Every Star Fox Game That is a Remake Explained

The announcement of a new Star Fox game for the Nintendo Switch 2 has been met with mixed reactions. While many fans are excited, some are disappointed to learn it’s another remake. The Star Fox series has seen several retellings of its original story, and even with updated graphics and new cutscenes, some dedicated fans feel hesitant about playing through familiar levels again.

After almost ten years, the Star Fox series is returning in 2026. Fox McCloud’s appearance in The Super Mario Bros. Movie reminded longtime fans how much they love the series and also introduced the character to a new generation. Because many new players are expected to try Star Fox with the Switch 2 game coming out in June, a remake felt like the right choice instead of creating a completely new game. However, this will be the fourth remake in the series, meaning half of all Star Fox games retell the same story.

The first Star Fox game on the SNES has been remade more than any other, which makes sense considering Star Fox 64 improved the graphics significantly with the N64’s 3D capabilities. While subsequent Star Fox games tried new things, Star Fox Adventures was a departure, playing more like a Legend of Zelda title than a traditional Star Fox game. Star Fox: Assault and Star Fox Command continued the story from Adventures, bringing the series back to its roots as a fast-paced space shooter.

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The Star Fox series also includes a couple of unusual titles: Star Fox Guard and Star Fox 2. Star Fox Guard is a tower defense game featuring Slippy Toad, and it was originally sold with Star Fox Zero on the Wii U. Star Fox 2 has a unique history – it was created as a direct follow-up to the original SNES Star Fox, but was canceled and never released… until 2017! It first appeared as a bonus game on the SNES Classic Edition, and is now available through the Nintendo Switch Online service for SNES games.

Star Fox Games That Are Remakes

Star Fox 64

While technically the second Star Fox game released, Star Fox 64 is a remake of the very first one. It’s often seen as the best in the series because it significantly improved on the original with more gameplay options and better graphics. The story is similar to the original Star Fox, but Star Fox 64 introduced new elements like split-screen multiplayer and new vehicles, such as the Landmaster and Blue-Marine. It was also the first game to feature voice acting and used the N64 Rumble Pak to make gameplay more immersive.

Star Fox 64 3D

Following the releases of Star Fox: Assault and Star Fox Command, the Star Fox series took a break. The next game, Star Fox 64 3D, didn’t appear until 2011 on the 3DS. This game was essentially a refreshed version of the original Star Fox and Star Fox 64, retelling the same story but adding new features like motion controls and a four-player battle mode. Players could choose to experience the game in “64 Mode,” which was a faithful recreation of the N64 version, or “3DS Mode,” which altered missions and difficulty to take advantage of the 3DS’s motion controls.

Star Fox Zero

After the 3DS remake, the Star Fox series went on another five-year break. The next game, Star Fox Zero, came out in 2016 and essentially restarted the franchise. While not a direct remake of the original Star Fox or Star Fox 64, Zero kept the same basic gameplay, levels, and story. It added new features too, like the ability to transform vehicles – the Arwing could become a Walker, and the Landmaster could become a Gravmaster. A key, and often debated, part of Star Fox Zero was its use of the Wii U Gamepad for aiming using motion controls alongside traditional thumbstick movement. Many players found this control scheme frustrating, which contributed to the game receiving mixed reviews.

Star Fox (2026)

As a huge Star Fox fan, I’m so excited the series is getting another new game! It’s been ten years since Star Fox Zero, and the next installment, coming in 2026 for the Switch 2, is basically a reimagining of Star Fox 64. From what I’ve heard, they’re keeping the original story and level designs, but with a big graphical upgrade and extra cutscenes to flesh things out. But it’s not just a remake – they’re adding some cool new stuff too! I’m especially hyped for the player-versus-player mode where you can battle as Team Star Fox against Team Star Wolf. And the co-op mode sounds awesome – one person drives with a Joy-Con, and the other aims with another, using what they’re calling Mouse Mode. Honestly, I’m a little curious if they’ll bring back anything from Star Fox Zero, but it sounds like most of the new features are building on the classic Star Fox 64 experience.

2026-05-13 01:05