I’m Still Sad We Never Got Capcom’s Starfox-Like Game (But It’s Not Too Late)

by

It’s always disappointing when a game doesn’t succeed. Sometimes they launch with problems and never get better, and sometimes they just fade away over time. But it’s especially frustrating when a game is cancelled before it even gets a real chance, like what happened with Ubisoft’s remake of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. These cancellations always feel bad, and one from the early 2000s still particularly bothers me.

In 2002, Capcom revealed a lineup of five games designed to boost sales of the Nintendo GameCube and demonstrate support from third-party developers. This included successful titles like Resident Evil 4 and Viewtiful Joe. However, one game, Dead Phoenix, was unfortunately canceled before it could be released. It’s interesting to think about how things might have turned out if Capcom had finished the game, and potentially impacted Nintendo’s Star Fox series as well.

Dead Phoenix Could Have Be the On-Rail Shooter Fans Needed

From the moment Capcom announced Dead Phoenix, it caught my attention. The initial trailers showcased exciting aerial combat, dramatic camera work, and a fantastical world that felt perfectly matched with the fast-paced action. It clearly drew inspiration from Kid Icarus, and for fans of rail shooters, it felt like a promising new title. It reminded me of classics like Star Fox and Panzer Dragoon, but also seemed to have the potential to be something unique, offering more freedom of movement and Capcom’s distinct style.

If Dead Phoenix had been released, it might have revitalized a genre that was starting to fade. By the early 2000s, developers were shifting away from on-rail shooters, focusing instead on open-world games and action RPGs. However, a loyal fanbase still craved this classic style of gameplay. As a fan of games like Star Fox and Panzer Dragoon, I was really excited by the early trailers for Dead Phoenix, especially since I hadn’t enjoyed Star Fox Adventures.

Capcom really wanted to offer a variety of games on the GameCube, and including Dead Phoenix in their Capcom Five lineup proved how committed they were. This project could have given GameCube owners a unique experience not readily available on other consoles. However, Capcom ultimately cancelled the game. Looking back, Dead Phoenix had the potential to become a beloved cult hit and could have even influenced the development of today’s on-rail shooting games.

If Nintendo Won’t Make a New Star Fox, Someone Else Has To

Honestly, it feels like we’re really missing out on a good space shooter. Nintendo hasn’t given us a new Star Fox game since Star Fox Zero back in 2016, and that one didn’t quite hit the mark with its controls. Since then, it’s been totally quiet on the Star Fox front. I still love flying as Fox McCloud in the Arwing, but you can only replay old games for so long. The only time we really see Star Fox mentioned these days is in Super Smash Bros., and even that hasn’t had an update since Ultimate came out in 2018. We need a new game!

There’s a real opening in the market for a new on-rail shooter, and Capcom is perfectly positioned to fill it. They’ve consistently delivered fantastic updates to classic franchises like Resident Evil, Monster Hunter, and Devil May Cry over the last ten years. Adding a revived aerial action game to their lineup would be a great way for them to expand their success into another genre.

The next Nintendo Switch is a great chance for game developers to try out big ideas that weren’t possible years ago. For example, a new version of Dead Phoenix could have smoother action, more detailed worlds, and online leaderboards. And if Nintendo isn’t planning a new Star Fox game, another company should step up. Capcom actually started work on a similar game 20 years ago, and with indie developers now successfully making rail shooters, the timing is perfect to revive the concept.

Capcom Should Revisit More of Its Canceled Games (Starting With Dead Phoenix)

Capcom is known for taking risks and trying new things, and they’ve often given the go-ahead to unique projects alongside their big, popular games. However, not all of these experimental ideas have made it to release. Some were cancelled because of technical issues, changes in what gamers wanted, or internal changes within the company. The cancellation of Dead Phoenix is particularly frustrating for fans, but it’s just one example. Games like Mega Man Legends 3 and Capcom Fighting All Stars were also shelved, and dedicated communities still hope they might be revisited someday.

As a long-time fan, it’s exciting to think about Capcom looking back at some of their canceled projects. It’s not just about feeling nostalgic; it’s a chance for them to revisit cool ideas that maybe weren’t quite right for their time, or that the technology wasn’t ready for. Right now, Capcom is really hitting its stride and has a great reputation, so they’re in a perfect spot to take some chances and bring those forgotten concepts back to life. For me, Dead Phoenix stands out as the perfect game to start with. Its unique look and the potential to really shake up a genre that’s been quiet for a while make it a really exciting prospect.

A fresh take on Dead Phoenix could deliver the exciting, fast-paced aerial gameplay that the original never got to explore – and it’s exactly what gamers are looking for right now. The concept remains strong, but Capcom would need to fully commit to it and be open to trying new things. Reviving cancelled games is a smart move in an industry that loves innovation, and Dead Phoenix would be an excellent place for Capcom to start.

What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!

Read More

2026-02-07 22:13