For all the fans who’ve been patiently waiting (and waiting) for a new Star Fox game, there’s finally a chance to fill that Arwing-shaped void in your life. After all, it’s been over three decades since the original Star Fox soared onto the Super Nintendo, helping to define the on-rails shooter genre. Now, one of the minds behind that 16-bit cult classic is giving us something new: Wild Blue.
Giles Goddard, the original programmer on Star Fox, has founded Chuhai Labs to create a spiritual successor worthy of the flight-combat legend. In his own words (jokingly) he’s “the only dev behind Star Fox,” but jokes aside, Goddard was indeed crucial to the original game’s development. That’s the pedigree behind Wild Blue—and if the teasers are any indication, we’re in for a thrill ride.
What to Expect
Wild Blue is described as an “on-rails aerial combat adventure,” paying homage to the classic shooters of the ’90s. So if you’ve been itching for anthropomorphic animals in sleek spaceships—this might be your jam. You’ll join Bowie Stray and the Blue Bombers, racing through vibrant environments like vast oceans, scorching deserts, and precarious cave systems. Expect wave after wave of enemies in your path, culminating in intense dogfights and a few big boss battles reminiscent of the best old-school arcade shooters.
Here’s a quick rundown of the key features:
- Branching paths that give each run a bit of replayability.
- Allies fighting at your side, presumably offering both moral and mechanical support.
- Epic boss encounters and rival dogfights—staples of the on-rails shooter genre.
- Easy-to-learn controls, so newcomers can jump right into the action.
- Hand-crafted, anime-style visuals, promising eye-catching set pieces.
Nods to a Classic
Nintendo hasn’t provided a new Star Fox release since Star Fox Zero launched on Wii U back in 2016. Given that the series’ official future seems uncertain at best, Wild Blue might just be the refresh the genre needs. Giles Goddard’s involvement is a huge draw here—few developers understand the DNA of Star Fox as intimately as he does.
More Than Just Nostalgia
Of course, Wild Blue aims to be more than a carbon copy of Star Fox. Chuhai Labs wants to deliver a modernized rail shooter that remains accessible while providing all the old-school adrenaline rushes we know and love. With a “great game is about the best ideas” philosophy, Goddard’s team is looking to prove that big budgets aren’t everything—creativity still reigns supreme.
Why We’re Excited
There’s something undeniably appealing about the idea of diving back into a classic style of shooter—especially one crafted by a key Star Fox veteran. The branching paths and throwback mechanics tap into the nostalgia so many of us still harbor for that 16-bit era. When you mix in new characters, bold environments, and snappy anime visuals, it’s easy to imagine the arcade-like intensity and cheerful quips that made Star Fox such a beloved franchise.
Whether you’re a hardcore fan of the original SNES shooter or simply looking for an approachable action game, Wild Blue could end up scratching that retro itch with plenty of modern flair. Keep your eyes peeled for more info as development progresses—and here’s hoping it fully captures that magic we first felt cruising through space 32 years ago.
Because honestly, who doesn’t want to do a barrel roll? It’s high time we soared off on another cosmic rail-shooting adventure. And if it can capture even a fraction of the spirit of Star Fox, count us in.
