1. James McCloud in Star Fox 64
And here it is, my #1 surprise appearance: James McCloud. Not only is this event the finest in surprise appearances, it is also the most heartfelt one. In a surreal moment, Fox hears the voice of his father, long presumed dead. With Andross on the brink of annihilation, James leads his son out of Venom’s twisting tunnels of death, and his apparently otherworldly presence puts him way ahead of the pack in my book.
Those six words echo throughout eternity: “Don’t ever give up, my son.” Few Nintendo games contain such drama. The only other example of such a moment I can think of in all forms of media is the popular television series, Supernatural; within the last heartbeats of the Season 2 finale, Sam and Dean’s father, John Winchester, escapes Hell to help his boys and enter the unknown. James McCloud fuels Fox’s strength, making him soar higher and higher.
Surprise, surprise!! Well, I wouldn’t be surprised if any of our readers have their own picks. Hopefully at least one of mine reminded you of a forgotten childhood moment. Post away in the comments below and thank you for staying ’til the end!
Star Fox … I miss you … you were so cool … Retro, please tell me that’s what you have been working on with such fervor….
Maybe not quite a cameo, but I loved seeing E Gadd’s inventions play a role in Super Mario Sunshine. At one point, Bowser Junior refers to him as “the strange old man with the white coat”. Plus, FLUDD kinda sounds like the ole professor.