The character design makes me think of Final Fantasy. 1-5, you’re dealing with chibi sprites and some silly situations where they’re jumping up and down, but also horrible circumstances that define the fate of the world. Even as far as 10, they improve their graphics but aim for a colorful, fantasy-driven atmosphere.

Then you get to 15, 16, and they’re pivoting to the dark and gritty, showing medieval warriors with realistic faces fighting through blood and grime to victory. And if there’s funny clips of 16, I’ve never seen them.

It speaks toward Japan really backlashing to the way the “JRPG” moniker is seen, and attempting to show they can make something “adult” and “realistic”. But it ends up doing the opposite.

Notably, take a look at Mouse, PI’s release. It’s a fully cartoony, silly aesthetic, but take two steps into the world and you’re fighting police corruption, Nazis, and coming back to a bar owned by a dour owner who can tell you dozens of stories about the way modern life hits the most vulnerable. It’s a true adult’s package, wrapped in a childish layer, rather than the opposite. Which, yeah, feels like the effort to make Starfox look “real”.

Also as someone else said, the widened fur around Fox’s neckline does somehow make him look obese.