The original creator of Star Fox prefers the "movie version" of the character

It's clear that Takaya Imamura is very proud of Star Fox. The former Nintendo artist created the character over 30 years ago, in 1993, and is often seen commenting on the character's activities on social media.

Prior to the release of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, in which Fox McCloud made his silver screen debut, Imamura revealed that he was not invited to an advance screening of the film, but that he cried when he got to see it and his creation appeared for the first time.

After being rumored for a while, Nintendo pulled a Nintendo one and announced the Star Fox Direct, 20 minutes before it was supposed to air. Here, the company announced Star Fox for Nintendo Switch 2. Naturally, with Imamura still so invested in his character, he had something to say, revealing that he was once again not consulted on the controversial new character designs and that he prefers the “movie version” of Fox McCloud.

“Personally, I prefer the movie version,” the Star Fox creator says of the character's redesign

the fox talks to the commander in the star fox.

The Nintendo Switch 2 version of Star Fox is the latest remake of Star Fox 64 (known as Lylat Wars in Europe). It's the fifth version of the same game, after Star Fox on the SNES, Star Fox 64, Star Fox 64 3D and Star Fox Zero, but another Star Fox is always welcome in my eyes.

However, the revelation was not without controversy. There was some frustration that this was yet another remake of an all-time Nintendo classic, but more importantly, the remake was divisive for Fox and its crew.

The film's version of McCloud is cartoonish and expressive and won the admiration of fans. This new version is way more realistic and alive, and frankly, a bit creepy. The same goes for his crew, Slippy, Peppy and Falco. I don't mind, but they sure got some heat online after their reveal. McCloud's original designer was one of many to share his opinion on the redesign.

“I guess that's how it goes when I'm not supervising… or something like that,” Imamura said when asked what he thought of the new characters. “I think the concept is good,” he added. A second post reconfirmed that Imamura was not involved in the remake.

I guess this is how it goes when I'm not watching…

In a separate response to the new designs, Imamura tweeted: “Personally I prefer the movie version, but I thought this one was good in a way, with a clear direction!” It's hardly glowing praise, but at least he hates it.

But while his views on the new Fox design were clearly conflicted, Imamura's overwhelming emotion was happiness.

“It was a remake of Star Fox 64, right! I'm so proud! Thank you, Mr. Miyamoto!” he tweeted, following up by saying, “Star Fox is finally coming back… I have to write a post about this… wait, this isn't a dream is it?”

It looks like Nintendo is ready to give its characters a fresh coat of paint for the Switch 2 era. Before the Star Fox cast was revamped, Donkey Kong got a new look in Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza. As with Fox and crew, Donkey Kong's transformation was initially frowned upon, but people eventually came around to it. I imagine it will be the same.