When Nintendo signed Argonaut to work on Star Fox, the company was also working on 3D games for the NES and Game Boy. Nintendo released the Game Boy game as X, but only in Japan. The game has two claims to fame: The musical score is the first known work of Kazumi Totaka, and it also received a music remix in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.
Story
An alien force from the planet of Tetamus II has threatened to invade Earth. In response to this threat, humanity sends the Space Tank VIXIV to the alien world to destroy their infrastructure and prevent the attack.
Gameplay
You are the pilot of the Space Tank VIXIV. The game starts with a training mode set on Earth, where you are introduced to the movement and weapons of the VIXIV, as well as how to use the satellite stations and tunnels. Upon completing your training, you are transported to Tetamus II.
At the start of each mission, you receive instruction from a holographic general. The missions change on each stage, from recharging a power plant by finding Power Crystals to taking out Humanoid Tanks.
The map of Tetamus II is divided into 8 areas, which you can either freely drive across, or travel through a network of underground tunnels. Satellite Stations can be used to restock missiles, shields and fuel for the VIXIV. Your tank also has a high speed mode that drains fuel. By driving fast over pyramids, you can launch the VIXIV into the sky for aerial missions. Enemy craft patrol the map, and your radar can be used to track them down and shoot them for additional missiles and fuel.
Each mission is played to a time limit, and you must also watch your tank's shield, which depletes whenever you are crash or get hit by an enemy.
The Missions
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Prologue
You are trained in handling the VIXIV on Earth. After this you travel through a tunnel to Tetamus II and your first mission.
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Mission 1
A transport vessel carrying a Power Crystal was shot down over the planet. Your mission is to retrieve the Power Crystal and deliver it to the Nuclear Silo. You have a time limit of 60:00 to clear this mission.
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Mission 2
The Tetamus forces have set a number of time bombs on the planet surface. You have to find them all and disarm them. You can find out the remaining number and locations of the time bombs at the Radar Station. You have a time limit of 70:00 to clear this mission.
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Mission 3
A Humanoid Tank is walking around the map destroying your bases. You have to find and destroy the Humanoid Tank before it reaches the Radar Station. If more bases are accidentally destroyed then your time limit decreases.
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Mission 4
The scientist Dr. Yamano has been captured by the alien forces. Your mission is to rescue him from one of the alien bases, but you don't know which one. Most contain giant spider tanks, and one contains a fake Dr. Yamano. You have 60:00 to clear this mission.
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Mission 5
The enemy forces have constructed a tunnel, and you have to destroy it by collecting a Bomb and dropping it in the correct place in the tunnel. After planting the Bomb you have 03:00 to escape.
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Mission 6
A truck is delivering a Reactor Rod to the Nuclear Silo. You have to protect it from enemy tanks. You fail the mission if the truck is destroyed or it takes over 50:00 to reach the silo.
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Mission 7
Reactor Rods are being carried by Super Gliders. You have to take to the air and reclaim all of the rods and deliver them to the Nuclear Silo within 50:00.
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Mission 8
You have 15:00 to destroy five Chrysalises. If you take too long, they will turn into Butterflies and begin advancing on the Radar Station.
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Mission 9
You have to destroy all of the Cruise Missiles within 16:55. They are heading towards the Radar Station, and if one hits its target then you fail the mission.
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Mission 10
You have to destroy the Tetamus IV Mothership within 30:00. You will have to use the HIGH-EX power-up to take it out, but after the Radar Station is destroyed you will have to find the last few friendly bases to restock.
