Ah, the much awaited Star Fox: Assault. This game has been delayed more than the count of votes for the president in 2000. Now, it looks like we could finally see this game come to fruition.

The gameplay is a step up from Star Fox: Adventures in that it features multiplayer modes galore. This game is actually more similar to Star Fox 64 than Star Fox: Adventures. Looks like Nintendo finally listened to the voice of the fans on this one. One of the best parts of the story mode is the option to play co-op with your friends. You can also play "Wingman mode" where one player rides on top of the Landmaster or Arwing.

I'll be back

If you don't like your friends, or you enjoy beating them to a pulp more than playing along side them, there's a battle mode similar to that of Star Fox 64. The 3-mode system of Star Fox 64 returns, so you can kill your friends on foot, in a Landmaster Tank, or in an Arwing.

The graphics in this game are much better than those of StarFox: Adventures. They keep the cartoonish atmosphere of the Star Fox games, while still promoting an adrenaline rush, once again continuing the Star Fox 64 tradition. Old habits die-hard. That's good.

"This has got to be the most clichéd video game screenshot ever..."

One of the primary reasons this game is so hyped is the fact that it's been delayed so many times. Many believe that it is due to the incorporation of a LAN mode into the game. Sites such as WarpPipe have urged their patrons to petition Nintendo with letters to get the game delayed even more to put in decent LAN support.

Overall, I'd say that this one's going to be a winner. Nintendo has now learned that if they pump out reasonable sequels, people will buy them, a la Metroid Prime 2: Echoes. If only they'd release it...

Chris Hofer