Star Fox Zero

File:StarFoxGameplay.png 2015]]

{{See also|Star Fox 64#Gameplay|l1=Gameplay of Star Fox 64}}

Star Fox Zero is a 3D rail shooter that largely follows the gameplay of its predecessors, predominantly Star Fox 64, in which the player controls Fox McCloud as he pilots his Arwing craft through various levels. The game is controlled using the Wii U GamePad, with the left control stick used to maneuver the craft while gyroscopic controls can be used to aim weapons. A cockpit view is displayed on the second screen to assist with aiming.{{cite web|url=https://cdn02.nintendo-europe.com/media/downloads/games_8/emanuals/wii_u_6/star_fox_zero/ElectronicManual_WiiU_StarFoxZero_EN.pdf|title=Star Fox Zero Electronic Manual|publisher=Nintendo|access-date=May 2, 2016|archive-date=August 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817173305/https://cdn02.nintendo-europe.com/media/downloads/games_8/emanuals/wii_u_6/star_fox_zero/ElectronicManual_WiiU_StarFoxZero_EN.pdf|url-status=live}} The minus button on the GamePad can be used to swap the two displays at any time.

Some of the game's vehicles can transform in certain situations. For example, the Arwing can transform into a bipedal Walker (which originated in the cancelled Super NES game Star Fox 2) that lets the player freely walk around on platforms and in enclosed spaces. The Landmaster tank can transform into the Gravmaster, which can perform extended aerial maneuvers for a short time. A new vehicle introduced to the series is the Gyrowing, a dronelike helicopter which can lower a small robot called Direct-i that can enter small spaces, hack into computers, or latch onto explosive cubes that can then be dropped on enemies.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamnesia.com/news/brand-new-star-fox-wii-u-details-impressions-from-someone-who-played-it#.U5picY1H6So|title=Brand New Star Fox Wii U Details, Impressions From Someone Who Played It|last=Rumphol-Janc|first=Nathanial|publisher=Gamnesia|date=June 12, 2014|access-date=June 16, 2014|archive-date=October 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016150733/http://www.gamnesia.com/news/brand-new-star-fox-wii-u-details-impressions-from-someone-who-played-it#.U5picY1H6So|url-status=dead}} Players can also add laser upgrades and smart bombs to their ships. Special techniques such as the charge shot, barrel roll, somersaults, and U-Turns can be performed. Two gameplay modes are featured in the game: the on-rails sections put the player in a predetermined path, while All-Range Mode allows the player to move freely in a closed-off space. The game has no life system, and if the vehicle is destroyed or a specific objective is not reached in some stages, the mission is failed and the player will have to start over. Gold rings, which have a similar healing effect to silver rings, also function as continues when three are collected: levels are split into multiple phases that mark checkpoints, and if Fox dies or fails to complete the mission, he can retry from the last phase he reached if he has collected three gold rings.

Various elements return from previous games, including Fox's teammates, Falco Lombardi, Peppy Hare, and Slippy Toad, who can assist the player if they protect them from enemy attacks, as well as the rival team Star Wolf members Wolf O'Donnell, Leon Powalski, Pigma Dengar, and Andrew Oikonny. Several level locations have also returned, including Corneria, Zoness, Titania, Fichina, and Fortuna, while five new locations, Sector Alpha, Area 3, Sector Beta, Sector Gamma, and Sector Omega, have been added. The game is also compatible with Amiibo figures; players can scan the Fox and Falco Amiibo to respectively unlock the Retro Arwing, which is based on the model used in the original SNES game and cannot lock on but has a larger blast radius, and the Black Arwing, which sports a black and red color scheme and is stronger and faster but takes more damage.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yvk-Pu7jjJQ|title=amiibo × スターフォックス ゼロ 紹介映像|last=Nintendo 公式チャンネル|date=April 5, 2016|via=YouTube|access-date=April 18, 2016|archive-date=December 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217013546/https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=Yvk-Pu7jjJQ|url-status=live}} Both Arwings can also be unlocked by acquiring enough gold medals in the campaign.

File:Star Fox Wii U TIME leak.jpg demonstrates the game behind closed doors at E3 2014. The game was one of three projects he demonstrated at the show, alongside Project Guard and Project Giant Robot.]]

The game's development began with experimentation on leftover assets from a never-released Star Fox game for the Wii that had been worked on by a small group since about 2008. The Wii project never took form because, in the words of series creator Shigeru Miyamoto, the team could not come up with enough compelling new ideas for it. The game's existence was confirmed in a press sheet on June 8, two days before E3 2014 began.{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/gaming/2014/06/10/e3-miyamoto-nintendo/10273573/ |title=Nintendo's Miyamoto reveals 'Star Fox', more projects |publisher=USA Today |date=June 10, 2014 |access-date=June 11, 2014 |archive-date=March 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190316120909/https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/gaming/2014/06/10/e3-miyamoto-nintendo/10273573/ |url-status=live }} During the Electronic Entertainment Expo on June 10, Time leaked information about the game in the morning, then Nintendo announced the title publicly,{{cite magazine|last1=Peckham|first1=Matt|title=Interview: Shigeru Miyamoto Explains Nintendo's Star Fox Rethink and His Unusual New Wii U Games|url=https://time.com/2850146/shigeru-miyamoto-nintendo-interview/|magazine=TIME|access-date=November 26, 2014|archive-date=December 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217013537/https://time.com/2850146/shigeru-miyamoto-nintendo-interview/|url-status=live}} and Nintendo's E3 presentation again hinted at its further details later. During an interview with Wired, Miyamoto expressed his desire to work with external developers for faster completion of the project.{{cite web |first=Chris |last=Kohler |url=https://www.wired.com/2014/06/nintendo-e3-direct/ |title=Nintendo's New Games Sound Great, Just Don't Expect Them Anytime Soon |publisher=WIRED |date=June 10, 2014 |access-date=June 24, 2014 |archive-date=June 23, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140623212410/http://www.wired.com/2014/06/nintendo-e3-direct/ |url-status=live }}

In an interview with GameSpot, Miyamoto revealed that both Project Guard and Project Giant Robot were connected to Star Fox for Wii U in some fashion.{{cite web|last1=Brown|first1=Peter|title=E3 2014: Connecting Star Fox on Wii U with Project Guard and Project Giant Robot|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-connecting-star-fox-on-wii-u-with-project-guard-and-project-giant-robot/1100-6420390/|website=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=June 14, 2014|quote=Shigeru Miyamoto: Today, I'm only answering questions about the Star Fox games. But, there will be multiple different kinds of missions in the Star Fox games, so maybe something like that could appear. And I think the robot that came down from the helicopter is the same robot that you were shooting in the security game.|archive-date=June 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140614095648/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-connecting-star-fox-on-wii-u-with-project-guard-and-project-giant-robot/1100-6420390/|url-status=live}} During a Nintendo Direct presentation in March 2016, Project Guard was formally revealed as Star Fox Guard, and bundled both digitally and as a physical copy alongside Star Fox Zero.{{cite web|last1=Goldfarb|first1=Andrew|title=Star Fox Guard Announced, Star Fox Zero Amiibo Functionality Revealed|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/03/03/star-fox-guard-announced-star-fox-zero-amiibo-functionality-revealed|website=IGN|date=March 3, 2016|access-date=March 4, 2016|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304065620/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/03/03/star-fox-guard-announced-star-fox-zero-amiibo-functionality-revealed|url-status=live}} Project Giant Robot was never released and was canceled in 2017.{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2017/2/1/14471124/project-giant-robot-canceled-nintendo-confirms|title=Nintendo kills Project Giant Robot|last=Stark|first=Chelsea|work=Polygon|publisher=Vox Media|date=February 1, 2017|access-date=February 1, 2017|archive-date=February 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201180746/http://www.polygon.com/2017/2/1/14471124/project-giant-robot-canceled-nintendo-confirms|url-status=live}}

Miyamoto stated that the game's main storyline and overall presentation were structured episodically, taking inspiration from the 1960s television series Thunderbirds, with the main missions featuring traditional Star Fox gameplay acting as "primetime programming", while side-missions featuring more quirky, experimental gameplay mechanics (such as those found in Project Guard and Project Giant Robot) act as "late-night programming".{{cite web |first=Elijah |last=Holt |url=http://www.gamnesia.com/news/everything-we-know-about-star-fox-u#.U65IjY1H6Sp |title=Everything We Know About Star Fox U |publisher=Gamnesia |date=June 26, 2014 |access-date=June 27, 2014 |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714223509/http://www.gamnesia.com/news/everything-we-know-about-star-fox-u#.U65IjY1H6Sp |url-status=dead}} Yusuke Hashimoto of PlatinumGames said they were approached by Nintendo about co-developing the game after requesting to add an Arwing-themed bonus level to Bayonetta 2.{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Priestman|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2015/09/21/bayonetta-2-director-given-dolls-of-the-games-characters-for-his-birthday/|title=Bayonetta 2 Director Given Dolls Of The Game's Characters For His Birthday|work=Siliconera|date=September 21, 2015|access-date=September 21, 2015|archive-date=June 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617114904/http://www.siliconera.com/2015/09/21/bayonetta-2-director-given-dolls-of-the-games-characters-for-his-birthday/|url-status=live}} Hideki Kamiya of PlatinumGames had also previously expressed his desire for Nintendo to approach them about developing a new Star Fox game.{{cite web|first=Phillipe | last=Bosher |url=http://gamerant.com/platinum-games-starfox-phil-18148/ |title=PlatinumGames Would Like To Make New Starfox | date=April 20, 2010 |publisher=GameRant |access-date=June 5, 2016}} According to Nintendo, the story of Zero is neither a prequel or a sequel to previous Star Fox games.{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/06/star_fox_zero_marks_an_explosive_return_to_form_on_wii_u|title=Star Fox Zero Marks An Explosive Return To Form On Wii U|work=Nintendo Life|date=June 16, 2015|access-date=August 29, 2015|archive-date=December 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217013535/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/06/star_fox_zero_marks_an_explosive_return_to_form_on_wii_u|url-status=live}}{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYPKHbOD_xg|title=Star Fox Zero - Miyamoto's Developer Story|date=June 16, 2015|website=YouTube|access-date=August 29, 2015|archive-date=December 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217013545/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYPKHbOD_xg&feature=youtu.be|url-status=live}}{{cite web|author1=Nintendo of America|title=Status update|url=https://twitter.com/nintendoamerica/status/610853070419836928|website=Twitter|access-date=October 22, 2015|date=June 16, 2015|archive-date=March 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307103949/https://twitter.com/nintendoamerica/status/610853070419836928|url-status=live}}

In December 2014, Miyamoto stated that Star Fox Zero would be released before the new installment of The Legend of Zelda series in 2016. He also confirmed that the game would be compatible with Amiibo, but did not specify in what way.{{cite web |first=Alex |last=Zangari |url=http://www.gamnesia.com/news/miyamoto-discusses-how-the-gamepad-is-used-in-star-fox-for-wii-u#.VJUb9UAKA |title=Miyamoto Discusses How the GamePad is Used in Star Fox for Wii U |publisher=Gamnesia |date=December 18, 2014 |access-date=December 22, 2014 |archive-date=December 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141222104028/http://www.gamnesia.com/news/miyamoto-discusses-how-the-gamepad-is-used-in-star-fox-for-wii-u#.VJUb9UAKA |url-status=dead}} Star Fox was playable at E3 2015, and Miyamoto reiterated of the GamePad/monitor gameplay method, which would "allow for cinematic moments to blend with continuous gameplay".{{cite web |first=Thomas |last=Whitehead |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/01/shigeru_miyamoto_confirms_playable_star_fox_for_e3_a_future_for_f_zero_and_more |title=Shigeru Miyamoto Confirms Playable Star Fox for E3, a Future for F-Zero and More |publisher=Nintendo Life |date=January 6, 2015 |access-date=January 6, 2015 |archive-date=January 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150106085155/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/01/shigeru_miyamoto_confirms_playable_star_fox_for_e3_a_future_for_f_zero_and_more |url-status=live }} The planned release date was announced by Nintendo for November 20, 2015,{{cite web|last1=Schuler|first1=Erich|title=Star Fox Zero Release Date Confirmed|date=August 24, 2015|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/08/24/star-fox-zero-release-date-confirmed|publisher=IGN|access-date=August 24, 2015|archive-date=August 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825173240/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/08/24/star-fox-zero-release-date-confirmed|url-status=live}} but the game was subsequently delayed to the first quarter of 2016.{{cite web|last1=McWhertor|first1=Michael|title=Nintendo delays Star Fox Zero to 2016|url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/9/18/9350535/star-fox-zero-wii-u-delayed|website=Polygon|publisher=Vox Media|access-date=September 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150918053147/http://www.polygon.com/2015/9/18/9350535/star-fox-zero-wii-u-delayed|archive-date=September 18, 2015|url-status=live|date=September 18, 2015}} The game was released in North America and Europe on April 22, 2016,{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VF3AnGHbG6s|title=Nintendo Direct Presentation - Mario, Zelda, Pokémon & More Game Overviews (11/12/15)|website=YouTube|date=November 12, 2015 |access-date=May 24, 2020|archive-date=January 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127184040/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VF3AnGHbG6s|url-status=live}} and in Australia the next day.

Prior to the game's release, Nintendo of America began a contest called the "Star Fox Zero Intergalactic Art Event" that month. Entrants needed to create Star Fox Zero fan art and post it on the game's Miiverse page, with the best 40 entries winning Nintendo eShop credit.{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendo-insider.com/2016/04/nintendo-running-star-fox-zero-intergalactic-art-event-on-miiverse/|title=Nintendo Running Star Fox Zero Intergalactic Art Event On Miiverse|first=Alex|last=Seedhouse|work=Nintendo Insider|date=April 1, 2016|access-date=June 19, 2016|archive-date=April 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410032815/http://www.nintendo-insider.com/2016/04/nintendo-running-star-fox-zero-intergalactic-art-event-on-miiverse/|url-status=live}} A Star Fox Zero home menu theme for the Nintendo 3DS was also released two days before the game's launch.{{cite web|url=http://nintendoeverything.com/star-fox-zero-3ds-theme-now-available-in-japan/|title=Star Fox Zero 3DS theme now available in Japan|work=Nintendo Everything|date=April 20, 2016|access-date=June 5, 2016|archive-date=June 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160623125600/http://nintendoeverything.com/star-fox-zero-3ds-theme-now-available-in-japan/|url-status=live}} An animated short based on the game, titled Star Fox Zero: The Battle Begins, was released online on April 20. The short was produced by Japanese animation studio Wit Studio, with assistance from Production I.G and Nintendo.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/watch-teaser-for-star-foxs-new-animated-short/1100-6438931/?ftag=GSS-05-10aaa0b|title=Watch Teaser for Star Fox's New Animated Short|first=Eddie|last=Makuch|work=GameSpot|date=April 18, 2016|access-date=April 19, 2016|archive-date=September 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929233226/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/watch-teaser-for-star-foxs-new-animated-short/1100-6438931/?ftag=GSS-05-10aaa0b|url-status=live}} The 3D CGI animation work was provided by Orange. In July, a free demo of the game was released on the Wii U eShop. The demo includes the training mode from the full game, as well as the Star Fox Zero: The Battle Begins animated short.{{cite web|url=http://wiiudaily.com/2016/07/star-fox-zero-and-star-fox-guard-get-free-demos-on-the-wii-u-eshop/|title=Star Fox Zero and Star Fox Guard get free demos on the Wii U eShop|first=John|last=Kinsley|work=Wii U Daily|date=July 21, 2016|access-date=July 29, 2016|archive-date=October 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012181455/http://wiiudaily.com/2016/07/star-fox-zero-and-star-fox-guard-get-free-demos-on-the-wii-u-eshop/|url-status=dead}}

The game's credits hold a small tribute to former Nintendo president Satoru Iwata, who had died during the game's development.{{cite news|first=Nic|last=Rowen|publisher=Destructoid|date=April 11, 2016|access-date=July 11, 2016|title=A touching Iwata tribute is in Star Fox Zero|url=http://www.destructoid.com/a-touching-iwata-tribute-is-in-star-fox-zero-354629.phtml|archive-date=April 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412121728/http://www.destructoid.com/a-touching-iwata-tribute-is-in-star-fox-zero-354629.phtml|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|first=Connor|last=Sheridan|work=GamesRadar|publisher=Future plc|date=April 11, 2016|access-date=July 11, 2016|title=Watch Star Fox Zero's lovely tribute to Satoru Iwata|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/star-fox-zero-iwata-credits/|archive-date=April 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413224000/http://www.gamesradar.com/star-fox-zero-iwata-credits/|url-status=live}} When asked if Star Fox Zero could potentially be ported to the Nintendo Switch, Atsushi Inaba of PlatinumGames stated that they did not know if it could happen, and he also said that they have not been approached by Nintendo about it.{{cite news|first=Liam|last=Doolan|publisher=Nintendo Life|date=August 1, 2020|access-date=August 1, 2020|title=PlatinumGames Has No Idea If Star Fox Zero Will Be Ported To Switch|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/08/platinumgames_has_no_idea_if_star_fox_zero_will_be_ported_to_switch|archive-date=December 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217013544/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/08/platinumgames_has_no_idea_if_star_fox_zero_will_be_ported_to_switch|url-status=live}} However, when asked again in a later interview, he said that if there was chance, they would to think about porting it to Switch.{{cite news|first=Andy|last=Robinson|publisher=VGC|date=September 11, 2021|access-date=September 17, 2021|title=Platinum wants to bring Star Fox Zero to Switch|url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/platinum-wants-to-bring-star-fox-zero-to-switch/|archive-date=December 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217013538/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/platinum-wants-to-bring-star-fox-zero-to-switch/|url-status=live}}

{{Video game reviews

| MC = 69/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/star-fox-zero/critic-reviews/?platform=wii-u |title=Star Fox Zero for Wii U Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=September 3, 2016 |archive-date=August 15, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815115230/http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii-u/star-fox-zero |url-status=live }}

| EGM = 7/10{{cite web |last=Carsillo |first=Ray |date=April 20, 2016 |url=http://www.egmnow.com/reviews/star-fox-zero-review/ |title=Star Fox Zero review |publisher=Electronic Gaming Monthly |access-date=April 20, 2016}}{{Dead link|date=January 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}

| Destruct = 7/10{{cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/review-star-fox-zero-353560.phtml|access-date=April 20, 2016|title=Star Fox Zero review|archive-date=April 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420162219/http://www.destructoid.com/review-star-fox-zero-353560.phtml|url-status=dead}}

| Fam = 35/40{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendo-insider.com/2016/04/famitsus-star-fox-zero-review-does-a-barrel-roll/|title=Famitsu's Star Fox Zero Review Does A Barrel Roll - Nintendo Insider|date=April 19, 2016|access-date=April 25, 2016|archive-date=April 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426041659/http://www.nintendo-insider.com/2016/04/famitsus-star-fox-zero-review-does-a-barrel-roll/|url-status=live}}

| GI = 6.75/10{{cite web |last=Cork |first=Jeff |date=April 20, 2016 |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/star_fox_zero/b/wii_u/archive/2016/04/20/star-fox-zero-review-fox-sheds-some-appeal-in-this-retread.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422023454/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/star_fox_zero/b/wii_u/archive/2016/04/20/star-fox-zero-review-fox-sheds-some-appeal-in-this-retread.aspx |url-status=live |archive-date=April 22, 2016 |title=Fox Sheds Some Appeal In This Retread - Star Fox Zero - Wii U |publisher=Game Informer |access-date=April 20, 2016}}

| GMaster = 82%GamesMaster, May 2016, page 76

| GSpot = 7/10{{cite web |last=Brown |first=Peter |date=April 20, 2016 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/star-fox-zero-review/1900-6416412/ |title=Star Fox Zero Review |publisher=GameSpot |access-date=April 20, 2016 |archive-date=April 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422060815/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/star-fox-zero-review/1900-6416412/ |url-status=live }}

| GRadar = {{Rating|2.5|5}}{{cite web |last=Roberts |first=David |date=April 20, 2016 |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/star-fox-zero-review/ |title=Star Fox Zero review |publisher=GamesRadar |access-date=April 20, 2016 |archive-date=April 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422024443/http://www.gamesradar.com/star-fox-zero-review/ |url-status=live }}

| GB = {{Rating|2|5}}{{cite web |last=Ryckert |first=Dan |date=April 20, 2016 |url=http://www.giantbomb.com/reviews/star-fox-zero-review/1900-741/ |title=Star Fox Zero Review |publisher=Giant Bomb |access-date=April 20, 2016 |archive-date=April 21, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160421000025/http://www.giantbomb.com/reviews/star-fox-zero-review/1900-741/ |url-status=live }}

| IGN = 7.5/10{{cite web |last=Otero |first=Jose |date=April 20, 2016 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/04/20/star-fox-zero-review |title=Star Fox Zero Review |publisher=IGN |access-date=April 20, 2016 |archive-date=April 21, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160421170710/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/04/20/star-fox-zero-review |url-status=live }}

| NLife = {{Rating|8|10}}{{cite web |last=McFerran |first=Damien |date=April 20, 2016 |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/wiiu/star_fox_zero |title=Star Fox Zero Review |publisher=Nintendo Life |access-date=April 20, 2016 |archive-date=April 21, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160421120327/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/wiiu/star_fox_zero |url-status=live }}

| NWR = 8/10{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/42562/star-fox-zero-wii-u-review|title=Star Fox Zero Review - Review|access-date=April 20, 2016|archive-date=December 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217013540/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/42562/star-fox-zero-wii-u-review|url-status=live}}

| rev1 = Metro

| rev1Score = 8/10{{cite web|url=http://metro.co.uk/2016/04/20/star-fox-zero-review-platinum-do-a-barrel-roll-5829937/|title=Game review: Star Fox Zero barrel rolls onto Wii U|first=David Jenkins for|last=Metro.co.uk|date=April 20, 2016|access-date=May 24, 2016|archive-date=December 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217013537/https://metro.co.uk/2016/04/20/star-fox-zero-review-platinum-do-a-barrel-roll-5829937/|url-status=live}}

| rev2 = Shacknews

| rev2Score = 6/10{{cite web|url=http://www.shacknews.com/article/94201/star-fox-zero-review-crash-course|title=Star Fox Zero Review: Crash Course|date=April 20, 2016|access-date=April 25, 2016|archive-date=December 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217013539/https://www.shacknews.com/article/94201/star-fox-zero-review-crash-course|url-status=live}}

}}

Star Fox Zero received a mixed reception, according to the review aggregator Metacritic. Common points of discussion include the control scheme, the short length of the campaign, and the structural similarities to earlier entries in the series.

Jose Otero from IGN praised the levels and bosses, commenting that Star Fox Zero reimagines a classic Nintendo 64 game, but was critical of its awkward controls. Similarly, Damien McFerran from Nintendo Life observed that the players need to be patient to master its problematic controls before becoming attuned to them, comparing them to Splatoon. Peter Brown of GameSpot{{'}}s primary fault with the controls was that it forces the player to divide attention back and forth between the TV and GamePad. However, Brown did conclude that the second run was more enjoyable than the first, praising the branching paths and level design.

Other reviewers, conversely, found the mandatory motion-based controls frustrating or actively detrimental to the experience. David Roberts of GamesRadar felt that the game was undermined by a slavish devotion to wrapping the core design around every feature of the Wii U's GamePad, regardless of whether it makes sense or feels good to play. James Stephanie Sterling heavily criticized the game's controls and Nintendo's use of hollow gimmicks in order to sell their games, calling the game a bare-bones space shooter.{{cite web |last=Sterling |first=Jim |url=http://www.thejimquisition.com/star-fox-zero-review/ |title=Star Fox Zero Review - Slippy Turd |publisher=The Jimquisition |access-date=May 5, 2016 |archive-date=May 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506155215/http://www.thejimquisition.com/star-fox-zero-review/ |url-status=dead }} Arthur Gies of Polygon declined to assign a final score because he found that it was too miserable to finish the game on account of its controls.{{cite web|last=Gies|first=Arthur|date=April 20, 2016|url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/4/20/11466308/not-a-review-star-fox-zero|title=Star Fox Zero Review|publisher=Polygon|access-date=May 11, 2016|archive-date=May 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160511125448/http://www.polygon.com/2016/4/20/11466308/not-a-review-star-fox-zero|url-status=live}}

Reviewers were also divided about the game's length and high similarity to its predecessor, Star Fox 64. Some were not bothered by it; McFerran called it a retread of Star Fox 64 and its original game Star Fox, but found this aspect of the game "reassuringly familiar". On the other hand, Ray Carsillo of EGM said that the game failed to build on Star Fox 64 in new and exciting ways. He was disappointed by the choice to re-imagine an older game instead of creating a brand new installment. Steve Watts of Shacknews found the alternate vehicle missions, where the game sets itself apart from earlier titles, ultimately distracted from the core Arwing gameplay. McFerran concluded that Star Fox Zero is "easily on-par with the excellent N64 entry from which it draws so much inspiration". Dan Ryckert of Giant Bomb was more critical, considering the game a relic of 2002.

The game was the highest-selling game on Amazon.com on April 19, 2016 based on its preorders, a position it held for two days.{{cite web |url=https://mynintendonews.com/2016/04/19/star-fox-zero-is-currently-the-best-selling-game-on-amazon/ |title=Star Fox Zero Is Currently The Best-Selling Game On Amazon |author=Sickr |date=April 19, 2016 |publisher=My Nintendo News |access-date=April 23, 2016 |archive-date=April 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419204639/https://mynintendonews.com/2016/04/19/star-fox-zero-is-currently-the-best-selling-game-on-amazon/ |url-status=live }} Days after its launch in Japan, both the standalone and Star Fox Guard Double Pack sold 8,135 and 17,114 units respectively, individually placing fifth and eighth for that sales week. Sales of both combined was 25,249 units, making it the fourth best-selling game that week overall.{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/04/star_fox_zero_makes_modest_debut_in_japanese_charts_as_3ds_holds_steady |title=Star Fox Zero Makes Modest Debut in Japanese Charts as 3DS Holds Steady |author=Thomas Whitehead |date=April 28, 2016 |publisher=Nintendo Life |access-date=May 3, 2016 |archive-date=April 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428100302/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/04/star_fox_zero_makes_modest_debut_in_japanese_charts_as_3ds_holds_steady |url-status=live }} During the same time frame, it was also the sixth best-selling game in the United Kingdom,{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/04/star_fox_zero_makes_a_positive_start_in_the_uk_charts |title=Star Fox Zero Makes a Positive Start in the UK Charts |author=Thomas Whitehead |date=April 20, 2016 |publisher=Nintendo Life |access-date=April 25, 2016 |archive-date=April 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426114344/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/04/star_fox_zero_makes_a_positive_start_in_the_uk_charts |url-status=live }} the third best-selling in France{{cite web |url=http://www.sell.fr/top/index/week/16/year/2016 |title=THE BEST VIDEO GAME SALES |date=April 24, 2016 |publisher=S.E.L.L |access-date=December 18, 2017 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602120838/http://www.sell.fr/top/index/week/16/year/2016 |archive-date=June 2, 2016 |df=mdy-all}} and the fifth in Australia.{{cite web |url=http://www.igea.net/2016/04/top-10-games-charts-for-the-week-ended-24-april-2016/ |title=Top 10 games charts for the week ended 24 April 2016 |work=IGEA |date=April 29, 2016 |publisher=Interactive Games & Entertainment Association |access-date=December 18, 2017 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921050314/http://www.igea.net/2016/04/top-10-games-charts-for-the-week-ended-24-april-2016/ |archive-date=September 21, 2017 |df=mdy-all}} According to the NPD Group, which tracks physical sales data, Star Fox Zero was the fifth best-selling video game on any platform during the month of April.{{cite web |url=https://venturebeat.com/2016/05/12/nintendos-star-fox-and-bravely-second-rank-among-aprils-best-selling-console-games/ |title=Nintendo's Star Fox and Bravely Second rank among April's best-selling console games |author=Mike Minotti |date=May 12, 2016 |publisher=VentureBeat |access-date=May 13, 2016 |archive-date=September 21, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921050332/https://venturebeat.com/2016/05/12/nintendos-star-fox-and-bravely-second-rank-among-aprils-best-selling-console-games/ |url-status=live }} However, sales were not nearly as strong in Japan, as it became the single worst-selling game in the franchise in the country.{{cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/star-fox-zero-sales-off-to-a-series-worst-in-japan-359113.phtml|title=Star Fox Zero sales off to a series-worst in Japan|date=May 4, 2016|access-date=June 17, 2016|archive-date=May 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508142804/https://www.destructoid.com/star-fox-zero-sales-off-to-a-series-worst-in-japan-359113.phtml|url-status=dead}} It was a commercial failure overall, selling less than half a million copies.

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