Corridor Mode is a term for the manner of flight driven gameplay in the "Star Fox series". The mode is a staple in every Star Fox game to date, except "Star Fox 2". Corridor Mode, also known as Valley Mode or even On-Rails Mode, is a 3-D scrolling game which forces the vehicle down a fixed route in which the vehicle can move in any direction, but there is no option to fully turn around, unlike All-Range Mode.
Gameplay
In Corridor Mode, the objective is to take control of the vehicle as it automatically starts to proceed down a normally fixed route, to reach the end of the flight path, where an Enemy Force Commander usually waits. The vehicle can move in any direction, speed up or slow down, but it cannot fully make an about turn, or stop moving. When the vehicle approaches the edge of the screen, it normally triggers the appearance of a flashing arrow, which will prevent the vehicle from leaving the screen. Staying on course, avoiding hazardous obstacles and attacking enemies is advised to keep the vehicle in prime condition for the final battle of the Mission.
Since the action begins as soon as the Mission starts, quick gaming and decisive actions are key to making better progress. Enemies will appear automatically at certain attack positions on the route, from above, below, behind or in front, giving little time for the vehicle to take them out before they disappear off-screen. Taking the right way in a Mission can lead to opportunities to collect valuable power ups, while there are often checkpoints in the Corridor Missions, depending on the game, which will allow the vehicle to resume playing from a halfway point if a ship is lost.
Usually there are Star Fox team members who participate in the Mission, to aid in gameplay. Often, there are select moments in the game script and gameplay where they will come under attack from tailing enemies, where they send out a plea for required aid. Memorising where they send out an S.O.S in Missions can be helpful to guarantee their safety and continued gaming support.
In the games
Corridor Mode is used in every mission, since All-Range Mode did not yet exist. There are three different viewpoints on the Mission action. The most common is the Approach viewpoint, from outside and slightly behind the Arwing. Another outside view is similar to the Approach, but is from slightly farther behind. It is called the STANDARD viewpoint. The last viewpoint choice, which is available only in space scenes, is from inside the Arwing's cockpit. In Cockpit view, there will be a green aiming sight, for targeting aid. Marks on the side and bottom of the screen will show the orientation of the Arwing position in Cockpit view.
S.O.S Attacks made on Falco, Peppy and Slippy will be randomised between the three. Wingmen are invincible from Fox's Arwing (bomb, laser blast, or collision - though that last item will cause damage to the player). This doesn't stop them from complaining, however.
Corridor Mode is used on the following missions, although the mode may change depending on gaming performance. A first person point of view is optional in Corridor Mode. When the vehicle nears the edge of the screen, a red arrow will flash to prevent it from going any further.
| Mission | Moment |
|---|---|
| Corneria | Entire Level minus Granga's battle |
| Meteo | Entire Level |
| Sector X | Entire Level |
| Titania | Entire Level |
| Venom | Entire Level |
| Solar | Entire Level |
| Macbeth | Entire Level |
| Sector Y | Entire Level till bosses |
| Aquas | Entire Level |
| Zoness | Entire Level |
| Area 6 | Entire Level |
| Venom II | Entering and leaving Venom's tunnels and Andross battle |
Corridor Mode
- “The Arwing is an easy ship to fly, but only a truly great pilot can be expected to master it. Most missions are flown in what is called the Corridor Mode. The Arwing moves forward automatically, can you are able to maneuverer up, down, left and right. You cannot, however, turn completely around.”
- —Official Nintendo Power Player's Guide, pg 11
Tactical Views
- “In most Corridor Mode missions, you can choose between a view from behind your ship and a view from within the cockpit. In All-Range Mode, you have a choice between a close-up and a wide -angle view from behind your ship. The wide-angle view is usually much better for spotting enemies chasing you. It's important to chose the view that you're most comfortable with. You must decide whether to focus on what's dead ahead or on what's going on around and behind you.”
- —Official Nintendo Power Player's Guide, pg 13
3-D Scroll
- “A 3-D scroll mission thrusts you forward into the conflict, and requires intense, split-second reactions.”
- —Star Fox 64.com
In "Adventures", the Arwing Missions all use Corridor Mode flight paths, while the on-foot portion uses third person gameplay similar to All-Range Mode.
The traditional Arwing gameplay is repeated when playing the Mission to reach the SpellStone lands, when the game requires it. The primary objective of Arwing Missions is to also collect the required number of Gold Supply rings to open the GateKeeper's Force Field, to reach the area. After selecting the required area, General Pepper will announce the number of Gold Rings the Arwing needs to collect to open the gateway to make a landing. If the number of Gold Rings is not obtained by the end of the flight route, the gameplay will simply return to the destination select screen.
After releasing all six Krazoa Spirits, the game's story will take the gameplay directly into the final boss battle against Andross, using the Arwing once more. This boss battle essentially repeats traditional Andross boss battles.
Interestingly, Krystal's gameplay at the start of "Adventures", starts with her having to fight back against the Flying Galleon in an identical manner to Corridor Mode bosses in other Star Fox games. This was even still part of the original development of the Dinosaur Planet game before it was reworked into "Adventures".
Like Star Fox 64, Corridor Mode is used on the following missions, which are also known in the manual as Shooting Stages:
| Mission | Moment |
|---|---|
| Mission 1. Fortuna | Entire Level |
| Mission 5. Asteroid Belt | Entire Level |
| Mission 10. Aparoid Homeworld | Entire Level minus Aparoid Queen's 1st form |
Note: There are also moments on Mission 4. Fichina and Mission 7. Corneria called Wing-riding that essentially follow the same principles as Corridor Mode.
Shooting Stages
- “Stages where you pilot Arwings through 3-D environments are shooting stages. Proceed to the goals of the stages to clear them.”
- —Star Fox: Assault; Instruction Booklet, pg 12
References
- NINTENDO POWER Star Fox 64: Official Nintendo Player's Guide. Redmond, WA, Nintendo of America. 1997.
- http://f.starfox-online.net/archives/starFox64.comReconstructed/sfgame.html
- Star Fox Assault; Instruction Booklet
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