Starfox Adventures is a funny thing - once named Dinosaur Planet, this was destined to arrive on the N64 as Rare's own take on the Zelda series, but it never happened. It looked like it was going to be a stunner, but that was before the game became a Gamecube project, and all the previous characters from the game ripped out and replaced with the Starfox crew. Why did they do this? More importantly, what exactly have Rare been doing with all the development time they've had?
THE END OF AN ERA...
I am one of those that put off buying Starfox Adventures because of all the bad reviews it recieved. Eventually though, I started to believe there was a bit of bias involved - what with Rare no-longer being a Nintendo developer and whatnot - so I decided to give the game a go. It just couldn't be as bad as reviewers were saying, this IS a Rare title afterall. Now, after playing and finishing the title, I can honestly agree with a lot of the critisism. The game just doesn't feel right - it all doesn't mesh at all.
THE GAMEPLAY EXPLAINED...
Just a quick run-through. The main aim is to find the spellstones hidden in various dungeons, then return them to a force-point. You'll then be able to access a challenge - after completing a task for a local, usually - where you'll be required to complete a few short puzzles before earning a Krazoa spirit. These spirits will then need to be taken to the Krazoa temple one by one, after which you should be able to access a new dungeon. There are bosses too - albeit few - which can be quite a challenge, although not too tough.
You'll also get to pilot the arwing through a few space-blaster parts. These can be quite fun - but beware Starfox fans, there aren't many of these, and they don't last very long.
LITTLE DEPTH...
Rare seem to have spent the majority of their time on the graphics - which can be beautiful at times - and trying to get the Starfox characters to work in the title. There seems to have been very little time working on the puzzles, dungeons and gameplay. Yes, you'll be impressed by the opening battle, but once you get into the game itself, you'll start to see that there's very little depth to Starfox Adventures. The puzzles are incredibly simple, which the exception of some later ones. Some puzzles are just downright boring and unimaginitive, whilst others can be quite clever - although still easy.
I'M SURE I'VE DONE THIS PUZZLE BEFORE...
You'll also find that some 'puzzles' are often repeated too - prime examples being the fire switch that you have to hit, and the put-fire-out bits. It's as if Rare just stuck them in to hold you back for a while longer. Not very impressive. To add to that, you'll often finish or start doing one thing - usually some sort of dungeon or challenge - and be utterly clueless as to what you're supposed to do next. Oh, of course - I've been walking around for an hour wondering what to do, and all that time there was a tiny switch hidden up in one of a few dozen trees. Believe me, you'll come across this quite often.
SOUNDS 'A' PLENTY
First the bad. Stafox features some pretty dreadful voice-acting. Particularly the shop keeper, you'll tire of him quickly! There, that's out the way.
As for the music, this is definately one of Starfox Adventures very few good points - some of the music in the game sounds wonderful. Tracks that come to mind right now are the ones heard in Thorntail Hollow and Dragon Rock.
OK, that's everything covered - now to score everything:
Graphics - 9/10
Sound - 8/10
Gameplay - 5/10
Replay - Unlikely
Time Played - 25 Hours
Starfox Adventures is a game you'll try to love, but find yourself unable to. Despite its good points, Rare's last Ninty-exclusive title is a huge letdown. A shame - this could've been so much more.
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