Fox McCloud's New Duds: Even the OG Artist Prefers the Movie Version, Bless 'Em
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Takaya Imamura, the legendary original artist behind Star Fox, has weighed in on the new Star Fox Switch 2 game's character designs, openly admitting he prefers the Fox McCloud rendition from the *Super Mario Galaxy Movie* – a sentiment echoed by many fans critical of the new 'hyper realistic' look, while also sparking conversations about the game being yet another remake of the same story.
Right, gather 'round, folks, because things are getting a tad spicy in the Great Cornerian Design Debates. You know how it is, sometimes you build a universe, and then it goes off and does its own thing. Well, it seems a certain legendary artist is having a bit of a moment with the latest incarnation of his most famous furry fighter.
We're talking about Takaya Imamura, a bloke who’s basically Nintendo royalty. This wizard of design didn't just doodle Fox McCloud; he also brought Captain Falcon and the *utterly* unforgettable Tingle to life. Fun fact for your next pub quiz, apparently Shigeru Miyamoto himself was the muse for Fox. Who knew the legendary dev had that much foxy swagger?
Now, Imamura isn't at Nintendo anymore, but you can bet your bottom dollar he's still got an eagle eye on his creations. So, when Nintendo dropped the news about the new *Star Fox* for the Switch 2 (yes, *the* Switch 2 – we'll get to that in a sec), naturally, his social channels lit up like a Christmas tree in a supernova.
He started off chuffed to bits, proud to see *Star Fox 64* getting the remake treatment again. 'Thanks, Miyamoto!' he chirped. But then came the question about the *new character designs*. And mate, his reply was gold: 'I suppose this is what happens when I’m not overseeing it… I do think the concept is good, though,' he said, translated from the digital ether. It's that classic, polite British/Aussie 'bless their hearts' kind of comment, isn't it? Like saying a kid's drawing is 'full of character' when it clearly depicts a three-legged alien.
But here's the kicker, the real digital tea-spill: Imamura then flat-out stated he prefers Illumination’s animated take on Fox from the *Super Mario Galaxy Movie*. 'I prefer the film version,' he declared. Ouch. When the original architect of the universe prefers a spin-off cartoon version of his own character over the *new game's* rendition, you know there's a conversation to be had.
And he’s not alone, it turns out. The internet, as it always does, has opinions. Lots of them. From Falco looking 'too human-like' (because, you know, talking space falcons are usually so *naturalistic*) to a general dislike for the 'hyper realistic approach.' It’s a bit like asking for a classic pub pie and getting a deconstructed foam with a single artisanal pea, isn't it? Sometimes you just want the classic vibe.
But beyond the furry design debates, there’s another elephant in the room, stomping around like a disgruntled Arwing pilot: this is *another* remake of the *same bloody game*. Four times! Seriously, Nintendo, are we running a space-faring flight simulator or Groundhog Day: The Prequel? It makes a chap wonder if the creative engines are running on fumes, or if they're just too comfortable re-mining the nostalgia asteroid belt. It's moments like these that make you ponder what new worlds could be built if we invested that energy into genuinely fresh IP, perhaps even dipping a toe into the decentralized ponds where creators and communities truly own their narratives. Just a thought, mind.
Still, credit where credit’s due, the new *Star Fox* (out June 25th) will apparently feature fresh pre-mission briefings for more character context and, wait for it, *multiplayer*. So, maybe there's a silver lining to all those revisited corners of Lylat. We’ll be watching with keen, if slightly bewildered, eyes.
Big thanks to Victoria Phillips Kennedy over at Eurogamer for spotting this digital tea leaf reading. You can check out the original scoop right here.
Tags: Star Fox, Nintendo Switch 2, Game Design, Remake, Gaming Industry
Original article: Eurogamer