A Faithful Return That Flies High

Score: 8.5/10

Nintendo’s decision to revisit Star Fox 64 once again may have initially raised eyebrows. After all, this is the franchise’s second remake of the N64 classic and another reboot of Fox McCloud’s battle against Andross. Yet, against expectations, Star Fox (2026) manages to be the definitive version of one of Nintendo’s most beloved arcade shooters.

From the opening mission above Corneria, it’s clear this isn’t simply a visual remaster. Every level has been rebuilt with dramatically enhanced lighting, more detailed environments, expanded cinematics, and an orchestral soundtrack that gives the Lylat System a newfound cinematic presence. The game runs at a buttery-smooth 60 FPS, whether docked or handheld, making every barrel roll and laser blast feel incredibly satisfying.

Gameplay remains remarkably faithful to the original formula. The branching mission paths are back, encouraging multiple playthroughs to uncover hidden routes, bosses, and endings. The Arwing still controls beautifully, striking that perfect balance between arcade accessibility and precision that made Star Fox 64 such a classic.

One of the remake’s best additions is its expanded presentation. Team Star Fox receives considerably more screen time through newly animated cutscenes that give Fox, Falco, Slippy, and Peppy stronger personalities without overstaying their welcome. The updated voice performances and cinematic direction make the adventure feel more cohesive than ever.

Nintendo also introduces a handful of modern features. Online multiplayer allows players to compete in 4v4 dogfights with objectives and power-ups, while a new cockpit aiming mode—designed around the Switch 2’s new control options—adds another way to experience the campaign. These additions don’t reinvent the game, but they provide welcome replay value beyond chasing medals and Expert Mode.

That said, the remake doesn’t escape criticism.

Veteran fans may struggle with the feeling of déjà vu. At its core, this is still Star Fox 64, and while the production values are significantly improved, the campaign remains relatively short by modern standards. Those hoping for a completely new chapter in the series may leave wishing Nintendo had been more ambitious. The redesigned character models have also divided fans, with some preferring the more stylized look of previous games over the newer, slightly more realistic approach.

Despite these shortcomings, Star Fox succeeds because it never loses sight of what made the series special. Every mission is tightly paced, every boss encounter memorable, and every branching path invites another run. It’s a reminder that sometimes excellent gameplay doesn’t need to be reinvented—it just needs to be polished to perfection.

For newcomers, this is easily the best entry point into the franchise. For longtime fans, it may not be the bold new sequel they’ve been requesting for years, but it’s still the most refined and enjoyable version of one of Nintendo’s greatest arcade experiences.

Pros

• Gorgeous visual overhaul with excellent art direction.
• Rock-solid 60 FPS performance.
• Fantastic orchestral soundtrack.
• Branching missions remain highly replayable.
• Fun online multiplayer and new control options.

Cons

• Campaign is still quite short.
• Doesn’t substantially evolve beyond Star Fox 64.
• Character redesigns may not appeal to every fan.
• Veterans may have wanted an entirely new adventure.

Verdict: Star Fox (2026) is a loving modernization rather than a reinvention. It captures everything that made Star Fox 64 a classic while presenting it with contemporary visuals, smoother controls, and just enough new content to justify another trip through the Lylat System. While it may not be the bold revival many hoped for, it’s the strongest the franchise has felt in years.