Star Fox Review

published on 01/28/2026.

The title screen. — Star Fox's Title Screen features an Arwing rotating in 3D — very impressive for the Super Nintendo.

When I was a kid I read the Star Fox comics in the Nintendo Power Magazine. Between that, reviews, and the possible TV commercial, I decided I really wanted this game when it came out. Normally my parents would have rented it for me, but on this occasion they purchased it as a gift!

After the excitement of opening my present and seeing the Star Fox team with their Arwings on the box, I happily opened it and slotted the cartridge into my Super Nintendo. There in full 3D was Andross's Attack Carrier and fighters assaulting Corneria, engaging and destroying the defense fighters in orbit.

After the intro the start screen appeared with its heavy dramatic music. Then the control setup with a live Arwing to pilot in the corner. I played the tutorial, and was amazed. There was Fox McCloud under my control, and his wing men Peppy Hare, Slippy Toad, and Falco Lombardi. I tried to fly in formation, shoot cones (keeping them airborne), and fly through rings — all while General Pepper evaluated our performance.

Fox flying in formation with his wingmen — Trying to fly in formation with your wingmates is very challenging.

Enjoyable as all this was I eventually got up the nerve to try the campaign. I was impressed by the rich orchestral music, and details in the map — it even had a shooting star.

I chose Level 1 (the easy difficulty middle path to Venom), and General Pepper briefed us. Then our Arwings scrambled, plunging us into the fight. Enemies came flying from the sides of the screen, and I had trouble shooting them down. What seemed so simple in the tutorial proved very difficult in battle. Many fiery crashes later, I reached the Attack Carrier.

Attack Carrier boss — It took me ages to reach the Attack Carrier, Star Fox's first boss.

The rest of the game proved to be an adrenaline-fueled rush: fire, evade, maneuver, learn how to beat the bosses while enduring many game over screens with Andross's baleful countenance staring back at me, his hands outstretched to seize the Lylat System.

Dancing Insector boss — The Dancing Insector is very graceful, almost mesmerizing.

Eventually I fought my way to Venom, and took Andross down. Victory was exhilarating. Then rolled the end-game cinematic where I was re-united with my wing men in orbit, and congratulated on a job well done. The credits rolled along with another awesome orchestral track.

When I was young, this game seemed like magic. It was one of the best presents I received, and I still enjoy it to this day.