A proper remake of Star Fox 64 doesn’t need to reinvent the Lylat System—just refine it. And whether fans love or hate Star Fox: Assault, there’s no denying it delivered some bold gameplay ideas that still hold up today. A 64 remake that selectively pulls from Assault’s strengths could create the best version of Star Fox ever made: fast, stylish, modern, and more dynamic without betraying its arcade roots. Here are five reasons why Assault’s gameplay deserves a seat in the cockpit.
1. Assault’s Mission Variety Would Modernize 64’s Pacing
Star Fox 64 is pure rail-shooter adrenaline, but in 2025 a full remake needs more variety to keep pacing sharp.
Assault introduced:
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ground missions,
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hybrid missions with on-foot and Arwing segments,
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vehicle-swapping set pieces,
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and free-roaming arenas.
A remake doesn’t need to copy everything, but injecting a few hybrid levels strengthens the overall rhythm. One rail mission, one free-flight mission, one hybrid skirmish—just enough to expand gameplay without losing the identity that made 64 iconic.
2. Free-Roaming Arwing Combat Adds Strategic Depth
Assault’s all-range missions let the Arwing stretch its wings—dogfighting, flanking, chasing down bombers—everything rail shooters can’t fully deliver.
Star Fox 64 already experimented with this on Katina and Sector Z; Assault perfected it.
A remake that includes more free-range arenas would create:
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higher replay value,
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dynamic objectives,
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multiple enemy entry points,
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better boss battles,
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and actual tactical positioning instead of pure reaction time.
It’s the perfect bridge between classic arcade design and modern action combat.
3. Assault’s On-Foot Combat Could Serve as Optional Side Segments
Let’s be honest—nobody wants a full ground-combat overhaul in a 64 remake. But limited, polished, optional infantry sequences could expand the world without diluting the core experience.
Think:
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short sabotage missions,
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brief infiltration sequences,
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or ground-based boss support where Fox disables generators while Falco covers from above.
Done right, these aren’t detours—they’re flavor enhancers that deepen the story and scale of the war against Andross.
4. Assault’s Squad Synergy Makes the Team Actually Matter
In Star Fox 64, your squadmates mostly shout warnings and occasionally save your tail. Assault gives them actual roles—Falco dives into fights, Slippy analyzes targets, Peppy handles tactical support.
A remake could adopt:
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contextual assist commands,
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squad-based combo attacks,
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coordinated maneuvers,
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AI roles that impact mission outcomes.
Fox shouldn’t feel like he’s babysitting three liabilities. A remake lets you feel like a real squadron leader, not just the only competent pilot in the system.
5. Assault’s Cinematic Energy Could Expand 64’s Storytelling
Star Fox 64’s storytelling is classic and punchy, but it’s also minimalistic.
Assault brought in:
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dramatic cutscenes,
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mid-mission dialogue shifts,
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dynamic encounters,
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character-driven tension,
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and large-scale fleet battles that made the war feel massive.
A remake using this approach—without overloading the game with cutscene bloat—could elevate classic moments like:
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Corneria’s initial invasion,
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the dogfight with Star Wolf,
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or the assault on Area 6,
into much bigger, more emotional set pieces.
Star Fox: Assault wasn’t perfect, but its ambition deserves respect. A Star Fox 64 remake that blends 64’s tight arcade structure with Assault’s cinematic flare and mission variety would create the strongest, most complete version of Star Fox yet. Keep 64’s heartbeat, add Assault’s muscles, and you get a remake that’s faithful and future-proof.
If Nintendo ever revisits the Lylat System, this hybrid formula is the path forward.
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