In Search of Star Fox: Exploring Indie Alternatives

With each passing year, it seems Nintendo has less and less interest in continuing the adventures of the Star Fox crew and their never ending quest to rid the Lylat System of the influence of Andross. The last time we say Fox and friends was in 2015's Star Fox Zero for the Wii U, a game that I enjoyed despite the unique controls which saw you having to pay attention to flying your arwing on the TV screen while also aiming with gyroscopic controls all around using the Wii U gamepad.

It seems like Nintendo's idea of what Star Fox should be moving forward is not in sync with what fans would like it to be. Shigeru Miyamoto has repeatedly said that the only way there will be a new Star Fox title is when they can find a new unique gameplay mechanic that would make sense with the series. Fans, meanwhile, are less interested in a gimmick and just want more Star Fox 64. Luckily there have been a few indie studios that have taken matters into their own hands and have worked to give fans the games they've been longing for.

Let's begin with Fur Squadron by Raptor Claw, an indie title that first debuted on mobile devices and has now made its way to PC and Switch. The game features captivating graphics with a vaporwave aesthetic, utilizing a VR-like grid that simulates training scenarios before the enemy infiltrates the program, turning the dangers into reality. The character designs are delightful, featuring a ferret as the protagonist, an adorable axolotl reminiscent of frog Slippy, and a sarcastic bat embodying the Falco archetype. Their banter feels right at home in a Star Fox-inspired universe, adopting familiar roles.

However, I found Fur Squadron somewhat underwhelming in several aspects. The controls felt oddly off, though it was challenging to pinpoint the exact issue. Moving around felt slippery and unsatisfying, possibly a result of the game's mobile origins. It might have played better with touch screen controls or other mobile devices. While the graphics initially impressed me with their striking wireframe appearance, over time, they lost their charm, and everything started to feel a bit repetitive.

On the other hand, Ex Zodiac, the next game I want to recommend, perfectly captures the essence of the classic Star Fox and Star Fox 64 experiences. This game boasts smooth controls, engaging character interactions, thrilling levels, and epic boss battles—everything you'd expect from a genuine Star Fox title.

From the moment I launched Ex Zodiac, I felt like I had stumbled upon a forgotten or beta version of a Star Fox game. However, it's important to note that this game is still in beta, lacking a conclusive ending and offering only a handful of levels. Nevertheless, the available levels are incredibly enjoyable, and each one contains a unique collectible that unlocks a bonus level, providing excellent replay value. The bonus levels surprised me by paying homage to the classic Sega game Space Harrier, offering even more excitement and motivating me to revisit previous levels in search of missed items.

There's a new update that went live recently that I haven't played yet, but there's a few new levels that have been added in, and for the first time there are "all range mode" levels now, whereas before all the levels followed the style of the SNES Star Fox by having you fly forward on rails.

I must also give a special shoutout to the game's synth-driven and catchy soundtrack, perfectly complementing the low-polygon, PS1/N64 visual style. Even without a definitive final level, Ex Zodiac on Steam and Itch.io is an exceptional experience well worth the investment.

While Nintendo's approach to the franchise may currently differ from fans' expectations, the creativity and passion of indie studios help keep the spirit of Star Fox alive. It's exciting to witness these developers stepping up to create the games that fans have been yearning for, even if they may not carry the official Star Fox branding. Thank you for taking the time to read this—now, go and immerse yourself in the captivating world of Ex Zodiac!