The gameplay of Star Fox: Assault is divided into three distinctive types. The player can either fly an Arwing spacecraft, drive a Landmaster tank or perform certain tasks on foot. All three play types are available for use in the game's multiplayer mode, though the available gameplay types are restricted based on the chosen map.
Arwing missions are similar to those of the first two games in the series. The player flies in space or close to the ground and shoots down enemies. Some levels are on rails, while others allow full freedom of movement in a relatively small area. As in previous games, main character Fox's wing mates occasionally call for help when chased by enemies, requiring the player to save them. Additionally, in some levels, the player has the ability to hop in and out of the Arwing at will.
Whenever damage is taken from enemies or hazards, the shield/health meter depletes. If it's completely depleted, the player loses a vehicle/life. An instant life loss results in Fox falling off a cliff. If the player has no more lives/vehicles and if the shield/health meter completely depletes while they have 0 vehicles/lives, then GAME OVER AND GOODBYE. The game will end and the title screen will display. Lives are also lost from four mission failures.
While in the Landmaster, the player has complete freedom to move about the level. They are free to shoot or run over enemies and assist their wing mates when necessary. Playing on foot essentially turns the game into a 3D third-person run 'n' gun shooter; the player starts armed with a standard blaster gun and can acquire a variety of other weapons, including but not limited to a machine gun and a homing launcher. In two shooting gallery levels, the player rides on the wing of an Arwing or a Wolfen fighter, shooting enemies on the ground and in the air with a plasma cannon.
As an added bonus, by collecting all silver medals throughout the game, the player can unlock the NES port of the scrolling shooter arcade game Xevious as a bonus minigame.[3] The Japanese version of Star Fox: Assault also features the Famicom games Battle City and Star Luster as unlockables.
