As far as long-lasting franchises go, Star Fox has to be one of the most iconic. The title wowed gamers with early console 3D graphics when the original game launched for the SNES, and each and every space combat-focused title in the series since has proved to be a classic. There was, however, a very long wait in store for fans of the franchise regarding the highly anticipated Star Fox Wii U title.

Now, Nintendo has finally shed some light on the upcoming animal-centric spacefaring shooter. The game, which has been dubbed Star Fox Zero, was given the main stage during Nintendo's E3 2015 Digital Event, giving an in-depth look at the title through an intriguing reveal trailer. Not only that, but Star Fox Zero was also given a fast-approaching release date of the holiday season, 2015.

There was, however, one missing feature that was not mentioned during Nintendo's press conference, and one that may have changed fans' perceptions of the upcoming title. Speaking with IGN, Nintendo guru Shigeru Miyamoto has revealed some distressing news for Star Fox fans looking forward to playing the title with friends online. As it stands, Star Fox Zero does not include any kind of online multiplayer mode.

Miyamoto, who was speaking in an interview ahead of Nintendo's E3 2015 Digital Event, stated that the company is focusing on delivering the best possible single-player experience at the cost of multiplayer. "We're really prioritizing getting this new game playing at 60 frames-per-second," said Miyamoto. "In previous Star Fox games we had focused a lot on dogfighting, but here we're really focused more on the single-player experience."

There may, however, be some hope that Star Fox Zero will include an online multiplayer mode going forward. Miyamoto continued to state that once people get "a feeling for a game," there could be some work on multiplayer aspects. "If we find that we do think it'd be really good, we'll definitely consider it," said the Nintendo icon. However, fans expecting a sudden reveal on the matter should not get their hopes up, as right now online multiplayer is not under consideration at Nintendo.

The news is certainly a blow for those excited about the chance to take part in thrilling dogfights with friends and family. Given the series history, in particularly the well-remembered and much-loved multiplayer battles of series favorite Star Fox 64, it seems strange that Nintendo has ruled out online multiplayer for now. Perhaps if multiplayer-focused titles such as Splatoon are successful, Nintendo may find time to work on its online strategy.

What do you make of the news? Would you have looked forward to an online multiplayer mode in Star Fox Zero? Or do you think it's right that Nintendo is focusing on the single player experience? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: IGN