Developer:  Nintendo EAD
Co-Developer: Q-Games
Publisher: Nintendo

NA Release: September 9, 2011
EU Release:  September 9, 2011
JP Release: July 14, 2011
AUS Release: September 15, 2011

# of players: 1, download play up to 4
Genre: Rail Shooter

                                                   
Out of all the games to experience on the Nintendo 3DS, Star Fox 64 3D is the most uncomfortable. The reason is that the controls scheme on the 3DS is the same fashion as the console version. Using both shoulder buttons, all four face buttons and the Circle Pad delivers immediately cramping hands to some. With the recent release of the Nintendo 3DS XL, the system revokes the personal issues and brings a new welcome portable home to the Star Fox team.



Gameplay

Main Game is the classic single-player story mode from the N64 original with branching paths and achieving medals. A new edition to the story mode is that there are three types of difficulty. Nintendo 64 mode is the normal difficulty from the original and achieving all the medals will unlock expert mode, the same way as the original. Nintendo 3DS mode is an exclusive mode; it will only add challenge when gyro control is enable as an optional method to control the Arwing. While the 3DS XL does make viewing the stereoscopic 3D easier even when using gyro control, your gaming palms are still position the same way as when not using the gyro control, which makes the optional method pointless. A big gaming improvement over the original is the auto-savings between missions.

Battle Mode is a multiplayer dogfight. Using download play (no online makes Slippy cry), one cartridge owner can set a gaming session up to four players who also owns a 3DS system. The Arwings act a little differently in this mode. The Arwings are more aggressive at descending and ascending. The Arwings can no longer constantly use barrel rolls, using too often will leave your Arwing vulnerable for a short time. The main issue with Battle mode is that it’s only dogfighting, unfortunately, competing on destroying the most enemy fighters is absent from the N64 multiplayer mode.

Lastly, Score Attack is choosing any mission you previous beaten with a more challenging high scoring methods. Receiving silver medals is actually the same feat as receiving a medal on one of the missions in the Main Game. Receiving gold medals in Score Attack requires correct usage of homing blast and Smart Bombs on specific enemies and key moments. Another welcoming challenge is the fact that the Arwing is equip with the single laser and three smart bombs on every start of the mission. For those who found the Main Game too easy, especially on Expert, Score Attack is definitely a more rewarding experience.



Presentation

First off let’s focus on the improvements from the N64 classic that are already noticeable on the Nintendo 3DS. Star Fox 64 3D looks gorgeous with revamp graphics with a more admiration of galactic backgrounds.  The improvements of cinematic soundtrack and voice over are topnotch.

With the 3DS XL experience, the profound impressions with stereoscopic 3D increase. During boosting, the Arwing visually enters a brief inner depth of the more detail Lylat Wars that will probably give you more urges of using the boost. The enemies’ laser firing towards your eyes is more believable that will probably give you less urges of using barrel rolls.

Unfortunately, there is a little frame rate issue when there is an explosion that rarely appear between you and the Arwing in stereoscopic 3D.



Conclusion

Thanks to the Nintendo 3DS XL, Star Fox 64 3D is the best version for both N64 veterans and newcomers. The bigger screens presents a riveting scope of the Lylat Wars as well has increase in stereoscopic satisfaction.

8.6 / 10 XL points (the score does not reflect on the original 3DS experience)

8- Great: This is a great game that might have a few flaws or could have been better, but is still a game we highly recommend!