Just launched this week to critical acclaim if Star Fox on the Nintendo Switch 2. This is a remake by New York developer Velan Studios on behalf of Nintendo, bringing back to life the classic 1997 N64 rail shooter Lylat Wars (called Star Fox 64 everywhere else).
This production was announced unexpectedly a in May 2026. Now it’s out, full credit to Velan Studios as it’s done an amazing job here. Bringing a classic retro title to the modern era with a total modern overhaul.
Do a Barrel Roll! It’s Star Fox on the Switch 2
These modern remakes of classic games are common. We’re not always 100% with them as it feels like developers succumbing to the demands of True Gamer bro graphics snobs.
However, we’ve come to appreciate the remakes more. The Final Fantasy VII remake (2020) by Square Enix is beautifully observed. And the same must be said here with Star Fox.
It’s the original game from 1997, one of the most celebrated titles on the Nintendo 64, but with a graphical overhaul and added cinematics across the experience. It works a treat and adds a new layer of immersive excellence to everything.
For the record, here’s what the 1997 game looks like now. Cutting-edge for its time, which also included Nintendo’s innovation with the rumble pak (every developer has made that ubiquitous with every game ever since).
As with many N64 owners, we have very fond memories from back in 1997 blasting through Lylat Wars. It offered multiple paths to take across the game, so each playthrough would last about an hour across six different stages.
The replayability was there to come back and complete each different route, with a high score element across each level coming us very occupied.
But it was just a dramatic game. You’re there as Fox McCloud and a fleet of crafts, fighting to save the solar system from the evil genius scientist Andross, and all it was delivered with a cinematic feel. That’s now enhanced, better than ever, and with a whole bunch of new features, too.
The Star Fox 64 Remake Revitalises the Original Concept
Revisiting our favourite stages with the enhanced look has been a big highlight of the Star Fox remake. Above with Zoness was a real thrill, everything ramped up, the game looking amazing, that excellent score in the background.
It’s a stealth mission where Fox and his team are coming in hot, taking out searchlights to avoid detection, then a massive boss at the end to wipe out. Again, it’s all so beautifully realised and we can’t help but swoon for it.
Just look at Sector X in action, it’s a marvel to behold. Especially with the excellent new voice acting and that glorious score.
We’ve done a full feature on the Star Fox 64 remake soundtrack. Sector X is one of our favourites, but there’s a lot of excellence going on across the whole score.
Fantastic stuff, then, but all of this does mean this remake is just the 1997 game with a new paint job. There are no new levels and the updated stages from 1997 are just that. There are no new sections or added variants, they’re exact replicas (except for excellent new voice acting and dialogue).
That means if you’ve played the original to death, this remake may not exactly be what you want. It looks amazing, but it is the 1997 original game with no significant additions to the central campaign.
However, Velan Studios has ramped up the offering in other areas:
- Online multiplayer options that are lots of fun
- A challenge mode where you can test your mettle across all the stages
- Cinematic interludes to heighten the sense of story
- Sharpened up controls (it’s a massive improvement)
We love the original, but must conclude this is just a massive upgrade. We have no reservations on this being a level-by-level remake, as the new flourishes add so much to an already brilliant classic.
Not least with the story. Basically, Fox McCloud is avenging the death of his father (whilst defeating Andross). And he flies alongside the incredibly sardonic Falco, the wise Peppy, and enthusiastic but bumbling Slippy.
In the original game, the story wasn’t developed out anywhere near as much (plus, Slippy toad was a pain in the arse). Here, the cinematic scenes really do add a lot of weight to the drama and are very welcome.
Falco is also just fantastic with his sass overload.
And that’s what the winner for us is here. Everything ramped up a level for the modern generation and we do think this is one of the best big AAA releases of 2026. If you have a Switch 2, it’s a must. And at only £40 it’s one of the best value releases, too.
Do a barrel roll! This one is a gem.
