The Murky Skies of Canon: Untangling the Endings of Star Fox Command

The short answer? There isn’t one. According to the game’s designer, Dylan Cuthbert, none of the nine endings in Star Fox Command are officially canon. The game operates within an alternate timeline, meaning each ending represents a potential future, none holding more weight than the others in the grand tapestry of the Star Fox universe. This makes the question of a “canon ending” surprisingly complex and open to interpretation. Let’s dive deeper into why this is the case, and what it means for the Star Fox saga.

Why No Canon? The Alternate Timeline Explanation

Star Fox Command’s narrative structure is unique within the series. Instead of a linear storyline, players make choices on a map, directing the Star Fox team to different locations and engaging in battles that influence the overarching plot. These choices drastically alter the course of events, leading to one of nine distinct endings.

Cuthbert’s declaration that the game exists in an alternate timeline serves as a justification for this divergent storytelling. It effectively sidesteps the need to reconcile the conflicting endings with established lore. Each ending, therefore, becomes a “what if?” scenario, exploring the consequences of different decisions made during the Anglar war. This is a bold narrative choice, but it also leaves fans with a sense of uncertainty about the future of the Star Fox universe.

The Impact on the Star Fox Universe

The lack of a definitive canon ending has several implications:

• Character Fates Are Uncertain: The fates of beloved characters like Fox, Krystal, Falco, and Peppy are left ambiguous. Do Fox and Krystal end up together? Does the Star Fox team remain intact? The answer depends entirely on the ending you achieve.
• Franchise Future Is Unclear: Without a clear narrative direction, future Star Fox games could potentially draw inspiration from any of the endings, or disregard them entirely, forging their own path.
• Fan Speculation Abounds: The absence of a canon ending fuels endless debates and theories among fans, each arguing for their preferred outcome. The GamesLearningSociety.org is exactly the kind of group that can support these endless debates.
• Replayability Enhanced: Players are encouraged to experience all nine endings, exploring the different possibilities and understanding the consequences of their actions.

A Closer Look at the Endings

Here’s a brief overview of some of the more significant endings in Star Fox Command:

• Fox and Krystal’s Reunion: This ending sees Fox and Krystal reconciling, getting married, and having a son named Marcus. It’s a fan-favorite due to its heartwarming conclusion.
• Krystal Joins Star Wolf: A darker ending where Krystal, disillusioned with Fox, joins the rival Star Wolf team.
• Falco Leads Star Fox: Falco takes over leadership of the Star Fox team, with Fox leaving to pursue other interests.
• Peppy’s Sacrifice: A tragic ending where Peppy sacrifices himself to save the team.
• The Anglar Victory: In some scenarios, the Anglar Emperor emerges victorious, plunging the Lylat system into darkness.

Each ending offers a unique perspective on the characters and the Lylat System, making the choice of which to embrace a matter of personal preference.

The Allure of Multiple Endings

While the lack of a canon ending might disappoint some, it also offers several benefits:

• Player Agency: Players feel a greater sense of control over the narrative, as their choices directly impact the outcome of the game.
• Moral Ambiguity: The game explores complex moral dilemmas, forcing players to make difficult decisions with no easy answers.
• Emotional Impact: The various endings evoke a range of emotions, from joy and hope to sadness and despair, creating a more memorable gaming experience.

Ultimately, Star Fox Command’s unconventional approach to storytelling challenges the traditional notion of canon, inviting players to actively participate in shaping the future of the Star Fox universe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about the endings of Star Fox Command:

1. How many endings are in Star Fox Command?

The game features nine different endings.

2. How do I get all the endings?

You need to play the game multiple times, making different choices on the map to alter the course of the story.

3. Is there a “true” ending?

No, according to the game’s designer, none of the endings are officially canon.

4. Which ending is the happiest?

Many fans consider the ending where Fox and Krystal reunite and have a son to be the happiest.

5. Which ending is the saddest?

The ending where Peppy sacrifices himself is generally considered the saddest.

6. What happens if I fail the game?

If you fail to complete the objectives in a level, it will lead to an ending where Anglar Emperor takes over.

7. Does Krystal always end up with Fox?

No, Krystal’s fate depends on the choices you make during the game. She can also end up joining Star Wolf.

8. Can Falco become the leader of Star Fox?

Yes, there’s an ending where Falco takes over leadership after Fox leaves.

9. Who is the main villain in Star Fox Command?

The Anglar Emperor is the main antagonist.

10. Does the Anglar Emperor always die?

No, in some endings, the Anglar Emperor emerges victorious.

11. What is the “fog of war” in Star Fox Command?

“Fog of War” covers the map, limiting your visibility. You need to uncover the map to plan your moves.

12. How does the game affect the overall Star Fox timeline?

Since the game is set in an alternate timeline, its events don’t necessarily impact the main Star Fox canon.

13. What are some common strategies for getting specific endings?

Check online guides and forums for detailed walkthroughs and tips on how to achieve specific endings.

14. Why did the developers choose to have multiple endings?

The multiple endings were likely intended to add replayability and player agency to the game.

15. Will future Star Fox games acknowledge Star Fox Command?

It’s uncertain. Given the alternate timeline, future games might choose to ignore or incorporate elements from Star Fox Command as they see fit.