Another Miyamoto masterpiece! Well, sort of. Star Fox 64 is a good flight simulator and shooter, but it's not as immersive as SM64 or Ocarina. But, we don't really expect a shooter to have a great deal of depth, so I guess that's OK. The plot is certainly decent--it just doesn't develop as much as I'd like it to.
Graphics and play control are the most impressive features. The ARWING looks, feels, and handles like a real spaceship. The "lock-on" targeting system is nice too, helping you make absolutely sure you blast that last enemy. Cinema scenes take place after you clear each level, and this makes the game feel kind of like a movie. Best of all are the "All-Range mode" areas that appear in a couple of stages. These really give you a sense of freedom as you can fly in any direction you want within a pretty large area. I only wish there were more areas like this in the game.
The characters have a lot of personality, but they seem a little too cute for a shooter. That Slippy is so damn annoying! He bugs me so much that now I just shoot him down so I won't have to hear him shout "Fox, get this guy off me!" Falco and Peppy tested my patience on occasion too, but not nearly as often. Peppy's "crusty" voice is cute, and he genuinely sounds like a father-figure for the team. But is this cuteness appropriate for a shooter?
I recommend this game as stress relief. Blasting enemy warships is very theraputic when you're mad at one of your professors. Area 6 is also good for thumb exercise and sharpening the reflexes. This game will certainly help you hone your hand-eye coordination, but it may not be interesting enough to keep you coming back for more