Remember a few years ago when Star Wars fans were livid that Electronic Arts was this close to releasing Battlefront II with a slew of in-game microtransactions? Sure, they were pulled at the last moment, but we can’t help but wonder what would’ve happened if they went through with it.
Alas, the publisher didn’t, and now we’re seeing an impressive turn-around from that business logic. After Battlefront II continued its success with free downloadable content, Respawn Entertainment swooped in with the single-player opus Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order.
And now we have EA Motive’s surprisingly engaging Star Wars: Squadrons, a game that packs exciting multiplayer space action with a pretty good single player campaign – and for a reduced price tag of $40. It continues to show the publisher’s progress in making things right for its fans. Oh, and you can totally blast your friends out of the sky, too.
Jumping Into Single Player
Before you hop into the game’s multiplayer – where most of its meat is located – the single player campaign is where it’s at. Here, you’ll experience events from both sides of the battle, between the heroic Rebels and the drastic Empire. You’ll understand what drives them both a little better, but still probably won’t mind when it comes to picking sides.
The campaign will introduce you to a slew of space vehicles that are available throughout the game, from X-Wings and TIE Fighters to more strategic ones like bombers and Interceptors. As you go along, the game really opens up, making its multiplayer all the more accessible.
It’s not the most memorable single player campaign out there – it ends after a few hours and isn’t nearly as compelling as Jedi Fallen Order’s. Still, it’s fun to go through, and it teaches you the ropes with space combat, with a lot of strategies opening up. Plus, it’s better to have a little something in single player than nothing at all. Just ask anyone that’s gotten their hands on Call of Duty: Black Ops IIII.
Get Your Allies and Enemies Together
Then we get to the multiplayer, which you can access after a bit of single player action. It opens up five versus five space battles, with an opening skirmish and then a hunt for capital ships. As it goes along, you’ll be able to unlock ship classes and other customization options, all while learning some excellent strategies that you can execute alongside your teammates. You can also change up loadouts and ships, depending on what you think is necessary for the job.
While the game doesn’t offer private lobbies to just take on your friends, the options that Squadrons has on hand are abundant. You can take on AI opponents in case you need any
further practice; and the support of crossplay across all consoles make it a breeze to connect with competition, no matter what system they’re playing on. Online matches work wonderfully,
and you always remain in the thick of the action, without any super-tyrannical pilots blasting you out of the sky each time. Matchmaking works really well here.
Plus, EA Motive has really dialed in the gameplay, so it feels like a nod to the classic LucasArts flying games while still bringing something that’s completely its own. It plays wonderfully, with easy controls to master and lots of different perks to take advantage of. While it would’ve been nice to have a viewpoint outside of the default cockpit, it does feel a bit more personable this way. And it’s fairly easy to take advantage of the targeting system and hunt down those opponents.
A Swell Looking Adventure
While some may think that Squadrons lacks the polish of, say, Battlefront II, there’s still a substantial looking package here. The galaxies you fight across look splendid, and the space vehicles are wonderfully replicated and handle just like the real deal. Plus, the cinematics are fun to watch, and the variety of explosions and space effects you get to witness are very cool, to say the least.
On top of that, the audio is very well done for the game. There are hints of the soundtrack that really fit the Star Wars bill; and the sound effects are just about perfect, right down to th phaser effects your TIE Fighter and X-Wing make. Plus the voicework that’s present here is excellent, really adding some depth to the story.
May the Flight Be With You
Though more could’ve been done with Squadrons when it came to viewpoints and more personal options for matchmaking, it’s a terrific entry in the Star Wars franchise – and another
solid redemption point for EA. The multiplayer is enthralling and fun to play; the controls are just about right, with enough deep strategy to resonate with players; and the presentation can’t be beat when it comes to straight-up flight action. For $40, you’re not likely to find another epic space experience like this. At least, until EA manages to bring Rogue Squadron back around. Please?
