After all these decades, Nintendo has finally decided to revisit its sci-fi on-rails shooter, Star Fox. It’s about time, and if you’re a fan of the series, you’re likely super happy right about now. However, where does that leave fans of the genre who either don’t have a Nintendo Switch 2, or developers who gave up on Nintendo and decided to make their own replacement for Star Fox?
Well, in a good place actually.
Here are several games worth keeping an eye on, and some available right now, if you’re a fan of Star Fox or on-rails shooters.
Wild Blue Skies
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S
Wild Blue Skies is probably the closest thing to a modern Star Fox successor not being made by Nintendo. Described as a modern take on the classic on-rails shooters of the ’90s, the game features arcade-style flight combat, branching paths, massive boss battles, dogfights, and plenty of squad banter that instantly brings Star Fox 64 to mind. Given the number of similarities, it is hard not to make that comparison. It is also being developed by Giles Goddard, one of the original Star Fox programmers, and Chuhai Labs, which only makes it even more exciting for longtime fans of the genre.
We’ve covered Wild Blue Skies multiple times and played the demo ourselves, which is still available on Steam. Out of every game on this list, this is easily one of the titles we cannot wait to play more of. It absolutely nails that fast-paced arcade feel while still feeling modern, and for anyone who has been waiting years for another proper Star Fox-style experience, this is shaping up to be one to watch closely.
Wishlist Wild Blue Skies on Steam.
Ex-Zodiac
Platforms: PC
If Wild Blue Skies is a modern take on Star Fox, then Ex-Zodiac feels like a turbocharged update of the SNES version of the game. With its low-poly visuals, fast-paced shooting, amazing soundtrack, barrel rolls, boss fights, and arcade-style stage design, this one is not shy about what inspired it. Oh, and there’s more than spaceships in this game.
What makes Ex-Zodiac work is that developer MNKY understands why people still love those older on-rails shooters. It is fast, responsive, and gets right to the point, which is something we do not see enough of anymore. For anyone who has been waiting for another proper Star Fox-style experience on PC, Ex-Zodiac is absolutely worth checking out.
But what makes this entry even better is that not only is Ex-Zodiac available to play now, but it is also still in Early Access and continues to get better with every update.
Fur Squadron Phoenix
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch
Fur Squadron Phoenix has been out on Steam and the Nintendo Switch for a few months now, and we genuinely cannot believe more people aren’t talking about it. If you’ve been starving for a proper arcade-style on-rails shooter that scratches that Star Fox itch, this is the one. Do not sleep on it.
The visuals pop, the combat is fun, the boss fights are crazy, and the entire game has that addictive pick-up-and-play magic that made Star Fox 64 such a fan favorite. Developer Raptor Claw put together an amazing title. The polish on this thing is wild for a game flying so far under the radar. This is a hidden gem that deserves way more hype. Go play it.
Purchase Fur Squadron Phoenix on Steam.
The on-rails shooter genre isn’t waiting around anymore, and neither should you. Whether you’re picking these up while you wait for the new Star Fox or diving in for the first time, there’s never been a better time to barrel roll back into the genre.
