Star Fox Zero

 Wii U
User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 767 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 520 out of 767
  2. Mixed: 106 out of 767
  3. Negative: 141 out of 767
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  1. Johnii
    Apr 22, 2016
    9
    It's beyond me why such a big deal has been made out of the controls as I mastered them within about 10 minutes of play time. I wish that there were actual standards and integrity that "professional" reviewers were held by because some of the complaints over controls are absurd. Honestly, if you are having so much trouble with the controls, then perhaps you need to question your skills asIt's beyond me why such a big deal has been made out of the controls as I mastered them within about 10 minutes of play time. I wish that there were actual standards and integrity that "professional" reviewers were held by because some of the complaints over controls are absurd. Honestly, if you are having so much trouble with the controls, then perhaps you need to question your skills as a gamer, or simply just recognize that this may not be the game for you.

    That aside, I had a blast playing this game. It's fast-paced, it's exciting and it's engaging. Which is really all that I ask for in a video game. The inclusion of Star Fox Guard is a nice bonus and that in itself is a fun experience.

    I guess all I can say in summary is that if you're a fan of Star Fox and its style of an on-rails space shooter, then you're going to really enjoy this game. Even the co-op mode is entertaining as it really feels like there are two of you in the ship and I felt that the motion controls were well-implemented.    … Expand
  2. Marty91
    Apr 22, 2016
    9
    Solid mechanics and great gameplay. This is the quintessential remake of Lylat Wars/Star Fox 64 (no matter if Nintendo doesn't claim it is), offering great replayability with different paths and hidden stages, which offsets its relatively short runtime (around 5-6 hours).
    Some smaller grievances I had was the alternative vehicles, like the slow-paced gyrowing, and maybe a little too much    Solid mechanics and great gameplay. This is the quintessential remake of Lylat Wars/Star Fox 64 (no matter if Nintendo doesn't claim it is), offering great replayability with different paths and hidden stages, which offsets its relatively short runtime (around 5-6 hours).
    Some smaller grievances I had was the alternative vehicles, like the slow-paced gyrowing, and maybe a little too much focus on the walker. Even so, most of it is the same, but flashier, great arwing action as back in 1997. A lot of stages in the game are pretty much the same scenarios as the N64 game, but with minor changes; there's a lot of nostalgia playing here in terms of bosses, enemy patterns, and the voicework.
    The new aiming controls can be a little overwhelming at first, but will quickly be mastered, and definitely adds to the overall experience. What's often important is to check the cockpit screen, which I admittedly ignored too much on the first run; this is frequently necessary for precise aiming when using the lock-on view, but you can also easily switch the cockpit view to the TV. While I wouldn't say the motion controls are essential for this type of game, it's clear that this one is designed around it, and you are consistently rewarded for effectively using it.
    Voice performances are much like the N64 game, and for the most part being above par for an English performance in a Japanese game. I would've wished there was a BGM option, as the sound effects can be a bit dominating over the music. Though this is mitigated by lowering the GamePad volume. There is unfortunately no way of getting the voices to come from the TV (that I know), but this wasn't a real issue for me.
    Overall, an enjoyable and accessible arcade-style game that can be played just as well in one sitting and in short bursts.    … Expand
  3. Wulfric
    Apr 23, 2016
    10
    Star Fox Zero proves that classic game design is not fit for a modern game industry, not from any fault of its own, but instead because the gamers of today are entitled, lazy, and casual. If a game is difficult, these people will blame the game for their own failures, and if a game doesnt reach some arbitrary number of hours in length, its somehow worthless. In 1997, Star Fox 64, a rebootStar Fox Zero proves that classic game design is not fit for a modern game industry, not from any fault of its own, but instead because the gamers of today are entitled, lazy, and casual. If a game is difficult, these people will blame the game for their own failures, and if a game doesnt reach some arbitrary number of hours in length, its somehow worthless. In 1997, Star Fox 64, a reboot of Starfox hit shelves at a price of $59.99 and had a completion time of 2 hours, in 2016, Star Fox Zero, a reboot of Starfox hit shelves at a price of $59.99 and had a completion time of 2 hours, yet somehow Starfox 64 was well received and is beloved today, while Starfox zero is maligned.

    I have several issues with this game, but the length of a single playthrough is not one of them, the price is not one of them, and the controls are not one of them. I would have liked to see a multiplayer mode, a better rewards system, and the classic style of map progression. These issues would have me give the game an 8, but thanks to the childish behavior of other reviews from short sighted millennials that have never played a Starfox game before, I feel it is okay to bump the score up in response to their petty, lazy scorings of 0/10, purely because I dont want to see celebrations of golden age design like Star Fox Zero fail.    … Expand
  4. Daveisonline
    Apr 22, 2016
    9
    If there's one thing I want to say to every single reviewer who hated the game for the controls is: "GIT GUD!" Honestly I took my time with the training sequence of this game to familiarise myself with the aiming controls and within the very first mission I had gotten a good grasp of them, by mission 2 I felt like I'd mastered them, and boy does the practice pay off.

    I think where the    If there's one thing I want to say to every single reviewer who hated the game for the controls is: "GIT GUD!" Honestly I took my time with the training sequence of this game to familiarise myself with the aiming controls and within the very first mission I had gotten a good grasp of them, by mission 2 I felt like I'd mastered them, and boy does the practice pay off.

    I think where the controls work the best is in all range mode when you're fighting against Star Wolf. The added adreneline from trying to line up your shots while flying, and avoiding fire is absolutely exhilarating and worth every single dollar I dropped on the game.

    My main complaint with this game is the Zoness level, The Gyrowing really slows down the pace and sometimes it can be tricky to figure out where to go, but aside from that one stage, its high replay value and the insane challenge this game brings. IT'S AWESOME!    … Expand
  5. EFYevan
    Apr 22, 2016
    10
    After all this talk about the controls, I was expecting something totally different - it feels smooth and intuitive - another extremely fun and unique experience from Nintendo! Keep the great ideas coming! Mission Accomplished! 10/10
  6. MetaFoxie
    Apr 22, 2016
    10
    Got used to the controls after 2 days, now they feel like a great thing, with minor exceptions.
    If you like Star Fox games or rail shooters, give it a go and give the controls a couple of hours, you'll enjoy a great game afterwards and finally mastering them feels very rewarding.
  7. DaManWitDaPlan
    Apr 23, 2016
    10
    An amazing amalgamation of the best of Star Fox on SNES and N64. The controls take about 30 mins to get accustomed to. It is bizarre to be that reviewers have slammed this game to a score BELOW STAR FOX ADVENTURES for such a trivial issue.
  8. FernandoStrauss
    Apr 22, 2016
    10
    To begin to take into account the notes that the game has received from the specialized critic... you guys really think star fox deserves only 71? look at the games we have today, look at the amount of games that received more lobe from you... Yes, none of them uses the gamepad.

    The problem is not in the gameplay guys, the problem is the lack of practice of you, I think it's very    To begin to take into account the notes that the game has received from the specialized critic... you guys really think star fox deserves only 71? look at the games we have today, look at the amount of games that received more lobe from you... Yes, none of them uses the gamepad.

    The problem is not in the gameplay guys, the problem is the lack of practice of you, I think it's very obvious that someone who spends all day playing in a DS4 would not be able to give an opinion on a style of play without comparative today and a console that little is said.

    Even Star Fox Guard which is a mini-game was loved more just because does not use controls of movement, what you wish? stagnate the industry? Never evolve into motion controls, evolve only graphs
    Are more impartial the next time. Here you buried a great game on behalf of a nut community of gamers.

    A great getting a tremendous boycott.    … Expand
  9. Lizaerdape
    Apr 22, 2016
    10
    So I played it and I kept waiting for the controls to frustrate me....and that time never came. I mean they are certainly demanding but when I fumbled I knew it was because I hadn't grasped it yet. By stage 3 I was a natural and performing maneuvers that were impossible in other star fox games. It was gripping and intense. I played through the whole campaign in one sitting around 4 or soSo I played it and I kept waiting for the controls to frustrate me....and that time never came. I mean they are certainly demanding but when I fumbled I knew it was because I hadn't grasped it yet. By stage 3 I was a natural and performing maneuvers that were impossible in other star fox games. It was gripping and intense. I played through the whole campaign in one sitting around 4 or so hours. I LOVED IT! I didn't get why I was the outlier? Was I the one? Am I Neo? How did I not struggle with these controls? I guess I have an ability to multitask, experience with other unconventionally controlling games (kid Icarus uprising, wonderful 101), I'm patient and adaptable. There are many like me. There is also those who are not and I challenge them to give something like this an honest try and don't write it off because you don't get it from the start. Push yourself a bit more to try something that demands more of you. Don't ignore this game it's something truly special and it's sad that some are disregarding it. Now back to getting my gold medals......Let's Rock and Roll!… Expand
  10. Smash_RedRyu
    Apr 22, 2016
    9
    I know what people's concern with this game is, the controls. I get it and I understand it. The difference here is that if people give it a chance the game is really fun and one of the best entries in the series. I recommend people to give it a shot to sit down and learn the controls, they actually open up a lot more when you try them out.
  11. manyjavla
    Apr 22, 2016
    10
    The game is awesome. Don't care about what people are talking about it. If you like star fox 64, you will like this too. If you are a wii u owner, you need to try this game.
  12. Greenicey
    Apr 23, 2016
    6
    I'm really sorry, but I have to be honest about this game. It's not good. Simply put, the motion controls do not work. They're a nuisance at best, and unbelievably frustrating at worst. If the game took motion controls out altogether, I would be much more complimentary of it. There really are moments that have that awesome jaw-dropping Star Fox appeal, and the new vehicles are kinda neatI'm really sorry, but I have to be honest about this game. It's not good. Simply put, the motion controls do not work. They're a nuisance at best, and unbelievably frustrating at worst. If the game took motion controls out altogether, I would be much more complimentary of it. There really are moments that have that awesome jaw-dropping Star Fox appeal, and the new vehicles are kinda neat ideas. The stealth sections are a little tedious, but it's a nice change up to the action. Graphically, well it could be better. Textures are really simple, very little detail in the environment, no AA, the effects are good though. The frame-rate also dips occasionally, nothing too game breaking but enough to notice.

    All in all, I really wanted to love the game and in a way I still sorta like it. However the game is weighed down by it's gimmick unfortunately.    … Expand
  13. Batman66
    Apr 24, 2016
    6
    This game should of came out during the launch of Wii U with a price tag of 30$.

    It amazes me how long it takes Nintendo to produce such medicocre titles. If youbare looking for an HD version of Nes 64 Star Fox, with the same options/features they had then, look know further, but bring 80$. There are better games on your phone. There should be much more online features, options,    This game should of came out during the launch of Wii U with a price tag of 30$.

    It amazes me how long it takes Nintendo to produce such medicocre titles. If youbare looking for an HD version of Nes 64 Star Fox, with the same options/features they had then, look know further, but bring 80$.

    There are better games on your phone. There should be much more online features, options, levels, upgrades/stats etc. Nintendo has failed yet again to bringvtheir classic games to the next generation. Imagine Star Fox in a massive open world, pvp, pve, fantastic graphics.....Nintendo had more than enough time and oppurtunity to produce an epic Star Fox title, they blew it.    … Expand
  14. jupter58
    Apr 22, 2016
    10
    The game is awesome. Don't care about what people are talking about it. If you like star fox 64, you will like this too. If you are a wii u owner, you need to try this game.
  15. iMustang
    Mar 26, 2019
    8
    One of the best Wii U games. I have to say this is honestly my favorite Star Fox game they've made yet. Made with the hands of Miyamoto himself, this game does a fantastic job of giving you the intense feel of space combat down to all the sounds and vibrations used by both the game pad and the TV in conjunction with each other. The various vehicles are a lot of fun and give you all sortsOne of the best Wii U games. I have to say this is honestly my favorite Star Fox game they've made yet. Made with the hands of Miyamoto himself, this game does a fantastic job of giving you the intense feel of space combat down to all the sounds and vibrations used by both the game pad and the TV in conjunction with each other. The various vehicles are a lot of fun and give you all sorts of different angles of the universe to enjoy, and lead to some intense (if not often frustrating) boss fights. Having both a 3rd party view and cockpit view was a really cool feature, even if at times the game isn't clear when you're suppose to switch, potentially leading to unfortunate deaths. Another neat feature is having two constant control options, one with buttons and one without (you don't even have to choose, it's always active). There wasn't a lot of story value, but what they did have was really well done and added to the intensity of the game. And given that it's a sort of remake to Star Fox 64, any story value is good. If you have a Wii U and have been skeptical due to mixed reviews, I can definitely assure you this game is a lot of fun and worth trying on your own.… Expand
  16. Pendrodamus
    Aug 20, 2016
    2
    Star Fox 64 this is not. I did not like the chicken walker or gyro copter in the slightest, and the game would be tons more entertaining without them. I sympathize with wanting to try new things, but the thing is that the new ideas need to be comparable to the old ones at least in entertainment value. The chicken walker is useless compared to just letting me have a cool tank with boostersStar Fox 64 this is not. I did not like the chicken walker or gyro copter in the slightest, and the game would be tons more entertaining without them. I sympathize with wanting to try new things, but the thing is that the new ideas need to be comparable to the old ones at least in entertainment value. The chicken walker is useless compared to just letting me have a cool tank with boosters on it. Overall a mediocre experience I wouldn't recommend.… Expand
  17. CanadianYeti
    Jul 17, 2017
    2
    This is one of those rare games that somehow manages to get nothing right. None of the clear love the developers had for the game that was present in past installments is here at all. Instead, this feels like Nintendo flipping the middle finger to their fans and saying “You want your new Star Fox game? Well, here it is! Suck it, nerds!”
  18. Focaccia
    Feb 14, 2017
    9
    I simply don't understand the hate for this game, the graphics were incredible and the gameplay was really fun. The game is pretty short but it has a lot of alternative routes which can make the game last over 10 hours. The boss battle are great and the controls need some time to get used to but are pretty good. This is my favorite Star Fox game along with Assault for the Gamecube.
  19. NiGHTSfan
    Nov 21, 2018
    10
    This game is alot of fun to play i really love the controls theyre alot better and feel fresh and i found my self using the barrel roll alot more than the starfox 64 or starfox assault games. I also really loved the mission where you get to play as peppey and i was psyched to see that i get to play as him and they have alot of elements from the older starfox games like the walker modeThis game is alot of fun to play i really love the controls theyre alot better and feel fresh and i found my self using the barrel roll alot more than the starfox 64 or starfox assault games. I also really loved the mission where you get to play as peppey and i was psyched to see that i get to play as him and they have alot of elements from the older starfox games like the walker mode that from what i could see was originally in starfox 2 which never came out originally until super nintendo classic but they have that feature in the game and its amazing to use. And the story is also really good in my opinion so i give the game a 10 out of 10.… Expand
  20. jincea
    Feb 15, 2017
    10
    logra un gran avance en cuanto a la jugabilidad .. logra explotar al maximo las funciones del mando innovador y entretenido perfecto para pasar el rato y disfrutar de una agradable partida
  21. LylatAce
    Nov 18, 2018
    10
    This is my personal favorite of the Star Fox series. It’s almost been 3 years since it has released on Wii U. I’m writing this review, because it’s critical to objectively gauge what is good about Star Fox Zero. A lot of gamers are emotional beasts and they tend to hallucinate problems that don’t exist. What they think about most irrationally becomes most important. As a long time Star FoxThis is my personal favorite of the Star Fox series. It’s almost been 3 years since it has released on Wii U. I’m writing this review, because it’s critical to objectively gauge what is good about Star Fox Zero. A lot of gamers are emotional beasts and they tend to hallucinate problems that don’t exist. What they think about most irrationally becomes most important. As a long time Star Fox player, I have to lay out what makes Star Fox, Star Fox. This game plays like Star Fox. And that’s hard for people to grasp. The problem I do have with Star Fox Zero is that the gameplay is ambiguous, as it was before on 64. It’s design is spot on, but it leaves many things open to interpretation. That is a design flaw, but it’s my only and biggest gripe. I can’t tell you how old it gets being surrounded by people who know nothing about Star Fox gameplay. Nintendo, this is an easy fix. Look at modern action games like Bayonetta. No ambiguity. It teaches the player how to play. Aside from that... the great stuff: The controls work perfectly but there’s one stipulation. You have to use them as intended to work perfectly, not how you feel like they should be used. Use the game pad strictly for gameplay. And use the TV for strategy. Focus on one screen at a time, not both. People who try to look at both at the same time are morons. The combo system is amazing in Star Fox Zero. It does a great job rewarding the player for ingenuity. And there many well hidden secrets. Secrets hidden in the levels, bosses and secret techniques you can master for alternate routes. This is a strength, but it can be amazingly ambiguous. Example: there’s a third way to destroy the first boss: lead the missiles back into the boss. Very cool, but a kid would never figure that out. Star Fox Zero is riddled with lots of secret objectives. More than any reviewer discovered. The medals do a good job teaching the player the mechanics, however, people look at medals as if they were gold stars in a Mario game. They’re actually Learning tools. And they do teach well. Again ambiguous. The variety in SFZ is quite amazing, the mechanics are too deep to type out, but watch skilled players and you’ll see how much you can strategize compared to previous installments. It’s a lot of control to hone technique and gives ingenuity to your play style. Star Fox’s genre is the action genre. It’s about honing technique and becoming better over time. This idea is lost on many because most of gaming is instant gratification. This is a game in its truest sense that asks you to learn. In the short attention span age we live in, that made this an automatic risk. I think Nintendo did an amazing job with expanding the mechanics from the 64 days and really making Star Fox fresh. I won’t list every little technique and detail, but Nintendo... if you’re listening.... please, quit making Star Fox games amibigious. Teach people how to play so they can appreciate your design choices, when people are unsure of how something works they fill in the blanks with their imagination. People who love Zelda will try to fill in the blanks in the context of Zelda if they can’t figure out the game they’re playing. People who love call of duty will do the same. I can use infinite examples. Again, make future games unambiguous. Hold on to what you have here and grow it. As a pro star fox player, this is objectively good and I think you know it too. One more time: make future star Fox games unambiguous. Communicate your gameplay effectively and conquer.… Expand
  22. SuperWooper
    Apr 29, 2016
    6
    For as long as they'd been working on this game, I was very hyped and hoping that this game was going to be one of the Wii U's top games. After going through the tutorial, I realized that this unfortunately wasn't going to be the case at all. The game is reminiscent to the older Star Fox games in the franchise, but major flaws keep this game from being great.

    Graphics: 8/10 That    For as long as they'd been working on this game, I was very hyped and hoping that this game was going to be one of the Wii U's top games. After going through the tutorial, I realized that this unfortunately wasn't going to be the case at all. The game is reminiscent to the older Star Fox games in the franchise, but major flaws keep this game from being great.

    Graphics: 8/10
    That visuals are great. Nothing eye popping or stunning, but all around appealing. The characters still look a little awkward in my opinion, but still a huge improvement from what they looked like in Star Fox Adventures

    Sound: 9/10
    Great music, good sound effects, decent voice acting. I wouldn't mind owning the soundtrack for this game

    Gameplay: 3/10
    While the air battles remind you a little bit of Star Fox 64, there is one MAJOR problem that this game suffers, the controls. Having to look at 2 screens for a game where you need undivided attention to dodge enemy fire and obstacles is awful. Having to use motion controls along with joystick steering is confusing, nauseating, and feels much less fluent and more out of control than the game's predecessors. Star Fox was NOT meant for 2 screens and it shows in this game. By far the worst controls of any Star Fox game yet.

    Story: 5/10
    Star Fox 64, Ctrl+C , Star Fox Zero, Ctrl+V.

    Fun: 7/10
    Even though the horrible controls hinder the game and take away from the experience, it's not at all a bad game. In fact, I still have fun playing and it reminds me of older Star Fox games. I still enjoy playing this game and I fully intend on playing this game to the end.

    My Final Rating: 32/50 64%

    I like what they were trying to do and I like seeing Nintendo trying to utilize the Gamepad screen more, but it just doesn't work for Star Fox games. Maybe they'll have better luck with Zelda U, which has been delayed AGAIN! This better be one hell of a Zelda game.    … Expand
  23. BlazingLlama420
    May 7, 2016
    9
    I honestly don't know why many people are complaining about the controls. The mechanics are pretty solid and the motion controls can be quite helpful. It took me about 5 minutes to get used to the controls. You can turn them off to an extent but that's only when you're not shooting (that's the setting I use). The best way to avoid using motion controls is to just keep the gamepad stillI honestly don't know why many people are complaining about the controls. The mechanics are pretty solid and the motion controls can be quite helpful. It took me about 5 minutes to get used to the controls. You can turn them off to an extent but that's only when you're not shooting (that's the setting I use). The best way to avoid using motion controls is to just keep the gamepad still while you're shooting. I don't really look at the gamepad a whole lot, but you only really use it for all range mode and the hacking sequences for direct-i.

    I'm currently having a blast with this game so far. If you like Star fox 64 and willing to try something new, then this game is for you    … Expand
  24. Piercey
    Apr 28, 2016
    6
    I really wanted to enjoy Star Fox Zero, and tried a variety of techniques to adjust to the motion controls and dual screen use. Ultimately this became more of a focus of the game than the game itself, even Kotaku noted a great proportion of their review to "How to sit while playing to adjust to dual screens", the answer is basically lying down, so you have both screens in view at the sameI really wanted to enjoy Star Fox Zero, and tried a variety of techniques to adjust to the motion controls and dual screen use. Ultimately this became more of a focus of the game than the game itself, even Kotaku noted a great proportion of their review to "How to sit while playing to adjust to dual screens", the answer is basically lying down, so you have both screens in view at the same time. Once you do this, it does become a lot easier to switch between the two screens, particularly at fast focus moments using the Arwing.
    I'm a huge Nintendo nerd...and really wanted to enjoy this game, but the controls were so frustrating, despite completing the single player campaign a few times across different routes, that it just wasn't fun for me. I think this is the crucial thing, I didn't find it enjoyable.
    Aside from the controls the game itself was primarily nostalgic of Lylat Wars, and that in itself is a good thing. The art style, conversations and gameplay were good, however it seems lacking in terms of new and different aspects that...again...were enjoyable. Yes there were a variety of new vehicles, but it felt like these were almost an after thought as there didn't feature a whole lot in the gameplay. Aside from updated graphics, which still weren't particularly amazing for a 2016 release, it felt to me like Star Fox Zero was an updated reboot with broken control schemes. At first I perceived for the challenge, but I'll say it one more time, in the end it just wasn't fun and the controls interfered with what otherwise could have been a great game.    … Expand
  25. tripenfall
    May 18, 2016
    3
    What can I say about Star Fox Zero? How about a massive missed opportunity? Here you have a game that could have been the spiritual successor to a fantastic game from 19 years ago and what it tuned out to be is a bit of a mess frankly.
    It seems that Miamoto San was so desperate to try to show you why the Wii U Gamepad was a good thing that he threw common sense out the window when    What can I say about Star Fox Zero? How about a massive missed opportunity? Here you have a game that could have been the spiritual successor to a fantastic game from 19 years ago and what it tuned out to be is a bit of a mess frankly.
    It seems that Miamoto San was so desperate to try to show you why the Wii U Gamepad was a good thing that he threw common sense out the window when designing it. The bottom line is this - this game plays worse than its N64 father and by a long way. It plays worse than anything that I can remember Nintendo releasing in a long long time.
    The motion controls need to be calibrated repeatedly.... Like every time you shoot something. It is a solution for a problem that didn't exist in the first place and you fight it the whole game. Also, for a Star Fox game it's amazing just how much of this game sees you in other vehicles. The amount of pure Star Fox in this game is low, and the other vehicles just aren't that fun to play.
    It's rare that a AAA Nintendo title lets me down but this sure is one of those occasions.    … Expand
  26. Nijayias
    May 12, 2016
    9
    When I first got this game I was excited but at the same time I was very concerned about all the reviewers I watched on YouTube citing issues and problems about the controls mainly on how longer it was said to get used to them and the learning curve. I wanted to like this game and have a great time with it but in the back of my head the concern of issues plaguing my play-through wouldWhen I first got this game I was excited but at the same time I was very concerned about all the reviewers I watched on YouTube citing issues and problems about the controls mainly on how longer it was said to get used to them and the learning curve. I wanted to like this game and have a great time with it but in the back of my head the concern of issues plaguing my play-through would knock it down for me.

    So I decided to start with training mode and while at first I had some trouble getting used to certain aspects, each time I played it I got better and better until around six times of playing the same Training course for a high score and managed over 200 points. At this time I decided to try the campaign and to my huge relief the issues that might have plagued me were entirely gone. I don't know if it was because I decided to try training mode first but i got used to the control scheme far faster than I excited.

    When going through the on rails sections for the most part I felt as though I didn't even need to use the cockpit view on the gamepad screen and only did so in minimum moments. I was having the same blast of fun as I did in 64 and to an extent Assault. The motion aiming with the gyro felt surprisingly good which made me remember how great, fast and accurate the aiming controls were in Resident Evil 4 Wii Addition and were superior to the stick option.

    It did take a little getting used to with the right stick being the roll, somersault and so on but never got in the way too much. Having said all of this I did have some annoyance and frustration with bosses that forced you to have a fixed targeting view particularly the warp hole boss in Corneria and the final boss as having to look at the gamepad was frustrating only because I had to pay attention to when the force fields would spread out.

    Though i don't see this as much of a game breaker once you memorize the battles. For the most part besides this each boss battle felt different and presented new challenges to me and the option for multiple paths is as welcoming as it was in the 64 original and 3DS games. The hard mode that allows a full play-through with only one life was as thrilling as it was in ZombiU's Survivor Mode. The sense of thrill and dread as you can't afford to screw up played on your memorization of each level and reaction times.

    As for the Gyro wing... well I see many hate it and it's slow paced gameplay style. For me personally I enjoy stealth games and the pacing wasn't so bothersome as I like exploring when I'm given the option so liking the Gyro Wing missions is based entirely on you and your tastes if you like stealth and exploration, this shouldn't bother you that much. The Tank feels and plays well enough and actually feels a bit better to me in some ways over the 64 version.

    Which reminds me, the story retelling. Yeah that is a bit odd and while I like the opening I felt some moments were a bit too familiar despite how much was changed up but all in all it wasn't that much of a bother to me. I do enjoy the added double lock on charge shot feature and even though it's a small addition it feels nice and brings a bit more power to the arwing and the Landmaster.

    As far as the button layout I MAY have had trouble learning what was where if it hadn't been a few years since I played Star Fox 64 3D, but because of this knowing the trigger was on R and not A never messed me up however I can not players all players will get used to that quickly. The chatter between characters is as lively and cheesy as I remember and provides some good laughs throughout the action along with a nice soundtrack.

    While it may sound like all my issues with the game are minor nitpicks there IS one area I simply can not let pass and that is the lack of a multiplayer mode which I agree on the majority about. Miyamoto needs to understand that Online multiplayer with the right games would add a ton to it's replay value and out of most IPs I feel Star Fox would be a standout with all range mode dog fights with up to 4-8 players. I can completely understand why local multiplayer is absent due to the gamepad being necessary for the gameplay so anyone with a pro controller would be at a disadvantage, however online doesn't have that excuse and it should have been something that was there as Assault's multiplayer was fun.

    However I do feel that if time was needed, an update bringing Online Multiplayer to the game with the same polish as the rest would be totally understandable. Having to wait for an online update for an online multiplayer mode is perfectly fine because you need online in the first place to play such a mode or dlc. so if you don't have internet and can't get a free update for online multiplayer, you wouldn't be missing anything you could use otherwise. But time will tell if this is added and I seriously hope it is.

    I loved it despite flaws and missing features. I recommend watching The Completionist's YouTube review for a deeper analyses.    … Expand
  27. DepressedHippie
    May 23, 2016
    2
    "No Joke Flying a Plane Without a Yoke"

    Star Fox is back and with Platinum Studios, the developers of high octane action games like Bayonetta, Vanquished and Viewtiful Joe at the controls what can possibly go....wait...Where the $*^% are the controls! Damn, spent so much time checking my G-Diffusion system thingy I forgot to make sure I had a yoke. The controls in this game are mind    "No Joke Flying a Plane Without a Yoke"

    Star Fox is back and with Platinum Studios, the developers of high octane action games like Bayonetta, Vanquished and Viewtiful Joe at the controls what can possibly go....wait...Where the $*^% are the controls!

    Damn, spent so much time checking my G-Diffusion system thingy I forgot to make sure I had a yoke. The controls in this game are mind boggling bad, in fact it makes the motion controls in Lair (the game that robbed us of Factor Five and the Rouge Squadron games) seem tight and fluid by comparison. The controls work semi okay on the traditional rail stages but for the other half of the game you might as well hit the ejection button and get the hell out of there.

    More surprising than Nintendo killing a game with an unnecessary gimmick is the fact that the level design is surprisingly poor and uninspired. Coming from a Studio of Platinum's Pedigree I was expecting some exciting, bat **** crazy scenarios, but save for one or two moments, not even levels mind you, but one or two moments this game is sleepy. It's as if developers felt beaten down by the controls schemes and just slept walk through development, with uninspired levels and enemies to gameplay mechanics that are introduced only to be completely dropped from the sky, like a space ship dropping from orbit and burning up on re-entry because Nintendo stole their damn yoke!

    Star Fox Zero is a really bad game. No one, and I mean no one would be defending this game if it didn't have characters that a large portion of us feel nostalgic for. This is Nintendo at it's very worst and doesn't bode well for the future of the studio and the gaming landscape in general.    … Expand
  28. Cosmozerk
    May 1, 2016
    9
    Before starting the review: IGNORE the 69 metacritic score that the "professionals" have given to this game. Star Fox Zero is awesome..., but to get to the point of the awesome you have to master an innovative control squeam that i'm sure not many people will tolerate, but if you do you are gonna have a great time.

    STORY: A huge monkey, called Andross, wants to conquer the Lylat system.    Before starting the review: IGNORE the 69 metacritic score that the "professionals" have given to this game. Star Fox Zero is awesome..., but to get to the point of the awesome you have to master an innovative control squeam that i'm sure not many people will tolerate, but if you do you are gonna have a great time.

    STORY: A huge monkey, called Andross, wants to conquer the Lylat system. So team Starfox, a group that consists of Peppy hare, Falco lombardi, Slippy toad and Fox MCcloud, son of James MCcloud who previously died in battle helping Peppy escape from a trap, and they are known as team Star Fox. And they are here to stop Andross.

    PRESENTATION: One of the complains i see come up when haters say that this game is a piece of **** is the fact that the graphics, even for a Wii U game, are bad.

    I do agree with the fact that this is certainly not one of the best looking games on the system, but to call it a bad looking game i feel is a bit exaggerated. Models and animations are simple, but colorful and charming. And the environments look great, with many details, colors and enemies all over the place. And also the explanation for the graphics not being better is because the game has to render and stream 2 different images in real time at 60 fps, so it's obvious that the graphics needed to be downgraded. And you might say that every Wii U game does that, yeah, but the difference here is that its 2 totally different images at same time, not 1 image that displace on the TV and Gamepad.

    Aside from the graphics the resolution of the game is 720p, but to compensate the game runs at a perfect 60 fps, there are some drops tho and sometimes it will drop from 50-40 fps!!, but nothing that will ruin the experience of play.

    And the Music...do i even need to say anything?. The soundtrack is amazing!!, giving the game an energetic feel and every theme is extremely well done, but i wish it was orchestrated.

    GAMEPLAY: The main change to the Star Fox formula that Zero brings to the table is the control. In previous games when you wanted to shoot to a specific place your arwing will go there as well, which really wasn't a big issue, but Star Fox Zero removes that since now to aim you use the Wii U Gamepad's motion controls. This is the single greatest complain i see from gamers and reviewers alike...i'm sorry but i have to disagree with them. The new controls are excellent, they will take time to master, but once you do...oh boy does it feel great. With this you can pull of moves manures that were impossible to do previously and it adds so much versatility to the controls. And if they ever fail to respond, you press Y to calibrate them.

    Not only that, but the famous moves like the Barrel Roll, used to reflect proyectiles and avoid them at the same time and the somersault (activated with the X button), used to get behind enemies and avoid attacks, help this control squeam a whole lot more. Plus this means that the second joystick is free and with it you can activate the Barrel role, but also slow down or speed up.

    Throughout levels you will find upgrades to your laser and ship that will last until the stage finishes, and also you will find some bombs that you shoot to completely annihilate enemies or bosses.

    Speaking of. Man the bosses are great, they all require a different stragetie to defeat and they all have a certain weak point, requiring you to develop a stragetie. I think my favorite ones are the Star Wolf's dog fights, they are so fun and i mean, c'mon, who doesn't like a good 101 fight?.

    There are many different vehicles in the game:

    Arwing: Your standard ship which shoots lasers and controls excellent.

    Walker: The transformation of the Arwing by pressing A. This one is hard to control, but you will get accustomed. Other than that, it can hover, it can hack things and it looks like a chicken!.

    Landmaster: A little clunky to control, but i mean, c'mon, it's a tank that can also fly!. Other than that, it's just really an Arwing on the ground that controls a lot better than the Walker.

    Gyrowing: It's a helicopter that can also deployed a little robot that can hack things. I feel like it controls well and it uses the controls and features of the game well.

    The game unfortunately takes about 3 hours to complete when you don't care about the extra modes or the different paths. But if you do, the lenght will be around 8 hours and with co-op, training and the fantastic arcade mode, which showcases the 19 different ways to complete the game, the game can last about 40 hours, specially if you want to get all the 70 medals.

    Finally, the game has some amiibo functionality that let's you customize your arwing, but don't worry, you can unlock the costumes by 100% the game.

    Overall Star Fox Zero is a great game, it has tons of replay value, excellent music, nice graphics, variety and great controls once you get accustomed to them. With that said i'll give this game a 9/10.    … Expand
  29. XZenorus
    Apr 28, 2016
    10
    This is a great game. The controls, while not like the previous games, are responsive and allows you to be more 'in control'. The motion controls while criticized, do not actually take that long to get used to. The level design is excellent, while short, it offers much to go back to and play again.
  30. draconianwrath
    Apr 27, 2016
    6
    I want to love Star Fox Zero, I really do, but there are too many little issues holding me back.

    The controls seem to have a heavy dose of "tried to fix what wasn't broken". Seriously, they very blatantly wanted to shoehorn that **** Wii U pad in like crazy and it shows because there was absolutely nothing wrong with the controls from Lylat Wars/Starfox 64. There should have been a way    I want to love Star Fox Zero, I really do, but there are too many little issues holding me back.

    The controls seem to have a heavy dose of "tried to fix what wasn't broken". Seriously, they very blatantly wanted to shoehorn that **** Wii U pad in like crazy and it shows because there was absolutely nothing wrong with the controls from Lylat Wars/Starfox 64. There should have been a way to play with the old controls, even if only for the Arwing. Anyone who says something along the lines of "Git Gud" needs to realize that the issue isn't that the controls are difficult, they're just UNNECESSARY AND ANNOYING.

    Also can't make the voices come from the TV. Why this is even a **** issue in a AAA game, I don't know but I chalk it up to more **** Wii U Gamepad shoe-horning. At least I hope it is because the other option is incompetence.

    Probably the biggest issue is the inclusion of vehicles that severely impact the pace of the game like the chicken walker. Star Fox Zero couldn't **** decide whether it wanted to be an on-rails shooter or an adventure game. It should have picked one of them and focused on it instead of trying to have it's cake and eat it too because having both of them SEVERELY impacts replay-ability.

    The game has plenty of nods to older games in the series which is nice, pandering to nostalgia aside, but they played it too safe on the story and stuck too close to the original Star Fox 64/Lylat Wars. I think the game would have benefited from a bit more variance in that aspect and bit less variance in the controls department.

    At the end of the day, the game is fun. But unlike Lylat Wars/Star Fox 64 and the original Star Fox, this doesn't have the spark that will keep me playing it after I've played through all the planets/missions and I don't really feel like I got my $$$ worth.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best Wii U Game of 2016
1
#1 Most Discussed Wii U Game of 2016
1
#1 Most Shared Wii U Game of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 82 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 82
  2. Mixed: 43 out of 82
  3. Negative: 3 out of 82
  1. Easy Allies
    Dec 1, 2016
    80
    Star Fox Zero is a wonderful re-imagining of one of the most beloved games in the series, blending elements from its early history in a tasteful manner. The meatier story mode leaves you with a better sense of fulfillment over its predecessors, and while there isn’t an online leaderboard to compare best times or scores, there are other extras to keep you playing. Adapting to the new controls might take more patience than some players are willing to give, but those who stick it out are rewarded with a higher-degree of precision than previously possible. It’s by no means perfect, but it’s safe to say Miyamoto’s latest experiment is a success.
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  2. IGN Denmark
    Aug 22, 2016
    73
    A rather halfhearted remake of a true classic, with less focus on the story of epic teamwork than one would have expected. A frustrating release for the fans, but nonetheless a fine addition to the Wii U roster.
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  3. GameSpew
    Jun 13, 2016
    80
    If you can handle the gyroscope, you’re in for a quality thrill ride through the Lylat System, difficult but rewarding.
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