Due to the enormous lack of games being released this summer for the N64, Nintendo really has a lot riding on this game. Fortunately, it seems like they have succeeded. With 15 levels and many hidden secrets, there is a ton of replay value in this game. Once again, you have to save the Lylat System, and as Starfox, you get to cruise the solar system in the coolest space ship around. This is one of the greatest shooters of all time.

The graphics in this game are amazing, the bosses are big and very well animated, and even the little enemies are very detailed. Deep space actually looks like deep space, and there is absolutely no pop-up to be found. This is one of the most amazing console games ever in terms of graphics.

The music is great also and does an excellent job of getting you in the mood for some good old fashioned monkey killing. It gets the adrenaline flowing, and gives a sense of triumph after you finish a level. The sound effects are great, too. Explosions sound amazing, and every other sound effect sounds cool. Probably the best part is the enormous amount of dialogue found in the game. Nintendo claims to have gotten over 700 phrases in this game, and the quality is astounding. VERY well done.

The gameplay is also top notch. The action never slows down, sometimes with 15 or more enemies on the screen at a time. I highly recommend that you do a bit of training in the training mode provided, as the action can get a bit harrowing at times. You fight with three different vehicles over the course of the game, including the Arwing (space ship), Landmaster (tank), and the Blue Marine (submarine). The control of each of the three different ships is very responsive, and once again the analog control works wonders. Battle mode is great, too, and though it can be a little confusing at times, it provides a fun little extra that really adds life to the game.

Perhaps the greatest thing about Starfox 64 is that it comes packaged with the Rumble Pak. Even with the Rumble Pak, it's still only $59.99. The Rumble Pak allows you to feel each hit and also vibrates when you shoot a bomb and hit the turbo boost. It really adds a lot to the game and brings it to a new level of realism.

Overall: 8.9