully.”
  • grinding2 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game tedious, particularly due to the reliance on motion controls and slow-paced tasks, such as maneuvering a gyro helicopter to drop off robots. This design choice detracts from the overall enjoyment for those who dislike these mechanics.

    • “Motion controls are featured in most levels, and since I don't like them, much of the game feels tedious to me.”
    • “There is also a new gyro helicopter where the objective is to go slowly and land in front of stations to drop a robot, which is just tedious as all hell.”
  • emotional1 mentions

    The game effectively combines nostalgia with a modern twist on a classic story, delivering a thrilling emotional experience that resonates deeply within just a few hours of gameplay.

    • “It was a true thrill, all of which was somehow successfully compacted into an emotionally nostalgic, modern-day twist of a classic story that only needs a few hours to reach its conclusion.”
  • stability1 mentions

    Reviews indicate that the game's stability is undermined by poor controls, particularly when navigating optional challenges and remixed levels, leading to a frustrating experience rather than an engaging one.

    • “You may be fooled into thinking that optional challenges and remixed levels are somehow supposed to make up for that, but I don't consider driving a buggy with terrible tank-like controls through a collectathon level to be particularly engaging.”
    • “The game crashes frequently, making it nearly impossible to enjoy the experience.”
    • “I encountered numerous bugs that disrupted gameplay, leading to frustrating moments that ruined my immersion.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

70% average critic score

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