FUR Squadron Phoenix

FUR Squadron Phoenix is an energetic arcade space shooter that takes clear inspiration from the golden age of on-rails combat games while building a more modern progression system around that foundation. Developed and published by Raptor Claw, the game places you among the pilots of the FUR Squadron, beginning with combat training that gradually develops into something far more serious. Its premise is uncomplicated, but that works in its favor because the game wastes little time before throwing the player into fast-moving battles filled with hostile ships, hazards, explosions, and oversized enemies. Combat is built around speed and constant pressure. Many missions use an on-rails structure in which the ship advances automatically while the player concentrates on aiming, firing, avoiding incoming attacks, and navigating obstacles. This keeps encounters focused and gives the game the immediate rhythm of a traditional arcade shooter. There is rarely much downtime between threats, and environments regularly introduce new formations, hazards, and attack patterns. Battles are not restricted to empty space either, with atmospheric and sea-based settings helping create more visual and mechanical variety. The roguelite elements give the experience more depth than a straightforward sequence of shooting stages. Progression allows ships and abilities to become increasingly powerful, while additional weapons expand the ways players can approach difficult encounters. Some of the more spectacular offensive options include massive beams, missile barrages, and devastating nuclear attacks. These weapons fit the exaggerated tone perfectly and can make encounters wonderfully chaotic when large groups of enemies begin filling the screen. Progression is also tied to the individual members of the squadron. Overdrive challenges associated with teammates provide upgrades while gradually opening additional conversations. This gives repeated play a little more purpose because improvements are not limited to statistics and equipment. The characters receive additional attention along the way, helping establish some personality behind the pilots participating in all the destruction. The narrative is still secondary to the action, but it provides enough context to connect the missions and motivate continued progress. Boss encounters are an especially natural fit for the game's design. Larger opponents turn battles into tests of movement, targeting, reaction speed, and knowledge of attack patterns. Fighting through fleets of smaller enemies before facing a much more imposing threat creates the kind of escalation that works extremely well in an arcade shooter. The colorful visual direction reinforces this atmosphere, combining a retro science-fiction identity with cleaner modern presentation. It recalls polygonal shooters from an earlier era without feeling like it is deliberately restricting itself to their technological limitations. The expanded content also makes the overall package more substantial. Full Range Combat missions provide an alternative to the predominantly on-rails gameplay by offering a different approach to movement and engagement. Additional story material extends the campaign, while Advanced Runs are designed to challenge players who have already developed a strong understanding of the mechanics. Boss Challenges provide another way to concentrate specifically on the game's major encounters. Together, these modes help address one of the usual weaknesses of arcade shooters by giving experienced players meaningful reasons to continue after becoming familiar with the primary campaign. There are still limitations inherent to the formula. Players looking for a large open universe, extensive exploration, complicated ship simulation, or a heavily cinematic narrative will not find those elements at the center of the experience. Repetition is intentionally part of the design, particularly because improvement comes from learning patterns, refining reactions, experimenting with upgrades, and becoming more efficient across repeated attempts. Those who enjoy mastering compact action sequences are likely to appreciate this structure considerably more than players who prefer a constantly changing story-driven adventure. Steam Deck compatibility is a notable advantage. The game is officially Steam Deck Verified, with its core functionality working through the handheld's controls and its interface remaining usable on the smaller display. Controller prompts and general navigation are appropriately supported, while the game can run using settings suitable for the device. Its viewpoint and methodical pacing also translate naturally to portable play, although demanding visual settings can still make sensible performance adjustments worthwhile for players prioritizing battery life or consistent performance. FUR Squadron Phoenix ultimately succeeds because it understands the appeal of arcade space combat while refusing to rely entirely on nostalgia. The immediate shooting, huge weapons, escalating enemy formations, challenging bosses, roguelite upgrades, alternate combat modes, and character progression give it enough substance to stand beyond its retro influences. Its repetitive structure and straightforward storytelling will not suit everyone, but for players who enjoy improving through repeated runs and mastering increasingly frantic battles, it delivers an engaging mixture of old-school action and contemporary progression. Rating: 8/10

How do you extend 8 levels? Make them cheap, grindy and don't give checkpoints. I feel like i don't have enough time to deal enemies though that could be because my weapon damage sucks. Dodging also seems to be tight though i could just suck or need upgrades other than firepower. Replaying a level over and over to grind enough points to be relevant starting from mission 2 is just bad and boring design. story missions also don't give you ANY upgrade points if you fail or succeed. these levels are 1,5,8 and the 3 (easy) free roam areas you unlock when you beat 8 but don't worry most will not beat level 8. It is cute they did the starfox thing with voices but when you can understand names you wander why they just didn't do full on understandable voices. It's really annoying when they talk to you during fights because i dont have the time to be reading what they are putting down. Just have slippy scream when they have a ship on them, i'll deal with it...or not. Budget game they make grindy to justify the $20 price tag. I'ed give this a positive if they fixed the grind but i can't recommend dealing with this game the way it is. not starfox out of 10

If you have a Star Fox-shaped hole in your heart, you'll probably enjoy this game. It's a huge step up from the previous Fur Squadron in just about every way, and I'm looking forward to the next installment!

Un shooter bastante entretenido y muy bien hecho, con guion y personajes sorprendentemente elaborados. De hecho solo el prólogo es casi como un pequeño cortometraje. A nivel técnico está muy bien, aspecto sonoro también, la música no solo acompaña sino que le da bastante vidilla a los niveles, el arte está para mí incluso por encima de otros juegos del género y sobre todo quiero destacar la jugabilidad. Es que se maneja bien, súper fluido, es entretenido, ni fácil ni difícil y nunca se tiene la sensación de que se pierde el control ni en los momentos más trepidantes

Como fan de los Bullet Hell, FUR Squadron Phoenix me ha encantado. No dispongo de demasiado tiempo para hacer sesiones largas de juego y este juego me ha permitido darle sesiones cortitas y disfrutarlo como un enano sin las prisas de tener que ir acelerado porque no llego al punto de control jajjaa El diseño de niveles está chulísimo y la historia me ha resultado entretenida. Por buscar cosas buenas y cosas "menos buenas"... El juego tiene demasiadas misiones de simulador, que aunque continuan con la historia, me hubiese gustado algo como opción para hacer misiones diferentes. No es que sea malo, porque la historia se ha diseñado así, pero me gustaría para una próxima entrega la posibilidad de hacer encargos varios y conseguir más maneras de generar dinero sin tener que repetir la misma misión varias veces. Por otro lado, la música y los diseños me han parecido preciosos y el lenguaje que utilizan los personajes al principio pensé que sería chino y luego me di cuenta de que era inventado y no paraba de reirme! De verdad que os lo recomiendo y sobretodo hay que darle apoyo a nuestros creadores locales, son el futuro próximo de la industria y definitivamente me gustaría ver más de la historia y mejor! ¡Gracias!

Albeit it only being roughly two and a half hours of gameplay, this is a fun little Star Fox inspired rail-shooter that I don't regret buying and giving a chance. I had a very enjoyable time playing through the eight levels. Gameplay is smooth, levels are well balanced and paced, and there's a handful of references to other games including a few lines straight from Star Fox 64.