Review - Fur Squadron Phoenix

Developer: Raptor Claw

Publisher: Raptor Claw

Platforms: PC via Steam, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2

Reviewed on: Nintendo Switch 2

One of my very first gaming memories was a little game called Star Fox. Released on the SNES in the early 90s, it was one of the very first games to use 3D graphics. As a flying fox in space, the goal is to blast every single enemy on screen. The simple geometric shapes were revolutionary for the time, but the gameplay is timeless. Of course, I absolutely loved playing Star Fox 64 years later on the N64. There's a charm and exciting gameplay mechanic to this type of game. 

It's been over a decade since we last got a true Star Fox game, and where there is a space, indie developers will fill it. Indie developer Raptor Claw first launched Fur Squadron in 2023, and they are at it again with their ambitious follow-up. Fur Squadron Phoenix is filling that space, creating a solid and enjoyable on-rails Star Fox-inspired shooter.

All Wings Report in

Robin, an actual anthropomorphic robin, is a member of the Phoenix Squadron, but one mission goes wrong, and his team is toast. The lone survivor is picked up by the mercenary group, the Fur Squadron. With Blaze the Ferret, Kiro the Fruitbat, and Axel the Axelotol, Robin hopes to regain his strength and take the fight to the enemy to avenge his crew.

Fur Squadron Phoenix is a Star Fox-inspired on-rails shooter. The game wears its inspiration on its sleeve, from the logo to the costume design. Through eight stages, players take to a virtual simulator and eventually space, to strike back against a formidable force of space pirates. The goal is to shoot every enemy, survive, and level up.

Blast Them

The introductory mission sees Robin going against the space pirates and eventually losing, but the game introduces the basics of gameplay, from controls to shooting to the type of enemies players are expected to see. Following the introduction, players are introduced to the crew, and the first mission takes place in a virtual combat simulator on a tropical alien beach. 

The gameplay for Fur Squadron Phoenix is remarkably familiar to anyone who has ever played Star Fox or an on-rails vehicular shooter. Players fly around the screen, down enemies, avoid obstacles, and rack up a high score before ending in a grand boss fight.  It's a familiar take on gameplay that is tried and true, and has been timeless for decades. Never break what works well.

Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger

Fur Squadron Phoenix does a few things differently. Woven into the gameplay are rogue-like mechanics. There may be eight stages, but they are tough stages. Enemies fill the screen, and everything from flying ships to enemy robots and tanks does everything they can to stop the player. This includes the giant boss fights that include giant robots, battleships, and other large mechanized terrors. Chances are, players will die in the first few levels. Fortunately, the rogue-like elements kick in. 

Each playthrough of a level, win or lose, levels up the character. These points can then be allocated to increasing health and blaster shots. This makes sense, given that half the campaign takes place in a virtual combat simulator. However, this also feels rewarding. The levels are long, lasting about ten minutes, depending on the level. It's a grind to the end, and the end boss can easily crush you after a long run. However, nothing is wasted in Fur Squadron Phoenix. Defeat is just another chance to try it all over again and do better. 

Strength in Allies

The gameplay can get intense, especially when the screen fills with enemies. Earlier stages introduced simple, more spaced-out enemies, but by level three, players are dealing with a threat every second. Fortunately, there's a barrel roll feature pulled straight from Star Fox that allows for dodging enemy bullets and quick reflexes. Mastering this is key to survival, especially on the tougher levels. An additional element, the charged shot, is critical for taking down shielded enemies and taking down groups.

There are also special weapons that charge up through downing enemies. These range from powerful laser beams to bombs and others. Another key aspect of the gameplay is the overdrive. Overdrive builds based on the relation that Robin has with his fellow pilots. Completing secondary objectives in missions builds the overdrive meter. When the overdrive meter is full, the overdrive can be triggered. This slows down the gameplay slightly, but allows the ship to dish out serious firepower. This is incredibly useful in a pinch.

Major Tom To Ground Control

Playing Fur Squadron Phoenix is a blast, one that is great for arcade enthusiasts and those who yearn for another Star Fox experience. The challenge is intense and thrilling. The synthwave visuals and soundtrack are solid, and the characters have their own charm. I can easily foresee Fur Squadron Phoenix becoming the beginning of a larger universe, one that it can call its own.

These gameplay elements do make up for some choices that could have been a bit better. The game only contains eight stages, which are endlessly replayable but make the experience a rather short one. There are eight solid stages, but if it were bumped to 16, it would have sweetened an already very good game.

Honoring the Stars

Additionally, unlike Star Fox 64, there is no “ All Range Mode." For those unfamiliar with this model, this allowed players to control the fight in a 3D arena environment. This was a huge draw for Star Fox 64 back in the day, releasing players from on-rails and allowing players to fight in arenas. That, unfortunately, isn’t in Fur Squadron Phoenix, but the levels and bosses do make up for it. 

I mention Star Fox quite a bit as the original game, and the sequel on the Nintendo 64 were terrific in their gameplay elements. The fun was always using speed and maneuverability to strike down hardened robotic foes and gargantuan boss fights. It's a timeless gameplay mechanic, one that has continued in other titles such as Panzer Dragoon. This was bolstered by the characters as well. 

Join Fur Squadron Phoenix

I couldn't help but be reminded of those times I played Star Fox 64 and the thrill that game gave me as a kid. It was one of the reasons why video games became such an important pastime for me. Fur Squadron Phoenix takes that timeless gameplay mechanic and weaves it into something fantastic for newcomers and enjoyable for those who wish to do a barrel roll.

Fur Squadron Phoenix is a celebration of the Star Fox formula and a very solid game at that. Its arcade action, characters, and challenging gameplay are bound to keep players coming back and playing all the way until the very end. Where this team goes next is anyone's guess, but their future is burning bright. Hop into your starfighter and take to the stars in Fur Squadron Phoenix.

FUR SQUADRON PHOENIX IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

A review key was provided by the developer for the purposes of review