Back in 2023, the developers at Raptor Claw, tired of waiting for the release of a new StarFox, took matters into their own hands. The end result was the inspired indie title FUR Squadron, which has gained quite a following across consoles and PC. Now, with the new year coming, the small but very capable team is at it again, making improvements with FUR Squadron Phoenix.
But what can players expect this time around? We sat down with the Raptor Claw crew to dig in and get more deets. Prepare for flight, pilots!
So what inspired the creation of FUR Squadron to begin with? Were you just die-hard fans of StarFox or was it something else?
I’m a solo developer who started the first FUR Squadron as an after-work project. I needed a project with a relatively small scope to be able to complete it, and an on-rails shooter like StarFox seemed like a feasible idea. After releasing FUR Squadron, I wanted to build on it with a bigger and better game, and that’s how FUR Squadron Phoenix began.
What was the biggest challenge in putting the engine together?
My professional background is mostly in programming very complex live-service, online mobile games. In comparison, neither FUR Squadron nor FUR Squadron Phoenix posed particularly difficult technical problems. The biggest challenges came from art direction, shading, and game design—areas where my experience wasn’t as strong, since those roles were usually handled by my very talented coworkers in the past.
What process did you use when it came to putting together the gameplay?
First, I revisited all the games I remembered from this genre, and then explored more. Returning to StarFox 64 and Assault was mandatory, but I also studied modern titles like Ex-Zodiac and Whisker Squadron. There are lessons to learn from all of them. After that, it’s about focusing on your own vision and executing every feature and setting that supports it.
What did you think about the reception from the first game?
It was quite good. It made enough noise to give me confidence to create a sequel. :)
Now we’re coming upon Phoenix in 2026. What prompted you to revisit FUR Squadron?
I still had tons of ideas about gameplay, graphics, and the story and universe—and I still do, even after developing Phoenix. If the game does well enough in the market, you can bet there will be more FUR Squadron games!
What improvements can players expect from the original game?
Everything has been taken up a notch. Controls and ship physics have been completely reworked, the graphics are on a whole new level, and the story is richer, with more characters and world-building. You can also expect a stronger sense of progression, with far more levels, unlockable skills, and ships.
How has reception been to the demo so far?
Very good! It was released a year ago and has since been updated a couple of times with feedback from the community and early play testers. After all that work, the response has been extremely positive.
Tell us about the process of putting together the sound design and the soundtrack.
That’s a question for Pablo, a great musician who is helping me with the audio. We’re using a professional game audio tool that allows us to work in parallel, and thanks to that, integrating all the sound has been much easier for me than in previous projects.
You’re initially releasing the game for Steam. Will we see it on consoles as well?
Just wait a bit more and you’ll see. :)
What other genres would your team like to visit in the future? Or are you simply taking a break once Phoenix is finished?
My future plans depend on the success of this game. If Phoenix does well enough, I’d love to make another FUR Squadron even better than this one. I think this universe is open to more gameplay ideas: new vehicles, open areas, multiplayer support… Anything is possible.
Finally, what’s your favorite StarFox game? Out of the whole series?
I grew up with everybody’s obvious choice, Lylat Wars (StarFox 64 for the rest of the world), and I still think – even without the nostalgia goggles – that it’s peak StarFox. But I must also add the GameCube’s StarFox Assault as a close second. That game is awesome and has influenced a lot of the design choices in Phoenix.
Thanks to Raptor Claw for chatting with us! FUR Squadron Phoenix is set to arrive on Steam in 2026, and could release for other platforms as well.
Need to take off with another space shooter? Check out our review of Earthion!
