Remember the thrill of flying through polygonal space, blasting enemies, and hearing Fox McCloud say "Good job, Slippy!"? For many retro gamers, the name Star Fox instantly conjures up images of Nintendo's iconic SNES rail shooter. But did you know there's a whole other, far less glorious, game that shares the exact same name? It's a little historical quirk that often trips up newcomers and even seasoned retro enthusiasts.
Let's take a trip back and untangle the confusing history behind the name Star Fox, exploring the vastly different games that bore this title and celebrating the one that truly became a legend.
The Other Star Fox: Atari's Infamous Space Flop
Before Fox McCloud and the Arwing took flight, there was a game released in 1983 for the Atari 2600 also called Star Fox. This wasn't a groundbreaking polygonal adventure; far from it. This Star Fox was a product of Mythicon, a company notorious in Atari circles for releasing only three games, all of them widely considered terrible.
Mythicon's strategy was bizarre: sell low-quality games at a lower price point, often in smaller boxes with the price printed right on them. Their Star Fox was no exception. It was essentially a poor imitation of the popular arcade game Defender, tasking players with flying back and forth across a landscape, shooting generic enemies, and collecting crystals. Despite the box optimistically claiming it was "Game 1 in the Star Fox series," no sequels ever materialized – and for good reason. It's a footnote in gaming history, often stumbled upon by collectors who might mistakenly think it's related to the Nintendo series.
The Real Star Fox: A SNES Revolution
Fast forward ten years to 1993, and Nintendo drops a bombshell on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System: StarFox (often written without the space, but commonly referred to as Star Fox). This was a game that felt like the future. It was one of the first console games to utilize polygonal 3D graphics, made possible by the revolutionary SuperFX chip embedded in the cartridge itself.
Playing the SNES Star Fox was an experience. You piloted the Arwing, leading the Star Fox team – Fox McCloud, Falco Lombardi, Peppy Hare, and Slippy Toad – on a mission to save the Lylat System from the evil Andross. The rail shooter gameplay was tight and exciting, the characters were instantly likable, and the sense of scale and movement was unlike anything most console gamers had seen before. This is the game that launched a beloved, ongoing series and cemented the name Star Fox in the minds of millions of gamers worldwide.
Beyond the SNES: Star Fox's Legacy
The success of the SNES game led to numerous sequels and spin-offs across various Nintendo consoles. Perhaps the most famous is Star Fox 64 (or Lylat Wars in Europe), which refined the formula, added voice acting, and introduced the rumble pack. The series continued on GameCube (Star Fox Adventures, Star Fox Assault), Nintendo DS (Star Fox Command), and Wii U (Star Fox Zero). While not every entry hit the same highs as the SNES or N64 classics, the core characters and high-flying combat remain iconic.
So, What's in a Name?
The confusion between the Atari Star Fox and the Nintendo Star Fox is a fascinating little piece of gaming trivia. They are completely unrelated games from different eras, developed by different companies, with vastly different levels of quality and historical impact. The Atari game is a relic of a less refined time in the industry, while the Nintendo game is a genuine classic that pushed technological boundaries and created lasting characters.
Next time you hear someone mention Star Fox, a quick clarifying question might be in order: "The SNES one, right?" Because in the world of retro gaming, the difference between a forgotten flop and a legendary series can sometimes come down to just a space... or lack thereof.
FAQs
Q: Why was the Nintendo game called Starwing in Europe? A: The name was changed to Starwing in Europe (and Lylat Wars for Star Fox 64) due to potential trademark conflicts with a German company called StarVox.
Q: Are the Atari and Nintendo Star Fox games related at all? A: No, they are completely unrelated games developed by different companies (Mythicon and Nintendo) with no connection other than sharing a similar name.
Q: What made the SNES Star Fox so special? A: It was a technical marvel for its time, showcasing early polygonal 3D graphics on a home console thanks to the SuperFX chip, combined with fun gameplay and memorable characters.
Q: Can I play the original SNES Star Fox today? A: Yes, the original SNES Star Fox is available on the Nintendo Switch Online service for subscribers.
