My Honest Opinion on Star Fox Zero

[StarFoxMaster64]

Greetings,

 

Star Fox Zero has been in waiting for people for a long time, today is finally the day. Does it live to the Star Fox name? Some critics don't seem to think so, others do. It's been a mixed bag. Honestly I am really loving this game, but I can see where the issues lie. 

 

ANY SPOILERS I WILL PUT HIDDEN

 

CONTROLS

First off and pretty well known to everyone, the controls take a lot of time to understand. I don't think their horrible but they are awkward and take hours of gameplay to really get them down. Once gotten down, they are a bit useful. The idea of moving the targeting around your arwing and taking enemies down in a more open range is awesome. The twin stick is also a little confusing and at times clunky but again, after some time I figured it out and was able to play along. Overall the controls are very awkward so I strongly recommend spending some time getting used to them, after a few levels you should pick up on how they work.

 

STORY

The story is very old time Star Fox related. Basically, it's the Lylat wars. The same story we've known from Star Fox on the SNES, and Star Fox 64. Not much really changes besides the whole portal thing (seen in the trailers) so its very familiar. I like it but I know some other common players wanted something a little more different so again a mixed bag here.

 

GPAPHICS/LEVEL DESIGN

I love these levels. For Star Fox its something new, its something amazing to look at. I literally went back to one level just to look around a little bit. While the planet names are mostly similar to the originals, they definetly gave them a Wii U shine. Sure, its not PS4/Xbox One graphics, but its a damn good transition from past Star Fox games, and it looks great. I think the visuals and the overall good frame rate is amazing. The frame drops here and there but its nothing horrible, DZ posted a video a while back from another Youtuber, at worst its about 45 FPS, maybe a giant explosion in a cutscene it goes to 30 FPS but usually not during gameplay. Overall visually this game is great, at least in my opinion.

 

MUSIC/VOICE ACTING/SOUNDS

The music is quite great. Well put together, uses new and old songs. I think after the music complaints in Star Fox 64 3D they wanted to show they can make an amazing soundtrack and boy did they. I love the music. The voices are much better than in SF643D, they sounded like they actually cared about their jobs. The sound effects are good overall, a couple sounded a little cheap but nothing that makes a major issue.

SCORING/MEDAL SYSTEM

This was actually very important to me. Mainly because Star Fox 64 I loved shooting for big scores. However this game the scoring is different, somewhat. You still get points for each kill but getting those combo kills has changed. It used to be mainly charge shots, but now if you can take down that squad of enemies as quickly as possible you'll get a few HIT +1s, its interesting but it works and its great for those who like to just keep shooting those blasters.

However, I do not like the medal system. It has the old medal scores for levels, but what I don't like is how some of them work, and what is unlocked. I feel like getting these medals isn't as important as past games. Mainly because the medals in SF64 got Expert mode. This one, im not sure I mean maybe its just me but I feel the rewards I got so far have not been very entertaining. I later got my collector's book and checked out all the rewards, they are below for those wondering.

Spoiler

5 Medals = Walker Challenge Mission

15 Medals = Gyrowing Challenge Mission

30 Medals = Landmaster Challenge Mission

50 Medals = Roadmaster Extra Mission 2 (Extra mission one is unlocked via completing the main campaign)

All 70 Medals = Unlock use of the Black and Retro Arwing in Main Game (I think this means you don't need the amiibos to unlock them anymore)

REPLAYABILITY

This is important in any Star Fox game. Does it have Replayability? In my opinion yes, but it's different. As its more of a just level select on the main game. Just pick a planet and go. It's fun to replay levels especially for secrets, but playing the game from start to finish just doesn't have that feeling Star Fox 64 does when replaying. Maybe its because accomplishing or failing a mission in Star Fox 64 felt had more positive or negative consequences, wheras here you can just go back and replay it again. However... SPOILER ALERT BELOW

Spoiler

Beating the main campaign and final boss once unlocks Arcade mode, which is the classic Star Fox 64 branching paths, or as Miyamoto called it "Advanced Mode". 

DIFFICULTY

I think this is another part I love about this game. This game is way harder than past Star Fox games in my opinion. It's much more challenging and keeps you coming back for more. Plus taking alternate paths can make it more challenging but in a fun way, making it a fun shoot em up. 

AMIIBO FUNCTIONALITY

Fox and Falco amiibos work with the game. Unknown if more will be supported in the future but so far, what they unlock as been quite fun. 

Spoiler

Fox Amiibo

Retro Arwing

What I know so far: It redesigns the arwing into the original SNES arwing, and also replaces the charge shot with an unlimited supply of mini bombs. 

Falco Amiibo

Black Arwing

What I know so far: Damage is increased tremendously and can multi-lock (2 enemies at once), however current statistics show its hitpoints are only about less than 40% of the normal Arwing's hitpoints. In other words, a glass cannon.

OVERALL THOUGHTS

After many hours of playing, overall I love this game. Yes it has clunky controls and some other little things could have done better. But they tried to go back to the past and they did. I felt like a kid again playing this and it was a fun adventure. While maybe Nintendo could have included more content, they knew the people wanted one thing, the good old 3D shoot em up, and while they added something new it still feels like Star Fox. I feel critics aren't giving this game a good enough chance, the only thing I can agree with mainly is the awkward controls. Overall, amazing game, I still find Star Fox 64 better but I'd say its #3 in the best Star Fox games (#2 being Star Fox on the SNES). 

 

I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did. 

[Joseph.]

Nice review man

 

[The VGM Lover]

Personally, I never even noticed the drop in framerate until deep into the game, probably because I was too busy focusing on shooting things, so I don't really feel that the drop in framerate gets in the way. If anything, it just adds to the nostalgic value this game is packed with.

[FoxMcCloud]

Well put! i have just started a playthrough of the game and I don't think any write up could have put it as well as you have!

[DZComposer]

I've actually found that I can play SFZ largely like a more traditional Star Fox game. Especially with the motion controls set to only when shooting, which I highly recommend as you won't be constantly smashing Y as stopping shooting will reset your controls automatically. Plus, you can still line-up shots the traditional way in this mode.

That said, you still need to use the gamepad from time-to-time (usually boss fights), and you probably really need to use it to go for high scores, but you can make it through playing more traditionally for most of the game.

[StarFoxMaster64]

52 minutes ago, DZComposer said:

I've actually found that I can play SFZ largely like a more traditional Star Fox game. Especially with the motion controls set to only when shooting, which I highly recommend as you won't be constantly smashing Y as stopping shooting will reset your controls automatically. Plus, you can still line-up shots the traditional way in this mode.

That said, you still need to use the gamepad from time-to-time (usually boss fights), and you probably really need to use it to go for high scores, but you can make it through playing more traditionally for most of the game.

Agreed, I also have it set to motion active when shooting, it makes it much easier to use in my opinion. As for boss fights yeah, especially with the landmaster I felt needed it the most, as well as sector Omega towards the end and the *ehem* final boss. 

[Sideways]

I think I will switch to that mode and get used to it. 

[DZComposer]

I have a tendency to move the controller while I play, so I was having to constantly hit Y and I missed a lot of shots because of it. Shoot-only motion fixed that nicely.