Corneria, Yet Again (Star Fox 64)
Though more understated in the auditory sense, your return to Corneria on the Nintendo 64 is breathtaking in a whole new way. For starters, you’ve just heard an entire discussion between the Star Fox team members, and they had a whole lot more to say this time than ‘bebebeupbebeupblablap!’, blessed with fully voiced dialogue. The visuals are simply stunning, from the reflections on the water to the burning skyscrapers dotting the city. It really is an evolution from its humble beginnings, and even to this day, playing it is pure bliss.
You’re also introduced to several of the game’s concepts with a series of scenarios that teach you the basics without seeming shoehorned in. Under heavy enemy fire? Do a barrel roll. Falco’s in trouble up ahead? Use the boost to chase. Enemy on your tail? Ignore what Peppy says, do a somersault, because hitting the brakes causes their ships to crash right into you. Thanks for trying though, Pep.
And to top it off, flying through the arches causes you to go off-script and reroute, ending up in a secret location where you confront the same Attack Carrier from the original. It’s so satisfying to watch those pieces fly off as you pelt it with laser fire.
“You’ll never defeat Andross!!” the enemy pilot wails as his aircraft explodes, your control vibrating madly in your hand all the while. Unfortunately for him, odds are: you will do just that.