Nintendo just wrapped a surprise Star Fox Direct, and the headline is a Switch 2 reimagining of Star Fox 64. Simply called Star Fox, the game launches on June 25, just over a month from now. The presentation walked through visual and character updates, new control options, co-op functionality, a new 4-vs-4 multiplayer mode, and a few other surprises.
Star Fox is built on the Star Fox 64 foundation, with the same stage layouts intact for fans of the original. Visuals have been fully overhauled to take advantage of the Switch 2 hardware, with the entire cast getting redesigned, fully voiced dialogue throughout, all-new cinematic cutscenes, and a sweeping orchestral soundtrack. There are also brand-new mission briefings between stages that flesh out the characters and worlds of the Lylat System. Personally, I think Fox, Falco, and Peppy all look great in the new designs, but Slippy looks a bit weird. Players can also choose between Easy and Normal difficulty in Campaign Mode, with Expert unlocking after earning enough medals.
The big new addition is Battle Mode, an 8-player 4-vs-4 multiplayer dogfight mode that pits Team Star Fox against Team Star Wolf. Three stages are included at launch, each with different objectives: control a designated zone on Corneria, collect energy crystals on Fichina, or retrieve cargo from space pirates in Sector Y. Battle Mode supports private matches as well as matchmaking with players online. There’s also a returning Challenge Mode, which lets players replay cleared stages with new objectives and challenges, available in either Normal or Expert difficulty.
Co-op is also getting a clever Switch 2-specific upgrade. Joy-Con 2 mouse controls let solo players swap between button and mouse aiming on the fly, and if a friend joins in (either locally or through GameShare via GameChat), one player can take over gunner duties while the other flies. GameShare supports up to four players in total, with online GameShare exclusive to Switch 2 and local GameShare working with both Switch 2 and original Switch systems. There’s also support for the Nintendo 64 controller for the purists who want the original feel.
Nintendo also showed off a new Character Avatar feature that’s compatible with the Switch 2’s GameChat, allowing you to look like anyone from the main cast of Star Fox. The tech follows your facial movements in a way that may or may not be creepy. There are also AR Filters that add a pair of Star Fox-style ears or a Falco-inspired beak that moves when you talk, which is the kind of detail that’s clearly aimed at the Super Mario Galaxy Movie audience that just got introduced to Fox McCloud and his crew.
Star Fox launches on June 25 for the Switch 2.
