Starlink: Battle for Atlas

Starlink: Battle for Atlas is a stellar achievement. Through its fun and accessible cast of characters, solidly made toys-to-life component, and beautiful graphics, Ubisoft has hit the ground running. With the addition of a healthy amount of Star Fox content, the Switch version is definitely the preferable way to go, but regardless of your system Starlink is a remarkably entertaining game, and an auspicious launch for a new gaming universe.

An enjoyable story, solid gameplay and a respectable solution to the pitfalls of the toys-to-life concept make for a surprisingly good experience no matter how you play.

As soon as gamers thought toys-to-life was a rapidly dying fad, Ubisoft stepped up to the plate to offer a completely new kind of experience. Starlink: Battle for Atlas is one addictive space alliance-building game so buckle up and let's take off!

With a gorgeous visual design – even on Nintendo Switch, it’s a striking-looking game – an enjoyable gameplay loop, fantastic audio design, and a lively cast of characters, there’s plenty to like in Starlink: Battle for Atlas. It’s a game I can see myself coming back to for a long time yet.

Expectations are best left at the door when entering into Starlink, Ubisoft’s late-to-the-party toys-to-life space adventure. Targeted to younger space explorers, it still maintains enough complexity to draw in experienced players. And while physical toys are a big selling point, the whole thing is playable without them (see sidebar below). Capitalizing on the joy of discovery and experimentation, Starlink may be simple, but it’s a lot of fun. It’s also a natural fit for its Switch platform-exclusive co-stars, the Star Fox team, and there’s no reason the entire thing can’t be played through wi...

If you're of a certain age, Starlink: Battle for Atlas is an amazing prospect. It really nails the open world formula that Ubisoft has made famous and tones it down for kids. It's just too bad that the game doesn't hit the mark whenever it tries to achieve beyond that.

Overall, Starlink: Battle for Atlas is a solid foundation if Ubisoft wants to make this into an ongoing franchise. Allowing you to play with or without the toys was a smart call, especially since if you’re playing on the Switch and don’t want to bring a bunch of toys with you. The world and characters they’ve created are intriguing enough for me to want to see more of it. If there was just a bit more variety, Starlink could be a fantastic franchise for both kids and adults alike.

Bring reinforcements.

With or without the unnecessary toys, Starlink: Battle for Atlas is a commendable space adventure. Even with the repetitive grind and randomly scattershot space combat, this is a great-looking, gratifying game of strategic action and environmental exploration. Switch owners are undoubtedly the winners, but there’s something here to enjoy on any platform.

Ubisoft and Nintendo have teamed up once again after the recent Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle. Starlink: Battle for Atlas is the latest, and possibly last toys-to-life game, with a whole collection of toy spaceships and weapons you’ll be using as an in-game armada. Nintendo Switch players have the exclusive boon to be able to use Fox McCloud of the Star Fox series as a pilot.