Star Fox Assault Review – Definitive 50 GameCube Game #49

49th on the Definitive 50 GameCube games goes to Star Fox Assault.

Assault was, of course, the second appearance of the Star Fox Team on the GameCube, following Rare’s controversial Star Fox Adventures. Assault was a return to form of sorts, returning Fox and friends to their shooter roots.

The game tries to recapture some of the magic of the franchise’s earlier titles, specifically Star Fox 64, although fans and critics contend the game doesn’t quite get there.

Star Fox Assault‘s primary failing is that the single player campaign consists of frequent on-foot and Landmaster segments, in addition to the more traditional Arwing-based levels.

Although piloting your Arwing is still a blast here, Landmaster and on-foot controls are clunky and frustrating. The levels which use these mechanics are also often confusing and unrewarding.

Where Star Fox 64‘s occasional Landmaster or Blue Marine level helped to mix up gameplay, Assault‘s frequent departures from the Arwing bring any sort of momentum in the action to a screeching halt.

Still, there’s no denying the fun to be had in the frantic, arcade-like, action available. Replaying levels to earn medals and find special flags is also enjoyable. The game’s surprisingly option-rich multiplay is worth checking out too.

Assault‘s story is as crazy as ever for the Star Fox franchise. It’s frankly pretty amusing in its absurdity and surely a treat for Star Fox fans. Star Fox Team has grown to include Krystal from Fox’s previous GameCube outing. The crew also find new allies in old rivals, Star Wolf, to combat the rise of a new threat: the Borg-like Aparoid insect creatures.