10 Other Rail Shooter & Adventure Titles Worth Playing!
Star Fox is a Nintendo franchise with a bumpy track record. It can produce classics like Star Fox 64 or stinkers like Star Fox Command. Nevertheless, Star Fox’s best-known for its charming anthropomorphic cast and its stellar arcade rail-shooter gameplay.
From its vehicles to its bewitching lore, it’s no wonder fans want a new Star Fox game for the Nintendo Switch. While it’s unknown if we’ll ever receive a new game, fans love returning to this sci-fi world Shigeru Miyamoto created via Star Fox’s N64 or SNES days.
If you’ve finished playing Star Fox and are looking for alternatives – fret not! We’ve combed through the archives and saved you the hassle with our top 10 picks.
Of course, for all the games we’ve reviewed, we’ve also added a handy link, so you can check out our full thoughts on that and see if it’s something you want to invest your time in.
So without further ado, we present 10 games to check out if you’re looking for a game like Star Fox.
Starlink: Battle for Atlas
Mario + Rabids: Kingdom Battle received much praise from critics and fans when it was released in 2017 on Nintendo Switch. Fans were clamoring for a sequel and dreamed of another Ubisoft and Nintendo collaboration. The companies would grant their wish with the announcement and release of Starlink: Battle for Atlas.
While it’s not a Star Fox game, the game adopts similar arcade-like rail shooter gameplay as it. The game would release on multiple systems, but many preferred it on the Nintendo Switch. The reason’s that the Nintendo Switch version included Star Fox’s beloved characters and an entire campaign dedicated to those individuals.
The game’s true campaign mode provides folks with a decent time. However, the game’s original cast isn’t as memorable as Nintendo’s outer space fighters. If you’re looking for a well-designed arcade shooter featuring Nintendo’s iconic space cadets, check this one out.
Race the Sun
What if Star Fox and F-Zero combined worlds and gameplay? You’d end up something like Race the Sun. This racing game is jam-packed with incredible soundtracks, fast-paced gameplay, and colorful visuals that will immerse you.
In it, players control a solar spacecraft. You must guide this ship through multiple hurdles as you race against the sun’s looming death timer. Each race provides you with small energy boosts that will give you more time to produce higher scores. Each session is short and will boost your adrenaline tenfold. It’s significant to avoid crashing and never slow down.
The game contains multiple objectives for you to complete. Your accomplishments will net you new upgrades you can use to customize your spacecraft. For those who love creating things, the game provides players with a built-in editor that’ll allow them to make custom worlds. If you love Star Fox and F-Zero, you’re guaranteed to like this one.
Vanguard Knights
Star Fox 64 is a cherished entry in the Star Fox series. Vanguard Knights is a title that wanted to recapture what fans loved about their entry and managed to create something with remarkable visuals, fun gameplay, and great music. According to the developers, it was a college passion project that took them ages to complete.
Vanguard Knights is a 3D on-rails shooter that will test your precision, reactionary, and timing abilities. You’ll weave through multiple closed locations and must defeat a slew of enemies in the game. The game contains excellent dogfights and many challenging bosses that’ll give you a run for your money.
Panzer Dragoon
Panzer Dragoon is an enjoyable on-rails shooter adventure game. In it, players find themselves on a lone planet and meet a dragon from the past. With your dragon companion and weapon, you must traverse through numerous obstacles to prevent the Prototype Dragon from reaching a specific tower.
This game will get your heart pumping as you soar past beautiful oceans and maneuver past stoned ruins. Like Fox McCloud’s enemies, you’ll encounter countless dragonflies, wasps, and environmental hazards that will try to thwart your progression. The game received a remastered release that improves the game’s controls, targeting features and visuals.
If you’re looking for an ancient and fantastical take on Star Fox, check out Panzer Dragoon.
Yar’s Revenge
Despite not being in the limelight as Sony or Nintendo, Atari produced some fascinating hits during its endeavor in the gaming sphere. Yar’s Revenge is one of their big hits from the Atari 2600 era. Despite receiving criticism for its static gameplay when it was released, many critics today praise it for its dynamic elements and intense speedy action.
In it, players control Ya. It’s an insect-like being who must shoot through a barrier to fire his Zorlon Cannon at the evil Quotile. The Quotile provides an excellent challenge with its multiple attacking options. The game’s visuals aren’t as impressive from today’s perspective but the game’s concept is rare for its time.
If you’re looking for a surprisingly addicting game that was unique for its time, check out Yar’s Revenge.
Sin & Punishment
Sin & Punishment is an on-rail shooter fan that can access via the Nintendo Switch Online Service. Instead of taking to the skies, fans who control a character will be shooting at enemies on the ground. In it, players control two characters named Saki Amamiya and Airan Jo. You’ll swap between these characters occasionally in the game for story purposes.
The game’s controls are intriguing, to say the least. The control stick helps you aim while the D-Pad’s used for helping Saki/Airan strafe across the battlefield. You can perform rolls, jumps, and switch targets on the fly using the game’s preferred buttons. The lock-on feature is your best friend and will help you deal concise damage to your opponents.
It’s an adrenaline-pumping game with a fascinating storyline. If you happen to own the Nintendo 64 + Expansion Pak for your Nintendo Switch, then I suggest giving this game a shot.
Star Wars: Rogue Squadron II – Rogue Leader
Need a familiar galaxy to explore, Star Wars: Rogue Squadron II – Rogue Leader might be up your alley. This game will give you the enchanting feeling you had when watching a Star Wars film for the first time. It was developed by Factor 5 with assistance from LucasArts. Their united endeavor helped them produce a remarkable and captivating experience for fans.
In it, players control the renowned Rebel alliance pilots Luke Skywalker and Wedge Antilles. It features key scenarios from classic films. One worth mentioning is the famous Death Star attack. The game includes countless missions that will make your space exploration feel exquisite and atmospheric.
Visually, the game looks spectacular, and fans will find it challenging to put the game down. The sound effects and music feel like they were ripped straight out of George Lucas’s films. If you need another space-like game that captures the raw energy you felt while playing a classic Star Fox title, check this out.
Sky Force Reloaded
Are you craving a game that brings you back to the classic shoot-em-up days? Look no further than Infinite Dreams’s Sky Force Reloaded. This game helps players relive those memories of flying a spacecraft and shooting at a boatload of enemies. The game contains some nifty explosions, engaging backgrounds, and powerful bosses for you and your companions to defeat.
Yes, the game offers local co-op play. This means you can experience the game’s campaign alongside a friend, making the adventure feel more vast and exciting. The game’s intense effects, progression system, and in-game collectibles will have you putting several hours into it. This helps the game retain high replay value from its audience. With over 15 beautiful stages, great difficulty options, and a boatload of collectibles for you to obtain, you’ll have a blast with this one.
Aces of the Galaxy
Aces of the Galaxy is a nostalgia-driven space shooter that’ll capture Star Fox fans’ hearts. Where it lacks a deep narrative, it makes up for it with frenetic on-rails shooter gameplay. Players navigate several levels using the game’s Omega fighter spacecraft. The spacecraft contains weapons like missiles, chain guns, and torpedoes.
You’ll use your arsenal to fire at alien scumbags. The weapons have different effects on particular enemies and some are necessary in helping players defeat the game’s worthwhile bosses. The spacecraft can also slow down time to an extent, which is helpful when you’re forced to navigate through sticky and tight situations.
The game offers 25 levels for players to endure and triumph over. Each level is well-crafted and contains fair obstacles for players to overcome. The visuals are impressive alongside its thrilling techno-themed music. If you’re still waiting for Nintendo to deliver a stellar Star Fox game, then consider giving this game a shot while you wait.
Ex-Zodiac
EX-Zodiac is classic Star Fox but for a modern audience. This game captures the spirit and essence of Star Fox (NES) and Star Fox 64 well, despite not having a lot of content currently. The game’s still in Early Access and features six polished levels filled with bonus content for fans to dive into.
The graphics lean more toward Star Fox (NES) than any of the modern takes on the franchise. Nevertheless, the six levels it offers currently will get your heart racing and eager for what else is to come from the game’s developers. The game’s an on-rails shooter with vibrant visuals and an exhilarating atmosphere. The soundtrack is catchy, memorable, and energetic.
The game controls well, and it never feels jarring. Nonetheless, if you discover a bug with the game, you can always report the issue to the developers and expect a swift response. Since it may be a while until Nintendo delivers a quality Star Fox game, EX-Zodiac may be your best bet in playing a game like Star Fox that’s actually worth the money. Give it a shot if you’re curious.
So there we have it, our 10 video game picks to keep you busy after playing Star Fox.
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!