Star X

"Star Fox this game is not."

I like space shooters, but the genre is growing a bit stale. After the Star Fox series set the picture on SNES, dozens of imitators have galloped in. And the one big problem with Star X is the hardware. Star Fox used a 3D engine that was absolutely phenomenal on the SNES, but nowadays, it's just not as impressive. I mean, seeing a 3D engine on GBA is certainly a nice change but unless the developers can do something with it (like AV did with Super Monkey Ball Jr.) it's just flash.

Star X has a simple controls scheme, but the control itself is awkward. Your ship doesn't seem to aim where you want it to aim, making control incredibly slippery and imprecise. You'll find yourself simply swirling the d-pad around and jamming on the A button like a mental patient trying to hit the latest cluster of enemies. What makes things worse is the awful collision. You'll constant take damage for simply coming close to (but not nearly touching) an obstacle, making dying a very easy thing to do in Star X.

The game uses a 3D engine that looks good on GBA… But, of course, it's only the most basic of 3D. Looks nice, but Iridion 3D (which actually wasn't the terrible game it was made out to be) proved that astonishing visuals can be pulled off in a 3D shooter using sprites and repeating sets. Pop-up is a big issue here, and the ground on most levels seems to scroll faster than the environment around you. Every once in a while, the developers throw in a few 360-degree levels (as opposed to the linear ones you're used to), but they're usually confusing, choppy and cluttered.

When you add in some really boring, repetitive boss battles, a terrible password save system and the fact that the game only uses what seems to be two or three music tracks (at the most), Star X comes out as a pretty below-average game.

Pros

+ 3D engine looks good on GBA.
+ Familiar Star Fox feel.
+ Simple control scheme.
+ There's a training mission if you need it.

Cons

- 3D on the GBA isn't nearly as impressive anymore.
- Awkward ship control.
- 3D engine isn't used to its fullest.
- Repetitive level design and boss battles.
- Bad collision.
- Soundtrack gets on your nerves.
- Password save.

Overall: 4/10

This was an attempt to mimic Star Fox, but even that game isn't nearly as impressive today. Star X is a very boring and repetitive game that intends so much and achieves so little. It's hard to recommend unless you REALLY need a GBA space shooter fix. And even then, if you MUST have a space shooter for your favorite little handheld, then I'd recommend Iridion 3D. It's not the best game ever but it's certainly more fun than this below-average title.

Reviewer's Score: 4/10, Originally Posted: 03/17/03, Updated 08/28/04