With some games one opinion just isn't enough. That's why we will have multiple reviewers just for the really big games coming out. This time around we're taking a look at Rare's last outing on the Gamecube, Starfox Adventures. It has been in development longer than some consoles lifetime. This game started on the N64 under the name "Dinosaur Planet", when the game was switched to Gamecube, Starfox was thrown into the mix. Starfox Adventures is an excellent addition to the Gamecube lineup.

Gameplay

Osei Tyson: The gameplay in Starfox can and has been likened to that of Zelda Ocarina of Time. The A button attacks, the Y button can be assigned to any task and the X button dives (useful in dodging enemy attacks) The L trigger is useful in centering the camera behind Fox, to those of you who like me have been playing Super Mario Sunshine you will feel a little disoriented for about the first 10 minutes as I was trying to use the yellow stick to adjust my camera, this though becomes second nature and if you need to look around you can go into "LOOK" mode just like in Zelda by pressing the Z button. Another Zelda like feature is the fact that you don't have a jump button. You simply run toward a ledge and he jumps, this way you can focus on the game and not making tricky jumps. The yellow stick serves as an inventory opener, you then press left or right to scroll through your items, although if you are in an area where an item can be used a yellow circle will pop up signaling you to open your inventory, this is for minor things and not quest puzzles so don't think the game holds your hand and shows you everything as it doesn't, this game is very non-linear and you have free reign to go where you please. If you get stumped you can use your communicator to contact your crew for help, Peppy Hare is helpful when your lost and don't know where on the map your supposed to be looking around in and Slippy toad is good for general advice. Fox doesn't have to go around empty handed, in SFA you have a trusty staff that can be upgraded with different powers, the staff itself and its powers use magic power which can easily be replaced by collecting magic gems that grow on plants in some areas of the planet, they grow back so that you can go there whenever you need magic power to your staff replenished. The combat system also has a Zelda feel to it in the form of the lock on. In SFA the lock on is automatic, you can easily disengage by pressing the B button and many combos can be done using different button and directional presses. In closing I know I've made a few Zelda references but that in no way is meant to bash the game but to give you an idea of how fluid and great these controls really are.

Max Jones: To many, Starfox seems like a complete Ocarina of Time rip, and hey, it pretty much is. Who cares if Rare nearly duplicated its gameplay? Zelda was great, and by copying OoT's gameplay, why wouldn't Star Fox be a hell of a lot of fun? Added to this Zelda-like gameplay, is the classic Ship-Mode. Whenever Fox has to travel to a new location, he has to get there by going into his ship and zipping through a certain amount of gold rings in order to open up a force field to let him into his next location. This is a lot of fun, but I think there should be more of these missions, because for some reason you don't seem to be traveling from place to place that often. I've never had a better feeling than fighting the baddies in SFA. This may just be me, but it feels so good to whack one of General Scales's minions on the head. This is also fun when playing as Krystal, which are on rare occasions. Although I do love the gameplay, it just doesn't seem to fit into the Starfox world. I'm thinking Rare, the developer, should have put another famous character in Fox's shoes, like Donkey Kong for instance.

Sam Sauber: Now, I'm not going to kid you, Starfox Adventures is basically Ocarina of Time, in terms of control and overall feel. Your essentially running from one place to another, taking out enemies, collecting items, and gaining power ups. Fox uses a staff to fight his enemies, which brings me to my next point: the combat system. The combat system in SFA has its up's and its down's. It feels really good using a variety of staff moves on enemies while targeted on them. On the other hand, it's almost too easy to take out an enemy, even when you are fighting multiple enemies at a time. Luckily the game gets more balanced, and the enemies get a little harder as you progress. I also found that the bosses can be fairly difficult, but their aren't that many bosses. One plus with the gameplay, is that you have a little dinosaur named Prince Tricky to help you out with tasks that Fox is unable to do, like find secrets and use a flame breath. Fox can also ride dinosaurs which gives him even more advantages when fighting enemies or overcoming obstacles. Don't forget about the arwing, Fox must fly though relatively short space shooting levels to get to the next area on the planet. Even though these flying levels are short (about a minute long), it is better then no flying levels at all. For the most part, Starfox Adventures is really a bash to play.

Graphics

Osei: The graphics in this game are simply breathtaking. When there are close-ups of fox, you can actually see, individual hairs on him blowing in the wind. The fur effects, in the game are revolutionary. Not to mention the huge world with draw distance that rivals Super Mario Sunshine. Which is non-linear, in that you can freely explore the world. Everything in this game looks simply amazing. You have to see the how the water looks! I guarantee that you will be picking up your jaw after seeing these graphics!

Max: The graphics in SFA are simply beautiful. I know I say this about a lot of games, but this is pushing Gamecube's limits. Rare has definitely gone all out on its last title for Nintendo, and by that I am surprised. Everything is fully detailed in this game, hardly any blurry or low-quality textures, or even poor character models. Come on, I mean the minor characters are as detailed as Fox himself! Although, there are some times you will notice slowdown. For instance, when zooming in on Fox, you may notice a drop in framerate. Other than that, SFA is packed to the brim with smooth animations, detailed textures, excellent character models, and beautifully crafted environments.

Sam: The graphics in Starfox Adventures are nothing less than extraordinary. You can tell just by Fox's fur that Rare has spent an insane amount of time perfecting the visual look of SFA. Fox's character model is a prime example of the quality put into SFA's graphics. He moves fluently, is well balanced, and his facial emotions are some of the best I have ever seen. Thanks to the Day/Night feature in SFA, shadows shift depending on what point in the day it is. Now, Fox isn't the only character model cleverly designed; General Scales, Krystal, and Prince Tricky also have unique styles that fit in perfectly with this dinosaur world. You can also clearly notice the use of blurring that gives SFA more of a realistic feel. The flying levels look a lot like the original games, but the textures seen in the flying levels are just fine. Rare has done a good job of making every area different from each other. For instance, when in a fire cavern, bubbles rise from the lava and you see smoke in the air. Yet when you are in the snow areas, you can see all these snow textures in the air and the game doesn't slow down a bit. From crisp textures to the vibrant colors, SFA is just a really good-looking game.

Sound

Osei: The sound is really well done. Character voices have improved much since the days of StarFox 64. Slippy no longer sounds like a five-year old on speed, but is pretty bearable despite his annoying nature. Fox sounds great, as do Peppy and General Pepper. The dino language is very interesting. Using the last page in the instruction manual you can actually learn how to write and speak this language. It sounds rather strange, but you get used to it in time. Of course, after Slippy gives you a translation device you no longer have to listen to it. The music is awesome. It isn't too noticeable in most areas, but it adds a lot to the game.

Max: The sound in this game is brilliant. Although it may not be orchestrated, it's a pleasure listening to it. The problem is I get the damn songs stuck in my head! There really isn't anything wrong in the song department, and Rare went a bit too far with the voice dialogue. I've never played a game with such great voice-overs. Even if it's kind of funny to hear Fox with a Scottish accent, it's still great that Rare put so much effort into the game's sound. The game even features dinosaur language, one that you can actually speak with one of your friends!

Sam: All I can say about the sound, is that it's absolutely perfect. The voice acting is very accurate and realistic. Very good sound effects are used for clashing of weapons and grunts of enemies as you hit them. Now the music in Starfox Adventures is absolutely phenomenal. No other game has had me humming tunes from it this much since Ocarina of Time. The music also changes depending on the current state of action you are taking. I am amazed at how well done the sound is in this game. Mostly British actors do the voice acting because Rare is an English developer, but there are some American voices used in SFA. Starfox Adventures' audio is totally amazing especially with I truly believe that SFA has the best music and sound of any GameCube title.