"Star Fox 64" received critical acclaim and was one of the top-selling games of 1997, second to "Mario Kart 64". Reviews hailed the level branching system, particularly its use of player performance and secret in-level triggers rather than simple path selection. Many reviewers also praised the multiplayer modes as an ample source of replay value, with "Next Generation" in particular stating they "give "StarFox 64" a boost over other shooters." However, Crispin Boyer of "Electronic Gaming Monthly" considered them a waste, contending that the split screen display made targets too small to pinpoint. The game's voice clips were widely complimented, not for the quality of the acting, but for the unprecedented quantity of audio clips for a cartridge-based game. Critics also applauded the precise analog control, boss designs, rumble pak implementation, and cinematic cutscenes. "GamePro", which gave the game a perfect 5 out of 5 in all four categories, elaborated, "The analog joystick seriously kicks it here with its best performance to date, demonstrating impressively crisp response that enables you to pull the tight, white-knuckle moves you need to survive. The Rumble Pak teams up with the solid controls and scores as an all-time great add-on."