Star Fox: Assault

 GameCube
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 140 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 108 out of 140
  2. Mixed: 24 out of 140
  3. Negative: 8 out of 140
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  1. DarthRevan2552
    Sep 5, 2013
    9
    First off, I want to get something out of the way. I have constantly heard people bash the land segments in this game due to poor controls. I agree that the default control scheme is balls, but if you change it to the twin stick control scheme, everything is fixed. With that said, this is a fantastic game. The story is greatly executed, the characters are more believable than in previousFirst off, I want to get something out of the way. I have constantly heard people bash the land segments in this game due to poor controls. I agree that the default control scheme is balls, but if you change it to the twin stick control scheme, everything is fixed. With that said, this is a fantastic game. The story is greatly executed, the characters are more believable than in previous Star Fox games, the voice acting is good, the gameplay is fun whether you are on foot, in the seat of an Arwing or at the controls of a Landmaster tank. And, to top it all off, it's easily one of the best looking games on the Gamecube, next to Resident Evil 4 and Star Fox: Adventures before it. While the campaign is rather short, it has a good amount of replay value with medals to earn and collectables to find. If you have a Gamecube, and are a fan of the franchise, pick this game up.… Expand
  2. GamecubeLover
    Jul 13, 2016
    8
    Star Fox Assault isn't as good as the other games but it still has the replay value that every star fox game has! Still has good controls and great graphics so this one ain't bad!
  3. truthbringer
    Jul 7, 2016
    8
    StarFox Assault was and is an underrated gamecube gem, one of my favorites even, and probably my second favorite StarFox game behind StarFox 2. The handling on-foot wasn't great, but it doesn't ruin the game, and the Arwing and Landmaster gameplay were both outstanding, definitely wish I could see more of that in future games. It's an easy 8.7/10

    The in-story cutscenes look spectacular    StarFox Assault was and is an underrated gamecube gem, one of my favorites even, and probably my second favorite StarFox game behind StarFox 2. The handling on-foot wasn't great, but it doesn't ruin the game, and the Arwing and Landmaster gameplay were both outstanding, definitely wish I could see more of that in future games. It's an easy 8.7/10

    The in-story cutscenes look spectacular even by today's standards, and has probably the best, and most solid storyline in the StarFox series, taking us back to SNES-era seriousness, it expanded on all of the characters and made them seem like more than cartoon tropes like in 64 or Adventures.

    The soundtrack was outstanding, one of Nintendo's best ever, but the soundscape/audio wasn't great, it sounds VERY underwhelming next to great visuals, design and music. Some of the voice acting is very good, and some of it is almost cringeworthy.

    I'd say the game stands on equal grounds with 64, and is the best true sequel to the series, (to be released officially that is), I hope Nintendo can learn from Assault, StarFox 2 and more recently SFZero and give us a game that pushes the series to the future, and add more characters, please.

    The multiplayer is spectacular, one of the best on GameCube next to Smash Bros Melee and MarioKart DD, but is a little underbalanced at times, Fox and Krystal are well rounded, Falco's got VERY low health even for a speedster, and Slippy's oddjob with extra health, Peppy is vulnerable most of the time except for his blaster, and Wolf is incredibly overpowered.

    The Arwing flies like a dream, probably the best aircraft I've ever used in a video game, and the LandMaster was for its first time a REAL Tank, but it was fast and maneuverable, a graceful machine that's super fun to run enemies over, or blast them with the beam cannon, definitely need more of that in the series.

    a spectacular underrated masterpiece that although is NOT perfect, is still an outstanding game worth its salt. and for the facts: the majority of the game is spent in the Arwing, and then LandMaster, and then onfoot in that order for people who say you spend 60% of the game on-foot or whatever bullcrap    … Expand
  4. sdc
    Jun 24, 2015
    10
    Incredibly underrated; they do something different, fanboys will hate in every way shape or form. I don't give a damn about your nostalgia boners; it's different, unique, and still fun. I don't care if these foot sections reappear; I'm more than happy with them. Throw in a pre-apocalyptic atmosphere, amazing Arwing sections, graphics that'll knock your socks off, and an orchestral scoreIncredibly underrated; they do something different, fanboys will hate in every way shape or form. I don't give a damn about your nostalgia boners; it's different, unique, and still fun. I don't care if these foot sections reappear; I'm more than happy with them. Throw in a pre-apocalyptic atmosphere, amazing Arwing sections, graphics that'll knock your socks off, and an orchestral score that packs a punch; we have what I believe to be Star Fox' greatest adventure. 64 not withstanding.… Expand
  5. choopy
    Mar 27, 2012
    9
    i don't see how people can hate on this game. this game is the most advanced star fox game yet. it had a great story, some slight humor the boss battles were great, if only the game was longer. also, i liked the on land levels. they make good multiplayer.
  6. MIDP
    Aug 10, 2013
    7
    I do not understand why people complain so much about this game.
    This is a great Star Fox game, I have only played the 64 remake on 3DS along with the SNES one.
    It is by far better than the 64 one. The combat on foot is a lot of fun, and multiplayer is GREAT!

    7 out of 10, since it could be longer.
  7. AndrewC.
    Feb 20, 2007
    5
    I absolutely love Star Fox and Star Fox 64. I absolutely hate this game. What went wrong? Well let's see here...Star Fox is supposed to be a SPACE SHOOTER, not some half-baked third-person shooter. The only redeeming quality in this game is the flight stages, but even those don't live up to the SF name. A truly disappointing effort in almost every way.
  8. BReilly
    Feb 4, 2005
    0
    Worst Star Fox game ever. Huge disappointment.
  9. AB
    Feb 18, 2005
    4
    Recently Namco has been doing very well in making great games for the GameCube, so what happened here? Star Fox: Assault is a devastating disappointment that shouldn't bear the Star Fox name, the Nintendo logo, or anyone's time. The game is short. The game is dull. The game is boring. The only good things about Assault are the good graphics and nice music and sound effects. But, Recently Namco has been doing very well in making great games for the GameCube, so what happened here? Star Fox: Assault is a devastating disappointment that shouldn't bear the Star Fox name, the Nintendo logo, or anyone's time. The game is short. The game is dull. The game is boring. The only good things about Assault are the good graphics and nice music and sound effects. But, then again, those aspects aren't as important as gameplay. Basically, they failed on the parts that mean something and did a decent job on those that don't.… Expand
  10. StarfoxRoxYurSox
    Jan 31, 2006
    10
    It pwns, multiplayer is awesome, i dont no y u dissapointed ppl thught it was going to be Halo, but it works for me. Ill bet all you "dissapointed people" play xbox anyway
  11. JoshuaH.
    Sep 15, 2006
    0
    I'm glad I just rented this game. It's an insult to the entire Star Fox franchise in its entirety--even worse than SF Adventures. I completed it in less than 4 hours--and there was no incentive to go back and relive it all again like SF64 (which had multiple paths you could take). I cannot believe Namco. They have let down Star Fox fans everywhere and SF should be totally I'm glad I just rented this game. It's an insult to the entire Star Fox franchise in its entirety--even worse than SF Adventures. I completed it in less than 4 hours--and there was no incentive to go back and relive it all again like SF64 (which had multiple paths you could take). I cannot believe Namco. They have let down Star Fox fans everywhere and SF should be totally forgotten in the closet of bad games (including E.T. for the NES). It's a shame Star Fox Command had to pick up where this storyline left off, because they practically sent it spirally down into a sewage system that smelled of poor gameplay and storyline. Do yourself a favor; screw Namco and pick up Star Fox Command in its stead.… Expand
  12. Bathmat
    Sep 13, 2011
    4
    Bloody hell. This is not good. What started off as a classic space shooting franchise has now turned into half-arsed cross-over attempts. I do admit the graphics are very good and Krystal and Wolf's voices are pretty much bang on, all other voice actors didn't seem to care, even Grant Goodeve, who did a very good job of voicing Team Fortress 2's Engineer. The game is too short, PantherBloody hell. This is not good. What started off as a classic space shooting franchise has now turned into half-arsed cross-over attempts. I do admit the graphics are very good and Krystal and Wolf's voices are pretty much bang on, all other voice actors didn't seem to care, even Grant Goodeve, who did a very good job of voicing Team Fortress 2's Engineer. The game is too short, Panther should die in a fire, somebody should teabag the on-foot missions, the controls in the in-flight modes appear to be made to feel like balsa wood and just simply, it's no fun. If the franchise keeps on going at this rate, another beloved franchise will fall into a pit of lost dreams and hopes. Thanks a lot Namco.… Expand
  13. oblivion2011
    Jul 3, 2011
    5
    I've lost all respect for Star Fox when they released this game. I wanted to feel the old school Star Fox while i played this game, but the bulky mechanics and downgraded vehicles was a sad panda. And once again, the romance between the two foxes were very distracting to the game itself. I hope to see Star Fox 64 material soon...
  14. plotlesviolence
    Jan 1, 2016
    2
    OVERVIEW = 2
    A 3D Corridor Shooter.
    Star Fox 64 is possibly my favorite game of all time. It was the first game to have constant voiced characters talk to you throughout the missions, the first to offer any kind of touch feedback, looked amazing and controlled perfectly. 8 years later, Star Fox Assault is a pile of garbage. Seriously, it’s like a design document for how to ruin sequels.    OVERVIEW = 2
    A 3D Corridor Shooter.
    Star Fox 64 is possibly my favorite game of all time. It was the first game to have constant voiced characters talk to you throughout the missions, the first to offer any kind of touch feedback, looked amazing and controlled perfectly. 8 years later, Star Fox Assault is a pile of garbage. Seriously, it’s like a design document for how to ruin sequels.

    PRESENTATION = 3
    It looks bland, like Metroid crossed with Halo. N64 graphics had a certain charm because the low-polygon count meant developers had to apply aesthetic creativity to construct shapes. Graphics are sharper now, but look worse. And, aside from the space level, all of the environments are boring. There’s nothing as in SF Assault as amazing as the N64’s Solar (i.e., the surface of the sun), no underwater levels, no videogame remakes of famous movie scenes (SF64’s Katina mission was essentially a better Independence Day videogame than the official one). The explosions lack weight and there are no physics.
    The plot is unwatchable but skippable. Star Fox 64’s only flaw was the unskippable entry and debriefing cutscenes before and after each mission, and I’ll grant that Star Fox Assault does at least let you skip these. That is the only way in which Assault has improved upon its predecessor.

    MECHANICS/CONTROL = 0
    Star Fox 64 was one of the few flight combat games I liked, because most games in that genre are all about achieving homing missile lock-on. SF64 was one of the few games where the machine gun manual fire mattered just as much.
    Step 1 of ruining the best game ever made was screwing up the previously perfect vehicular controls. Back in the N64 days, when there were no post-release patches, developers had to get the “feel” of a game right the first time. SF Assault’s movement feels wrong; in particular, the vertical movement speed feels too slow. It gets even slower when you brake, which is bizarre, because you should be turning FASTER when you brake. Even weirder, the vertical movement speed starts off just slightly too slow, and then after the first level it gets even slower even when piloting the same aircraft. It also feels like it takes too long to achieve homing lock-on.
    But that’s just the Arwing spaceship. The Landmaster tank has been totally ruined. You no longer control the left and right jump-jets separately, and the aiming is all off. I would have played an entire game based on just the SF64 Landmaster levels, but the SF Assault Landmaster is unplayable.
    There’s no submarine in this game, a nice change of pace in SF64, but not my favorite.
    But Step 2, the absolute worst design decision possible, was to make most of the game a third-person on-foot shooter. You’re flying only 1/3 of the time (some of the on-foot sections supposedly let you jump into an Arwing, but only in areas without enemies). That wouldn’t be so bad if the on-foot sections didn’t have the worst implemented controls ever coded. You move slow, with tank controls (i.e. turning instead of strafing), and you aim slower. It’s like an early Resident Evil game, except the enemies attack as if it were an action-FPS.
    Star Wars: Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike made the exact same stumble when it redesigned half the missions to have you play on foot with awful, awful on-foot controls, but at least RS3 kept the excellent vehicular controls from SW:RS2:Rogue Leader. The GTA series ruined their vehicular controls when moving from the Playstation 2 era to GTA IV, but at least GTA IV compensated somewhat by making it a decent on-foot shooter, and GTA V now drives okay. Star Fox Assault is just ruined its flight combat for nothing, and added on-foot sections so horrible that those levels are literally unplayable to me. I only got through it by using someone else’s save file and playing only the flight levels.

    DESIGN = 2
    The flight levels are okay at best, never as great as the SF 64 levels. And, sadly, there are only 4 flight missions out of the 10 total levels. The last level is unreasonably difficult, even on “easy”: lots of cheap hits and no healing items. Also, you never get to fight Star Wolf, this series’ main antagonists. They show up, but completing the missions always means ignoring them and going for the critical targets.
    The game is just a mess, through and through. How hard would it have been to make a decent sequel? Take the same exact mechanics from Star Fox 64, without tweaking, and build more levels? Maybe improve the graphics? I realize that sounds like releasing an expansion pack as a sequel, but my point is that that should be your starting point. No one who enjoys video games can hold the Gamecube controller with SF:Assault running and deny that it feels awful compared to its 8-year-old prequel.
    Instead of a true sequel, the world got Star Fox Adventures, a Zelda clone in Star Fox clothing, and then this. Maybe Nintendo keeps rereleasing the N64 classics on modern handhelds because they’ve given up on ever doing better.    … Expand
  15. Scott
    Feb 27, 2005
    9
    There's a really weak trend as of late when reviewers take a look at a new game. They tend to focus on the things the game didn't do. There's no LAN support, no online support, and it's a linear game. All the star fox games are linear, with the exception of a couple small deviations in paths in the original two games. There is nothing wrong with this game. The controls There's a really weak trend as of late when reviewers take a look at a new game. They tend to focus on the things the game didn't do. There's no LAN support, no online support, and it's a linear game. All the star fox games are linear, with the exception of a couple small deviations in paths in the original two games. There is nothing wrong with this game. The controls (like metroid prime) take a bit to get used to. Afterwards it becomes very easy to play, and I actually love the landmaster. The low reviews for this game is just another attempt by video games reviewers to knock nintendo down a couple notches for not being sony. Has anyone even tried multiplayer? There's almost no comments on that. I think everyone is so caught up in playing online they've forgotten they have real friends and it's way more fun to play with three of your good friends. Much more so than playing with a bunch of 14 year old kids on Xbox Live. For all the people who cherish online play and don't remember what it's like to have fun playing video games, rent it at least. You might be surprised. But for the rest of us, who miss the days when games were fun, buy it, you won't be dissapointed.… Expand
  16. BenK.
    Feb 3, 2005
    10
    OMG THIS RULES!!!! If it isn't broke why break it? Star Fox didn't need to be free roaming because it's Star Fox. IGN sounds like they expected Grand Theft Star Fox ,rather than a classic title that builds on what captivated audiences in the first place. This is an all around fun game that most everyone can enjoy over and over again.
  17. EdgarB.
    May 13, 2005
    10
    Great Game. People complain that it is short, but yet again think about it people. Every StarFox was short but good! Good story thats different from Andross usual. AWESOME AND ADDICTIVE MULTIPLAYER. You can use Arwings, LandMasters, and walk on foot with an array of weapons and switch between them all. A pretty good bit of unlockables playing VS mode matches. ALl in all a great game.
  18. MylesP.
    Jul 6, 2005
    8
    Star fox is ok in all, but i could not find a computer mode in the multiplayer section. this game is sorta like halo and halo2 because of the type of vehicles you can hop on and come out of. I hope they come up with another star fox with computer mode in the multiplayer section and more weapons and vehicles you can use in the game.
  19. meyeah
    Apr 5, 2007
    7
    This game was ok but it should have been in first-person and they should have gotten rid of teh lock on with evrey gun.
  20. DerekH.
    Feb 18, 2005
    9
    I really enjoyed star fox for snes and i loved star fox for 64. so i expected a bad ass star fox for game cube. i was wrong, star fox adventures blew chunks. it was like playing a sorry zelda. i hated it!!! but it seemed like they finally got it back together with star fox assault. the running around part wasn't too hot, but it was still fun. the arwing and landmaster kick ass!! i
  21. RogerC.
    Feb 28, 2005
    9
    An excellent game, who's only fault is the length. Don't base your purchase off of the average "71" score. This starfox is much like starfox64, tons of action, amazing graphics, and solid voice acting.
  22. NintendoPSBox
    Feb 6, 2005
    7
    It's a decent game, but not as impressive or good as Metroid Prime 2 or Ratchet and Clank 3.
  23. Diego
    Mar 13, 2005
    9
    I dont know why you hate this game.The on foot missions are pretty fun and the controls rock. I love this game and I think that this game is the best in the series.
  24. PaulW.
    Mar 4, 2005
    9
    This game is great! If there were more missions i would give it a 10. I believe that this game is clearly underrated. I looked at some of the reviews and they just kept on saying it is a so-so game. The multi-player is excellent, and the space grahics are NICE! The Arwing and Landmaster are awesome. Walking is so-so. And about the no online, it's better playing games against friends. This game is great! If there were more missions i would give it a 10. I believe that this game is clearly underrated. I looked at some of the reviews and they just kept on saying it is a so-so game. The multi-player is excellent, and the space grahics are NICE! The Arwing and Landmaster are awesome. Walking is so-so. And about the no online, it's better playing games against friends. Online there's some people who play a game so much and so often that they are masters, but have no life. I'd rather go without online.… Expand
  25. BenG.
    May 28, 2005
    6
    Honestly, this game is just above average. It has good flying missions, mediocre on-foot missions, mediocre multiplayer, and a retarded story. Not nearly as great as the epic Starfox: 64. Just buy something better that Nintendo has to offer, like Resident Evil 4 or Metroid Prime.
  26. YoYo
    Jun 27, 2005
    9
    This game rocks. I thought that they should've put a co-op in the story mode. That would've been cool. Anyways, this game I definetly recomend to people who have or havent played a Star Fox game. The multiplayer i awesome. I'm sort of glad there is no online, because I like to play with someone I know like my friends. Great game, get it if you dont have it.
  27. NessaA.
    Jul 23, 2006
    9
    I love this game, especially the multiplayer mode. I know it's short, but the graphics and gameplay make up for it!
  28. Guy!
    May 24, 2007
    7
    This game has the best sci-fi concept since star wars. The special affects threw me and the game was almost too exciting. The third person shooting on foot is a good idea, but the weapons on foot are almost as stupid as the gadgets on spy kids. Also, the lame anime junk has got to go. On the whole, definently worth playing.
  29. Puffy
    Nov 22, 2005
    6
    star fox assut is more like the n64 n super nintendo versions of the game .. its ok .... but really not as good as star fox adventure...the mutlyplyer aspect is pretty fun... but it is easy to get lost... the missons are ok... lot of the ground missons remind me of star wars... the sounds n all.....u can tell it even the look of star fox reminds u of star wars on the ground ....i like star fox assut is more like the n64 n super nintendo versions of the game .. its ok .... but really not as good as star fox adventure...the mutlyplyer aspect is pretty fun... but it is easy to get lost... the missons are ok... lot of the ground missons remind me of star wars... the sounds n all.....u can tell it even the look of star fox reminds u of star wars on the ground ....i like star fox adventrue better...but if ur lookin for a flyin game like the n64 n super nintendo one this one has it ......but ito me i really didnt like it .... i rent this first if i were u ......i boarrowed from a friend for few days ....its just a average game.. nothin speaial.… Expand
  30. FoxMcCloud
    Mar 15, 2005
    8
    Star Fox: Assault is a very fun game. It is a bit short, but almost all of the levels are fun enough to enjoy several more times on different difficulty settings and trying to get new medals. The multi-player is a blast with about twelve different weapons, all of which fill their own niche. The weapons are fairly well balanced and while none of the weapons are obsolete, some are obviously Star Fox: Assault is a very fun game. It is a bit short, but almost all of the levels are fun enough to enjoy several more times on different difficulty settings and trying to get new medals. The multi-player is a blast with about twelve different weapons, all of which fill their own niche. The weapons are fairly well balanced and while none of the weapons are obsolete, some are obviously better than others. The game would have much better replay value though if it had bots in the multi-player and coop in the story mode. That and the fact that it's short are my only three knocks against it. It is for most a good purchase, especially if there is another person you can play against regularly. The multi-player is really what will keep it entertaining months after you get it.… Expand
  31. hagelt18
    Jun 7, 2011
    9
    I'm baffled by how low of a score this got. Star Fox Adventures was an awful Star Fox game (note it wasn't a bad game generally speaking). This game lived up to my expectations as to what a star fox game should be. The Arwing and Landmaster controls feel very familiar and I had no trouble adjusting to them. Since it was extremely difficult to unlock the On-Foot mode for multiplayer inI'm baffled by how low of a score this got. Star Fox Adventures was an awful Star Fox game (note it wasn't a bad game generally speaking). This game lived up to my expectations as to what a star fox game should be. The Arwing and Landmaster controls feel very familiar and I had no trouble adjusting to them. Since it was extremely difficult to unlock the On-Foot mode for multiplayer in star fox 64 (yes, that exists...) I only got to try that out a little bit. But it wasn't too far off from what they had in this game when you were on foot. The single player story, while not as good as star fox 64's, was very enjoyable. As a star fox fan I felt very gratified when I finished it. I actually thought it was a bit long for a star fox game, but it wasn't too long that you couldn't play through it in a sitting. This is important because with the first two (released) star fox games they have high replay values and play more like arcade games.

    In short, if you are a fan of star fox or simply a fan of 3rd person rail shooters....you should check this game out.    … Expand
  32. BasilZero
    Apr 28, 2018
    8
    Game: Star Fox Assault
    Genre: Shooter
    Developer: Bandai Namco Publisher: Nintendo System: Gamecube (GCN) Year of Release: 2005 Length of Playthrough: Total Score: 85/100 Value Score: 8.5/10 • Story: 8/10 • Characters: 9/10 • GamePlay: 9/10 • Graphics: 8/10 • Sound: 10/10 • Music: 9/10 • Length: 4/10 • Replay Value: 9/10 • Player Value: 9/10 Pros +10 missions which    Game: Star Fox Assault
    Genre: Shooter
    Developer: Bandai Namco
    Publisher: Nintendo
    System: Gamecube (GCN)
    Year of Release: 2005
    Length of Playthrough:

    Total Score: 85/100
    Value Score: 8.5/10

    • Story: 8/10
    • Characters: 9/10
    • GamePlay: 9/10
    • Graphics: 8/10
    • Sound: 10/10
    • Music: 9/10
    • Length: 4/10
    • Replay Value: 9/10
    • Player Value: 9/10

    Pros
    +10 missions which splits between foot missions and Arwing missions
    +Versus mode which allows multiple players to play against each other
    +Full fledged voice acting and a lot of cutscenes
    +Ability to replay missions and to do survival mode on missions
    +Ability to use multiple weapons and the landmaster tank
    +Great remixed OST

    Cons
    -Very short (3-4 hour campaign)
    -Foot missions can be tedious involving backtracking and fetch quest like objectives
    -Foot mission gameplay mechanics a bit sloppy    … Expand
  33. andrewrox
    Apr 19, 2012
    10
    i bought this game yesterday and i wasted months trying to find a copy after the junky one i got off line.....this is yet one of my favorite games...im really impressed...the ground missions and landmasters may be a little challenging now and then but i still find this game fun....this game has a very short appeal it lasted me about four hours in bronze....and te multi player is prettyi bought this game yesterday and i wasted months trying to find a copy after the junky one i got off line.....this is yet one of my favorite games...im really impressed...the ground missions and landmasters may be a little challenging now and then but i still find this game fun....this game has a very short appeal it lasted me about four hours in bronze....and te multi player is pretty good....i can now never stop playing this game...if i could i would give this game a twelve....i highly recomend this game for fun star fox fans....… Expand
  34. savagejoe444
    May 25, 2013
    10
    Its not better than Star Fox 64, but...
    It definitely is an original after StarFox Adventures, adding air and ground combat to the franchise. After this one, I can't wait for Nintendo to make the next Star fox game.
    (Rumor has it its an FPS, which sounds cool!)
  35. Hakuoh
    Mar 30, 2019
    8
    Star Fox: Assault is often seen as one of the inferior games of the Star Fox series, though this is not really justified in my opinion. It's true that it went from the classical rail-shooter style to a hybrid game where you even control Fox himself on the ground. The "orthodox" fans of the series might think that this is the wrong way to design a Star Fox game, but I think expanding aStar Fox: Assault is often seen as one of the inferior games of the Star Fox series, though this is not really justified in my opinion. It's true that it went from the classical rail-shooter style to a hybrid game where you even control Fox himself on the ground. The "orthodox" fans of the series might think that this is the wrong way to design a Star Fox game, but I think expanding a horizon can lead to a good gaming experience, if it's done well.

    For the good points: I liked the story itself and also the way the single levels were designed. You start with a classical rail-shooter mission, followed by alternating on-foot, rail-shooter and on-wing missions (a different kind of rail-shooter where Fox stands on a ship's wing firing). Another positive point is the music. I found the Star Wolf theme particularly good. Graphically the game is quite alright, though you won't find such detailed textures like the characters' fur in Star Fox Adventures.

    The in-game mechanics is where you can surely argue about. While the rail-shooter missions are well done with nice space battles and partly demanding paths, the on-foot part could have been developed a bit better. The Landmaster tank is required to beat certain enemies, and apart from that it helps to avoid unnecessary fire under the foxtail, which can easily happen due to Fox's movement control. Especially the sluggish turning of the vulpine hero gives the foes enough time to tan his hide and scorch his bushy brush with laser fire.
    In some levels, an enemy presence gauge will constantly increase and Fox needs to use his Arwing to get rid of airborn enemies. But in general, the mission goals are to destroy certain targets, sometimes with a time limit or for interception, and to save Fox's tail from ending as a trophy.

    Well-known characters from the original game are in again, as well as some new ones. Their dialogues are sometimes funny and trademark-like, though it often happens that repeated phrases, like when shooting down a single enemy, can be pretty annoying.

    All in all I would say that it's not a masterpiece, but also certainly not a bad game either.    … Expand
  36. motleycruefan
    Mar 12, 2014
    10
    Everything about this game is amazing. It shows heart breaking moments, like with General Pepper, and Peppy, and it is very good, and I love this game, my opinion, its the second best one. Best one is Star Fox Adventures, but this one was just AMAZING!
  37. luisflopez
    Apr 17, 2017
    6
    Star Fox Assault brings the Star Fox franchise back to it's original formula, after the deviation that was Star Fox Adventures. Sadly, it is very far from being a grand return to what made Star Fox 64 so special. Assault is, overall, a mediocre game with many flaws.

    For starters, the game is completely linear and has no map like its predecessor. Which means that optional routes and    Star Fox Assault brings the Star Fox franchise back to it's original formula, after the deviation that was Star Fox Adventures. Sadly, it is very far from being a grand return to what made Star Fox 64 so special. Assault is, overall, a mediocre game with many flaws.

    For starters, the game is completely linear and has no map like its predecessor. Which means that optional routes and secret ways to finish missions are gone. This wouldn't be much of a problem if the game had a decent lenght, but sadly, it is pretty short. The main thing to do outside the main story is local multiplayer, but I never tried it, so I'm not commenting on that.

    The Arwing gameplay is great, and it is the only aspect where Assault feels like an evolution of SF64 (aside from graphics, obviously). The classic on-rails shooting missions are clearly the best parts of the game. But then comes Assault's big novelty: the ground missions, where you control Fox and play like in a third-person shooter. Sounds like a good idea, I mean, gunfights seem totally fitting for the Star Fox universe. But sadly, the controls are terrible, aiming is a pain, and it gets really repetitive after some missions. And ground missions are like half of the game.

    One thing that I really enjoyed about SF64 are the characters. They were all memorable and extremely likeable. The cheesy dialogues in that game were pure gold. Assault's characters feel like a cheap imitation of their former selves. Not only are the dialogues completely forgettable, but the voice actors are pretty unfitting in my opinion. Fox's voice actor in particular.

    At least the game has a nice soundtrack. Most of it consists of remastered SF64 songs, but with a full orchestra, and man are they epic. The new compositions are great as well. Visually, the game looks nice for the most part. The arwing sections are the coolest looking ones.

    For those looking for a classic Star Fox experience, If you can look past the lack of content, the mediocre ground missions, and the poor representations of the Star Fox characters, you might find some satisfaction in playing this game. Otherwise, I wouldn't recommend this game at all.

    Score: 6.5    … Expand
  38. SlyguyReviews
    May 25, 2015
    8
    This is a really fun game ya its not the traditional star fox game with the on foot missions but those are fun too.One big thing people is that its 50% on rails and 50% foot missions which is not true because in almost all of those on foot missions you can get into a landmaster or airwing to help out you friends in the air.Dont get me wrong the game is not perfect when your on foot theThis is a really fun game ya its not the traditional star fox game with the on foot missions but those are fun too.One big thing people is that its 50% on rails and 50% foot missions which is not true because in almost all of those on foot missions you can get into a landmaster or airwing to help out you friends in the air.Dont get me wrong the game is not perfect when your on foot the camara can be a little bit of a pain but that rarely happened to me.The story is very good it has new enemy called the aparoids which are bugs that can take over robots and machines. The story does take some sad moments which im glad they did.when i wrote this its this games 10 year aniversary so happy aniversary.… Expand
  39. blaicefreeze
    Oct 14, 2016
    9
    Why did I give this game a 9/10 (would have given an 8.5 if it were an option TBH) nearly 13 years after this game was made? A lot of reasons, but I will expand in an organized fashion:

    1) The reviews from critics are no longer feasible, nor applicable, that rated the game poorly for price. The game is now chump change (or free if you use dolphin, which enhances the resolution as    Why did I give this game a 9/10 (would have given an 8.5 if it were an option TBH) nearly 13 years after this game was made? A lot of reasons, but I will expand in an organized fashion:

    1) The reviews from critics are no longer feasible, nor applicable, that rated the game poorly for price. The game is now chump change (or free if you use dolphin, which enhances the resolution as well).

    2) The game is not identical to Starfox 64 (different types of combat), and that isn't an issue, because they tried to make something unique, and despite not being perfect, it is well made for several reasons I will continue to expand on.

    3) Different types of combat available in almost every level enables the game to stray away from monotony at every turn.

    4) One of the reasons I enjoy (possibly even love) about this game over a decade later (playing it for the first time mind you), is the fact that the game is NOT EASY. Is it incredibly hard? Mmmm, no I would not qualify it as such, but it is challenging, which is enjoyable to say the least!

    I could continue to expand on the good, but let me give the only reasoning this game fell short of perfect, but can be overlooked for the most part: The controls are not perfect, and sometimes a tiny frustrating, but what do you expect when trying to include so many different forms of combat? The voice acting is sometimes a little meh (except Krsytal, whom is great!). The last complaint is the length of the game, but it is too cheap for that to deter anyone anymore. So enjoy it if you are contemplating on doing it this late—or even later—as I have now.    … Expand
  40. KENXAVI
    Dec 9, 2014
    9
    Love it or hate it, it's my favorite game out of the entire series. Sure, the controls may be annoying and the story may be way too short, but honestly, these things didn't really bother me that much. Despite it's length, The story mode was well made and fleshed out , filled with emotional and epic moments that made me realize that this series can be so much more than just Star Fox 64 overLove it or hate it, it's my favorite game out of the entire series. Sure, the controls may be annoying and the story may be way too short, but honestly, these things didn't really bother me that much. Despite it's length, The story mode was well made and fleshed out , filled with emotional and epic moments that made me realize that this series can be so much more than just Star Fox 64 over and over again. The multiplayer was forgettable in my opinion and I never played it that much (probably because I had no friends). The land segments were awesome despite all the hate it got. I thought they were unique and original. Despite it's flaws, Star Fox: Assault is a great game that was criticized because it wasn't Star Fox 64.5. This was a bold step for this series and I would gladly have a Star Fox: Assault 2.… Expand
  41. HumanAfterAll16
    Jan 19, 2016
    9
    Literally almost everything about this game is just sick epic, from the gameplay itself to the soundtrack, to the story. Actually surpassed 64 as my favorite StarFox, never once regretted the purchase. The multiplayer is a blast too, you'll have trouble finding shooters with similar level of fun in the multiplayer. Just a great, great game. Well done, Nintendo and Namco.
  42. f1_aaron
    Apr 3, 2016
    8
    Thought this was a very decent game. The ground and landmaster sequences are awkward, but the arwing sections are awesome and a good story. But I found this game to be fun to play
  43. TheHero136
    Feb 1, 2017
    10
    I don't know what people have problems with when it comes to this game. Easily, best Star Fox game, I don't care what some 64 nostalgia lovers say. The story is amazing, the missions are fun, and the soundtrack is beautiful. The game is 10 levels long but honestly I think that it holds up well even today because each level is rewarding and fun enough that you want to replay it. Besides,I don't know what people have problems with when it comes to this game. Easily, best Star Fox game, I don't care what some 64 nostalgia lovers say. The story is amazing, the missions are fun, and the soundtrack is beautiful. The game is 10 levels long but honestly I think that it holds up well even today because each level is rewarding and fun enough that you want to replay it. Besides, Star Fox is known for having short stories and being an overall short game. Wish they would make this game for the Wii U and make it multiplayer support. Really missed this game and hope to see it appear sometime in the future. 10/10.… Expand
  44. Focaccia
    Feb 14, 2017
    9
    This game was simply fun! Why do people hate on almost every Star Fox game? this is one of the Gamecube's hidden gems, as everyone played Star Fox Adventures instead of this one, I don't get why though, because Assault is largely better than Adventures.
  45. Noblecookie
    Jan 31, 2018
    7
    So I'll start by saying that this game is good and nothing really more than that, in fact, it's in my opinion a tad lower than nintendo's usual quality with their IP's, though that is of course a high bar to hit according to most people. That all being said, I think this game is underrated to a certain degree.

    Gameplay wise, this game does a lot more to be faithful to the N64 experience    So I'll start by saying that this game is good and nothing really more than that, in fact, it's in my opinion a tad lower than nintendo's usual quality with their IP's, though that is of course a high bar to hit according to most people. That all being said, I think this game is underrated to a certain degree.

    Gameplay wise, this game does a lot more to be faithful to the N64 experience than the likes of command or adventures; ESPECIALLY adventures. But given how simple SF64 was that's not too hard really, all you really need is on rail shooting segments with the occasional all range mode mission in which you're confined to a box instead of a line. Unlike 64 however, assault has far more all range segments than on rail ones, and while the latter is relatively unchanged from 64, the former has received a massive expansion in the form of an interchangeable combat system. On most missions, the player has the option between piloting an arwing, a landmaster or for the first time ever on foot in a third person shooter system. Some people have grumbled about how this was done instead of focusing on the on-rail sections but in my opinion, there's not really much you can do, they're just too simple to be expanded upon. Another large point of contention with this new system is the allegedly clunky control scheme, most notably the method of aiming your weapon when in the landmaster or on foot. Personally I had no issues with the controls, they were easy in fact and not too different from the control scheme in the metroid prime series (which I've yet to see anyone criticize) on top of this, there is an alternate control scheme that apparently fixes the issue for some people so really you'll just have to see. One issue i do have with the aiming is how flimsy the auto lock-on system is. when you're trying to shoot down aerial enemies in the landmaster it's just goes on and off regardless of your distance from the target. The progression of the game is very linear, with you simply going from mission to mission like many 1st person shooters and the length is quite short, you could probably beat the game in one sitting if you played it all afternoon, this is a significant downgrade from star fox 64 which although it had even shorter playthroughs and missions, it also had a multiple choice progression system in which you could undertake missions provided certain conditions were met, some skill based, others being secrets, the end reward based on this progression was a much more climatic final boss as well as just having new content for later playthroughs. This is were assault falls short, although 64 is shorter, it has more content.

    Moving on to the story, first of all, it actually has one that extends beyond the opening cutscene so it's already an improvement over 64 and it's nowhere near as insufferably cheesy as adventures, more coherent too. The story itself can range from meh to entertaining to surprisingly dark and emotional moments. The new enemies introduced in this game aren't anything to write home about, the aparoids as they're called are basically just the borg mixed with the arachnids from starship troopers and beyond about 3 snippets of dialouge, they never really go in depth on them. The characters in this game are great however. They all have far more personality now and have great interactions with one another during missions, particularly the star fox team's interactions with their rivals star wolf. My only complaints lie with Fox and Krystal's characterization and the ending. Fox is just a blank slate, with two brief exceptions. Krystal's character is basically entirely defined by her romantic interest to fox which is just really boring and repetitive. Now the ending, oh god those final cutscenes. Suddenly the dialogue just takes a nose dive and really dumb plot holes begin to arise.

    ending this review on the music and aesthetics. These are both actually the some of the best things about the game. The original soundtracks from 64 have been remade by a full orchestra and the boss battle themes are truly intense, perhaps the most memorable in the series.

    If you enjoyed the 64 title, despite a few grievances and clear downgrades and as long as you don't have nostalgia goggles on, I imagine you'll find some enjoyment out of this game.    … Expand
  46. Satanic_Cabal
    Jun 22, 2018
    10
    I think this is a decent game, and it definitely is underrated. The flaws that do exist in this game are definitely not damning as some users and critics would say, in fact, I don't think such flaws are even much of a distraction. The story is simple, but it does a good job at portraying the emotional situations within the game and it makes sense. The arwing missions are at the previouslyI think this is a decent game, and it definitely is underrated. The flaws that do exist in this game are definitely not damning as some users and critics would say, in fact, I don't think such flaws are even much of a distraction. The story is simple, but it does a good job at portraying the emotional situations within the game and it makes sense. The arwing missions are at the previously established standard of Star Fox 64, I am failing to see how anyone would argue that the arwing missions are even sub-par. The on foot missions are a bit clunky, but they are easily playable and are not a hindrance to the experience, just a minor annoyance that requires a few minutes to get used to.

    The only complaint that I have is that the game was too short, and is that really a complaint of the quality of the game? Is it really a bad indicator of the game that it's so good that I want more of it? I think Nintendo found the perfect formula for the Star Fox franchise during their experimentation phase of this IP. I really hope that Nintendo decides to make another Star Fox installment similar to the style of this one.    … Expand
  47. LylatAce
    Dec 21, 2018
    5
    I believe Star Fox Assault has good qualities about its design. Some of these ideas did transfer to Star Fox Zero, and it did contribute to the Star Fox formula. However, the design of this game is not well thought out. It commits a huge design flaw that most people will never talk about. It combines single player gameplay with multiplayer gameplay. Those 2 forms of gameplay are radicallyI believe Star Fox Assault has good qualities about its design. Some of these ideas did transfer to Star Fox Zero, and it did contribute to the Star Fox formula. However, the design of this game is not well thought out. It commits a huge design flaw that most people will never talk about. It combines single player gameplay with multiplayer gameplay. Those 2 forms of gameplay are radically different and it throws off game balancing. For example: the rocket launcher makes sense in multiplayer, but it gives you no advantge in single player. No strategic value. It’s a half hearted attempt for diverse gameplay. While the rocket launcher is 1 example, it’s the reoccurring theme with every level. Everything is unbalanced. Sometimes people will claim Star Fox Assault is in an entirely different direction from 64, but I’d say that’s objectively false. They just don’t know how Star Fox gameplay works. This is a lot like 64s formula, it’s just the gameplay choices are different. Same formula. The good things about Assault is the half hearted attempt in unique gameplay. Star Fox Zero took this concept, but instead made it cohesive. The gyrowing is different, but it’s balanced for Star Fox gameplay. As was the walker depending on your style of play. That is a by-product of Assault. But none-the-less, this is a very poor game. Even if you master the gameplay. Your growth as a pilot ends too quickly and it begs for more.… Expand
  48. NFZ
    Jul 5, 2021
    9
    Star Fox: Assault is a really fun flight shooter game, it has a great story and a nice challenge. The multiplayer is also fantastic. The game also tries new things by allowing you to fight on-foot and enter/exit vehicles in the map such as Landmasters and Arwings. There are tons of unlockables such as new characters, weapons, and maps for multiplayer, adding a lot of replay value. TheStar Fox: Assault is a really fun flight shooter game, it has a great story and a nice challenge. The multiplayer is also fantastic. The game also tries new things by allowing you to fight on-foot and enter/exit vehicles in the map such as Landmasters and Arwings. There are tons of unlockables such as new characters, weapons, and maps for multiplayer, adding a lot of replay value. The soundtrack is spectacular too and really sets a space opera mood to the game. My only gripe with the game is that the default control scheme is a bit clunky, but the other ones are much better and easier to play with.… Expand
  49. Nocredit2005
    Jun 12, 2022
    10
    This game has amazing game play and story, the difficulty was fair and the game was a perfect length.

Awards & Rankings

47
#47 Best GameCube Game of 2005
4
#4 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2005
5
#5 Most Shared GameCube Game of 2005

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 59 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 59
  2. Mixed: 35 out of 59
  3. Negative: 3 out of 59
  1. Weekly Famitsu
    78
    8 / 8 / 7 / 8 - silver [Vol. 846]
  2. Thunderbolt
    90
    While certainly not perfect – the game is short and could have benefited greatly from LAN or online multiplayer support – there really isn't a more versatile arcade-style shooter for the GameCube system.
    Read full review
  3. DarkStation
    70
    Undone by the clunky and unpolished on-foot missions. Star Fox: Assault is a missed opportunity for the developers to resurrect the series, which means you probably should give this a miss too.
    Read full review
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