The Star Fox franchise, a beloved cornerstone of Nintendo’s gaming legacy, has seen its share of ups and downs over the years. Dylan Cuthbert, a key figure in the development of the original Star Fox title, has shared his perspective on the series and what he believes has been missing in some of the more recent entries.
A Beloved Series with a Storied History
Star Fox, known for its iconic characters and thrilling space battles, has captured the hearts of gamers since its inception. Cuthbert, who played a crucial role as a programmer on the original game and took the lead in developing four titles within the series, believes that certain vital elements that defined the original Star Fox experience have been absent in recent releases.
An Unwavering Belief in the Series’ Return
Speaking with VGC, Cuthbert expressed his confidence in the return of the Star Fox series, stating, “They keep trying, don’t they? They keep trying, not quite achieving the original.” While the series has evolved and explored new directions, he believes that capturing the essence of the original game remains a challenge.
The Recipe for Star Fox’s Success
Cuthbert went on to reflect on the ingredients that made the 1993 SNES game a standout. He identified a blend of influences, including the 1991 3D rail shooter Starblade, the 1993 Star Wars arcade game, Amiga titles such as Carrier Command, and Nintendo’s signature family-friendly touch. It was this amalgamation of elements that gave birth to the unique essence of the original Star Fox.
The Missing Pieces
Discussing more recent entries in the series, Cuthbert noted, “So some of the more recent titles – maybe, say, the Namco version, for example – are all great games, but there’s always that one element missing, that sort of UK old-school 3D shooting game element missing from it.” He specifically referred to the 2005 GameCube title, Star Fox: Assault, as an example.
The Star Fox Odyssey
The Star Fox franchise continues to hold a special place in the hearts of fans, with each installment offering a fresh perspective on the spacefaring adventures of Fox McCloud and his team. While the series has evolved and experimented, it’s clear that capturing the magic of the original while embracing new horizons remains an ongoing journey.
As we eagerly await the next installment in the Star Fox saga, it’s clear that preserving the essence of the classic while exploring innovative gameplay elements will be a challenge and a testament to the enduring legacy of this iconic Nintendo franchise.
