Template:Andronian Army member infobox
- “If I go down, I'm taking you with me!”
- —Andross
Andross (sometimes called Andross Oikonny or Andross Bowman) is considered the main antagonist in the Star Fox series, and is the arch-nemesis of Fox McCloud. He is highly skilled in psychokinesis/telekinesis, technology, and tactics. His forces have tried to take over the Lylat system many times.
Biography
Early Life
General Pepper banishing Andross from Corneria to Venom.
Andross was once a brilliant Cornerian scientist with pure intentions. His research proved to be beneficial towards both Corneria and the Lylat system at large, earning him the title of a genius to be honored and respected. In time, however, Andross gained a wide lust for power, bringing him to the point of insanity. Dangerous experimentation left General Pepper of the Cornerian Army suspicious, often questioning the ethics of them. It was not long until both Andross and General Pepper came into a serious confrontation over the issue.
Andross was given no other choice than to terminate his research, but blatantly ignored the general's demands. Eventually, his experimentation caused a massive explosion that tragically destroyed a large portion of Corneria City. Infuriated, General Pepper banished Andross to the desolate planet of Venom, in fear that he could potentially destroy Corneria if left to do his bidding. It was intended that Andross would not survive the planet’s atmosphere.
The Lylat Wars
"Only I have the brains to rule Lylat!"
—Andross
In exile, Andross made the discovery that Venom hosted life-forms of humanoid lizards. As the years progressed, he began to build an army and conduct various life-threatening experiments on himself. He became a twisted shell of his former being and was driven by madness. His thoughts and intentions shifted from protecting the Lylat system to destroying it and ruling a new galaxy under his name. With this new power founded by the forces of Venom, Andross created an empire.
Five years had passed, and General Pepper noticed strange activity coming from Venom. Under direct order from the Cornerian Army, a band of mercenaries known as the Star Fox team were sent to investigate. The team consisted of three members: James McCloud, the founder and leader, Peppy Hare, and Pigma Dengar. Upon their arrival, Pigma betrayed the team, leaving James and Peppy to be captured by Andross. James was assumed to have been killed and Peppy barely managed to escape. Returning home, he informed General Pepper of what happened and to tell James’ son, Fox, about his father’s fate.
Years after the incident on Venom, Andross declared war on the Lylat system, proclaiming himself emperor to all. The Venomian Army was unleashed onto Venom's neighboring planets, destroying everything in their path. Any form of rebellion was crushed, causing the Lylat system to be on the brink of becoming a wasteland of near extinction. Corneria, Andross’s homeworld, was the final defense left against the menacing threat which had overcome the galaxy. The Cornerian Army stood no chance against the forces of Andross, leaving General Pepper to desperately call upon the new Star Fox team for help. This new team was led by James' son Fox, composing of Peppy Hare, Slippy Toad, and Falco Lombardi. Having been trained to become experts at flying the swift Arwing, they immediately came to Corneria's aid without hesitation. The young but keen Fox guaranteed Andross would be stopped, leaving to assist in fending off the Venomian Army’s invasion.
After achieving what seemed impossible, the Star Fox team became the leaders in defeating the forces of Andross. The planets of the Lylat system were saved thanks to their efforts, and even the rival bounty hunters of Star Wolf were disposed of. Venom's homeworld forces were also defeated, until the dictator himself awaited his demise. He taunted Fox by telling him he would die just like his father and that he was foolish for coming to face Andross alone. Staring into the eyes of his father's killer, Fox was repulsed by what Andross had become. The countless lethal experiments took a toll on Andross's appearance, as he was nothing more than an immense disembodied head with mechanical hands at either side. Battle ensued, and Fox managed to destroy the outer layering of Andross’s head, revealing that it was an android decoy he had been fighting the entire time.
It seemed Andross had been one step ahead of the Star Fox team since their invasion upon Venom’s defenses, understanding that they posed a very large threat to his survival. The decoy did
The true form of Andross, as he appears in Star Fox 64.
not stop Fox from finding the real Andross, and soon he revealed himself in his true form, an enormous brain with two bulging eyes that were connected to the brain by energy strands. In addition, Fox couldn't attack the brain directly because of it being equipped with a Dimension Transporter that would allow it to evade Fox's attacks head on. A grueling battle began, and both suffered large amounts of damage. Fox gave it his all and managed to defeat Andross by shattering his medulla. Disintigrating, Andross, with the last of his power, let loose a devastating self-destruction, hoping to claim Fox's life in doing so. He would have succeeded had it not been for James' spiritual guidance to Fox, who ultimately escaped by returning to the planet’s surface. Meeting with General Pepper, Fox informed everyone that the great leader of Venom had finally been defeated and that the Lylat system had been saved.
Farewell, Beloved Falco
Andross in the process of being recreated, as shown in the comic Farewell, Beloved Falco.
Four years passed since the death of Andross. After the Lylat Wars, the galaxy seemed to be at peace. A Cornerian base was established on Titania for research on its ruins, but was unfortunately a front for the leader of the base, Captain Shears, to resurrect the great Andross by cloning genetic remnants of him found on the planet.
Sometime during the past four years, a space gang known as the Hot Rodders, led by Katt Monroe, had hacked into the main database of Captain Shears's files and discovered research documents on resurrecting Andross, although they initially believed that they were plans for a bioweapon. She managed to contact Falco, a former member of the gang, for assistance in dealing with what she found. Falco left without his team's permission while they were debriefed on the situation. Captain Shears misled the Star Fox team into believing the Hot Rodders were actually servants of Andross, resulting in a dogfight between Fox and Falco. It was not until after Slippy explored the base and realized the truth, as well as the Hot Rodders hailing Fox on the communications channel and explaining what happened and reviewing the files they hacked, that the fighting ended, although Slippy ended up captured in the process. Fox entered Captain Shears' base on Titania in an attempt to stop him, but it was too late.
The once powerful dictator Andross had awakened, despite Slippy's efforts in stopping Andross's revival. Captain Shears was killed by the resurrected Andross, who thereafter immediately attacked Fox. Fox blinded Andross by throwing Shears's rapier at one of his eyes, escaping a close encounter and enraging Andross even more. Luckily, the Star Fox team managed to destroy the base and left Andross beneath its ruins by using a Landmaster.
Saurian Crisis
"I am reborn! The mighty Krazoa God!"
—Andross
After his apparent defeat at the hands of Fox, Andross, severely weakened and reduced to a disembodied spirit, fled the Lylat system and took refuge on the planet Sauria, where he learned of the Krazoa. Andross found and gave General Scales, who was invading the Krazoa Palace at the time, more power to defeat the EarthWalker army and conquer Sauria. After some time, Krystal arrived on the planet and discovered the Krazoa. She completed one of six spiritual tests, releasing a Krazoa Spirit into the palace. When she did this, Andross, who had been observing her the entire time, attacked, trapping her within a crystal which ascended to the roof of the palace. After this incident, he disappeared into the shadows and awaited the moment when all six spirits would eventually be released.
A distress signal had been sent out by an injured EarthWalker soldier near the first Krazoa Shrine, and it was General Pepper who received it. The Star Fox team, who had been orbiting the planet at the time, was ordered by General Pepper to investigate. Falco had left Star Fox years earlier, and the team was in desperate need of funds to make repairs on the Great Fox. They saw this as a great opportunity to do so.
Arriving on the planet, the lone hero Fox discovered Krystal's Staff and battled his way through the dangers of the Dinosaur Planet, fighting against the vicious tribe known as the SharpClaw. He learned after much research that sections of the planet were split apart, which had been causing the destruction of Sauria. The team also learned of the Krazoa Spirits, and were ordered to collect all six to reassemble the missing sections of the planet.
It was later discovered that General Scales was a mere puppet of Andross. After the final confrontation between him and Fox, the voice of Andross demanded General Scales give up the last of the Krazoa Spirits, which he held inside himself all along. Fox recognized the voice, but could not remember who exactly it was. Having the last Spirit released, Andross arose in the form of a mighty Krazoa statue looking over the vast palace, claiming to be a god. Krystal was released from her prison and saved by Fox, who watched as she took back her Staff and quickly tried to destroy the floating statue. Her attacks did nothing as it floated to the skies, where it was followed by Fox in his Arwing.
Andross, appearing as the Krazoa God in Star Fox Adventures.
Arriving in space, a confused Fox gazed upon the great Krazoa statue which stared back at him. It suddenly spun around, revealing the creature it had been hiding. Andross, who was thought to have been killed eight years ago, laughed and remarked at how he was going to destroy the Lylat system. Fox, horror-struck, knew Andross had to be destroyed once and for all. A clash between good and evil ensued, as both viciously attacking one another. The fighting could be heard by the inhabitants of Sauria itself, where they prayed for their savior's life. Andross had come too far to be defeated again, and soon gained the upper hand by nearly destroying Fox's Arwing. Only a miracle could save him from being crushed by Andross's jaws.
Falco appeared from nowhere and saved Fox from being killed, encouraging him to keep fighting. Andross did not think anything of this act, ignoring Falco and concentrating on killing Fox. This was his downfall, as Falco provided bombs for Fox to use. One by one they were released into Andross's mouth, revealing the large brain he shelled underneath. Rapid shots were fired and immediately the effects of both Fox and Falco's team work was shown. Andross, screaming in defeat, burst into a blast of energy, killing him and almost claiming Fox and Falco's Arwings. The evil ex-emperor had finally been defeated for good. Fox prevented the Lylat system from war once again, thanks to the help of an old friend.
Death
While it is believed that Andross was killed for the final time in Star Fox Adventures, one storyline hints that he reappeared at least one time after the incident. In the level "Andross's Legacy" in Star Fox Command, Peppy mentions that after being defeated by Star Fox for quite a few times, he began thinking that Andross could have developed a device to neutralize the Venom Sea, and after completing it, he hid it on Titania, spending his remaining days there. This contradicts the notion that Andross died for the final time in Star Fox Adventures. However, this may be non-canon because of the nature of Star Fox Command and Andross' final death is officially in Star Fox Adventures. However, in the Titania level in Star Fox Command, his ghost appears in some of the transitions before and during the player battles against his bioweapon.
Some believe, however, that Andross may still appear in another Star Fox game, due to Nintendo's running theme of bringing back a defeated antagonist to "start over everything again". Examples of this include Bowser (from the Super Mario Bros. series), Ganon(dorf) (from the Legend of Zelda series), and Ridley (from the Metroid series).
Bloodline
Andross's brief appearance in Star Fox Command.
Although he was thought to be gone he was certainly not forgotten. Andross's descendants, nephew Andrew Oikonny and grandson Dash Bowman, both attempted to carry out his desires. Dash tried to revive the memory of his grandfather's original intentions of helping the Lylat system, whereas Andrew proclaimed himself the new emperor to continue Andross's evil intent on ruling the Lylat system. As for Andross himself, no one knows.
It can be argued he is nothing more than a wandering spirit protecting his mechanism on Titania which is capable of neutralizing the acid in the Venom Sea. It is unknown why he would create such an instrument, as it is also implied that he was responsible for the Anglar's creation. However, he most likely created it to try and destroy the very thing he created in a bid for power. In Star Fox Command, his ghost appears as a boss who takes the form of either a Killer Bee, Dune Worm, Grunner, or a Monarch Dodora.
Other Info
Andross's telekinetically projected face, as it appears in Brawl.
Andross's "telekinetic face" and organic form appear in Super Smash Bros. Melee as trophies and in Super Smash Bros. Brawl as both an Assist Trophy and a regular trophy. He goes behind the stage and launches energy tiles at the players.
Trophy information in Super Smash Bros. Melee
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Andross (Mechanoid) | Star Fox's archenemy. Whether it's a metallic manifestation of Andross or just a hologram is unknown, but from its outward appearance, it's safe to assume that it's not the fiend's true form. Andross occasionally sucks matter in and then violently exhales, sending out a cloud of metal tiles. Its eyes are its weak points. |
| Andross (Organic) | This incarnation of Andross was so big as to be ridiculous, but it at least appeared to be a living being. Andross was once a brilliant scientist, but was banished from the galaxy for his dangerous experiments. From the planet Venom, he readied his troops and directed his sword of vengeance toward the Lylat System. |
Trophy Information in Super Smash Bros. Brawl
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Andross | A brilliant scientist formerly employed by the Cornerian Army. He took his research too far, and the disastrous results labeled him a Level 1 offender, resulting in his banishment to the nearby planet Venom. After building a base and declaring himself emperor, he swore he would rule the Lylat system. Thanks to Team Star Fox's heroism, the madman has yet to achieve this. |
Trivia
Andross' true form in Star Fox and Star Fox 2, which are now non-canon.
Andross in the first Nintendo Power comic.
- Both Super Smash Bros. Melee trophies of Andross have the same name.
- His battle is the only battle where Fox screams if he dies.
- Andross is responsible for the death of both of Fox's parents (at least in the comics). Fox's mother Vixy Reinard's death was because of a car bomb rigged for James (Although this may be different in the Nintendo 64 era, as the comics were rendered non-canon after the SNES version was retconned). He is also responsible in one way or another for Krystal's parents' death.
- As a note to the above, the reason for Vixy's accidental death was because Andross was madly in love with her and planned to get her family out of the way. James' later death was obviously more intentional.
- In Star Fox, Andross was a cube, but in later games he was a brain. The reason why he was a cube was most probably because his brain was put into an artificial intelligence computer, which is that cube.
- The Super Smash Bros. Brawl Trophy of Andross is the form of Andross in the first Star Fox game.
- Andross' original Star Fox appearance makes a cameo in the manga "Star Fox: Farewell Beloved Falco" as his telepathic thoughts being projected as soon as he awakens.
- Andross' surname remains unknown. In Star Fox Command, he is named "Dr. Andross" in the opening prologue, hinting he goes by his surname. His nephew and grandson, however, have different surnames (Oikonny and Bowman, respectively). It is further unknown if Andross is the maternal or paternal uncle or grandfather to Andrew and Dash.
- Shortly before Andross imprisons Krystal into the crystal, Krystal says "It's you!". As Krystal seemed to recognize Andross, this may imply that he was the one responsible for the destruction of her homeworld.
- There may be a connection between Andross and Sir Edmund Andros. Andros was the Governor of the Dominion of England (while it existed) -- which he ruled restrictively and cruelly.
- Like most characters, Andross's voice is drastically changed from Star Fox 64 when he appears at the end of Star Fox Adventures. In 64 his voice was deep and sounded almost like two voices at once, while in Adventures his voice was still deep but had a bit of an accent. Yet Fox still recognizes his voice (though he doesn't yet know where) when he forces General Scales to give Fox the final Krazoa Spirit. His real form is a brain. If you kill it, James McCloud suddenly appears and leads you out. In addition, Andross's "voice" in the original Star Fox for the SNES was even more different, being more high pitched.
- In virtually every star fox medium, the main threats usually had some tie to Andross (Star Fox 64 was Andross, Farewell Beloved Falco had a former member of the Venomian Army named Captain Shears attempting to resurrect Andross, Star Fox Adventures had the Sharpclaws being manipulated by Andross, and Star Fox Command had the implication that the Anglars were created by Andross). The only exception was Star Fox Assault, where the main threat, the Aparoids had absolutely no ties to Andross.
- In Star Fox 64, if you press right on the yellow control pad (or tap the touch screen in the 3DS version) while in Area 6, Andross will speak with you, saying that "you'll never destroy me." If you get a lot of hits, Andross will instead say that he's looking forward to this.
Gallery
Portrayals
Andross was portrayed by Rick May in Star Fox 64, the late Daisuke Gouri in the Japanese version of Star Fox 64, and by Duncan Botwood in Star Fox Adventures.