The indie game Wild Blue Skies adopts an approach familiar to many independent developers: creating a game that caters to a perceived gap in the market for experiences reminiscent of beloved classics. In this case, the game directly targets the niche left by Nintendo's Star Fox series, particularly emulating Star Fox 64.
Wild Blue Skies follows the structure of Star Fox 64 very closely. Players are presented with a world map that functions similarly to its inspiration, featuring branching paths of varying difficulty. The game includes "all-range mode" stages and pits players against a rival group of pilots. Even the initial alternate path is unlocked through a maneuver mirroring Falco's challenge in Star Fox 64, where a co-pilot invites the player to follow them through difficult obstacles.
The narrative centers on anthropomorphic animal pilots, the Blue Bombers, led by a German shepherd named Bowie. They are tasked with thwarting the plans of the villainous Grimclaw, who reemerges after a period of absence to wage war on a peaceful society. This setup is directly comparable to the plot of Star Fox 64, with a familiar cast of characters and a similar overarching story.
While the premise and structure are heavily inspired by Star Fox 64, Wild Blue Skies introduces some distinctions. The game takes place on a single world rather than a series of planets, and its aircraft are designed to resemble fighter jets more than spaceships. Navigating the map involves traversing diverse biomes, which gives a cohesive feel to the progression despite the lack of distinct planetary environments. The stage design emphasizes fast-paced rail shooting with swarms of enemies and intricate environments that require precise maneuvering.
Mechanically, Wild Blue Skies differentiates itself with its control scheme. The regular fire and charged shot are mapped to separate buttons, a departure from Star Fox's single-button approach. This change allows for more deliberate use of each firing mode, requiring players to plan their attacks more carefully. The game also features auto-fire as an option in the settings, which can be toggled for a continuous stream of regular fire to contrast with the charged shot. Additionally, the brake and dash functions are assigned to trigger buttons, providing a more intuitive feel akin to racing games and enabling finer control over the player's speed.
Each stage offers collectible medals and score multipliers, encouraging replayability similar to its predecessor. Expert players will find numerous secrets and score challenges to unlock. However, one of the most significant departures is the game's difficulty. Wild Blue Skies presents a considerably higher challenge than Star Fox 64. Maneuvering through challenging sections, such as the waterfalls in the first stage to unlock an alternate path, requires precise control and multiple attempts. The player's allies are also highly vulnerable and can be quickly eliminated by enemy fire, necessitating players to learn their patterns and intervene when they are in danger.
For players who found the recent Star Fox 64 remake to be a nostalgic but ultimately familiar experience, Wild Blue Skies offers a more demanding alternative. It serves as a close approximation of a Star Fox 64 expansion, incorporating smart control adjustments and an expert-level difficulty that appeals to veterans seeking a new challenge and meticulously memorized level layouts. The game's straightforward homage, in this context, is a notable strength.