A Star Fox Remake Could Finally Be On The Way
It's remakes and remasters galore these days, with everything from the maligned GTA Trilogy to Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl reminding us why these firm favourites were so great in the first place. Now, could Fox McCloud be loading up his blaster for a new generation of old fans?
First released on the SNES in 1993, the original Star Fox saw Fox McCloud, Falco, Slippy, and co. try to protect their homeworld of Corneria. Over the years, it was the same story time and again, as Fox and the team went up against the villainous Emperor Andross. The last real release was 2016's Star Fox Zero on the Wii U, leading to hopes we'll see the series again soon.
Is A Star Fox Remaster On The Way?
Like far too many retro Nintendo IPs, Star Fox has lain dormant for years. There was the Nintendo Switch Online addition of Star Fox 2 in 2017, which was something of a big deal because the game was actually completed in 1995 but never saw the light of day. Since then, Fox has been largely resigned to living on in the Smash Bros. roster.
Giving new hope to the idea of jumping behind the controls of the Arwing, a series of listings on the Bandai Namco site (via ResetEra) are looking for a 3D Games Designer who will "work as a planner and developer for a 3D action game project commissioned by Nintendo." Another hire is for a 3D Action Game Background Artist, which is a "visual artist position for a 3D action game project commissioned by Nintendo." A third job mentions a "3D action game background HD remaster" that needs someone who has skills in the "HD remastering of 3D backgrounds."
Mentions of "porting of existing 3D background data" and "incorporation of data into in-house game engines" have us scratching our heads about what could be brought back from the retro gaming closet. There are no other clues about what the developer is working on, but remember, it has previously given a hand on the likes of Mario Kart 8, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and New Pokemon Snap.
What Other Remasters Could Bandai Namco Be Working On?
Now seems like an important time to remind you there's been continuous talk about a Metroid Prime Remaster. Nintendo earned great praise for Metroid Dread in 2021, so it would make sense to strike while the iron is hot. Others have jumped into the conversation and suggested it might be a new-gen Ocarina of Time.
As much as we'd love to picture the scene of a revamped Ocarina, we just don't see it happening yet. More obscure choices have pitched everything from Pokken to Kid Icarus. There's a lot to be said about remastering both the classic Star Fox 64 or the GameCube's Star Fox: Assault, but to be honest, we could sit here all day guessing what Bandai Namco is cooking up.
