The Final Word game review

StarFox 64 -- Rare

R.I.P.
This game marks the first time I ever really felt gypped by Rare. All through the SNES years I was a staunch Rare supporter. They could do no wrong... I mean let's face it, the Super NES release of Killer Instinct was nothing short of stunning. It was just amazing what they pulled off on that system.

But with StarFox 64, it is clear that the creative mind that drove the company is either dead or busy doing anything but helping keep the company focused.

StarFox 64 amounts to nothing short of a complete rehash of the first game for the SNES. Yes the graphics are fantastic... it is a very nice looking game, but the story arc and level progression is exactly the same... only they apparently removed the story element about Fox's dad. Yeah, the one thing everyone wanted to know about and everyone had assumed the sequel would deal with... was just missing from the game. Why? And why did they can the original character voices?

The only good addition this game provided was the multi-player battle modes, but this alone isn't a compelling reason to buy the game if you've already solve the SNES one to death.

To be honest, the only N64 sequel more disappointing than this was F-Zero 64... and personally, if you're trying to decide on which one to get, I'm almost inclined to recommend the StarFox on the SNES over this one. The first game just has a lot more story atmosphere and personality to it.

(10/2002)