You may have seen my first impressions on Starfox 2 yesterday. After it was recommended I try expert mode, I've come back to share a different view.

So I would first like to thank all redditors saying to give it another shot on expert mode. If you're a Starfox fan the normal mode I'd say definitely is a let down almost feeling like a tech demo. I like Starfox to kick my ass and make me feel good when I kick back. Expert mode did just that and gave 5x the amount of content.

First off I have to say it was nice seeing all the planets put to use. Also some cool variations not seen in normal mode, like multiple types of switches to unlock the base hubs like roulettes, push switches, and even a weird ramp you run at till it falls over so you can push a button to unlock the way in. My 8 year old mine would be blown.

Another was the surprise of different planetscapes, which Fortuna blew my mind because you could actually go underwater in your walker and when changing back to Arwing mode it shoots back up before you can fly. WOW! Nuts how ambitious the game really was.

The variety of enemies is broadened and Starwolf is full with Andrew back in the roster in this mode. He does look kind of like a weird lemur more so than the Andrew that we ended up getting. Several minibosses are within base hubs on planets and before Andross even sends the Mirage Dragon after you he sends 2 other baddies first. One called Hunter Tektron which tore my team up bad. I did beat him but didn't last long after as Corneria ended up getting destroyed while I was taking out the last of Andross' battleships.

In hindsight I didn't realize the game would actually be so full, from the cheap experience Normal mode layed down. Apparently what's out there is still an unfinished experience, though Nintendo does hold an existing version of it finished.

Things I'd wish were in it, would be a Corneria starting level in classic linear mode since that experience doesn't really lie in the game as most of it is very open. It does feel like you're really tossed in without much of whats happening and that might help.

In short the game kicked my ass, provided more content, and I want to go back in for the good fight, and it sounds like even hard mode has some bits that might be exclusive to it from reading around. Expert mode gave me what I would want from Starfox for the most part. If you're a Starfox faithful, and not just a SF64 lover exclusively it'll be well worth your time.

Before hand I would have said maybe a 6/10 but now trying what's recommended the game gets 9.5/10 from what I played. Here's my ending stats on the playthrough that inspired another entire write up.