Star Fox franchise strategy guide/Vehicles/Landmaster

The Landmaster is a fictional tank used by Fox McCloud in multiple video games. The tanks handle much like other vehicles in the game although it turns a little slower. Jets on the bottom of the tank allow it to turn quickly and barrel roll, and if both jets are fired at the same time the tank can hover upwards.

The Landmaster appeared in two games from the |Star Fox series. In both Star Fox 64 (1997, Nintendo 64) and Star Fox: Assault (2005, Nintendo GameCube) its controls are much like the controls for the flying Arwing. The Landmaster is also available in the multiplayer modes of both games.

In Super Smash Bros. Melee (2001, Nintendo GameCube) the Landmaster was referenced as the inspiration for a trophy that could be won in-game by players. The "Landmaster" trophy is awarded when the player(s) score 1,000 or more KOs in Versus Mode.

The Landmaster's most recent appearance is as Fox McCloud's Final Smash in Super Smash Bros. Brawl (2008, Nintendo Wii).

Within the fictional background of the Star Fox games the Landmaster was designed by McClouds teammate Slippy Toad and his father Beltino Toad.

Star Fox 64
The Landmaster tank in Star Fox 64 (1997, Nintendo 64) was used on two missions: Titania, where the player was forced to use it because of the sandstorms that covered the skies, and on Macbeth, in which the player needed to follow an enemy train. The Landmaster design had a single cannon capable of shooting several laser-balls per second or Nova bombs. It had traditional tank treads. The camera angle could not be changed. It had limited flying capability using its jump jets.

According to schematics included in the official Star Fox 64 player's guide the vehicle had the following statistics:
 * Length: 17.5 sm
 * Height: 8.5 sm
 * Maximum Speed: 207 skm/h
 * Armor:
 * .65 sm front/rear
 * .45 sm sides
 * Armament:
 * T&B-J2 Laser Cannon (1)
 * Smart Bomb Launcher (1)
 * Notes: Both the Landmaster and the Blue-Marine use propulsion system components originally developed for the Arwing. All three can synthesize their own hydrogen fuel for their plasma engines, giving them extended operating ranges.

Star Fox: Assault
The Landmaster's appearance in Star Fox: Assault (2005, Nintendo GameCube) is more complex. The turret can now swivel in more directions, and it has four all-terrain wheels instead of the original tank treads, which decreases traction but increases mobility.

The barrel roll technique now creates a deflection shield around the vehicle. This version does not have Nova Bombs, and has a slower rate of fire (although the rounds are more powerful). The Assault Landmaster also has lighter armor, but was given anti-aircraft capabilities.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl
The Landmaster appears as Fox McCloud's, Falco Lombardi's, and Wolf O'Donnell's Final Smash in Super Smash Bros. Brawl (2008, Nintendo Wii). This version looks much like the Assault version, although the wheels have been switched back to tank treads. Falco's version looks like Fox's, while Wolf's is colored red and black to match the Wolfen color scheme.