Star Fox Switch 2 Review: A Mythical Return, Successfully Pulled Off According to TheGamer

Nearly three decades after the original version of Star Fox 64, this remake on Switch 2 is far more than a simple refresh: it's a reinvention that doesn't betray the title's DNA. Quite the opposite, in fact, according to the TheGamer journalist's analysis. We're still dealing with a frenetic arcade rail shooter, with alternate paths and branching routes that reward risk-taking, along with a density of action and staging worthy of contemporary blockbusters.

Controller in hand, the gameplay strongly benefits from the power of the Switch 2: levels are more expansive, more animated, with more enemies on screen and secondary objectives that encourage scoring and replaying. The more flexible aiming allows players to chain together target locks, skillful dodges, and boost management. The new boss patterns genuinely require reading enemy attacks, particularly on higher difficulty settings, where Challenge mode and Battle mode make their grand return, offering renewed enjoyment through scores, rankings, specific constraints, as well as local multiplayer that evokes those N64 evenings (running far more smoothly than in nostalgic memories of old).

Technically speaking, Star Fox is one of the most beautiful games on Switch 2, crisp in 4K, with a nearly constant 60 fps: the modeling has clearly been carefully crafted, while the abundant particle effects really convey a sense of speed. We revisit many locations across environments that blend iconic planets with new areas, while the art direction leans more cinematic while staying true to the campaign's heroic tone. On the audio side, the gorgeous symphonic OST reprises the iconic themes with great sweeping grandeur, while the fully re-recorded voice acting is just as delightful, further strengthening the attachment to Fox's crew.

While the raw length might seem light for those who stick to the straight path, the branching missions, Challenge mode, and multiplayer mode will considerably extend the appeal. The journalist regrets not seeing any truly radical new ideas in the offering, and finds the learning curve somewhat steep at times for newcomers, but despite these details, this remake stands out as unquestionably the best way to (re)discover Star Fox today.