Star Fox

About Star Fox (SNES)

Star Fox is a rail shooter developed by Nintendo EAD with Argonaut Software and published by Nintendo for the SNES in 1993. It was the first game to use the Super FX chip, bringing real 3D polygonal graphics to a home console. Fox McCloud leads the Star Fox team - Falco Lombardi, Peppy Hare, and Slippy Toad - on a mission across the Lylat system to stop the mad scientist Andross, who threatens Corneria and beyond.

With its branching routes, cinematic presentation, and then-unprecedented 3D space combat, Star Fox became one of the SNES’s defining showcases and launched Nintendo’s beloved sci-fi series.

Detailed Gameplay

Pilot an Arwing along fixed flight paths, steering freely within the screen to dodge fire and line up shots. Each mission ends with a boss fight, and your performance opens different routes through the Lylat system.

Arwing Combat

• Hold fire for rapid shots or charge up for a powerful charged blast
• Use boost to surge forward and brake to slow down and reposition
• Collect wing upgrades for twin lasers and wider shots; grab shields to survive

Three Routes

• Choose from three paths of increasing difficulty across the mission map
• Routes pass through Corneria, the Asteroid Belt, Fortuna, Macbeth, Sector X, and more
• Every route ends at Venom, Andross’s fortress planet, for the final battle

Your Wingmen

• Falco, Peppy, and Slippy fly alongside you, chasing enemies and calling out warnings
• Slippy analyzes bosses and displays their health so you know when they are close to done
• Protect your wingmen - a team that survives together fights better together

Training and Score

• A training mode on Corneria teaches the basics before the real fight
• Chain hits and destroy enemies quickly to rack up the mission score
• Replay routes to master every path and beat your best scores

Game Highlights

• Super FX Pioneer: The first console game with real 3D polygonal graphics.
• Branching Routes: Three difficulty paths through the Lylat system, all ending at Venom.
• Wingman Banter: A talking team that fights beside you and reacts to the battle.
• Arcade Scoring: Short, replayable missions built for chasing high scores.

Controls

Pilot the Arwing with the SNES controller. - D-Pad: Steer the Arwing around the screen - B Button: Fire lasers; hold to charge a powerful shot - A Button: Boost forward - X Button: Brake to slow down - L/R: Roll the Arwing left and right

Tips and Strategies to Win

Speed and positioning beat firepower in the Lylat system. - Charge your shots before boss weak points open - one charged blast can end a phase. - Brake before tight asteroid fields, then boost through open stretches. - Prioritize turrets and missile launchers on capital ships before they lock onto you. - Keep moving in boss fights; most boss patterns are dodgeable with steady circling. - On the harder routes, brake early in dense asteroid fields, then boost once the path clears.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What made Star Fox special on the SNES? A: It used the Super FX chip to render 3D polygons - the first time a home console game did real 3D graphics.

Q: Who is the villain in Star Fox? A: Andross, a mad scientist exiled to Venom who builds an army to conquer the Lylat system.

Q: Can I play Star Fox online for free? A: Yes, you can play it online for free in your browser on RiveGame with no downloads or installation required.