Fur Squadron Phoenix: Is This The BEST Indie Game of 2024?!

In this day and age, it's rare to find a game that truly captures the magic of a classic while forging its own path. But sometimes, just sometimes, lightning strikes. Case in point: Fur Squadron Phoenix. Reviewed here on the Switch, but also available on PC, this little gem from Raptor Claw isn't just a game; it's a love letter to a bygone era of arcade-style space shooters. Specifically, it's the Star Fox 64 successor that many of us have been yearning for. And let's be honest, Nintendo hasn't exactly been rushing to fill that void, have they?

Fur Squadron Phoenix: Is This The BEST Indie Game ...

Fur Squadron Phoenix throws you right into the action. You're a pilot in the titular squadron, an elite fighting force serving the Federation. And from the moment you take off, the on-rails gameplay feels instantly familiar. Think classic Star Fox, but with a fresh coat of paint and some modern sensibilities. Expect to barrel through diverse environments, both planetary and cosmic, blasting anything that moves. The enemy formations, the shielded ships, the sandworm-esque baddies popping up from the terrain – it's all there. And yes, there are epic end-of-level bosses that will test your dodging skills and your ability to pinpoint those oh-so-critical weak spots. The neon aesthetic is vibrant, the soundtrack is killer, and the pacing is absolutely perfect. It’s pure, unadulterated fun.

What really sets Fur Squadron Phoenix apart is the sense of progression. The waves of enemies are cleverly designed to offer unique challenges, making you feel like you're constantly improving. And the boss battles? Oh man, they are inventive and genuinely exciting. My only real gripe is with the final boss, which felt a bit too much like a bullet sponge, turning what should have been a triumphant climax into a bit of a slog. And speaking of complaints, the game is undeniably short. Only eight stages? I was left wanting so much more.

Despite its brevity, you'll still face thousands of enemies and the game offers roguelite-inspired mechanics to unlock an ever-improving arsenal. Forget in-level power-ups; here, you earn upgrade points each time you play a level, regardless of whether you win or lose. This design choice ensures that even a crushing defeat doesn't feel like a complete waste of time. Funny enough, the game largely takes place within a training simulation, and for some reason, you *don't* earn skill points in the actual in-universe missions. It's a strange choice, but it does incentivize replaying the simulation, I guess. You can unlock damage boosts (including a permanent double laser – yes!), improved shields, and better mobility. The special weapons are a standout feature. While you start with the standard bombs, you can unlock awesome options like a power beam that gets stronger the more you use it, or a multi-missile special weapon. And the nuke? Absolutely devastating when you're swarmed. Combine these with the Overdrive ultimate ability, which slows down time and boosts your damage output, and you become an unstoppable force.