Star Fox: Assault

After Dinosaur Planet, no one knew where the Star Fox series was headed. At least years E3, Fox McCloud looked abysmal, but after a delay in development, this Star Fox rules the universe.

Where else can you find a group of galactic superheroes whose superior shooting prowess rivals their cutesy, cuddly demeanor? In Nintendo's Star Fox, of course, where the traditions of kittenish space combat is resurrected in fine form with Assault.

It's a Zoo Out There

It was delayed for some time, but the reasoning was justified. Star Fox: Assault brings back the classic family-friendly space shooter--departing from Fox's last romp, which was more an adventure game on foot--and you get a barn full of chipperish animals fighting for the well-being of the universe, starring the strong-willed Fox McCloud. It's several years after the Dinosaur Planet incident, and McCloud and his team are sent to destroy a new threat in the galaxy. They'll fight for liberation in space and on land, eradicating weird alien creatures and fellow four-legged creatures like Pigma Dengar and Wolf O'Donnell.

So the story's a bit cheesy, especially when it involves animals that know a thing or two about using killer vehicles and the latest ray guns, but you'll soon forget all of that once you aim your sites on the objectives. Playing as Fox, you'll be ordered to counter-act insurgencies made up of rampaging swarms of nasty browbeaters by using three methods of force: flying an Arwing, driving a Landmaster Tank, or running and gunning on foot. Each option offers the same exciting shooting experience as you lay waste to anything that shoots back. On some levels, you can even switch effortlessly between all three modes, but the true fun lies in handling the agile Arwing. Each time you sit in the cockpit, you're automatically put in the throws of oncoming obstacles and frenzied shoot-outs--it's what a solid arcade 3D shooter should be.

Wishing Upon a Star

What makes this Star Fox even more appealing besides frantically avoiding asteroids and out maneuvering opponents is the outstanding visual presentation. Space never looked so sharp, and the many worlds in which McCloud and his crew travel are rich with vibrant colors and dazzling effects.

Star Fox, however, doesn't achieve complete warp speed. Character voices tend to repeat themselves way too often and controlling the Landmaster Tank is a tedious task. The worst, though, is the inability to command your team. Instead, they aimlessly wander around and continuously need your help to fend off enemies.

Still, Star Fox: Assault certainly delivers. There are tons of missions if you go at it alone, and the multiplayer competitions are ripe with fun. Star Fox's gratifying gameplay makes you know that this is one star that still shines on any Nintendo system.

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