As part of the recent direct, Nintendo has announced the addition of a new GameCube game to the Classics Catalog on Nintendo Switch Online. Switch 2 users will soon be able to download and play this game beginning September 9, as it was announced as a shadow drop for Nintendo Switch Online during the most recent Nintendo Direct.
Understandably, the GameCube catalog has been Nintendo’s focus when it comes to additions recently. Games like Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness and Super Mario Sunshine have been added throughout the year, with Pokemon Colosseum currently being confirmed for Nintendo Switch Online, but not yet added. Instead, it shadow-dropped a completely unannounced GameCube game first.
Star Fox Adventures Hits Nintendo Switch Online
Beginning September 9, Nintendo Switch Online subscribers with the appropriate tier will be able to play Star Fox Adventures courtesy of the Classics catalog. For those unfamiliar with the classic game, Star Fox Adventures is a 2002 action-adventure game from Rare that blends third-person exploration, melee combat, puzzle-solving, item collection, and occasional Arwing rail-shooter sections. Taking place on Dinosaur Planet, the game follows Fox McCloud as he works to recover the planet’s stolen Spellstones and Krazoa Spirits while eventually facing a familiar threat from the Star Fox series. Along the way, Fox is joined by Prince Tricky, whose abilities help him explore Dinosaur Planet and progress through its various challenges.
Find the odd one out before the timer hits zero.
Critics were generally positive toward Star Fox Adventures, with the game earning an 82 Metascore from 39 critic reviews, back when it first released. Reviewers frequently praised Star Fox Adventures for its impressive GameCube visuals, detailed environments, charming presentation, and Zelda-inspired adventure gameplay, with several critics viewing its exploration, puzzles, and combat as a successful departure from the series’ traditional formula. However, that departure was also one of the game’s biggest criticisms, as some reviewers felt Star Fox Adventures did not offer enough of the space combat that defined previous Star Fox games. The voice acting and some repetitive gameplay elements also received criticism, while the Arwing sections were considered too limited by some reviewers.
Overall, Star Fox Adventures was regarded as a polished and visually impressive action-adventure game, even if its shift away from the traditional Star Fox formula left some critics divided. Over time, its legacy has tended toward the most positive elements of the game, resulting in a reputation for being an underrated GameCube game (despite holding solid reviews). Players will be able to check it out on Switch 2 and determine for themselves, regardless.
Star Fox Adventures‘ addition here is a clear, continued push to make Star Fox more relevant than ever. Following the remake of the classic Nintendo 64 game earlier this year, as well as his debut in the Super Mario Galaxy movie, it’s clear Nintendo is giving Star Fox a big marketing push. Rumors also suggest that a brand-new Star Fox game is in development.