Star Fox Zero hasn't been getting great reviews from critics, largely in response to the game's lackluster motion controls. But if there was one good thing to come out of the latest entry in the Star Fox franchise, it's this anime prequel.
Clocking in at around 13 minutes long, the project is special collaboration between Nintendo, Production I.G (Ghost in the Shell) and WIT Studios (Attack on Titan). With a pedigree like that, fans certainly expected great things. Thankfully, Star Fox Zero - The Battle Begins delivers.
For starters, it's gorgeous to look at. The anime arguably looks better than the game itself, with a stylized look that is unique while also staying true to the franchise's look over the years. But looks only go so far. It could be the most beautiful 13 minutes in anime history and it would still fall flat if it wasn't entertaining to watch.
Not too worry. Star Fox Zero - The Battle Begins captures the quirky personalities of each member of the Star Fox team in ways we've never seen before. Since the games almost always take place in the cockpit of a space fighter, the interactions between the four squadmates are limited to say the least.
This anime gives fans a chance to see how team Star Fox gets along outside of battle, with some great results. Peppy is the easily frustrated elder, who complains about the younger members of the squad not picking up after themselves. Falco can be seen playing Star Fox 64 badly, throwing his controller in frustration and later in triumph when he completes a stage. Slippy is, well, Slippy.
When it comes time for the team to go to work, we get to see them each bring their strengths to the table in order to come out on top. We've seen that aspect in the game series before, but seeing it all play out in the anime is still a treat.
You can watch the full video below. It's so good it will make you want to grab your nearest Nintendo console and play the first Star Fox game you can get your hands on. It's just too bad the new entry in the franchise doesn't deliver.
