I love adventure games -- that’s why I write for this site. I have always thought that the 3D platform game was the logical extension and one future of adventure games. You have it all with a good platform game -- a background story, puzzles to solve and inventory to manipulate. Starfox Adventures, while sporting some action sequences, is a beautiful adventure game for the Gamecube.

Do not be put off by the fact that past Starfox appearances have all been action games. Those who have played Starfox before will equate the game with a 3D space shooter. While Starfox Adventure does incorporate some of the arcade shooting sequences of the old game, they are far removed from the crux of the game. I never could play the other Starfox games very well, but the shooting sequences in this game were all pretty easy. The combat on the ground comes down to little more than pressing the A button fast, and almost all the combats are easily dispatched this way.

The story in Starfox Adventures is pretty simple. A big lizard terrorizes Dinosaur Planet, and the planet is blown into pieces. In order to fuse the planet back together, Starfox must collect world gems and freaky spirits. Along the way, Starfox meets various dinosaur tribes and helps them through their lives. The game has a bit of a twist and surprise ending to boot, but one that will leave fans of the game pleased.

Starfox isn’t alone on this trip. Early in the game, he encounters his pet monkey...actually, it is a triceratops, but monkey more aptly describes its function. The pet is really annoying whenever it speaks and, based on his facial expressions, even Starfox thinks so. He will do many useful things though, like breath fire, dig holes and even sniff out items. You can command the creature and play Starfox at the same time, which really adds to the puzzle possibilities of the game. At times you will miss having him, at times you will wish the next big creature you run across would just chew him up. Either way, it is a fresh breath of air in a sometimes stagnant genre.

The voices are done extremely well, and the graphics are the best to be seen in a platform game. The dinosaurs look amazing, and even close up and full screen, Starfox is as detailed as can be. The only annoying thing about the graphics is that every time Starfox gets a new item a cut-scene of him picking it up is played. It is neat the first two or three times, but after that, it gets tired quickly. After the hundredth time, you will come to hate the smile on Starfox’s furry face.

The puzzles are great. None of them are illogical and they can all be figured out with some thought and a limited amount of exploring. Even the big fighting sequences may at first appear to be action oriented, but they are all puzzles -- the player must figure out how to attack and win. If you get stuck on a puzzle, you can always use your communication device for a clue on where to go next. It keeps the game going at a good pace, from start to finish.

In terms of gameplay, you will play the game once and find little reason to go through it again. There are many secrets and extra things you can do, but for the average gamer, the whole adventure will take about twenty hours to complete. It is a wonderful adventure though, and after you complete each section, you will be impressed with what you have done. I highly recommend this game to any lover of the 3D platform genre.

Final Grade: A-