Have to get this off my chest about Star Fox Assault

Star Fox Assault seems to be a game that’s been reevaluated as one of, if not the BEST, Star Fox games and I think it’s solely due to the game being emulated by folks wanting to either re-experience the game or check it out for the first time because of its status as a hidden gem.

Playing this game on OG hardware, the lack of checkpoints absolutely kills it (specifically towards the end). For example: the Aparoid Homeworld took me 33 minutes to beat on my successful run. There’s 8 different targets that you’re required to take out on this level and if you die at any point, you’re required to completely start over. It’s exhausting on OG hardware and I think people have gotten sweet on the game because this simply isn’t a problem on Dolphin with save states. Same with the game’s lack of power-ups, like 64, if you die on a boss you’re forced to fight it without power-ups. Unlike 64, you’re unlikely to get the opportunity for a new power-up during a fight with any given boss. This kills the game’s momentum imo and I think folks circumvent this issue unknowingly by save stating before a boss.

I think Star Fox Assault is a rough game with really great moments but I don’t think it touches 64’s status as one of the all time greats. Anybody else feel me on this? I could see it being 100% better on Dolphin but if you were there on the GameCube back in the day, you’ve got to understand where folks like me are coming from. Not only did we have to adjust to the on foot gameplay but the lack of checkpoints with levels that require completing multiple different objectives really soured an otherwise fun experience.

Game’s story, graphics and music are GOAT’d tho. Not trying to shit on it too much, just wanted to express why it never clicked for me after playing through it again.