The classic Star Fox 64 is making a comeback... on PC. Thanks to an unofficial port by Harbour Masters. This project—which they’ve dubbed Starship—offers modern enhancements over the original N64 release, allowing players to enjoy this iconic game in a way that truly takes advantage of today's technology.
Key Features
- Modern Enhancements: Support for widescreen resolutions (up to 4K), higher frame rates up to 60 FPS, and rendering options like DirectX11 (Windows), OpenGL (all platforms), or Metal (macOS).
- Keyboard & Mouse Control: In addition to support for controllers, players can use keyboard and mouse.
How It Works
The Starship port operates by requiring users to legally source their own ROM of the Star Fox 64 game and then process it into a format compatible with the PC port. This approach ensures no copyrighted assets are distributed, maintaining legal integrity while still offering fans an excellent experience.
Reception
Fan response has been overwhelmingly positive. The port is seen as providing an improved experience compared to emulation, thanks to its high performance and modding potential. Future expansions could include even more advanced features like texture upgrades or ray tracing.
Availability
Currently available for Windows PCs, with plans for macOS and Linux support in the future (and even Wii U and Switch). The project is free to download but requires a legally owned copy of the game's ROM (USA Version 1.1 Rev A).
What are your memories of playing Star Fox on the N64?
Oh boy! Can’t wait to get into this one!