Star Fox 64 game review
Starfox 64 3DHere we are ! Almost 14 years after its initial release, Starfox 64 (Lylat Wars in our latitudes) is entitled to its modernization on Nintendo 3DS. The space opens up to us for crazy adventures with Fox McCloud and his cronies on board brand new Arwings.
After the excellent Starwing and its famous 3D chipset, the Nintendo 64 had hosted a certain Lylat Wars in 1997, which managed the feat to be even better than its predecessor, already critically acclaimed. So we find the fine Starfox team composed of Peppy Hare, a veteran always calm and serene, Slippy Toad, a young recruit specializing in inventions and blunders, Falco Lombardi, the bad boy of the band and finally Fox McCloud, the head of the squadron, whose father disappeared after being captured by the sworn enemy of the galaxy: Andross. The latter having the annoying habit of wanting to control the galaxy, it was therefore necessary to arm ourselves with courage and go aboard our Arwings to put a lot of teeth into his minions.
We therefore traveled from planet to planet, discovering varied landscapes in bright colors. From the ravaged decorations of Corneria to the dark plains of Venom, via the bubbling lava of Solar, the diversity of the environments visited captivated our senses and a real universe emerged from the solo campaign. The bestiary was just as licked with strange animals and eye-catching vessels. Even if this Lylat Wars was not a technical showcase as was its predecessor Starwing in its time, it remained an artistic success that was nice to see. We also remember his remarkable music, works by Koji Kondo and Hajime Wakai, who carried the player throughout the adventure. Some of them have simply become mythical. To stay as part of the soundtrack, the characters talked a lot during the levels, giving advice or asking for help in some cases. We could then take advantage of voices in English or Lylate, the local language which moreover resembled very gibberish.
In terms of gameplay, the title mainly consisted of a rail-shooter in which we could accelerate or decelerate with our Arwing thanks to a gauge provided for this purpose. If it was possible to deviate slightly from the original path, it only served to kill enemies at the edge of the screen. On the other hand, certain passages of the title let us fly freely in an arena, allowing us to take full advantage of the quick turn around and looping. Confrontations that put a little diversity in the action. We also note three more original levels in which we piloted the Landmaster tank and the Blue Marine submarine. Whatever the vehicle, there was always the possibility of making the famous Barrel Roll, a rolled ball that deflects all enemy fire for a short period of time. But Starfox 64 was best known for how it rewards good players. Indeed, a scoring system gave us additional points when we killed several enemies at once, either with a loaded shot, or with the bombs found along the way. We could thus obtain medalists and unlock bonuses, such as an Expert mode for example. In addition, in some missions, we could perform additional sub-missions whose success affected our journey to the planet Venom. By taking the hardest way, we got the real end.
But now that we have briefly detailed Starfox 64, let's talk a little about this 3DS remake and its contributions. First of all, what is obvious is the rather impressive visual overhaul that makes us discover the game from a new angle. Each new planet causes wonder, especially thanks to the effects on water or lava. If the structures and enemies have kept a small cubic side, just replay the N64 version to realize the difference. In addition, the 3D effect is really well managed and makes immersion a lot easier, especially in the level of the asteroid belt. If we can congratulate ourselves on this first good point, we are all the more happy when we see that the gameplay has been perfectly adapted to 3DS. It only takes a few seconds to get started with the Arwing, which is important when you know that the game is significantly faster than on Nintendo 64. If you feel like it, you can even use the console's gyroscopic functions to rotate the screen and look sideways. The contribution in terms of play is rather anecdotal, but it should appeal to the youngest.
On the other hand, it is important to note that the game seemed easier to us than the original version, so much so that we tried both to get a real idea. In fact, it is the ease of control that helps the player do better in most situations. Nothing very serious in the end, but it must still be reported. Of course, that doesn't help with the main flaw of Starfox 64: the lifespan of its campaign. Indeed, and this even when taking the most difficult route, you should see the end screen after an hour and a half at the most. Since it takes only three parts to make all the planets, you will quickly go around, especially since not losing life is not necessarily a feat. That said, trying to collect all the stars requires technique, precision and reflection on the procedure to follow as well as learning "by heart" of each level, which may occupy the scorers for a little while.
In this regard, a new mode is emerging which allows you to do any level already done history to train on it at will. It is devilishly practical because to remake the same planet several times in the campaign, you had to lose lives. But the mode that really took a facelift with this new version is undoubtedly the multiplayer, always playable with four. Not only can you make many adjustments to adapt the rules to your desires, but new items are available in races, such as missile salvos or protections. It is also possible to play it alone, accompanied by bots. If the first parts are pleasant, especially for several, water has flowed under the bridge since 1997 and the added choices are not enough to fill the hole. But what is most lacking is undoubtedly an online mode. Indeed, you will only be able to play together with friends close to you, which drastically reduces the possibilities when you know that 3DS did not start the century. Bad point.
Since we are in the radius of the defects, we must also note the surprising choice of the editor not to offer us dubbing in lylate. Fortunately, you can choose your language (French, English ...) by modifying the 3DS parameters. The quality of the dialogues will be left to everyone's judgment, but aficionados will necessarily be shocked. In the end, like Ocarina of Time 3D, this remake of Stafox 64 is a very good initiative that brings an excellent game up to date. The graphics are rather impressive and the pleasure is always present thanks to refined maneuverability. However, we might have liked some small novelties to compensate for the short lifespan, and if the additions to the multiplayer mode are welcome, the absence of an online mode is quite regrettable. However, and especially if you like scoring, we still recommend the purchase of this finely constructed title, whether you have known the original version or not.
The notes
Graphics 15/20
The visual effects on the sets are quite successful and it is difficult to recognize the original episode at times. Whether it is the bestiary or the environments, we go from one extreme to another the space of a level.
Gameplay 18/20
From the first seconds, we are perfectly comfortable with the controls. No frivolous gadgets, the essentials are there. The combo system requires more thought and timing than real technicality, and you will need to know the layout by heart to make the best scores. Whether rail-shooter or arena, everything remains perfectly accessible from start to finish.
Lifetime 12/20
At the time of its release, Lylat Wars was already known for being short. You can imagine that in 2011, that has not changed. Even if collecting medals on all planets can be very complicated, additional missions would not have been too much. If the multi wins in options, it is unfortunately not provided with online mode.
Soundtrack 14/20
The music has not aged and is still having an effect. Each sound is perfectly worked and the airs of space opera are numerous.
Scenario 13/20
A very difficult criterion to note. The basic story is as neutral as possible even if you don't expect much from this kind of game in general. However, we are easily carried away by the many dialogues that give life to the whole during the game, especially with the presence of the StarWolf team.
As a remake, StarFox 64 3D is a very good surprise. Far from being satisfied with a smoothing of the graphics, the whole visual aspect has been completely revised, without distorting the original project. The title is always as pleasant to play whatever the situation, which remains the sign of the big ones. However, those who are not fans of scoring will find the lifespan quite short, and the lack of online mode may put off some.
0 comments:
Post a Comment