My fascination with Star Wars spans nearly my entire life. I vividly recall seeing Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope for the first time at age six—a memory that remains sharp even after nearly 40 years. My love for Star Wars has persisted, and while recent installments have included some questionable entries (such as Solo) and a trilogy of inconsistent quality, hope remains, with The Mandalorian on Disney+ and Rogue One standing out as highlights.
The gaming landscape has been similarly varied, and I’ve felt somewhat detached from Star Wars games in recent times. Therefore, when Star Wars: Squadrons appeared for review, I approached it with considerable curiosity.
Star Wars: Squadrons is set amidst the ongoing conflict between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire. The single-player campaign allows players to alternate between piloting TIE Fighters for the Empire and X-Wings for the Rebels. The game begins with character creation for both factions, seamlessly integrating them, with voice acting and all, into the cutscenes. You then take your place in the cockpit and the adventure unfolds.
While I don’t typically gravitate towards flight simulation games, the compelling world and narrative of Star Wars: Squadrons motivated me to give it a try. Impressively, the game is gradually converting me into a fan of the genre. The thrill of engaging in aerial combat, whether hunting or being hunted, is genuinely captivating. The controls are intuitive and responsive, facilitating smooth gameplay. Graphically, the game is stunning, and experiencing Star Wars: Squadrons in 4K with Dolby Atmos on an Xbox One X offers an exceptional gaming experience.
Players can choose to engage in the extensive single-player campaign or compete online against others. The narrative is well-crafted and expertly delivered, creating an interactive Star Wars cinematic experience. The multiplayer mode offers engaging gameplay, though newcomers should anticipate a learning curve when facing experienced players.
In conclusion, while I initially considered rating it as a definitive must-have, a single factor prevents this: its appeal is strongest for existing fans of flight simulation games or, as in my case, dedicated Star Wars enthusiasts. Therefore, I award Star Wars: Squadrons a strong eight out of ten, accompanied by a hearty recommendation. Well done, EA!
