Star Wars Squadrons Review
Summary: Star Wars Squadrons successfully recreates the epic space battles of Star Wars!
4
Squadron supreme!
Master the art of starfighter combat in the authentic piloting experience Star Wars: Squadrons. Buckle up and feel the adrenaline of first-person multiplayer space dogfights alongside your squadron.
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The Review
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away (1994 to be precise), there was a game called Star Wars: X-Wing on the PC that became the stuff of legends and allowed people to fly and battle in the Star Wars universe. Needless to say, it was a very memorable game and now 27 years later, fans of Stat Wars can now once again take to the stars as they fight for both the New Republic (Squadron Vangard) and the Imperials (Titan Squadron).
At its core, the game is a flight simulator minus gravity, however before jumping into the title, you can focus on the story itself. This is recommended for people who are not familiar with flight simulators or you can up the ante and play a harder difficulty level like veteran. Adding to the realism, you can even play the game on the PlayStation VR system which takes the title to a whole new immersive experience as you actually feel like you are in the cockpit.
There is a story behind the game which starts after the destruction of Alderaan which serves as a tutorial and then commences after the Battle of Endor which is after the events of Return of the Jedi, however it is quite lacklustre and although you can choose a character, they don’t really lend themselves to the legend of Star Wars, neither do the other NPCs.
It basically revolves around Captain Lindon Javes who defected from the Empire in order to help the New Republic, whereas his Imperial arch-nemesis is Terisa Kerrill and wants justice for this traitor. Don’t expect a story on the same level of Jedi: Fallen Order, however were the game does shine is through its dogfights and with the graphics, sound effects and soundtrack that all channel the universe of Star Wars.
You also get to control some of the greatest ships from the Star Wars mythology that include the TIE (Twin Ion Engine) family of Imperial fighters (TIE Fighter, Interceptor, Bomber and Reaper) to the Rebels that include the X-Wing, A-Wing, Y-Wing and U-Wing. Best of all, they handle differently and really give that Star Wars illusion that you are flying these powerful space crafts from their unique maneuverability to powerful weapons.
The control system works well with the PS4 DualShock controller as your crafts flies on all axis, including the ability to lock onto different targets, shoot a variety of different weapons such as lasers or missiles, including tweaking your ships shields, power and ability to repair, thanks to your R2 unit that is just like Star Wars.
Multiplayer is the crux of the game which lets you pit your skills against others online that include Dogfight which is basically team vs team deathmatch to my favourite, Fleet Battle that almost replicates those large scale battles from the film franchise as you and your team attempt to take down capital ships. Add in VR and wow, you really feel like you are a pilot for the Imperials or the Republic. Lastly, there are challenges, operations (cyclic missions) to help you along the way, including XP to level up. All in all, a decent Star Wars flight simulator that delivers some impressive replay value.
Graphics & Audio
Graphically, the in-game graphics and brilliant and really recreate that Star Wars atmosphere. However as the game has been made for VR, there is some downsizing with detail and you generally only notice this when your talking with other characters between missions as the characters look a little stiff and lifeless. Voice acting is a little off for some characters who sound too cliched or condescending at times but thankfully the Star Wars music and sound effects are all there to help draw you in again. Furthermore, that illusion of flying around is creating well and that’s what you want in a Star Wars flight siulator.
Final Thoughts?
Star Wars Squadrons is great value for money at just $49AUD or $39USD (October 2020) and provides a superb distraction to COVID-19 Earth by transporting you to the stars of Star Wars. While the single-player is good as it introduces you to the mechanics of the game, it’s the multiplayer aspect where you’ll be spending your space flight time and that’s where the Star Wars Squadrons succeeds.
Gallery
About Star Wars Squadrons
Master the art of starfighter combat in the authentic piloting experience Star Wars™: Squadrons. Buckle up and feel the adrenaline of first-person multiplayer space dogfights alongside your squadron. Pilots who enlist will step into the cockpits of starfighters from both the New Republic and Imperial fleets and fight in strategic 5 vs. 5 space battles. Modify your starfighter and adjust the composition of your squadron to suit varying playstyles and crush the opposition. Pilots will triumph as a team and complete tactical objectives across known and never-before-seen battlefields, including the gas giant of Yavin Prime and the shattered moon of Galitan.
Take control of starfighters such as the X-wing and TIE fighter. Customize loadouts and cosmetics, divert power between weapons, shields, and engines, while immersing yourself in the cockpit. In addition, players will have the option to play the entirety of the game in virtual reality on PSVR and PC!
Learn what it means to be a pilot in a thrilling Star Wars single-player story set after the events of Return of the Jedi. Seen from alternating perspectives between two factions, iconic and emerging leaders on both sides are battling for the galaxy. The New Republic fights for freedom. The Empire demands order. We need you to join the galaxy’s finest.
Key Features
All Wings Report In – Plan skirmishes with your squadron in the briefing room before taking off to the evolving battlefields across the galaxy. Compete in intense 5 vs. 5 multiplayer dogfights or unite with your squadron to tip the scales in monumental fleet battles. Together, you’re the galaxy’s finest.
Master Legendary Starfighters – Take control of different classes of starfighters from both the New Republic and Imperial fleets – including the agile A-wing and the devastating TIE bomber. Modify your ship, divert the power between its systems, and destroy your opponents in strategic space dogfights.
Live Your Star Wars Pilot Fantasy – The cockpit is your home. Use its dashboards to your advantage and – with just a thin hull of metal and glass between you and the perils of space – feel the intensity of combat from a first-person perspective. Take off in thrilling multiplayer modes and a unique single-player Star Wars story, which covers a key campaign near the conclusion of the Galactic Civil War. Immerse yourself in the pilot’s seat completely with the option to play the entirety of Star Wars: Squadrons in VR.
The Mission is Clear – Star Wars: Squadrons is a fully self-contained experience from day one, where you earn rewards through play. Climb the ranks and unlock new components like weapons, hulls, engines, shields, and cosmetic items in a clear path for progression that keeps gameplay fresh and engaging.
Game Details
| Primary Format – Games | Playstation 4 |
|---|---|
| Game Genre | Simulation |
| Rating | M |
| Consumer Advice | Science fiction violence, online interactivity |
| Game developer | EA |
| Game publisher | EA |
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