Discover the entire history of Fox McCloud, the fearless leader of the Star Fox team. From his initial appearance on the SNES to his appearances today, observe how this Nintendo legend came into existence.

Fox McCloud is Nintendo’s best but underrated hero. He’s the Star Fox series lead character, a space pilot, a soldier’s son with a legendary reputation, and captain of a ragtag crew of top-tier mercenaries. Riding his Arwing ship and trusty crewmates by his side, Fox McCloud has battled intergalactic threats, rival pilots, and inner demons against him.

But how did this anthropomorphic fox become a star? Let’s delve into the storied past of Fox McCloud, from his pixelated beginnings to his current role as a fan favorite in both Star Fox and Super Smash Bros.

The Birth of a Legend: Fox McCloud’s Debut (1993)

Fox McCloud initially debuted in 1993 when Star Fox (Starwing in Europe) came out for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). The innovative thing about this title was that it employed the use of the Super FX chip in order to create real-time 3D polygonal graphics, something that was regarded as being revolutionary at the time.

Fox debuted as the fearless leader of the Star Fox crew, a team of mercenaries working for the Cornerian Army to defend the Lylat System against the deranged scientist Andross. With his wingmen, those being Falco Lombardi (who also acts as a friendly rival), Peppy Hare, and Slippy Toad, Fox piloted an Arwing through intense, on-rails space battles.

The mix of sci-fi storytelling, challenging gameplay, and sharp graphics made Fox McCloud a new generation of a Nintendo hero: cool, calm, and being truly committed to justice.

The N64 Era: Star Fox 64 and a Deeper Story (1997)

Whereas the initial game set the foundation, Star Fox 64 (released in 1997) actually fleshed out Fox McCloud as a character. A reboot rather than a full-fledged sequel, the game revamped established characters but added a fully voiced storyline, cinematic cutscenes, and an expanded world.

Fox’s father, James McCloud, was more integral to the narrative. His disappearance after being betrayed by teammate Pigma Dengar hung over Fox, adding an extra layer of emotional depth to the game’s narrative. It wasn’t flying and shooting anymore, it was personal.

Fox emerged as a determined, if sometimes stern, leader who carried his father’s mantle while forming a strong connection with his comrades. Star Fox 64 remains a fan favorite and set the tone for Fox’s personality for the remainder of the decade.

Expanding the Universe: GameCube and Beyond

In the 2000s, Fox McCloud’s adventures went in some rather unexpected directions. With the release of Star Fox Adventures in 2002 for the GameCube, fans became accustomed to a more realistic, Zelda-flavored style of gameplay. Fox abandoned the cockpit of his Arwing and ventured onto the bizarre planet of Sauria, wielding a staff and hand-to-hand combat.

Despite being controversial, Star Fox Adventures gave Fox more emotional depth, particularly in conversation with Krystal, a new character who would both be a fellow warrior and love interest.

Subsequent titles like Star Fox: Assault (2005) and Star Fox Command (2006) continued to experiment with gameplay while adding to Fox’s personal relationships and internal struggles, such as his sometimes strained leadership and uncertainty over his destiny.

The Smash Bros. Factor: A Wider Audience

Fox McCloud gained a large boost in popularity from his appearance in the Super Smash Bros. series, starting with the first game for the Nintendo 64. His speed and blaster attacks have made him a favorite among competitive players, especially in Super Smash Bros. Melee, where he remains one of the best characters.

Through Smash Bros., Fox became popular in the mainstream—much to the shock of gamers who hadn’t even touched a Star Fox game. His now-iconic taunt, “Come on!”, and blazing-fast fighting methods further solidified his position within Nintendo’s arsenal of all-star heroes.

Nostalgia and Legacy

Recent years have also witnessed Nintendo embracing nostalgia with games such as Star Fox Zero (2016), a remake of Star Fox 64 in the form of the Wii U. Although the game was met with controversy, fans enjoyed seeing Fox and his crew in high-definition splendor. Unfortunately for fans, there hasn’t been a new game added to this series since 2016 (that being Star Fox Zero) in the Wii U era!

Even with less frequent releases within the flagship series, Fox himself is a force to be reckoned with. He shows up in crossover games, cameo appearances, and merchandise to keep him alive in Nintendo history. He possesses courage, loyalty, and a fighting spirit, traits that resonate with gamers generation after generation.

Fox McCloud is not merely a space pilot! He’s a symbol of hope, heritage, and guidance. From the SNES to the Switch, his story is proof of Nintendo’s need to be bold, tackle deep stories, and combine action with heart. So as long as the Lylat System needs saving, Fox McCloud can be counted on to be behind the wheel, leading the charge.