I don't get Starfox SNES

[congobongo]

OK, I gave SNES Starfox a chance again last night. I never had an SNES when it came out so there's no Starfox nostalgia there for me. As far as I'm concerned this game is one that hasn't stood the test of time. I'm sure the chunky polygons looked great in the day but now there seems to be no fun factor left behind. Am I the only one that feels this way? Is there something I'm missing? Are there any games that you just don't understand the popularity of?

[WiseSalesman]

Actually, I still think the game is kind of fun, but I have more fun with Starfox 64. And here's the thing; if you played starfox 64 before the first starfox, then you don't realize how it's the exact same game with a few updates.

[CrazyImpmon]

I've played the original Starfox and back then it was an impressive game that was worth the fun. You may have been spoiled by newer and more advanced games.

Don't worry, there isn't anything big like a free ride on Airwing for winning the game but I can tell you this there is a casino machine somewhere in the game if you can find the secret area.

[digitalpress]

Well it sounds like you're judging the game based on its graphics. If that's the case, then I'd imagine that you don't get quite a horde of other games as well (?)

The graphics were fairly cutting edge for the time (though there were a number of 2D games that looked far better), the innovation was in the game design and the controls. Starfox is a wonderful mix of twitch shooter action, planned strategy, and precision flying. The levels are really well scripted and no two are quite the same. The boss battles are truly memorable, especially as you get closer to the end (and that giant floating head boss... still WOWs me).

Then there's the music which is really "sci-fi action". It just sounds so cool and each piece actually FITS the level its playing for.

By the way, there's another space shooter with even WORSE graphics (all wireframes) calle Elite that I still believe is one of the best games ever created. I guess I'm just not one for graphic flair. I've played too many pretty games that SUCK at the heart of 'em.

[NE146]

Then there's the music which is really "sci-fi action". It just sounds so cool and each piece actually FITS the level its playing for.

Agreed! I actually prefer the SNES Starfox over N64 Starfox for that very reason. The SNES music really draws you into that whole "Space War" action. I was surprised the N64 music sounded so weak in comparison. They should've just remixed the original's tunes imho which fit the game perfectly.

As far as the gameplay, it's pretty darn solid. The easy path is really enjoyable, (I love the last stage when you descend onto the planet ). The harder paths are pretty difficult challenges as well. Sure the graphics may look dated, but they are pretty decent and hold their own. Don't forget they *were* the first of their kind on the snes. This was when it was a big deal to get a polygon of any sorts on a home console. But anyway, the point is the gameplay of SNES Starfox more than holds it's own which is where it really counts.

[Nature Boy]

The problem with getting older systems that you didn't have when they were new is that you'll likely never truly appreciate them.

I think you have to experience something when it's new to truly judge how it stands the test of time. If you're looking at it for the first time it's not the same thing - even if the game is 10 years old.

Having said that ...

I've played both Star Foxes in their prime and neither are games I'd go back and play again. They were okay but not outstanding in my eyes. I'm more of an Adventure gaming fan though.

[congobongo]

Sorry if i wasn't clear. I am not judging the game on it's graphics. I'm suggesting it's popularity is based on the effect that it's graphics had on it's initial audience rather than lasting gameplay appeal. I never had a CV when it came out but there are a lot of games that I really enjoy for it now. In general, I find that early attempts at 3D graphics have had less staying power with me than their 2D peers.

[digitalpress]

Sorry if i wasn't clear. I am not judging the game on it's graphics. I'm suggesting it's popularity is based on the effect that it's graphics had on it's initial audience rather than lasting gameplay appeal.

You were clear before, and my answer is the same. I'd disagree that graphics make this game great. It's the gameplay that keeps me coming back. Testimony to this fact is that there have been sequels on N64 and GameCube (and I own both), but still return to the original Starfox, which I think was highly innovative and STILL fun.

But hey, that's just me. I talk a lotta shit.

[NE146]

Like I said earlier. It's the gameplay of SNES Starfox that makes it still one of the best snes games around and one I still play despite the aged (but still great) graphics.

[congobongo]

OK. You're right. I admit it. I can't get past the graphics to enjoy the gameplay in this game and it holds no nostalgia for me (I was strictly Sega at the time).

Don't get me wrong, I love 8 and 16 bit games.

I have the same problem with Vitua Fighter for the 32x. The prehistoric polygons take away from the gameplay for me at this point. In the day I probably would have drooled over them but now they just look sick (and not the good sick). For me, the early polygon games just don't visually stand the test of time. Kind of like the FMV games of the Sega CD; an interesting footnote in gaming history.

[NE146]

Are you playing it on a snes? One thing I see a lot in this day and age of 2nd hand carts and emulation is that occasionally people miss a lot when playing certain games because they may not be aware of all the moves and controls due to lack of instructions or not having the controller meant for the game.

This probably doesn't apply to you or this particular situation, but for Starfox, I'd imagine it'd be hard to play without a L & R button to fly sideways (Millenium Falcon style between vertical buildings! ) or do barrel rolls intuitively. Or for that matter the diamond button layout for thrusting and braking. But then again I guess you could use a MS Sidewinder pad on an emu and it'd be just as good.

Anyway, just a thought

[omnedon]

Don't feel to bad congobongo. When I first got Starfox for my Snes (3 months ago) I got the same first impression. I was a SEGA dude too back then. I figure I need to give it a bit more time, as I am a shooter fan.

I do see it as an SNES must have. Polygons on a home console back then- I think it may be the first.

[congobongo]

Are you playing it on a snes?

Yup. Haven't done emulation outside of the GBA and Dreamcast in a long time. Aint' nothin' like the real thing baby. I will give SNES Starfox another chance soon if I can tear myself away from Mario Sunshine and Moto GP Live. Damn there's just not enough time.

[kainemaxwell]

Ahh Starfox. Still a classic, graphics aside to me.