If you grew up playing PC games in the 90’s – like a lot of us did – then you may recall LucasArts’ classic Star Wars: X-Wing adventures. They really made you feel like you were at the helm of the legendary spacecraft. What’s more, they expanded to the dark-side with the notable follow- up X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter, in case you felt like fulfilling the need to be all-out evil. Since then, other Star Wars flight games have followed, like Factor 5’s Rogue Squadron games and, to some extent, EA’s recent reboot of Star Wars: Battlefront. But it’s been a while since we’ve had a truly devoted simulation series focusing on the brand. But that’ll change on October 2 when EA’s Star Wars: Squadrons takes flight.
Prepare For Squadrons
EA revealed the teaser trailer earlier this week, with a gameplay reveal set to take place during its EA Play presentation on Thursday afternoon. Let’s break down how it will pave the way for EA’s future with the Star Wars brand – and gives a tip of the hat to games from the past.
Choose a Side, Win the War
Though we have yet to fully see it in action, Squadrons, developed by EA Motive, will feature “first person, 5v5 multiplayer space dogfights,” where teams can work together to bring down others while making little modifications to their ship to improve performance. Those include improving upon your hulls, engines and shields, as well as making changes to your actual aircraft and cockpit. As a result, it will all come together to help you become a better fighter. But unlike the original Star Wars: Battlefront, Squadrons won’t just concentrate on the multiplayer action. There will also be “an original story set during the final days of the Galactic Empire and the rise of the New Republic after the events of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.” So it may have some ties with Star Wars: Battlefront II as well, since its campaign took place during a similar time. The campaign will waiver between both good and evil, following two recruits, one on each side, as their actions move the story forward. While it would’ve been nice to have more of a free choice, this definitely adds to the game’s overall value. We’ll learn more during the EA Play presentation later this week.
A Nod To the Past
After the reveal of Squadrons, many members of the gaming community couldn’t help but draw comparisons to the classic X-Wing games we discussed. With the prospect of multiplayer, players can easily pick a side and see how they fare. What’s more, the battles will take them pretty much across the galaxy, through a number of familiar locations. These include the gas giant of Yavin Prime, as well as the shattered moon of Galitan. And that’s just from a first glimpse. More than likely, epic battles could lie ahead, including a full-blown skirmish amidst the Death Star, where the fate of the universe hangs in the balance. And the fact that EA has fully embraced CrossPlay for Squadrons is “impressive,” as Darth Vader would bellow. That means players can go against each other on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC (sorry, Switch owners, not yet), and can even try their luck using a virtual reality headset – something similar to what Battlefront provided with its specialty mission years ago. Except the experience is sure to be more surreal, especially after you get blasted out of the sky. Ouch.
A Magnificent Battle For a Solid Price
Last but not least, EA appears to be leaning towards value with Star Wars: Squadrons. Unlike the $60 price tag that came with Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (which, by the way, is still soooo worth it), Squadrons will clock in at $39.99. And, like previous EA games in the program, players that subscribe to EA Access and Origin Access will be able to try the game out, playing up to ten hours of multiplayer and, we assume, a bit of the story campaign. EA will likely flesh out the details as the game gets closer to its final release.
We still have yet to see the game in action, but it won’t be too long now until we have an idea of what EA Motive wants to do. But it’s nice that the publisher is listening to fans for a change, instead of just littering something with microtransactions (which, yes, Squadrons will mostly be free of). First a single player adventure to stir the spirit; and now a multiplayer flight adventure that’s sure to get us geared up to head into battle. And what’s more, it works with flight stick controllers. We’ll provide more details on Star Wars: Squadrons as they become available. In the meantime, enjoy the trailer below, and, remember – the Force will be with you.
