The Complete 'Z or R Twice' Guide: How It Works, Star Fox Roots, and Easter Eggs

Understand the full story behind The Complete 'Z or R Twice' Guide: How It Works, Star Fox Roots, and Easter Eggs with our latest coverage.

In 1997, Nintendo released Star Fox 64 for its flagship 64-bit console. Piloting the Arwing starfighter, players navigated dense corridors of hostile fire across the Lylat system. During intense dogfights, veteran squadmate Peppy Hare frequently shouted advice over the radio comms: "Do a barrel roll!" Accompanied by on-screen text, Peppy instructed players to tap either the Z trigger located on the center grip or the R shoulder button on the right wing twice in rapid succession.

Executing that rapid double-tap spun the Arwing 360 degrees along its longitudinal axis. Crucially, the maneuver generated an electromagnetic energy shield around the craft, deflecting incoming laser volleys and physical debris. For millions of players, the auditory cue and the mechanical muscle memory of tapping Z or R twice became inseparable. The voice clip, performed by Lyssa Browne, evolved into an enduring gaming meme across early web communities during the 2000s.