Star Fox 2 Review
Don’t let the splash screen fool you! Star Fox 2 didn’t release in 1996. After being cancelled 21 years ago its finally seen a release on the Classic Mini SNES. Is it the best Star Fox game? No. But its influence fluctuates throughout the series like a ripple in a lake.
To start with there’s no working your way through linear mission paths, like the original; instead you’re presented with a map of the Lylat system. Anytime you move, or battle, time ticks away, your enemies advance. Take too long. It’s game over.
You handpick two pilots from six; once assembled, your rag-tag team must make the choice: assault carriers, destroy planetary bases or take out incoming fighters. Compared to the original the freedom is refreshing; you’ll soon figure out the optimal strategy though.
Transformers
Half of the levels are in 3rd person, where your space-ship can switch between walker and ship modes — you’ll do this a lot, probably while making Transformers sounds.
The rest involve in-cockpit dog fighting; this mostly controls well, but can feel unfair at times. Dodging attacks doesn’t always work — making some feel impossible to avoid.
You can beat Star Fox 2 over a long lunch; upping the difficulty, however, increases the number of enemies, mission types and planets to assault.
Yes, Star Fox 2 looks dated, but considering its age, the mechanics work shockingly well. Although it’s a welcome improvement on Star Fox, its successors unsurprisingly improve the formula more.
Don’t sell your all your possessions to get a Classic Mini SNES. However, if you do acquire one, Star Fox 2 will make you smile — while you save the galaxy.
Format: Nintendo Classic Mini: SNES (reviewed)
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo and Argonaut Games
ETA: Out now
Players: 1
