So right now more than ever, we all need an escape to a new place, or maybe just to a galaxy far, far away. Motive Studios has brought us Star Wars: Squadrons where all fans can take a break from reality. This space combat game will put you in the pilot’s seat to glide through space with your friends while gaining more experience.
Players can choose to pilot starfighters from the Galactic Empire or the New Republic navy. Each has its own set of skills and weapons that can be upgraded and changed once the player gains more experience. There are three modes to get into no matter what side you choose.
The standard story mode is set after the battle of Endor and destruction of the second Death Star. In this mode you can customize two different pilots. In the Dogfight mode, up to 10 players can be split into two groups in a deathmatch type fight. The third mode is the Fleet Battles where two teams, up to 5 players each, try to destroy the opposing team’s Capital Ships.
Your enjoyment of Star Wars: Squadrons will depend heavily on how much you enjoyed the battles in the original movies. The controls are a little off. Locking on to an enemy ship was a bit challenging. The graphics are great, made even more impressive by the fact that you are mostly just fighting in space. There was an entire series of Star War games based around the X-Wings and the Tie Fighters and Squadrons is a fine addtion to that series and the players who loved them.
If you have the ability, this game must be experienced in VR. As you sit down and the world appears around you, you feel as if your right in the cockpit. I almost expected to start rocking as laser blasts hit my ship. The multiplayer is where this games really shines. George Lucas said that the star ship battles in Star Wars was meant to represent dogfights of WW II and this comes through in the game. As you track your friends, you have to get that perfect shot to win the day.
Star Wars: Squadrons is for players who love the idea of piloting their own starship in battle. If you have played other Star Wars games and were not impressed by the starship sections, you won’t find much that might change your mind. If you want to feel what battles are like in the Star Wars universe, The Force is strong with this one.
8/10
Available on PC, Xbox and PS4