Fox McCloud

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Fox McCloud
General
First appearance	Star Fox Act.1 Desperado (1993)
Latest appearance	Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (2018)
In-universe information
Name	No information

Fox McCloud is the hero and main character of the Star Fox series and the leader of a mercenary team known as Star Fox, whose main members are himself, Falco, Slippy, and Peppy. Fox is an expert at using the Arwing, a compact battle ship, and is also proficient as a sharp-shooter on land with his blaster. Fox and his team are often sent on a mission to save the Lylat System, usually from Andross.

Concept and creation

In 1992, Nintendo and Argonaut collaborated to produce a 3D space shooter for the Super NES, provisionally titled Snesglider The development team, led by Shigeru Miyamoto, redesigned what had been a tech demo into a rail shooter, with Nintendo designing the game and Argonaut handling the programming aspects. However, without a story, the game lacked any incentive to play beyond flying and shooting. Miyamoto sketched out a universe, but could not decide on a natural hero to convey a sense of an epic space saga. Names under consideration included "Star Wolf", "Star Sheep", "Star Fox", "Star Sparrow", and "Star Hawk".

One day, after visiting Fushimi Inari-taisha, the head shrine of Inari, Shigeru Miyamoto decided to use a fox as the main character. Inari is portrayed with the ability to fly, and its shrines, particularly the one in Kyoto, are surrounded by red arches (torii), giving Miyamoto the idea of a fox that could fly through arches. Fox's face was modeled after Inari's, and he usually wears a "red turtleneck" or "red scarf" around his neck, like the statue. Fox's personality is heavily based on Shigeru Miyamoto's own personality, with the surname 'McCloud' being suggested by Dylan Cuthbert, one of Argonaut's programmers.

History

Background information

Artwork of Fox for the first Star Fox game

In his earlier years, Fox was raised by his father, James McCloud, who was also the leader of the Star Fox at the time. His mother, however, has never been said, although the comic series of Star Fox hints that Vixy Reinard might have been his mother. But the events of the comic series are not considered canon in the games. Fox was still raised by his father for most of his life, who taught him to never give up, and trust his instincts, no matter what the situation. This has been remembered by Fox several times.

When Fox entered his teen years, he trained in the Cornerian Flight Academy, with his good friend, Bill Grey. During this time, his father was still the leader of Star Fox, which consisted of James, Peppy Hare, and Pigma Dengar. James was sent on a mission by General Pepper, to go investigate the planet of Venom, which was acting strangely at the time. However, they were ambushed by Andross, betrayed by Pigma. James was captured, while Peppy only narrowly escaped Andross's clutches. Peppy returned to Corneria to tell Fox and the Cornerian Fleet of the situation. When Fox heard this, he dropped out of the academy, and started training under Peppy Hare, so he could become the leader of Star Fox, and avenge his father.

Star Fox series

Star Fox

During the events of Star Fox, Fox was still an amateur pilot, trying to get the hand of leading the Star Fox team. He had just started the team up again, gathering Slippy Toad, his good childhood friend, Falco Lombardi, his best friend, and Peppy Hare, his mentor, as the new members of Star Fox. Like his father before him, Fox was sent on a mission by General Pepper, to go to Venom, and stop Andross' threats. However, Fox and the Star Fox team had to go across the entire Lylat system, slowly destroying Andross' forces one by one. The Star Fox Team's teamwork managed to overcome all the impossible odds, and they finally reached the planet of Venom.

However, Fox decided to enter Andross's Base by himself, and face off against Andross alone. This is probably due to the fact that Fox wanted revenge for his father, who was captured and killed by Andross. Fox McCloud breached his base, and reached the villainous Andross, who was just a giant head. Fox took full advantage of his Arwing piloting skills and ultimately managed to defeat Andross. Fox and the Star Fox team reported back to the Corneria Fleet, and were rewarded for a job well done.

Star Fox 64

Star Fox 64 gameplay screenshot of Falco asking Fox for assistance

A remake of the original Star Fox, Star Fox 64 retells the tale of how James McCloud, disappeared and how Fox and the Star Fox team were sent to investigate activity on Venom, which is where Andross is located. Fox and his crew headed out, going from planet to planet, destroying Andross's army as they flew. However, they did not expect a new mercenary group to appear; Star Wolf. They were working for Andross, and their leader, Wolf O'Donnell, was determined to shoot down Fox, for some unknown reason. His team consisted of; Leon Powalski, Andrew Oikonny, and the Star Fox traitor, Pigma Dengar. The team worked hard to defeat the evil Star Wolf team. Star Fox had not yet seen a team as skillful as this one. However, the Star Fox team managed to defeat Star Wolf, and shot down their Wolfen fighters. With Star Wolf out of the way, the team could focus on their main goal.

The finally managed to reach Andross's Base on Venom, yet again. Fox was now determined to defeat Andross once and for all, and once again, he demanded that he go into the base by himself. Using his skills at the Arwing, he managed to get to the end of the Base, and meet with Andross, yet again. Andross, who is just giant powerful head, now had two hands, that were not connected. This made things increasingly difficult for Fox, as he tried desperately to defeat the crazed Andross. However, Andross still falls to Fox's piloting skills, and perishes for good. But, he attempts to take Fox with him, and activates the self-destruction sequence. Fox didn't know what to do at this point, but, Fox saw another Arwing nearby him, and heard his father's voice, telling him not to give up. Fox then followed the shining Arwing out of the Base, and manages to escape before it self-destructs. The shining Arwing then disappears, and Fox is able to reunite with his comrades back on the Great Fox, and head back to Corneria.

General Pepper then offers the team the chance to become a part of the Cornerian Fleet, but Fox decides that he likes things better with Star Fox as a mercenary group. ROB then tells them that the Great Fox is ready for their next mission. With that done, Fox and the team head out for their next assignment.

Star Fox Adventures

Star Fox Adventures artwork

Fox fighting some SharpClaws

In Star Fox Adventures, set eight years after the previous game, the Star Fox team have hit on hard times. They have lost many jobs, causing a lack of money on the team. This can also be seen on the Great Fox and ROB, who are obviously rusting out. Falco has now left the team, and Fox, who has now matured as a leader, has become much rather cocky. However, noticing a disturbance on Dinosaur Planet, General Pepper communicates the team, telling them to go save Dinosaur Planet being torn apart completely, thus, exploding. This could affect the entire Lylat System badly. He also states, that if Fox is successful on this mission, he will be rewarded greatly for his efforts. Fox then hops in his Arwing, and flies down to the planet.

Fox lands on Dinosaur Planet safely, landing in the ThornTail Hollow. General Pepper messages Fox, telling him to find the Queen EarthWalker, saying that she will be able to help him find the cause of the Planet tearing apart. Fox was not allowed to bring his Blaster with him, under the orders of General Pepper. Luckily, Fox manages to find a Magical Staff to use as a weapon. He manages to find his way to the Queen Earthwalker, who tells him to find the WarpStone, go to Ice Mountain, and save her son, Prince Tricky. However, understanding her language proved tough for Fox, but Slippy was able to translate from the Great Fox.

After Fox gave the WarpStone some Rock Candy, he warped Fox to the Ice Mountain. He managed to find and rescue Tricky here, and finally managed to get the translator working. He teams up with Tricky, and the two head back to ThornTail Hollow, to bring Tricky back to his mother. However, she was very weak from the SharpClaw attacks. Fox manages to heal her by feeding her White GrubTubs, and is told to find all the four SpellStones, in order to save the planet. She also states that General Scales was the person who stole the SpellStones, which tore the planet apart.

Along the way, Fox manages to find the SpellStones and return them to their original location. He is also told to collect the Krazoa Spirits, in order to save a vixen named Krystal. Fox is originally reluctant to do so, but he becomes determined to rescue Krystal, after he sees her for the first time and becomes captivated by her beauty. He eventually discovers that the Krazoa Spirits must also be collected to save the planet. Fox manages to collect all but one, and searches around the Krazoa Palace to find it. He learns that General Scales had it all that time. But, when he rescues Krystal, the energy of the Krazoa Spirits revives Fox's arch-nemesis, Andross, who now plans to destroy the Lylat System. Fox once again had to dodge the giant Andross's many attacks.

These attacks range from wind, bombs, and even suction. Fox still manages to damage Andross, but Andross isn't going to go down easily. However, just as things look bad for Fox, Falco arrives to assist Fox, and save him from near death. Falco then helps Fox by giving him Missiles to launch at Andross. In a similar fashion to Star Fox 64, Fox even had to shoot Andross's Brain. Finally, Fox managed to defeat Andross, and kill him once and for all. The two heroes head back to the Great Fox, to meet up the rest of the team. Falco finally rejoins Star Fox, and the team get a huge amount in reward money. Peppy then remembers that they got a message from Krystal, and plays back the recording. Krystal herself enters the Great Fox, and decides to join as a member herself, which only leave Fox nervous.

Star Fox: Assault

Star Fox: Assault artwork

In Star Fox: Assault, set years after the events of Star Fox Adventures, Fox can enter and exit his vehicle, either the Arwing or Landmaster, at will. The levels use a moderate amount of ordinance in on-foot, free roaming, level-based combat.

Fox, Falco, Slippy and Krystal go on missions, beginning with one out in space of Fortuna, confronting Andew Oikonny's army. This battle rages on as the real threat is revealed—an alien species known as the aparoids. During their first attempt to apprehend Pigma, they encounter their old nemeses: Wolf O'Donnell and his team along with a new Star Wolf member: Panther Caroso.

When Fox and his comrades finally trace Pigma to an asteroid field, they fight against a corrupt Pigma who is infected by aparoids. After killing the infected Pigma, they receive orders from General Pepper to repel the Aparoid invasion of Sauria. Reuniting with Tricky, Star Fox repels the invasion. However, they soon realize that the invasion was a diversion for a full-scale attack on Corneria. Fox and his comrades defeat the aparoid ground forces but Fox then gets surrounded by aparoids but gets help from Team Wolf. Riding on Wolf's Wolfen, Fox, Star Wolf and Star Fox repel the Aparoid reinforcements but are pitted against an infected General Pepper. Fox reluctantly shoots Pepper's fighter down but Peppy saves Pepper by pushing his fighter into soft grass with his Arwing. With the Aparoid invasion repelled, Star Fox, Star Wolf and a Cornerian Task Force launch an attack on the Aparoid Mother. During the battle, Peppy and ROB crash a heavily damaged Great Fox into the core entrance, clearing the way for Fox and his comrades. The Aparoid Mother is destroyed and Star Fox, Star Wolf, Peppy and ROB and the remnants of the Cornerian Task Force return to the Lylat System.

Star Fox Command

In Star Fox Command, Fox starts to mature. A group known as the Anglars attack the Lylat system. The Anglars have made Venom their home, and Fox's team most slowly close in on them. Tactics is a key factor in this particular war. In the beginning of the game, everyone except ROB 64 has been struck with personal issues and left the team. More and more characters from the past and all new characters gradually start to join Team Star Fox, and eventually it becomes bigger than it was before. There are nine possible outcomes in the game, though the developers suggest that none of them are canon.

Super Smash Bros. series

Fox McCloud is a playable fighter and a default fighter in every Super Smash Bros. game. His Special Moves involve him using his Blaster and Reflector during battle.

In Super Smash Bros., Fox is one of the starter characters, and is designed after his Star Fox 64 appearance. In Super Smash Bros. Melee, Fox received the Fox Illusion ability, which allows him to swift from one point to the next. In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Fox's appearance was updated to resemble his appearance in Star Fox Command. In this game and Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U, Fox's Final Smash is using a Landmaster. In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Fox's Final Smash instead involves him using his Arwing.

Mario franchise

Mario Kart 8 / Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

The Fox outfit for Miis.

As of version 3.0, Fox only makes a cameo in the Mii Racing Suit menu of Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe; likewise, his amiibo is compatible with the game. Placing it on the Wii U GamePad makes a custom Fox-themed outfit for players to equip upon Miis available.

Super Mario Maker

Fox appears as a Costume in Super Mario Maker. Fox's costume can be unlocked by scanning his respective amiibo or randomly by completing the 100 Mario Challenge on Expert difficulty. Fox's transformation sound is his radio voice clips from the original Star Fox. The stage clear theme is the "Mission Complete" theme from the original Star Fox, while his death sound is the respective theme from Star Fox, including the Arwing exploding. Finally, pressing has Fox pose facing away from the screen, while General Pepper's "Good luck!" voice clip plays.

Starlink: Battle for Atlas

Fox and his team appear in Starlink: Battle for Atlas where they run into the Starlink Initiative in the Atlas system. The team was originally supposed to find Wolf O'Donnell who fled to Atlas but end up joining forces with the Starlink Initiative to fight against Grax and the Forgotten Legion.

Super Smash Bros. series

Super Smash Bros. Brawl artwork

Fox McCloud has also appeared in the Nintendo crossover fighting game, Super Smash Bros., for the Nintendo 64. His appearance is based off his Star Fox 64 design. He is a default character, available from the start, and the second fastest character in the game, after Captain Falcon. Fox also falls at a faster descent than other characters. Fox relies on his weapons to act as his Special moves, using his Blaster and Reflector to assist him in battle. Although, Fox is somewhat light, and lacks a wide range of attacks, as well as a lack of fast attacks. His Reflector, however, is very fast, acting as his fastest move. His home stage is Sector Z, which takes place on his very own ship, the Great Fox. He returned in the Nintendo GameCube sequel, Super Smash Bros. Melee. Like his previous appearance, Fox was a default character and his appearance is still based off his Star Fox 64 design. In this, Fox was now at the top of the Tier list, which means he is the best at one-on-one battles.

He also adds a new attack to his arsenal, the Fox Illusion, which causes him to swift past the stage at great speeds. His two stages are Corneria and Venom, both of which take place on the Great Fox, and feature the Arwings shooting the players. Fox McCloud is still rather light, but fast, and still lacks a wide range of attack. In Adventure Mode, Fox appeared in Stage 6: Corneria. In this, the player would have to battle Fox on the Corneria stage. After beating him once, Falco Lombardi, Slippy Toad, and Peppy Hare will appear to assist Fox in battle. The player will have to defeat Fox again, but this time, while dodging the Arwings. However, on occasion, Falco will appear in the second half instead of Fox, forcing Fox into the Arwing.

Fox also returned in the Wii installment of the game, Super Smash Bros. Brawl. He was graphically updated to match his recent appearance in Star Fox Command. He kept all of his previous moves and his Final Smash is the Landmaster. Fox's stage is Lylat Cruise, and his arch-nemesis, Andross, is an Assist Trophy. Fox appeared in the Subspace Emissary story mode.

Fox also returned in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U. Like his previous appearance, his appearance is based off his Star Fox Command appearance. His Star Fox 64 and Star Fox 64 3D voice actor, Mike West voices Fox. He also retains his final smash.

Trophy descriptions

Fox McCloud (Melee)

• "Fox McCloud is the leader of a band of adventurers-for-hire known as Star Fox. Fox and his fellow pilots Peppy, Slippy, and Falco patrol the Lylat system in their mother ship, the Great Fox. From the cockpit of his Arwing, Fox leads the ceaseless pursuit of the evil scientist Andross, who doomed Fox's father."

Fox McCloud (Adventure) (Melee)

• "Fox is among the quickest and nimblest of the Smash Bros. characters. His speed is offset by low firepower, however, and he's better at one-on-one fights than melees with multiple foes. His Blaster is unique: it does damage, but it doesn't make enemies flinch. His Fox illusion is best used as a surprise attack."

Fox McCloud (All-Star) (Melee)

• "Fox falls quickly, so he's a tough target to strike from below; however, this advantage can work against him when he goes flying sideways. You can use the Control Stick to set the direction of the Fire Fox technique while it's charging up. On a side note, Fox is also much lighter than he was in the N64 Super Smash Bros. game."

Fox McCloud (Brawl)

• "The leader of the commando unit for hire known as Star Fox. He uses both the team's mothership, the Great Fox, and his personal Arwing fighter to challenge the evil scientist Andross. He made his name as an ace pilot but has lately shown himself also to be an adventurer with a knack for hand-to-hand combat."

Landmaster (Fox) (Brawl)

• "Fox's Final Smash. Climb aboard the Landmaster tank, the ultrahigh- performance, antiair, rolling combat vehicle of Team Star Fox. Just like in the Star Fox series, the cannon can be used to blast foes, and the tank can roll over enemies. The jets beneath the main body can be used to hover. Between its firepower and mobility, this tank knows no equal."

Fox McCloud (Assault) (Brawl)

• "The leader of the one and only Star Fox team. Fox McCloud has superb battle skills and is an expert pilot of both the Arwing and Landmaster. In on-foot battles, Fox starts with a blaster and continues on with four other types of weapons as he fights through the Aparoids. Fox also demonstrates his skills in air combat using the plasma cannons on the Arwing."

Fox McCloud (For 3DS/Wii U)

• NA: "Fox is the leader of the mercenary unit Star Fox, often enlisted to defeat the evil Andross. His piloting skills are top notch, but in Smash Bros. he brings speed and fast attacks to the battle. His Reflector move allows him to turn projectile attacks against his foes, increasing their power for a punishing blow."

• EU: "Leader of the Star Fox team, Fox is a skilled pilot with a strong sense of justice. In this game, he's quick on his feet and can use his speed to toy with opponents, attacking relentlessly and giving them no room to breathe. Even if they try to attack him from afar with projectiles, his Reflector move just sends them flying right back!"

Fox McCloud (Alt) (For 3DS/Wii U)

• NA: "Fox is at home in the air, and many of his moves, like his up smash, Flip Kick, will send foes up there. It's great for KO'ing a damaged opponent. Another handy move is his up special Fire Fox. The flames that surround Fox deal damage to nearby foes, and you can launch yourself in any direction once charged."

• EU: "The Flip Kick that Fox does for his upward smash can really send foes flying. It's well worth pulling out this attack in combos against airborne opponents. Try following it up with his red-hot Fire Fox special to hammer them repeatedly. The fact that you can fly in any direction with this move is a real bonus too!"

Landmaster (Fox) (For 3DS/Wii U)

• NA: "Originally designed for exploration, the Landmaster in Fox's Final Smash has been converted into an ultra-high-performance, anti-air, rolling combat vehicle. When Fox hops aboard, he can drive or roll into foes and blast them with cannon fire. It can even fire in midair. And best of all, Fox is safe from damage inside this metal beast!"

• EU: "Originally designed for exploration, the Landmaster in Fox's Final Smash has been converted into an ultra-high-performance, anti-air, rolling combat vehicle. When Fox gets on board, he can drive or roll into foes and blast them with cannon fire. It can even fire in mid-air. And best of all, Fox won't take any damage while inside!"

Appearances in other media

There are four comics based on the Star Fox series; three of them were released through Nintendo Power, while the fourth (Star Fox: Farewell, Beloved Falco) was released exclusively in Japan. There are four Nintendo Power issues in which Fox is featured on the cover, and each issue features coverage for one of the first four Star Fox games.

The first Star Fox comic was published in certain issues of Nintendo Power in 1993. Fox McCloud is also known as Fox Jr. or Junior and was revealed to be the son of the best pilot on the planet Corneria: Fox McCloud Sr. (later renamed James McCloud). Fox was also becoming an excellent pilot. He met Falco, a rowdy but street-savvy bird who wanted to become a pilot. Fox helped Falco clean up his act, and Falco went on to become both a pilot and one of Fox's closest friends. Fox Senior volunteered to test a new gravity bomb Andross had made, and was lost and presumed dead when the bomb detonated with a far greater effect than anyone expected. Andross was exiled from the star system, but returned and built a power base on the planet Venom. Fox protested this turn of events, but the leaders on Corneria, terrified by Andross' power, exiled Fox to the planet Papetoon, which was later taken by Andross. On Papetoon, Fox was shown early on to be a skillful and hotheaded combatant, and to have a strong desire to resist tyranny. He cared little for money, preferring to liquidate anything taken during a raid to support the oppressed peoples he fought for. Eventually, Corneria contacted Fox to pilot their newest space fighter, the Arwing, which could only be effectively used by the best pilots in the system. After rescuing Fara Phoenix from Venomian military forces, Fox develops a romantic relationship with her, and they hold mutual affections for each other throughout the comics.

Super Mario: Mario im Wunderland

Fox in "Super Mario: Verloren in der Zeit".

Fox's first appearance relevant to the Mario franchise is in the Club Nintendo comic "Super Mario: Mario im Wunderland", introducing himself as "the fox from the TV spot". He lands on Earth with his spaceship and scares away Donkey Kong, Wario, and Bowser, who attacked Mario, Toad, Kirby, and Yoshi.

He can also be briefly seen in the comic "Super Mario: Verloren in der Zeit" from the same magazine, watching the Olympics with Peppy Hare and Falco Lombardi.

Nintendo Monopoly

Fox appears in the 2006 version of Nintendo Monopoly, where he acted as Connecticut Avenue/Pentonville Road, and costs $120. In the 2010 version, he was replaced by Tom Nook from the Animal Crossing series.

Cameo appearances

• Stunt Race FX: Fox McCloud has a minor cameo on some posters along with various other Nintendo characters.
• Picross NP Vol. 4: Fox is one of the images that the player can create.
• Mario Artist: Paint Studio: A 3D render of Fox from Star Fox 64 can be used like a stamp.
• Mario Golf (Nintendo 64, Game Boy Color): In both games, the names "Fox" and "McCloud" are names on the score chart.
• Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga (scrapped): Along with a couple of other Nintendo characters, Fox was also supposed to appear in Starbeans Cafe instead of Professor E. Gadd.
• Donkey Konga 2: A badge of Fox can be obtained.
• Tekken Tag Tournament 2: In the Wii U version, Fox's uniform is a clothing option for some of the characters.
• Kirby: Planet Robobot: While not an in-game cameo, the player can scan a Fox amiibo to provide the Jet Copy Ability to Kirby.

General information

Physical appearance and traits

Fox McCloud is a male fox who is, during the events of Star Fox Command, is speculated to be twenty-eight or nine years old. He hails from Corneria and is the leader of the Star Fox team. In the more recent game, he has green eyes, while his fur is tan and white. He additionally has a bushy, white-tipped tail which appears to be very short in Star Fox 64 and Command, implying that it might have been cut off at a certain point.

Fox is of medium/short height and medium weight, but this is contradicted in the Super Smash Bros. games, where he is a mid-sized target, but additionally very light. His garb consists of red boots, a green jumpsuit with a grey jacket, gloves, a red scarf, a belt with his emblem engraved on it, and a communication device stationed on his head.

Fox has had romantic relationships with characters, though he seems to currently be most interested in the character Krystal. Nintendo Power published a comic in 1993 during the release of the first game in which he was involved with a character named Fara Phoenix, though whether or not this is canonical is debated.

Fox speaks in a rather youthful voice in all games, but his style and personality differs with each voice actor. Considering the multiple similarities between the Star Fox games and the Star Wars franchise, Fox's personality and character are similar to Luke Skywalker, something that has even been acknowledged in the Nintendo Player's Guide for Star Fox: Assault.

Voice actors

English

• Dan Owsen (Star Fox)
• Mike West (Star Fox 64 and Star Fox 64 3D)
• Steve Malpass (Super Smash Bros. Melee and Star Fox Adventures)
• Jim Walker (Star Fox: Assault and Super Smash Bros. Brawl)

Japanese

• Shinobu Satouchi (Star Fox 64, Super Smash Bros. and Super Smash Bros. Melee)
• Kenji Nojima (Star Fox Assault and Super Smash Bros. Brawl)
• Takashi Ōhara (Star Fox 64 3D)

French

• Martial Le Minoux (Star Fox 64 3D, Star Fox Zero)

Spanish

• Ángel de Gracia (Star Fox 64 3D Spanish localization)
• Andrés Esparza (Star Fox 64 3D South America localization)

Names in other languages

Language	Name	Meaning
Japanese	フォックス・マクラウド Fokkusu Makuraudo
Chinese	火狐・麥克勞德 Huǒhú Màikèláodé
Korean	폭스 맥클라우드 Pogseu Maegkeullaudeu
Russian	Фокс МакКлауд Foks MakKlaud