I don't see why story and gameplay have to be so intertwined. It's not like you can only make a classic on-rails SF game exclusively with the Lylat Wars story. Like I said, I'd be more open to the classic formula if they at least made sequels again and brought Krystal back.
the series needs another attempt to go on-foot again
i think people’s over reliance on wanting star fox to always be an on-rail shooter and nothing more is exactly why nintendo keeps redoing the lylat wars story, and we need to get out of that mindset