View source for Star Fox 2

{{Short description|2017 SNES video game completed in 1995}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2022}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Star Fox 2
| image = Star Fox 2 box art.jpg
| caption = Box art used on SNES Classic Edition
| developer = [[Nintendo EAD]]<br />[[Argonaut Software]]
| publisher = [[Nintendo]]
| director = [[Katsuya Eguchi]]
| producer = [[Shigeru Miyamoto]]
| programmer = [[Dylan Cuthbert]]<br />Takumi Kawagoe<br />Yasuhiro Kawaguchi
| artist = Masanao Arimoto
| composer = Kozue Ishikawa<br />Yumiko Kanki
| series = ''[[Star Fox]]''
| platforms = [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]]{{efn|The game is programmed for and runs on Super NES consoles. It never received a physical release for the platform, but the [[ROM image]] was re-released on the [[Super NES Classic Edition]] microconsole.}}
| release = '''Super NES Classic Edition'''{{vgrelease|NA/EU|September 29, 2017{{efn|Finished on September 12, 1995, then originally planned for an early 1996 release}}|JP|October 5, 2017}}
| genre = [[Rail shooter]], [[real-time strategy]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
}}

'''''Star Fox 2''''' is a [[rail shooter]] game developed by [[Nintendo]] and [[Argonaut Games|Argonaut Software]] and published by Nintendo for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] (SNES). It was completed in 1995 but did not see an official release until 2017 on the [[Super NES Classic Edition]].

Like the original ''[[Star Fox (1993 video game)|Star Fox]]'' (1993), ''Star Fox 2'' pushed the graphical capabilities of the SNES with Argonaut's [[Super FX]] chip. [[Dylan Cuthbert]] was the lead programmer, with [[Shigeru Miyamoto]] returning as the producer and [[Katsuya Eguchi]] as the director. ''Star Fox 2'' introduces semi-real-time gameplay, new ship types, new playable characters, and a more advanced 3D [[game engine]]. The story continues the battle against Emperor Andross, who seeks to destroy the Lylat system.

By 1995, 3D technology was advancing quickly and the 3D game market was expanding, with competition from the [[PlayStation (console)|Sony PlayStation]] and [[Sega Saturn]] consoles. Concerned that the [[16-bit computing|16-bit]] graphics of ''Star Fox 2'' would compare poorly against newer games, Nintendo canceled the ''Star Fox 2'' release to prioritize its upcoming [[Nintendo 64]] console. The Nintendo 64 game ''[[Star Fox 64]]'' (1997) incorporated some concepts introduced in ''Star Fox 2''.

In the years after the cancellation, various prototype [[ROM image]]s were leaked online. In 2017, ''Star Fox 2'' was officially released for the first time as one of 21 games included in the Super NES Classic Edition. In 2019, it became available for the [[Nintendo Switch]] through the [[Nintendo Classics]] service. ''Star Fox 2'' received generally positive reviews from critics, with praise directed at its depth, design and the strategy elements in its gameplay, but was criticized for its controls, short length and technical performance.

==Gameplay==
[[File:Star Fox 2 Screenshot 2.png|thumb|left|A screenshot showing the main gameplay area, a map representing the Lylat system and Fox and Slippy choosing their destination]]
Instead of following mostly [[Shoot 'em up#Types|linear paths]] inside predefined missions as in ''Star Fox'', the player moves a team of two ships freely around a map screen that represents the Lylat system. When the player's ships make contact with enemy forces, the game switches to an action perspective, piloting the Arwing ship directly with controls and gameplay similar to the first ''Star Fox''. When the player clears the specified objectives, they are taken back to the map screen to select a new destination. The two chosen pilots have their own shield gauges and can be swapped at any moment in the map, but one of them runs out of energy, their Arwing will explode, resulting in their death. When a pilot dies, it's possible to continue with remaining one, though the other cannot be used for the rest of the game.

The objective is to beat all enemy forces present in the map while defending planet Corneria, preventing its damage level from reaching 100%. The player must intercept fighters and incoming IPBMs (interplanetary [[ballistic missile]]s), while also dealing with battleships, which deploy more fighter squadrons, and planetary bases, which fire IPBMs. If Corneria's damage level reaches 100% or both pilots die, the game is over. General Pepper employs a satellite that can shoot down enemies on a limited basis; the player must also defend this installation from special enemies that can take over the satellite and use its cannon to fire at Corneria. The player also encounters the [[Star Wolf (Star Fox)|Star Wolf]] mercenary team and various bosses.

''Star Fox 2'' employs a [[Real-time strategy|semi-real-time strategy]] system. While selecting a destination on the map screen, the game is paused, but while the player's ships travel to their destinations, enemies and missiles also move toward theirs. While fighting enemies in the action screen, time moves at a slower pace than on the map screen, allowing other enemies and missiles to advance and cause damage. To prevent excessive damage to Corneria, the player may need to leave a battle to intercept another enemy.

==Plot==
After his defeat in the original ''[[Star Fox (1993 video game)|Star Fox]]'', the antagonist, Andross, returns to the Lylat system and launches an all-out attack against Corneria, using his new fleet of battleships and giant missiles launched from hidden bases to destroy the planet. General Pepper again calls upon the Star Fox team for help. Armed with new custom [[Arwing]]s, a Mothership, and two new recruits (Miyu and Fay), the Star Fox team sets out to defend Corneria by destroying Andross's forces before they can inflict critical damage on the planet. Along the way, Star Fox must also combat giant bosses, bases on planets throughout the Lylat system, members of the Star Wolf team and finally Andross himself.

''Star Fox 2'' features six playable characters, more than any game in the series until ''[[Star Fox Command]]'' (2006). These include [[Fox McCloud]], fearless leader of the Star Fox team, [[Falco Lombardi]], the ace pilot with a headstrong attitude and is Fox's best friend, [[List of Star Fox characters#Peppy Hare|Peppy Hare]], longtime mentor to Fox, and [[Slippy Toad]], the team's young tech analyst and Fox's childhood friend. The two new playable characters are [[List of Star Fox characters#Miyu|Miyu]], a tomboyish [[lynx]], and [[List of Star Fox characters#Fay|Fay]], a white dog and part of an aristocratic family. ''Star Fox 2'' also introduces a team of rival mercenary pilots, Star Wolf, which includes [[Wolf O'Donnell]], leader of Star Wolf and a despicable criminal, Leon Powalski, an inscrutable and sinister chameleon, Pigma Dengar, an arrogant and selfish pig who is a former member of the Star Fox team before betraying them, and Algy, a devious creature with incredible precision aim.

==Development==
[[File:Katsuya Eguchi at E3 2012 Nintendo Conference (edited).jpg|thumb|upright|Director [[Katsuya Eguchi]]]]
Like its predecessor ''[[Star Fox (1993 video game)|Star Fox]]'' (1993), ''Star Fox 2'' was co-developed by [[Nintendo EAD]] in Japan and the British company [[Argonaut Games|Argonaut Software]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wright |first1=Steven T. |title=Star Fox 2: By the numbers |url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2017/10/24/16512492/star-fox-2-by-the-numbers |website=Polygon |date=October 24, 2017 |access-date=September 11, 2019 |archive-date=September 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901222241/https://www.polygon.com/features/2017/10/24/16512492/star-fox-2-by-the-numbers |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="arstech 2017-10">{{Cite web |last=Machkovech |first=Sam |date=October 3, 2017 |title=Original Star Fox staffer tells story of sequel's shelving, surprise launch |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/exclusive-legendary-star-fox-coder-on-series-history-surprise-sequel-launch/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901222237/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/exclusive-legendary-star-fox-coder-on-series-history-surprise-sequel-launch/ |archive-date=September 1, 2019 |access-date=September 2, 2019 |website=[[Ars Technica]] |language=en-us}}</ref><ref name="nlife 2015-05">{{Cite web |last=McFerran |first=Damien |date=May 21, 2015 |title=Feature: The Full Story Behind Star Fox 2, Nintendo's Most Famous Cancellation |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/06/feature_the_full_story_behind_star_fox_2_nintendos_most_famous_cancellation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127131723/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/06/feature_the_full_story_behind_star_fox_2_nintendos_most_famous_cancellation |archive-date=January 27, 2021 |access-date=September 2, 2019 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB}}</ref> Development began shortly after work was finished on the European and [[Star Fox (1993 video game)#Competition cartridge|competition versions of ''Star Fox'']].<ref name="arstech 2017-10" /><ref name="nlife 2015-05" /> Argonaut had a contract with Nintendo to create three games; after ''Star Fox'', Argonaut programmers Giles Goddard and [[Dylan Cuthbert]] worked on ''[[Stunt Race FX]]'' (1994) and Cuthbert on ''Star Fox 2''.<ref name="arstech 2017-10" /> Cuthbert worked in Nintendo's headquarters in [[Kyoto]] and had little contact with Argonaut during development.<ref name="nlife 2015-05" /> He served as the lead programmer and was assigned two Japanese Nintendo programmers to work under him.<ref name="arstech 2017-10" /><ref name="retrogamer 2006-05">{{Cite magazine |last=Cockburn |first=Matthew |date=May 2006 |title=Whatever happened to...Star Fox 2 |magazine=[[Retro Gamer]] |pages=28–30 |issue=25}}</ref> The team was overseen by the designers [[Shigeru Miyamoto]] and [[Katsuya Eguchi]], with Eguchi as the director.<ref name="gi 2017-09">{{Cite magazine |last=Reeves |first=Ben |date=September 30, 2017 |title=The Inside Story On The Star Fox Sequel That Took 22 Years To Release |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2017/09/30/the-inside-story-on-the-star-fox-sequel-that-took-more-than-20-years-to-release.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817014336/https://www.gameinformer.com/index.php/b/features/archive/2017/09/30/the-inside-story-on-the-star-fox-sequel-that-took-more-than-20-years-to-release.aspx |archive-date=August 17, 2019 |access-date=September 2, 2019 |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |language=en}}</ref> ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'' reported in December 1993 that development on a sequel to ''Star Fox'' had begun.<ref name="edge 1993-12">{{Cite magazine |date=December 1993 |title=Starfox II in progress |url=https://archive.org/details/Edge_Gaming/Edge%20Gaming%20Magazine%20003/page/8/mode/2up |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |pages=8 |issue=3}}</ref>

The team decided early on to use the [[Super FX|Super FX 2]] chip in the [[game cartridge]].<ref name="edge 1993-12" /> It was an enhanced version of the [[Super FX]], a [[Reduced instruction set computer|reduced instruction set computer (RISC)]] for [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System Game Pak|SNES ROM cartridges]] developed by Argonaut.<ref name="eurog 2013-07">{{Cite web |last=McFerran |first=Damien |date=July 4, 2013 |title=Born slippy: the making of Star Fox |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-07-04-born-slippy-the-making-of-star-fox |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130706170932/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-07-04-born-slippy-the-making-of-star-fox |archive-date=July 6, 2013 |access-date=July 4, 2013 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=Gamer Network}}</ref><ref name="np 1995-02">{{Cite magazine |date=February 1995 |title=Powered-Up: The Super FX Team |url=https://archive.org/details/NintendoPower1988-2004/Nintendo%20Power%20Issue%20069%20%28February%201995%29/page/n65/mode/2up |magazine=[[Nintendo Power]] |pages=60–61 |volume=69}}</ref> The original chip was designed to calculate 3D math quickly and was first used in ''Star Fox''.<ref name="eurog 2013-07" /><ref name="np 1995-02" /> The Super FX 2 had more memory and ran at 21 [[MHz]], twice as fast as the original chip.<ref name="np 1995-02" /><ref name="gi 2017-09" /> Argonaut's original proposal for the Super FX used this improved architecture, but Nintendo found it too expensive.<ref name="edge 1993-12" />  Cuthbert also rewrote parts of the engine to run in parallel in RAM to free more Super FX 2 processing for more advanced features, such as planar clipping and advanced [[collision detection]].<ref name="ign 2017-06">{{Cite web |last=O'Brien |first=Lucy |date=June 27, 2017 |title=Star Fox 2's Programmer Was as Surprised as You Are About its Inclusion on the SNES Classic |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/06/27/star-fox-2s-programmer-was-as-surprised-as-you-are-about-its-inclusion-on-the-snes-classic |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901222242/https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/06/27/star-fox-2s-programmer-was-as-surprised-as-you-are-about-its-inclusion-on-the-snes-classic |archive-date=September 1, 2019 |access-date=September 7, 2019 |website=IGN}}</ref> These enhancements enabled the chip to manipulate more [[polygon]]s and [[Sprite (computer graphics)|sprites]] and to [[Texture mapping|map textures]] more quickly,<ref name="arstech 2017-10" /><ref name="np 1995-02" /> giving the team the computing power needed for free-roaming 3D environments.<ref name="gamasutra 2017-06">{{Cite web |last=Irwin |first=Jon |date=June 29, 2017 |title=Q&A: Inside the 22-years-late release of Star Fox 2 |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/300852/QA_Inside_the_22yearslate_release_of_Star_Fox_2.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817173353/https://www.gamedeveloper.com/latest-news |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |access-date=September 2, 2019 |website=Gamasutra |language=en}}</ref><ref name="gi 2017-09" /> Such free-roaming gameplay was planned for the original ''Star Fox'', but it was made [[on rails|on-rails]] because of the original Super FX chip's limited computing powers.<ref name="nlife 2015-05" /><ref name="retrogamer 2006-05" /> Cuthbert also retooled the engine to increase the [[frame rate]] from 20 to 30 frames per second, but it was not steady so they locked the frame rate at 20 FPS.<ref name="ign 2017-06" /> Freely explorable environments were the only gameplay element planned for the original ''Star Fox'' carried into ''Star Fox 2''; all other ideas were new.<ref name="arstech 2017-10" />

[[File:SuperFX GSU-2-SP1 chip.jpg|right|thumb|The Super FX 2 chip developed by Argonaut Software, seen here in ''[[Yoshi's Island]]'']]
Miyamoto considered the ''Star Fox'' series a platform for experimenting with new gameplay ideas.<ref name="nlife 2015-05" /><ref name="gi 2017-09" /> The team experimented more with ''Star Fox 2'' than ''Star Fox''.<ref name="gamasutra 2017-06" /> This led to gameplay ideas such as the platforming sequences with the robot walker.<ref name="gamasutra 2017-06" /><ref name="retrogamer 2006-05" /> Miyamoto took great interest in Cuthbert's platforming gameplay (before ''[[Super Mario 64]]''<nowiki/>'s release in 1996).<ref name="nlife 2015-05" /> At one point in development, the Walker sequences occurred in much larger space stations with energy gates that needed to be unlocked, a gameplay structure comparable to [[dungeon crawl]]ing.<ref name="arstech 2017-10" /> Because of the Super FX 2's greater computing power, the team decided to have the fighters visibly transform into bipedal Walkers. The transformation was made in a realistic sense; the artists drafted the mechanisms by which the fighters transformed.<ref name="interview 2017">{{Cite web |last=Sao |first=Akinori |date=2017 |title=Star Fox & Star Fox 2 Developer Interview - SNES Classic Edition |url=https://www.nintendo.com/super-nes-classic/interview-star-fox-2/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003021357/https://www.nintendo.com/super-nes-classic/interview-star-fox-2/ |archive-date=October 3, 2017 |access-date=September 2, 2019 |website=Nintendo |language=en-US}}</ref>

Eguchi wanted to explore a more [[roguelike]] game system and use similar game mechanics to ''[[Star Luster]]'' (1985).<ref name="nlife 2015-05" /> He played ''Star Luster'' repeatedly for inspiration and was particularly fond of its [[random encounter]]s system.<ref name="gi 2017-09" /><ref name="gamasutra 2017-06" /> He also enjoyed ''[[Fortune Street]]'' and was inspired by its more strategic gameplay elements.<ref name="arstech 2017-10" /> Given this direction, the team designed the main gameplay structure: players would move across a map defending planets from the enemy, battling in randomly generated enemy encounters.<ref name="nlife 2015-05" /><ref name="gi 2017-09" /> It was designed to play out differently each gameplay session.<ref name="gi 2017-09" /> For further [[replayability]], the team added six playable characters, two of which were series newcomers: Miyu and Fay. More antagonists were added, including Wolf.<ref name="gi 2017-09" /> A two-player mode was planned and tested, but the team could not get the frame rate high and steady enough for it to be enjoyable.<ref name="retrogamer 2006-05" />

=== Promotion at Winter CES ===
''Star Fox 2'' was playable on the show floor at the [[Winter Consumer Electronics Show]] (Winter CES) in Las Vegas in January 1995.<ref name="edge 1995-03">{{Cite magazine |date=March 1995 |title=All show, no go at Winter CES |url=https://archive.org/details/Edge_Gaming/Edge%20Gaming%20Magazine%20019/page/n5/mode/2up |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |pages=7 |issue=18}}</ref> The version demonstrated was significantly different from the final version.<ref name="gamasutra 2017-06" /> ''[[GamePro]]'' enjoyed the free-roaming gameplay, the craft morphing ability, and strategy elements.<ref name="gamepro 1995-03">{{Cite magazine |date=March 1995 |title=Short ProShots |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/0/07/GamePro_US_068.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113193151/https://retrocdn.net/images/0/07/GamePro_US_068.pdf |archive-date=January 13, 2020 |access-date=November 13, 2020 |magazine=[[GamePro]] |pages=140 |issue=68}}</ref> ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' also liked the shift to free-roaming and felt the non-linear gameplay and ship morphing abilities were major improvements.<ref name="egm 1995-03">{{Cite magazine |date=March 1995 |title=Star Fox 2 |url=https://archive.org/details/ElectronicGamingMonthly_68/page/n103/mode/2up |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |pages=104–107 |issue=68}}</ref> ''Nintendo Power'' dubbed it their top SNES game of the show.<ref name="np 1995-03">{{Cite magazine |date=March 1995 |title=Winter CES |url=https://archive.org/details/NintendoPower1988-2004/Nintendo%20Power%20Issue%20070%20%28March%201995%29/page/n25/mode/2up |magazine=[[Nintendo Power]] |pages=26–28 |volume=70}}</ref> All three magazines thought ''Star Fox 2'' was better than the original.<ref name="gamepro 1995-03" /><ref name="egm 1995-03" /><ref name="np 1995-03" /> ''Edge'' was more critical, writing that ''Star Fox 2'' was Nintendo's attempt to keep the SNES relevant. They wrote that the Super FX polygons were not particularly impressive, and the gameplay lacked "the immediate appeal of its predecessor".<ref name="edge 1995-03" /> A man was arrested and charged with felony grand larceny for attempting to steal a demo cart from the show floor.<ref name="gamepro 1995-04">{{Cite magazine |date=April 1995 |title=PreNews: CES Arrest |url=https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_069_April_1995/page/n153/mode/2up |magazine=[[GamePro]] |pages=146 |issue=69}}</ref>

===Cancellation===
{{multiple image
 | align             = right
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 | image1            = Sega-Saturn-JP-Mk1-Console-Set.png
 | image2            = PlayStation SCPH 1000 with Controller.png
 | caption2          = Nintendo was concerned ''Star Fox 2'' would be compared unfavorably to the superior 3D capabilities of the competing [[Sega Saturn]] (''top'') and [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] (''bottom'').
}}
By mid-1995, ''Star Fox 2'' was nearing completion,<ref name="nlife 2015-05" /> and was planned for release in August.<ref name="gamepro 1995-03" /><ref name="egm 1995-03" /> However, 3D technology was advancing quickly and the 3D game market was expanding, with competition from the [[PlayStation (console)|Sony PlayStation]] and [[Sega Saturn]].<ref name="arstech 2017-10" /><ref name="nlife 2015-05" /><ref name="retrogamer 2006-05" /> The consoles ran impressive 3D graphics that captured the public's attention.<ref name="nlife 2015-05" /> Nintendo was concerned that the 16-bit ''Star Fox 2'' 3D visuals would be compared to the superior 3D capabilities of competing consoles.<ref name="nlife 2015-05" /><ref name="ign 2017-06" /><ref name="gibiz 2017-06">{{Cite web |last=Dring |first=Christopher |date=June 27, 2017 |title=Dylan Cuthbert: 'Star Fox 2 release is a big awesome surprise' |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2017-06-27-dylan-cuthbert-star-fox-2-release-is-a-big-awesome-surprise |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901222304/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2017-06-27-dylan-cuthbert-star-fox-2-release-is-a-big-awesome-surprise |archive-date=September 1, 2019 |access-date=September 2, 2019 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en}}</ref>  Cuthbert said that ''Star Fox 2'' would be "compared directly against games such as ''[[Ridge Racer (1993 video game)|Ridge Racer]]'', which felt like you finally had an arcade machine's power in your home".<ref name="nlife 2015-05" />

Nintendo decided to prioritize its upcoming [[Nintendo 64]] console, including a new ''Star Fox'' game, ''[[Star Fox 64]]''.<ref name="arstech 2017-10" /><ref name="interview 2017" /> According to Cuthbert, Miyamoto wanted a clear break between 3D games on the SNES and Nintendo 64.<ref name="siliconera 2010-03">{{Cite web |date=March 28, 2010 |title=Why Did Nintendo Cancel Star Fox 2? |url=https://www.siliconera.com/2010/03/28/why-did-nintendo-cancel-star-fox-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191015025744/https://www.siliconera.com/2010/03/28/why-did-nintendo-cancel-star-fox-2/ |archive-date=October 15, 2019 |access-date=September 2, 2019 |website=Siliconera}}</ref> The Super FX 2 chip also raised the cost of production, which would have made ''Star Fox 2'' an expensive release.<ref name="interview 2017" />

''Star Fox 2'' was canceled in mid-1995, when it was about 95% complete.<ref name="nlife 2015-05" /> Nintendo still wanted the game finished after cancellation, so they took it through full [[Video game localization|localization]] and [[Game testing|QA testing]].<ref name="nlife 2015-05" /><ref name="gibiz 2017-06" /><ref name="usgamer 2017-08">{{Cite web |last=Bailey |first=Kat |date=August 22, 2017 |title=Nintendo Quietly Translated Star Fox 2 Back in the '90s, and That Version is Appearing for the First Time on SNES Classic |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/star-fox-2-snes-classic-quietly-translated-back-in-the-90s-news |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901222240/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/star-fox-2-snes-classic-quietly-translated-back-in-the-90s-news |archive-date=September 1, 2019 |access-date=September 2, 2019 |website=USgamer |language=en}}</ref> Cuthbert said there may have been no official announcement of cancellation,<ref name="arstech 2017-10" /> and there was confusion about the game's status in the media. The August issue of ''GamePro'' printed that it had been delayed to 1996,<ref name="gamepro 1995-08">{{Cite magazine |date=August 1995 |title=Surviving the Hype Wars |url=https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_073_August_1995/page/n13/mode/2up |magazine=[[GamePro]] |pages=12 |issue=73}}</ref> while ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' wrote that it had been canceled in their September issue.<ref name="egm 1995-09">{{Cite magazine |date=September 1995 |title=EGM Letters - Starfox 2 Hits the Skids |url=https://archive.org/details/electronic-gaming-monthly-issue-074-september-1995/page/n21/mode/2up |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |pages=22 |issue=74}}</ref> ''Nintendo Power'' wrote in their September issue that "rumors of the demise of ''Star Fox 2'' have been greatly exaggerated", and that the release was most likely coming in the first half of 1996.<ref name="np 1995-09">{{Cite magazine |date=September 1995 |title=Pak Watch: Where Are They Now? |url=https://archive.org/details/NintendoPower1988-2004/Nintendo%20Power%20Issue%20076%20%28September%201995%29/page/n117/mode/2up |magazine=[[Nintendo Power]] |pages=113 |volume=76}}</ref>

==Release==
For many years, the completed version of ''Star Fox 2'' remained in Nintendo's archives.<ref name="nlife 2015-05" /> Super FX games were not considered for Nintendo's Virtual Console content distribution service because Nintendo had difficulty emulating the chip.<ref name="famitsu 2017-06">{{Cite magazine |date=June 28, 2017 |title="ニンテンドークラシックミニ スーパーファミコン"収録作の選定理由は？ 出荷台数はどうなる？ 任天堂の回答を公開 |trans-title=Why did you choose the titles for the 'Nintendo Classic Mini Super Nintendo Entertainment System'? How many units will be shipped? Nintendo's answers are now available. |url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/201706/28136517.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240611013319/https://www.famitsu.com/news/201706/28136517.html |archive-date=June 11, 2024 |access-date=September 7, 2019 |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |language=ja}}</ref> In 2015, Miyamoto told journalists: "In my memory, I enjoyed [''Star Fox 2''] but I'm not sure I would release it, [...] I'd rather have people play a new game".<ref name="polygon 2015-06">{{Cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=June 16, 2015 |title=Don't expect Nintendo's unreleased Star Fox 2 to hit Virtual Console |url=https://www.polygon.com/2015/6/16/8793227/star-fox-2-nintendo-virtual-console |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901222238/https://www.polygon.com/2015/6/16/8793227/star-fox-2-nintendo-virtual-console |archive-date=September 1, 2019 |access-date=September 11, 2019 |website=Polygon}}</ref>

===Beta leaks===
[[File:Star Fox 2 Screenshot 1.png|thumb|A screenshot from a prototype build, depicting an enemy being shot down and exclaiming "Aah! Boss Wolf, I'm leaving the rest to you!"]]
In the years following cancellation, [[ROM image]]s of incomplete builds of ''Star Fox 2'' were leaked anonymously onto the internet.<ref name="retrogamer 2006-05" /> Cuthbert denied he had leaked it and suspected the ROMs had been taken from his hard drive after he left Argonaut.<ref name="kombo 2005-01">{{Cite web |last=DeWoody |first=Lucas |date=January 31, 2005 |title=AMN Interview With Dylan Cuthbert |url=http://gc.kombo.com/article.php?artid=4203 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080618015215/http://gc.kombo.com/article.php?artid=4203 |archive-date=June 18, 2008 |website=Kombo}}</ref>

The first ROMs leaked in the late 1990s were early test builds with numerous [[software bug]]s.<ref name="gi 2017-09" /> These versions mostly consist of debug menus and sparsely populated landscapes; one version includes a two-player mode.<ref name="retrogamer 2006-05" /> A few years later, an anonymous person reached out to the emulation community, saying that they had a non-working copy of the final beta ROM. The community determined that an internal [[Header (computing)|header]] was missing and were able to add the header to get it functioning.<ref name="retrogamer 2006-05" /> The ROM image was leaked online after.<ref name="gi 2017-09" /> This version was in Japanese and much more complete than previous versions.<ref name="gi 2017-09" /> The emulation community was inspired by the release to improve Super FX chip handling in their Super NES [[emulator]]s.<ref name="retrogamer 2006-05" /> A fan translation patch was also released which took four people and over 100 hours of work.<ref name="retrogamer 2006-05" /><ref name="gi 2017-09" /> The patch developers also changed a debug modifier that was set to zero, preventing Corneria from taking damage.<ref name="retrogamer 2006-05" />

All leaked ROMs are beta versions. Some gameplay features do not work correctly, are incomplete, or hampered by bugs.<ref name="ign 2017-06" /><ref name="usgamer 2017-06">{{Cite web |last=Bailey |first=Kat |date=June 26, 2017 |title=Our Biggest Question About Star Fox 2 on the Super NES Classic |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/star-fox-2-on-super-nes-classic-is-amazing-but-is-it-complete |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901222245/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/star-fox-2-on-super-nes-classic-is-amazing-but-is-it-complete |archive-date=September 1, 2019 |access-date=September 2, 2019 |website=USgamer |language=en}}</ref> According to Cuthbert, all the leaked ROMs lack the final few months of QA work. They were also all set up in debug mode, so the encounter systems and randomized gameplay elements do not work correctly.<ref name="nlife 2015-05" /><ref name="ign 2017-06" /> Speaking about the final beta ROM, he said: "The basic parts are there, but there is an adage in game development, 'The last 10 percent is 90 percent of the game' and the ROM is missing that last 10 percent of iteration and refinement".<ref name="gi 2017-09" />

===Official release===
[[File:Nintendo Classic Mini Super Nintendo Entertainment System (enhanced image).jpg|thumb|right|''Star Fox 2'' was released on the [[Super NES Classic Edition]] in 2017.]]
When compiling a list of games to include on the [[Super NES Classic Edition|Super NES Classic]] dedicated console, the system's producer proposed the inclusion of ''Star Fox 2''. He thought it would be a waste otherwise to never release a completed and debugged game.<ref name="interview 2017" /> Nintendo had [[video game preservation|preserved]] the game since its completion, making it easy to bring it to the Super NES Classic.<ref name="kotaku 2021-08">{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Leah |date=August 4, 2021 |title=The Tricky, Essential Art of Preserving Canceled Games Like Starfox 2 |url=https://kotaku.com/the-tricky-essential-art-of-preserving-canceled-games-1847420626 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813071951/https://kotaku.com/the-tricky-essential-art-of-preserving-canceled-games-1847420626 |archive-date=August 13, 2021 |access-date=August 4, 2021 |website=[[Kotaku]]}}</ref> The device was announced along with ''Star Fox 2''<nowiki/>'s inclusion in June 2017.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2017/06/26/nintendos-snes-classic-will-be-re-released-with-20-classic-games/?noredirect=on|title=Nintendo's SNES Classic will be released with 20 vintage games|last=Shaban|first=Hamza|date=June 26, 2017|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=May 15, 2018}}</ref> The announcement came as a delightful surprise to Cuthbert.<ref name="ign 2017-06" /><ref name="gibiz 2017-06" /> No one from Argonaut or Q-Games was consulted or otherwise made aware ahead of the reveal.<ref name="arstech 2017-10" /> Some of the original developers celebrated the announcement.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Duwell |first1=Ron |title=Star Fox 2 developers were so shocked by the game's release that they threw a party! |url=https://www.technobuffalo.com/2017/06/28/star-fox-2-developers-party/ |website=TechnoBuffalo |date=June 28, 2017 |access-date=April 12, 2018 |archive-date=April 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412145429/https://www.technobuffalo.com/2017/06/28/star-fox-2-developers-party/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Super NES Classic was released on September 29, 2017, in North America and Europe and on October 5 in Japan.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Farnham |first1=Donovan |last2=Little |first2=Morgan |date=June 26, 2017 |title=Star Fox 2 is alive, will be released on the SNES Classic |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/star-fox-2-will-finally-be-released-nintendo-snes-classic/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626211853/https://www.cnet.com/news/star-fox-2-will-finally-be-released-nintendo-snes-classic/ |archive-date=June 26, 2017 |access-date=September 7, 2019 |website=[[CNET]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wales |first=Matt |date=June 26, 2017 |title=Nintendo Announces SNES Mini, and it'll Include Star Fox 2 |url=https://www.kotaku.co.uk/2017/06/26/yes-the-super-nintendo-mini-is-actually-happening-and-itll-feature-star-fox-2 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901233744/https://www.kotaku.co.uk/2017/06/26/yes-the-super-nintendo-mini-is-actually-happening-and-itll-feature-star-fox-2 |archive-date=September 1, 2019 |access-date=September 7, 2019 |website=[[Kotaku UK]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=October 11, 2017 |title=Nintendo Classic Mini Super Famicom sold 368,913 units within first four days in Japan |url=https://gematsu.com/2017/10/nintendo-classic-mini-super-famicom-sold-368913-units-within-first-four-days-japan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115062149/https://gematsu.com/2017/10/nintendo-classic-mini-super-famicom-sold-368913-units-within-first-four-days-japan |archive-date=November 15, 2019 |access-date=September 7, 2019 |website=Gematsu |language=en-US}}</ref> The version is the localized English ROM that was completed in the 1990s,<ref name="usgamer 2017-08" /> though Cuthbert suspected Nintendo had to make minor changes, such as altering screen flashing, to get it past modern regulations.<ref name="arstech 2017-10" /> Promotional artwork for ''Star Fox 2'' was created by Takaya Imamura, the original ''Star Fox'' character designer.<ref name="interview 2017" /> The instruction manual was released digitally online and included concept art and design documents,<ref name="interview 2017" /> an unusual move for Nintendo.<ref name="kotaku 2017-09">{{Cite web |last=Kohler |first=Chris |date=September 5, 2017 |title=Nintendo Releases Original Star Fox 2 Design Docs |url=https://kotaku.com/nintendo-releases-original-star-fox-2-design-docs-1800660614 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901222242/https://kotaku.com/nintendo-releases-original-star-fox-2-design-docs-1800660614 |archive-date=September 1, 2019 |access-date=September 2, 2019 |website=Kotaku |language=en-US}}</ref> The game later received a second release via the [[Nintendo Switch]]'s [[Nintendo Classics]] service on December 12, 2019.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sK8Bluf2HL8 |title=NES & Super NES - December Game Updates - Nintendo Switch Online |date=December 4, 2019 |publisher=[[Nintendo of America]] |access-date=December 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/sK8Bluf2HL8 |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live |via=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-12-05-long-lost-star-fox-2-headed-to-nintendo-switch-online|title=Long-lost Star Fox 2 headed to Nintendo Switch Online|last=Phillips|first=Tom|website=[[Eurogamer]]|date=December 5, 2019|access-date=February 15, 2021|archive-date=December 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201224195245/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-12-05-long-lost-star-fox-2-headed-to-nintendo-switch-online|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
|Destruct = 7/10<ref name="DestructSF2">{{cite web|last=Carter|first=Chris|url=https://www.destructoid.com/stories/review-star-fox-2-463178.phtml|title=Review: Star Fox 2 - Making history|work=[[Destructoid]]|publisher=[[Enthusiast Gaming]]|date=September 27, 2017|access-date=March 8, 2021|archive-date=January 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118163946/https://www.destructoid.com/stories/review-star-fox-2-463178.phtml|url-status=live}}</ref>
|EuroG = Recommended<ref name="EuroGSF2">{{cite web|last=Donlan|first=Christian|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-09-27-star-fox-2-review|title=Star Fox 2 review - Reborn Slippy|work=[[Eurogamer]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|date=September 27, 2017|access-date=March 8, 2021|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112013530/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-09-27-star-fox-2-review|url-status=live}}</ref>
|GSpot = 5/10<ref name="GSpotSF2">{{cite web|last=Higham|first=Michael|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/star-fox-2-review/1900-6416778/|title=Star Fox 2 Review - Shoot for the stars, land on a cloud|work=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|date=September 30, 2017|access-date=March 8, 2021|archive-date=November 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111225614/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/star-fox-2-review/1900-6416778/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|GRadar = 3.5/5<ref name="GRadarSF2">{{cite web|last=Houghton|first=David|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/star-fox-2-review/|title=Star Fox 2 review: "You might not love it like you want to, but it's good to have the missing-in-action hero home"|work=[[GamesRadar+]]|publisher=[[Future US]]|date=September 27, 2017|access-date=March 8, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925005812/https://www.gamesradar.com/star-fox-2-review/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|HC = 80/100<ref name="HCSF2">{{cite web|last=Martínez|first=David|url=https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/reviews/analisis-starfox-2-nintendo-classic-mini-snes-167358|title=Análisis de Starfox 2 para Nintendo Classic Mini SNES|work=[[HobbyConsolas]]|publisher=[[Axel Springer SE]]|date=September 28, 2017|access-date=March 8, 2021|language=es|archive-date=October 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002131528/http://www.hobbyconsolas.com/reviews/analisis-starfox-2-nintendo-classic-mini-snes-167358|url-status=live}}</ref>
|IGN = 5/10<ref name="IGNSF2">{{cite web|last=Claiborn|first=Samuel|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/09/27/star-fox-2-review|title=Star Fox 2 Review - A fantastic miss for Fox|work=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=September 27, 2017|access-date=March 8, 2021|archive-date=December 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219080255/https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/09/27/star-fox-2-review|url-status=live}}</ref>
|NLife = 8/10<ref name="NLifeSF2">{{cite web|last=McFerran|first=Damien|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/snes/star_fox_2|title=Star Fox 2 Review (SNES) - Every McCloud has a silver lining|work=[[Nintendo Life]]|publisher=Nlife Media|date=September 27, 2017|access-date=March 8, 2021|archive-date=October 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027233836/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/snes/star_fox_2|url-status=live}}</ref>
|NWR = 9/10<ref name="NWRSF2a">{{cite web|last=Ronaghan|first=Neal|url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/45546/star-fox-2-review|title=Star Fox 2 Review: Quick - let's go back to 1996, release this then, and rewrite history|work=Nintendo World Report|publisher=NINWR, LLC|date=September 27, 2017|access-date=March 8, 2021|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112002036/https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/45546/star-fox-2-review|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NWRSF2b">{{cite web|last=Rairdin|first=John|url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/45563/star-fox-2-review-second-opinion|title=Star Fox 2 Review - Second Opinion: The game that makes every other Star Fox game even better|work=Nintendo World Report|publisher=NINWR, LLC|date=September 30, 2017|access-date=March 8, 2021|archive-date=October 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024231710/https://nintendoworldreport.com/review/45563/star-fox-2-review-second-opinion|url-status=live}}</ref>
|USG = 3/5<ref name="USGSF2">{{cite web|last=Oxford|first=Nadia|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/super-nes-classic-reviews-game-by-game-21-star-fox-2|title=Super NES Retro Review: Star Fox 2 - Join us as we review every Super NES Classic game. Finally: A lost dog comes back home|work=[[USgamer]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|date=January 23, 2019|access-date=March 8, 2021|archive-date=November 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128191851/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/super-nes-classic-reviews-game-by-game-21-star-fox-2|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}

''Star Fox 2'' received generally favorable reception from critics during its inclusion on the [[Super NES Classic Edition]] in 2017.<ref name="USGSF2"/> ''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]''{{'}}s Ross Miller found it to be ambitious and fun.<ref name="PolygonSF2">{{cite web|last=Miller|first=Ross|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/22/16351050/super-nes-classic-video-star-fox-2-preview|title=Star Fox 2 on the SNES Classic is more ambitious and different than we expected|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|date=September 22, 2017|access-date=March 8, 2021|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112021702/https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/22/16351050/super-nes-classic-video-star-fox-2-preview|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Destructoid]]''{{'}}s Chris Carter complimented the constant swap between viewpoints and playstyles, minimal "RPG-like" exposition between levels and the introduction of Star Wolf, stating that they added character into the game but noted its short length and criticized the low framerate.<ref name="DestructSF2"/> ''[[Eurogamer]]''{{'}}s Christian Donlan described it as an unusual but "wonderfully surprising and inventive" sequel that builds upon the first ''Star Fox'', due to its more roguelite nature.<ref name="EuroGSF2"/> ''[[GamesRadar+]]''{{'}} David Houghton gave positive remarks regarding the evolution of the franchise's core ideas and free-roaming 3D planets, but criticized its uncohesive game mechanics, overly ambitious ideas and "choppy" technical performance.<ref name="GRadarSF2"/>

''[[IGN]]''{{'}}s Samuel Claiborn complimented its "janky-yet-plucky aesthetic" but complained of severe frame-rate drops and found it difficult to control the ships. He felt it was the worst game included with the Super NES Classic Edition, and that it "probably deserved" to have been cancelled, but was happy to see it released.<ref name="IGNSF2"/> ''[[Nintendo Life]]''{{'}}s Damien McFerran praised the depth, complexity and challenge, and called it a good reason to own a Super NES Classic Edition.<ref name="NLifeSF2"/> ''Nintendo World Report''{{'}}s Neal Ronaghan and John Rairdin praised the distinct structure and design, challenge, strategy and roguelike elements, audiovisual presentation, replayability and depth. Rairdin wrote that it was the most important game in the ''Star Fox'' series, and one of the greatest Super Nintendo games. However, both criticized the lack of rail shooter levels, the slowdown and clipping, and its technical limitations.<ref name="NWRSF2a"/><ref name="NWRSF2b"/>

''[[HobbyConsolas]]''{{'}} David Martínez commended the Arwing's transformation mechanic, open levels and introduction of new Star Fox members and Star Wolf but criticized the game's short length, technical shortcomings and controls, feeling that it was not well-rounded as the first entry.<ref name="HCSF2"/> ''[[Digital Trends]]''{{'}} Mike Epstein felt that ''Star Fox 2'' took some of the biggest risks the ''Star Fox'' franchise had attempted.<ref name="DTrendsSF2">{{cite web|last=Epstein|first=Mike|url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/star-fox-2-review/|title='Star Fox 2' review - Unearthed after 22 years, 'Star Fox 2' is more fascinating than fun|work=[[Digital Trends]]|publisher=Designtechnica|date=September 29, 2017|access-date=March 8, 2021|archive-date=September 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901222238/https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/star-fox-2-review/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[The Verge]]''{{'}}s Andrew Webster called it "a fascinating experience".<ref name="TVSF2">{{cite web|last=Webster|first=Andrew|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/9/29/16383958/star-fox-2-snes-classic-nintendo-review|title=Star Fox 2 is strange, daring, and an important piece of game history|work=[[The Verge]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|date=September 29, 2017|access-date=March 8, 2021|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112012652/https://www.theverge.com/2017/9/29/16383958/star-fox-2-snes-classic-nintendo-review|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[GameSpot]]''{{'}}s Michael Higham gave positive remarks to the land vehicle sequences, freedom of approach to manage an incoming threat and off-rails 3D dogfights in space, but criticized its poor technical performance, short length, and lacking sense of adventure when compared to the first ''Star Fox'', among other aspects.<ref name="GSpotSF2"/>

==Legacy==
After ''Star Fox 2'' was canceled, Argonaut's contract with Nintendo ended.<ref name="gibiz 2017-06" /> Cuthbert left Japan and moved to the United States to work with Sony.<ref name="nlife 2015-05" /><ref name="gibiz 2017-06" /> In 2001, he returned to Japan to establish [[Q-Games]]. The company collaborated with Nintendo in 2006 to develop ''[[Star Fox Command]]'',<ref name="nlife 2015-05" /> and again in 2011 for ''[[Star Fox 64 3D]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/26633/star-fox-64-3d-co-developed-by-q-games|title=Star Fox 64 3D Co-Developed by Q-Games|last=Kaluszka|first=Aaron|date=June 7, 2011|website=Nintendo World Report|access-date=September 7, 2019|archive-date=February 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211044528/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/26633/star-fox-64-3d-co-developed-by-q-games|url-status=live}}</ref> Cuthbert found the experimentation with ''Star Fox 2'' personally helpful in his career.<ref name="nlife 2015-05" />

''Star Fox 2'' inspired the design of later ''Star Fox'' games.<ref name="ign 2017-06" /><ref name="gamasutra 2017-06" /> Free-range flying and grounded vehicle gameplay were implemented into ''[[Star Fox 64]]'',<ref name="interview 2011">{{Cite web |date=2011 |title=Iwata Asks: Star Fox 2 that Almost Was |url=http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/starfox/0/3 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725233103/http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/starfox/0/3 |archive-date=July 25, 2015 |access-date=September 2, 2019 |website=Nintendo}}</ref><ref name="np 1997-01">{{Cite magazine |date=January 1997 |title=Shoshinkai - N64: Show and Tell |url=https://archive.org/details/NintendoPower1988-2004/Nintendo%20Power%20Issue%20092%20%28January%201997%29/page/n23/mode/2up |magazine=[[Nintendo Power]] |pages=25 |volume=92}}</ref> as was the Star Wolf team.<ref name="gi 2017-09" /> Nintendo and Q-Games played ''Star Fox 2'' to gather inspiration on its strategic gameplay elements for ''Star Fox Command''.<ref name="nlife 2015-05" /><ref name="gi 2017-09" /> Miyamoto asked Cuthbert to make ''Command'' more similar to ''Star Fox 2'' than the original ''Star Fox''.<ref name="nlife 2015-05" /> The Arwing's ability to transform into the Walker was re-introduced in ''[[Star Fox Zero]]'' (2016).<ref name="gi 2017-09" /><ref name="polygon 2015-06" /> The game also drove ideas for future Nintendo 64 games.<ref name="nlife 2015-05" /> Cuthbert believes a lot of the platforming experimentation they ran in ''Star Fox 2'' gave Miyamoto confidence for ''[[Super Mario 64]]''.<ref name="nlife 2015-05" /><ref name="retrogamer 2006-05" />

==References==
===Notes===
{{notelist}}

===Citations===
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Portal|Video games|1990s}}
*[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/clvs/manuals/starfox2/html/USen/index.html Official Star Fox 2 website - Nintendo.co.jp (for United States)]
*[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/clvs/manuals/starfox2/html/EUen/index.html Official Star Fox 2 website - Nintendo.co.jp (for Europe)]
* Design documents for ''StarFox 2'' released by Nintendo - [https://www.nintendo.co.jp/clvs/manuals/starfox2/imgeu/pdf/CLV-P-SADK2.pdf 1], [https://www.nintendo.co.jp/clvs/manuals/starfox2/imgeu/pdf/CLV-P-SADK.pdf 2]<!-- legit, see http://www.usgamer.net/articles/nintendo-releases-comprehensive-design-documents-for-star-fox-2-online -->

{{Star Fox series}}
{{Argonaut Games}}

[[Category:2017 video games]]
[[Category:Argonaut Games games]]
[[Category:Nintendo Classics games]]
[[Category:Star Fox video games]]
[[Category:Super FX games]]
[[Category:Super Nintendo Entertainment System games]]
[[Category:Sequel video games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Video games produced by Shigeru Miyamoto]]
[[Category:Video games set in outer space]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]