Chuhai Labs, a Kyoto-based developer, recently released an extended gameplay trailer for its upcoming on-rails aerial combat game, Wild Blue Skies. The game, previously known as Wild Blue, draws direct inspiration from the classic Star Fox series, aiming to fill the void left by Nintendo’s largely dormant franchise. This connection is not accidental; the team at Chuhai Labs is led by Giles Goddard, a former Nintendo programmer who worked on the original Star Fox for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. The extended footage provides a detailed look at the fast-paced action, squad-based dynamics, and retro arcade design driving the project.
Key Takeaways
- The game, Wild Blue Skies, is a retro-inspired on-rails aerial shooter and a spiritual successor to Star Fox.
- Chuhai Labs, the developer, is led by Giles Goddard, a programmer on the original Star Fox on SNES.
- The extended trailer highlights high-speed dogfights, cinematic boss battles, and branching mission paths.
- Players control Bowie Stray, an ace pilot, leading a team known as the Blue Bombers against the villain Baron Grimclaw.
- Wild Blue Skies is confirmed for PC (Steam) but does not yet have a final release date.
Extended Trailer Reveals Classic Arcade Action
The four-minute trailer puts the game’s core mechanics and aesthetic on full display, focusing on an unedited dogfighting sequence set above the ancient ruins of a stormy planet. Players pilot the Cloudcutter starship as Bowie Stray, an anthropomorphic German Shepherd, who commands the elite squad, the Blue Bombers. Like the classic Star Fox games, players fly through handcrafted 3D environments, maneuvering their ship to dodge obstacles and lock onto enemy fighters.
The gameplay centers on traditional rail-shooter action, where the ship moves automatically along a predetermined route. The trailer confirms the inclusion of mechanics familiar to fans of the genre, such as the ability to barrel roll to deflect incoming fire and a boost function for quick bursts of speed. A key feature the developers emphasize is the presence of branching routes and hidden paths within missions, encouraging players to revisit levels and explore for higher scores or optional objectives. This design choice speaks directly to the replay value of 1990s arcade shooters.
The anime-inspired visual style is vibrant and colorful, providing a modern polish to the retro-gaming feel. The mission shown features tight canyon flying, intense enemy waves, and a brief glimpse of a large mechanical boss, suggesting varied combat encounters.
The Star Fox Connection
The most compelling aspect for many long-time gamers is the clear lineage to the Star Fox franchise. Giles Goddard’s involvement gives the project an authentic foundation in the genre. Goddard was a key programmer on the Super NES original, which pioneered 3D graphics on a console using the Super FX chip.
In Wild Blue Skies, this spiritual connection is evident in the gameplay loop and the squad communication. Bowie Stray is joined by animal wingmen, a hallmark of the Star Fox universe. Comms chatter from these comrades, who are also anthropomorphic animals, plays throughout the missions, offering tactical advice and personality, capturing the spirit of the Star Fox team. The overall design feels like a direct evolution of the Star Fox 64 style, combining tight controls with a focus on score-chasing and cinematic moments.
Developed by Chuhai Labs and published by Humble Games, Wild Blue Skies aims to appeal to both newcomers and veterans of the on-rails shooter format. The game is currently slated for release on PC via Steam, though a definitive release date remains unconfirmed. Fans eager for a return to the golden age of arcade aerial combat can wishlist the game now.
Related FAQs
Q. What platforms will Wild Blue Skies be on?
A. Wild Blue Skies is confirmed for release on PC via Steam. Other platforms have not been announced yet.
Q. Who is the developer of Wild Blue Skies?
A. The game is developed by Chuhai Labs, a studio based in Kyoto, Japan, and published by Humble Games.
Q. Is Wild Blue Skies a sequel to Star Fox?
A. No, Wild Blue Skies is not an official sequel. It is a spiritual successor and an homage to the on-rails aerial combat genre, developed by a team led by a programmer from the original Star Fox.
Q. What kind of game is Wild Blue Skies?
A. Wild Blue Skies is an on-rails aerial shooter (or rail shooter). Players pilot a starship along a fixed path while engaging in combat and avoiding obstacles.
Q. What is the name of the main character in Wild Blue Skies?
A. The main player character is Bowie Stray, who leads the Blue Bombers squad.
