Star Fox 64 Will Take You On A Galactic Adventure
Star Fox 64
Format: Nintendo 64.
Estimated selling price: $69.95 (includes Rumble Pak).
Category: Space Shooter/ Adventure.
Players: One to four, simultaneously.
Recommended ages: 6 and up.
How the game works: The “Star Fox 64” story takes players on a galactic adventure through the once-peaceful Lylat solar system in an attempt to thwart the evil Dr. Andross from taking control of the universe. The game was created by Nintendo’s legendary video game designer, Shigeru Miyamoto, and is based on his Super NES game “Star Fox.”
Players control Fox McCloud as he journeys on a quest through each of the 15 levels in an effort to free the Lylat system. As with the original adventure, there are three loyal and helpful Star Fox fighter pilots on the mission: Peppy Hare, Slippy Toad and Falco Lombardi. Each wingman uses his own special ability to assist Fox: Peppy can analyze enemy weaknesses and give tips on how to maneuver through each level; Slippy brings along a power meter that can help you destroy the “level boss,” allowing you to jump to the next level; and Falco shows the way to more challenging areas.
The Airwing spaceship is back - now with the ability to perform tricky somersaults and U-turns; and two new vehicles, Landmaster (a ground-to-air tank) and Blue-Marine (a submarine), join the intergalactic action. Up to four players can play on land, sea and air, where key decisions can change the story line.
Good points, bad points: For the first time in a cartridge game, characters can talk to you or each other in real time based on what’s happening in the game. The Star Fox 64 experience is heightened by a Nintendo 64 Rumble Pak - a vibrating motor device that inserts into the controller pak slot. The unit vibrates the controller when a player gets hit, runs into walls, uses turbo or shoots a bomb. The game features dazzling special effects and immense, detailed enemies. If you like the feel of the Rumble Pak for N64, you’ll probably also enjoy Microsoft’s Force Feedback Flight Stick for the PC, due in August.
Tips: Nintendo Power Source has a Web site for the game at www.starfox64.com, which has the latest information, tips, strategies, downloadable video clips and more. In addition, Nintendo Power Magazine has a “Star Fox 64 Player’s Guide” to coincide with the launch of the game. For more information, visit Nintendo’s Web site at www.nintendo.com.
The verdict: “Star Fox 64” begins the first wave of state-of-the-art games shown at June’s E3 software show in Atlanta.