But Wait, There Was More…

As if all of the new ideas and features of Star Fox 2 weren’t enough, there were several notable elements that changed drastically during development or didn’t make the final game. Star Fox 2 would have been the first multiplayer Star Fox. Early versions of the game featured a split-screen Multiplayer Mode that would pit players against each other in a one-on-one dogfight. Six pilots could be chosen from, including Andross and “Lady” in place of Miyu and Fay. Lady’s design was extremely similar to Fara Phoenix from the Star Fox comic series featured in Nintendo Power.

The Arwing had some additional functionality tested but ultimately removed. Although it can boost and break infinitely in the final game with no penalty, earlier versions of the game would have the Arwing overheat and suffer damage if the boost was abused. Likewise, a hover mechanic existed but was scrapped. A hover ability for the tank did make it into the final version of Star Fox 64, however.

An unused neighborhood resembling a typical—albeit sparse—suburb, complete with swimming pools and paved roads, was playable in test versions of the game. And last, there was a goat character seen in an issue of Nintendo Power from early 1994, but its slot was eventually given to Fay.