Star Fox 64

Star Fox 64 is a 1997 Nintendo 64 rail shooter from Nintendo. In the Lylat system, mercenary pilot Fox McCloud leads the Star Fox team against the forces of the exiled scientist Andross. Fox flies alongside Falco Lombardi, Peppy Hare, and Slippy Toad, with their radio chatter making the squad feel present throughout each mission.

Most stages put Fox in an Arwing on a directed flight path. The fighter can boost, brake, charge its lasers for lock-on shots, perform a U-turn in open arenas, and use a spinning barrel roll to deflect incoming fire. Missions also change vehicles for specific environments: the Landmaster tank handles ground operations, while the Blue Marine submarine takes the action underwater.

The campaign begins at Corneria and can reach Venom by several routes. Completing particular objectives, uncovering alternate exits, or meeting mission conditions can send the team to different worlds, creating easier and harder paths through the game. The choice of route affects the stages and encounters ahead, encouraging repeat runs rather than a single fixed sequence.

Wingmen are more than background characters. They call for help when enemies pursue them, can leave for repairs if they take too much damage, and provide practical support in battle. Slippy identifies boss shield levels, Peppy offers advice, and Falco can point Fox toward alternate routes. Keeping the team intact also matters when pursuing the game's medals.

Stages switch between corridor battles and all-range fights. In all-range mode, the Arwing moves freely within a large combat space, most notably during boss encounters and dogfights against the rival Star Wolf team. Collectible rings restore shields, while laser upgrades, wing repairs, extra lives, and smart bombs expand the player's options during a run.

Star Fox 64 includes split-screen multiplayer for up to four players. Its battle modes use Arwings by default, with additional vehicles and on-foot options unlocked by earning medals in the main game. The Nintendo 64 release was also the first game to support the Rumble Pak, which was bundled with many original retail copies.