Star Fox

"One of the most groundbreaking games of all time!!"

Starfox came out in 1993, and revolutionised the videogame industry by introducing polygonal graphics and cinematic shoot 'em up gameplay. One of the best things about the games was the way the element of being in control of a fleet of group of rebel fighters was handled, with you being in constant contact with them throughout the game. Nevertheless, the game still remains as THE best SNES shooter to date.

Graphics: 10/10 :- The smooth polygon graphics moving at the then ultra-smooth 15fps combined with stomach churning camera angles astounded many. Many GENESIS owners were understandably jealous at what Miyamoto and Jez San had accomplished with the super FX chip. The bosses look awesome, especially Android at the end. There are a few hints of slowdown here and there, especially when a little extra amount of detail is being handled or when all of your buddies are visible on-screen, but these points are easily overlooked.

Sound: 9.5/10 :- the only reason the sound didnt get a complete '10' is because of the 'blabber' the characters spew out instead of complete sentences. Although this has been rectified in the N64 version, one cant help but think how cool it would have looked back then. Apart from that, the music is awesome, some of the best pumped out of the SNES infact!! The guitar riffs on the CORNERIA stage along with the orchestral scores later on in the game are exemplary!! Plus, the sound effects are adequate, if not outstanding!! Overall, the music is definitely better than the n64 version and some of the best the SNES has to offer alongside DKC2, Contra3, FF6 and Chrono Trigger!!

Gameplay:- 9/10 : The controls may seem a bit sensitive at first, but perseverance will reap benefits. There are 3 path to the ending, wth varying levels of difficulty. The bosses are awesome, some requiring a little bit of thinking to get rid off. A lot of stages require careful manipulation of your ARWING through cleverly designed polygonal obstructions. Overall, a very satisfying shoot 'em up as well as flight experience!!

Bottomline: 9/10 : This still stands as the best SNES shooter and the best SFX chip-based game; i thought that STUNTRACE FX was good, but couldnt reach the lofty heights achieved by Starfox; although the n64 version is great too, the SNES version has that extra something which makes me like it a bit more.....

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/01/99, Updated 11/01/99