by The new Star Fox remake for Switch 2 is a fascinating game in its own right - and a key revival for the returning rail shooter genre. While the days of such a game being a system-seller are long gone, the thrill remains - and this new incarnation is just as engaging as the original, while adding on some thoughtful new features. From a Digital Foundry perspective, Star Fox also stands as one of the best-looking games to ship on Switch 2; it's a smooth, polished and beautiful experience that belies the mobile chipset that powers it.
Before we get into the analysis of the new title, let's take a short view back to the past. From the early "Invader Boom" era to the later integration of the Z-axis in Sega classics like Space Harrier and Galaxy Force, these shooters were a foundational gaming genre. The now-iconic Arwings, powered by the Super FX chip, solidified this foundation on Nintendo's hardware, turning rail shooters into a staple of the home console market.
Star Fox 64 itself remains a landmark title, pivotal for its multi-pathed progression, solid play mechanics and impressive 30fps presentation with special effects, reflective water and undulating surfaces. Following the original's success, the 2011 3DS remake provided a strong blueprint for restoration, though subsequent Star Fox entries struggled to capture that same magic. This latest effort, however, feels like a genuine return to form, largely succeeding in its mission to reintroduce Star Fox to a modern audience.
Technically, the remake is a tour de force, utilising Velan's in-house Viper engine to deliver a clean, contemporary aesthetic. The use of physically-based rendering gives materials a convincing sense of weight, while the sophisticated lighting system, complemented by depth of field, motion blur, and volumetric effects, creates a coherent and dramatic visual experience. It's not necessarily breaking new ground, but it is impressive how coherently it all comes together.
The environmental design is particularly commendable, with volumetric effects adding depth to both space and atmospheric locations. Whether navigating through dense nebula dust or diving into underwater environments with convincing caustics and particle effects, the game consistently impresses. Enemy draw distance is also carefully managed, ensuring that the pacing remains true to the original design while environments feel significantly more expansive.
Performance is another high point, with the game maintaining a stable 60fps alongside solid (if unspectacular) image quality (it looks around 1080p to me) and rapid loading times. There are no stutters or instability to speak of either, so you can remain fully immersed in the experience without falling prey to some common pitfalls for more demanding Switch 2 releases. That experience is particularly vibrant on an HDR-capable TV too, with the brighter highlights popping nicely - though I'm not sure if it's technically perfect without deeper analysis.
Comparing the remake to its predecessors reveals unsurprising visual improvements, given the immense time period between the original and this remaster, but what's here is still worth noting. This is evident right from the opening stage, where extended draw distances and realistic water rendering create a more immersive world. The 3DS version occupies a middle ground, but it feels much closer to the original than this latest effort. The new real-time cutscenes are a welcome addition too, providing reactive, high-quality storytelling that maintains the puppet-like charm of the original team.
Despite the technical triumphs, there are minor shortcomings to consider, specifically regarding hit feedback. The removal of visual cues for damaging enemies and hazards - such as the flashing coloured sections found in the N64 original -can occasionally make it difficult to judge performance during combat. Additionally, while the new extended cutscenes are visually impressive, they can sometimes interrupt the flow of the gameplay in a way that didn't really happen in the original.
Ultimately, this remake is a resounding success and a strong addition to the growing library of recent high-quality rail shooters, such as Ex-Zodiac and Wild Blue Skies. While not entirely flawless, it strikes an excellent balance between modern visual ambition and classic gameplay, making it a must-play for fans. It is our hope that this collaboration between Nintendo and Velan marks the beginning of a revitalised future for the Star Fox franchise. After all, they wouldn't go to all of this trouble just for one game, right?