Raptor Claw, a small indie studio from Seville, Spain, is bringing Star Fox vibes back with FUR Squadron Phoenix, an on-rails space shooter featuring anthropomorphic animal pilots and roguelite progression. After the success of the original FUR Squadron released in 2022, this prequel aims to capture what made Nintendo’s classic series special while adding modern gameplay features like unlockable ships, special weapons, ultimate attacks, and semi-procedural levels. Launching Q1 2026 for PC, SteamOS, and Nintendo Switch 2, the game already has a playable demo available on Steam right now.
What Star Fox Fans Have Been Missing
Star Fox has been essentially absent since Star Fox Zero launched on Wii U in 2016 to mixed reception. Nearly a decade later, Nintendo shows no signs of reviving the franchise despite fan demand. This creates perfect conditions for indie developers to fill the void with spiritual successors that capture what made the series beloved. FUR Squadron Phoenix directly targets that nostalgia with similar on-rails gameplay, barrel rolls, all-range mode arenas, and a team of animal pilots communicating during missions.
The core loop remains faithful to Star Fox’s DNA – you pilot a spacecraft through predetermined paths while enemies attack from various angles. Your ship moves freely within the screen boundaries but follows scripted routes through levels. This on-rails structure allows developers to craft tightly designed experiences with memorable set pieces, unlike the open-ended freedom of typical space sims. Boss battles break from the rails into all-range mode arenas where you freely circle opponents.
What differentiates FUR Squadron Phoenix from simply being a clone are the roguelite elements and progression systems. Unlike Star Fox’s relatively static difficulty where your skill alone determines success, Phoenix features unlockable permanent upgrades, multiple ships with distinct characteristics, various special weapons, and skill trees that strengthen your pilot across runs. This meta-progression creates the addictive loop that made modern roguelites commercially successful.
The Charming Animal Crew
FUR Squadron Phoenix features a cast of anthropomorphic pilots led by Blaze Mustela, the brave and determined squadron leader who keeps his cool under pressure. Kiro Nax serves as the ace pilot who lost the ability to fly with his own wings after an accident but showed enormous talent at ship controls despite his tendency to show off. Additional squad members round out the ensemble, each with distinct personalities that emerge through mission dialogue and character interactions.
The animal pilot concept directly echoes Star Fox’s cast of Fox McCloud, Falco Lombardi, Slippy Toad, and Peppy Hare. That franchise proved that anthropomorphic characters work perfectly for arcade action games where personality matters more than photorealistic humans. The colorful designs make characters instantly recognizable and memorable while allowing exaggerated reactions and expressions that amplify drama during intense combat sequences.
Voice acting and mission communications create personality beyond just visual design. Teammates call out enemy positions, warn about incoming missiles, celebrate successful hits, and react to your performance. This audio feedback makes you feel like part of a squadron rather than flying solo. The banter between missions develops characters through their relationships and conflicts, providing context for why you’re fighting beyond abstract save-the-galaxy motivations.
Semi-Procedural Levels And Replayability
FUR Squadron Phoenix incorporates semi-procedural level generation creating variation across multiple playthroughs. While core level structures remain consistent for designed set pieces and boss encounters, enemy placement, environmental hazards, and resource distribution change each run. This approach balances the handcrafted quality of traditional level design against the unpredictability that makes roguelites replayable. You can’t simply memorize optimal paths and enemy spawns then execute perfect runs through muscle memory alone.
The roguelite structure means runs are meant to be replayed rather than completed once then shelved. Permanent upgrades unlock gradually through successful missions and objectives. Special weapons expand your arsenal with new strategic options. Ships with different stats and abilities unlock for players preferring speed over armor or firepower over maneuverability. This breadth of unlockables provides tangible long-term goals motivating repeated attempts beyond just completion credits.
Multiple difficulty settings and challenge modes extend longevity for hardcore players who master the base game. Speedrun modes, score attack challenges, and specific objective-based missions reward optimization and skill expression. Leaderboards create competitive incentives for perfecting runs. For a genre where gameplay feel matters more than narrative innovation, this replayability focus makes sense – if flying and shooting feel excellent, players will happily do it dozens of times.
Special Weapons And Ultimate Attacks
Beyond standard blasters, FUR Squadron Phoenix features multiple special weapons with limited ammunition requiring strategic use. Homing missiles lock onto enemies automatically making them ideal for fast-moving targets. Spread shots cover wide areas perfect for destroying groups. Beam weapons deal sustained damage to armored bosses. Each weapon type excels in specific situations, rewarding players who adapt loadouts to mission requirements rather than relying on one favorite throughout.
The ultimate attack system adds high-impact abilities with cooldown timers. These screen-clearing or massive-damage attacks turn desperate situations around when properly timed. Maybe you’re surrounded by enemy fighters during a difficult section – trigger your ultimate for temporary invincibility while dealing AOE damage clearing the immediate threat. Or save it for boss fights where concentrated burst damage breaks specific phases faster. Managing ultimate cooldowns creates moment-to-moment tactical decisions.
Unlocking and upgrading these systems through the skill tree creates build variety. Players might focus on reducing ultimate cooldowns for frequent use. Others maximize special weapon ammunition capacity. Some prioritize standard blaster damage for reliable DPS. Different builds suit different playstyles – aggressive players who get close to enemies benefit from spread weapons while cautious players prefer long-range homing missiles. Finding your optimal setup through experimentation rewards system mastery.
Who Is Raptor Claw
Raptor Claw operates as a small indie studio based in Seville, Spain with around four core developers and artists according to their itch.io profile. The lead developer, who goes by silvaraptor on Reddit, describes themselves as mainly solo with support from freelancers and friends for music, sound effects, and 3D/2D art. With over 12 years of experience in the gaming industry, they’re channeling accumulated expertise into making FUR Squadron Phoenix their most ambitious project yet.
The original FUR Squadron launched in 2022 on PC and Nintendo Switch, establishing the universe and characters that Phoenix expands as a prequel. That first game proved the concept worked and found its audience despite limited marketing budget and visibility. Success from the original provided validation that investing more development time and resources into a bigger sequel made sense. Phoenix represents the studio going all-in on what works while addressing feedback about what could improve.
The transition from part-time passion project to full-time development demonstrates confidence in Phoenix’s commercial potential. Solo developers typically can’t afford quitting day jobs without financial safety nets or savings. That Raptor Claw made this leap suggests either strong sales from the original FUR Squadron, external funding, or personal financial positioning allowing focus on development without immediate revenue pressure. This dedicated time should result in more polish and content than sporadic evening work allows.
The Demo Available Now
A substantial demo is available on Steam right now letting players experience FUR Squadron Phoenix before committing to purchase. The demo includes multiple levels showcasing core gameplay, progression systems, and boss battles. Players can test whether the flight controls feel responsive, whether combat maintains engagement, and whether the roguelite structure creates compelling replayability. For a game heavily inspired by Star Fox, trying before buying matters since not everyone who loves that series will automatically enjoy every spiritual successor.
Demo feedback from players during Steam Next Fest and other showcases helped shape final development. Community reactions identified aspects that worked well and areas needing adjustment. Some players noted that movement felt slower compared to Star Fox, lacking the sense of speed that made Nintendo’s series exhilarating. Others mentioned missing a boost function that was core to Star Fox’s combat flow. Whether Raptor Claw addresses these specific concerns remains to be seen, but active community engagement suggests they’re listening.
The positive reception from players who tried the demo validates core design decisions. Multiple Reddit commenters who played during Next Fest added Phoenix to their wishlists for full release. Comments praised the nostalgic feel while maintaining contemporary sensibilities. The demo’s existence provides crucial marketing function for indie games – word-of-mouth from players who actually experienced gameplay matters infinitely more than trailers and screenshots alone.
Launching On Nintendo Switch 2
FUR Squadron Phoenix targets Q1 2026 release for PC, SteamOS, and Nintendo Switch 2, making it one of the confirmed titles for Nintendo’s next-generation console. This positioning places Phoenix among the Switch 2 launch window games, potentially benefiting from the hardware’s initial hype cycle when players actively seek new experiences showcasing improved capabilities. Being a Star Fox-style game on Nintendo’s platform creates natural synergies – fans wanting that genre on Switch 2 find Phoenix as the available option since Nintendo isn’t delivering new Star Fox.
The Switch 2 version presumably takes advantage of improved hardware over original Switch. Better performance means maintaining smooth framerates during intense combat with numerous enemies and particle effects. Enhanced graphics showcase detailed ship models and environmental backdrops. Faster loading times reduce downtime between missions. These technical improvements matter for fast-paced action games where responsiveness and visual clarity directly impact gameplay feel.
Cross-platform release strategy maximizes potential audience. PC players get the game on Steam with presumably better graphics options for high-end hardware. Switch 2 owners wanting portable Star Fox-style gameplay find exactly that. SteamOS support means Steam Deck compatibility for handheld PC gaming. Rather than platform-exclusive limiting audiences, Raptor Claw makes Phoenix available wherever players want to experience on-rails space shooting with furry pilots.
What Happened To Star Fox
Star Fox Zero’s troubled 2016 Wii U launch effectively killed the franchise’s momentum. The game required using Wii U’s gamepad for cockpit view while the TV showed external camera, creating control schemes many players found frustrating rather than innovative. Critics gave mixed reviews with Metacritic settling at 69. Sales were poor on a console with tiny install base. Nintendo hasn’t announced new Star Fox games in the nine years since, focusing resources on bigger franchises like Mario, Zelda, and Splatoon.
The franchise’s dormancy creates opportunities for indie developers. When major publishers abandon beloved genres or series, passionate fans will pay for quality alternatives that capture what they loved. Shovel Knight filled the retro platformer void. Bloodstained satisfied Castlevania fans after Konami stopped making those games. Yooka-Laylee targeted Banjo-Kazooie nostalgia. FUR Squadron Phoenix positions itself as the Star Fox spiritual successor for players Nintendo left behind.
Whether Nintendo ever revives Star Fox properly remains uncertain. The series never achieved Mario or Zelda’s commercial success, making it lower priority. Motion controls and experimental gameplay ideas plagued recent entries rather than refining what worked about Star Fox 64. If Nintendo does return to the franchise, they’ll likely pursue radical reinvention rather than iterative improvement. This leaves the traditional on-rails space shooter gameplay essentially abandoned by major publishers, creating perfect conditions for indies like Raptor Claw to thrive.
Community Building Before Launch
Raptor Claw actively cultivates community engagement through multiple platforms before full release. The r/fursquadron subreddit provides dedicated space for discussion, feedback, and updates. Twitter/X account @RaptorClawGames shares development progress and trailers. Bluesky presence at raptorclawgames.bsky.social reaches audiences avoiding other platforms. YouTube channel hosts gameplay videos and dev logs. This multi-platform approach maximizes visibility across gaming communities with different platform preferences.
The developer’s personal engagement through Reddit posts creates authentic connection impossible for large studios with corporate PR filters. Seeing actual developers respond to questions, acknowledge criticism, and explain design decisions builds trust and investment. Players feel heard rather than shouting into the void hoping faceless corporations notice. This intimacy represents indie development’s biggest advantage over AAA – developers and players interact as humans rather than consumers and corporations.
Wishlist campaigns on Steam directly impact visibility and algorithmic promotion. Steam’s recommendation system favors games with many wishlists, creating positive feedback loops where initial interest generates more exposure leading to more interest. Raptor Claw repeatedly asks community members to wishlist Phoenix, understanding that this metric significantly affects launch success. For indie games without marketing budgets for paid advertising, organic wishlists and word-of-mouth represent crucial promotional strategies.
FAQs
When does FUR Squadron Phoenix release?
FUR Squadron Phoenix launches Q1 2026 for PC (Steam), SteamOS, and Nintendo Switch 2. No specific date within Q1 has been announced, meaning anytime between January and March 2026. A free demo is available right now on Steam allowing players to try the game before full release.
How is this related to the original FUR Squadron?
FUR Squadron Phoenix serves as a prequel to the original FUR Squadron which launched in 2022 for PC and Nintendo Switch. The prequel explores events before the original game, introducing how the FUR Squadron team came together and establishing the universe’s lore. Both games exist in the same continuity with Phoenix providing backstory context.
What platforms will the game be available on?
The game launches on PC via Steam, SteamOS (meaning Steam Deck compatibility), and Nintendo Switch 2. No versions for PlayStation, Xbox, or original Nintendo Switch have been announced. The multi-platform approach targets both PC players and Nintendo’s next-generation console owners looking for Star Fox-style games.
How long is the game?
Specific campaign length hasn’t been detailed, but as a roguelite with unlockable ships, weapons, upgrades, and semi-procedural levels, the game emphasizes replayability over single-playthrough length. Expect multiple runs needed to unlock all content and experience different builds rather than one 10-hour linear campaign then completion.
Does it support co-op multiplayer?
No information about multiplayer modes has been shared in available materials. The game appears designed as a single-player experience focusing on individual pilot progression through the roguelite structure. Star Fox games traditionally included multiplayer modes, but indie studios with limited resources often focus on perfecting single-player rather than splitting development across multiple modes.
Who developed FUR Squadron Phoenix?
Raptor Claw, a small indie studio from Seville, Spain, developed the game. The lead developer describes the team as mainly solo with support from freelancers and friends for music, sound effects, and art. The developer has over 12 years of gaming industry experience and transitioned from part-time to full-time work on Phoenix.
Can I try the game before buying?
Yes, a free demo is available right now on Steam. The demo includes multiple levels showcasing core gameplay, progression systems, and boss battles. Players can test flight controls, combat mechanics, and whether the roguelite structure appeals before committing to full purchase at launch.
Will there be physical releases?
No physical releases have been announced. The game appears digital-only for PC and Nintendo Switch 2. Given Raptor Claw’s small studio size, physical production likely exceeds their budget and logistical capabilities. Digital distribution through Steam and Nintendo eShop provides global reach without manufacturing and shipping costs.
Conclusion
FUR Squadron Phoenix represents exactly the kind of passion project indie development enables – a small team from Seville creating the Star Fox-style game Nintendo refuses to make. With over 12 years of industry experience, Raptor Claw understands what made the classic series special while incorporating modern roguelite progression that extends replayability beyond nostalgia. The Q1 2026 release for PC and Nintendo Switch 2 positions Phoenix perfectly for fans desperate for on-rails space shooting with anthropomorphic animal pilots after nearly a decade without new Star Fox games. Whether the semi-procedural levels, unlockable ships and weapons, ultimate attacks, and skill tree progression successfully modernize the formula without losing classic charm remains to be determined when full release arrives. The demo available now provides risk-free testing for curious players who want to experience gameplay before committing money. For anyone who fondly remembers barrel rolling through asteroid fields while Peppy shouted advice and Slippy panicked about enemies, FUR Squadron Phoenix offers spiritual successor satisfaction that major publishers abandoned. Just remember that when Raptor Claw asks you to wishlist their game on Steam, that simple action genuinely helps small indie studios gain algorithmic visibility and promotional momentum that paid advertising budgets can’t buy. Do a barrel roll, add Phoenix to your wishlist, and prepare for Q1 2026 when furry pilots take flight defending the galaxy from imminent threats Nintendo won’t let Fox McCloud fight anymore.