Introduction
Star Wars: Squadrons is a space combat game developed by Motive Studios and published by Electronic Arts. Released in 2020, the game places players in the cockpits of iconic Star Wars starfighters, delivering an immersive dogfighting experience. With a strong emphasis on first-person flight mechanics, Squadrons is a love letter to fans of the classic X-Wing and TIE Fighter games while also appealing to new players. This review covers the gameplay, story, graphics, sound design, and overall value to help you determine whether Star Wars: Squadrons is worth your time.
Gameplay
The core gameplay of Star Wars: Squadrons revolves around intense space battles, where players take control of various ships from both the New Republic and the Galactic Empire. The game features two primary modes: a single-player campaign and a multiplayer component.
The flight mechanics are deeply engaging, offering a level of control that allows for strategic maneuvers. Players can shift power between three key systems: engines, weapons, and shields (for Republic ships). Empire ships, lacking shields, rely more on speed and firepower. This dynamic power management system adds a tactical layer, making every battle feel strategic rather than just a simple shootout.
Multiplayer features modes like Dogfight (team deathmatch) and Fleet Battles, a multi-stage mode where teams work together to destroy the opposing flagship. Unlike more casual space shooters, Squadrons demands skill and teamwork. There is no third-person perspective, keeping the experience immersive and challenging.
While the game offers an exciting experience, the learning curve can be steep for newcomers. Mastering ship controls, power distribution, and different vessel types takes time. However, for those who enjoy skill-based flight combat, the game is incredibly rewarding.
Story and Campaign
The single-player campaign provides a well-crafted Star Wars narrative set after the events of Return of the Jedi. It follows both the New Republic’s Vanguard Squadron and the Empire’s Titan Squadron, offering perspectives from both sides of the conflict.
The story itself is engaging but relatively short, lasting around 6-8 hours. It serves more as an extended tutorial for multiplayer rather than a fully developed narrative. While the characters are well-voiced and the story has some interesting moments, it does not reach the depth of other Star Wars games like Jedi: Fallen Order. That being said, fans of Star Wars lore will appreciate the connections to the larger universe, with appearances from familiar faces like Wedge Antilles and Hera Syndulla.
Graphics and Visuals
Visually, Star Wars: Squadrons is stunning. The ship models are intricately detailed, and the cockpit designs make each vessel feel unique. The game’s environments, from asteroid fields to massive space battles above planets, are beautifully crafted. The lighting and explosion effects add to the cinematic feel, making battles both visually striking and immersive.
Performance on Xbox One is stable, though there are occasional frame rate dips during intense battles. While the game is optimized for next-gen consoles and PC, it still looks impressive on Xbox One, especially in enclosed cockpit views.
Sound and Music
The sound design in Squadrons is exceptional. The roar of TIE Fighter engines, the hum of laser cannons, and the chatter of squadmates contribute to an immersive audio experience. Voice acting is strong, with well-performed dialogue that enhances the campaign's story.
The soundtrack features classic Star Wars themes mixed with new compositions that fit the intense space battles. Fans of John Williams’ work will find themselves right at home.
Multiplayer Experience
Multiplayer is where Star Wars: Squadrons truly shines. Dogfights are fast-paced and skill-based, rewarding precision and teamwork. Fleet Battles add an extra layer of strategy, as teams must coordinate attacks on capital ships while defending their own.
Customization is a significant aspect of the multiplayer experience. Players can modify their starfighters with different weapons, hulls, engines, and shields to suit their playstyle. There are also cosmetic options, including cockpit decorations and pilot skins, though these are purely for aesthetics and do not impact gameplay balance.
One downside is the limited number of game modes. The multiplayer component is solid but does not offer much variety beyond Dogfights and Fleet Battles. Some players may find the experience repetitive after extended playtime.
VR and HOTAS Compatibility
While not available on Xbox One, it is worth mentioning that Star Wars: Squadrons supports virtual reality and HOTAS (Hands-On Throttle and Stick) controls on other platforms. These features enhance immersion significantly, making it feel like a true cockpit simulation.
Longevity and Replayability
Star Wars: Squadrons has a dedicated player base, but its longevity depends on your love for space combat. The single-player campaign is short, and the multiplayer, while engaging, does not have as much content variety as other online games. However, for fans of flight sims and Star Wars dogfights, the gameplay alone is satisfying enough to keep them returning.
EA has confirmed that Squadrons will not receive additional major updates or expansions, meaning what you see is what you get. Unlike other EA titles, the game does not rely on microtransactions, which is a refreshing change.
Final Verdict
Star Wars: Squadrons is a fantastic space combat game that delivers an authentic Star Wars flight experience. The flight mechanics are deep and rewarding, the visuals are stunning, and the sound design is top-notch. The multiplayer is engaging, though somewhat limited in variety, and the campaign, while enjoyable, is on the shorter side.
For those who love Star Wars space battles and want a skill-based combat game, Squadrons is a must-play. However, players looking for an extensive single-player experience or a wide variety of multiplayer modes may find the game somewhat lacking.
Despite its limitations, Star Wars: Squadrons succeeds in its mission: putting players in the cockpits of legendary starfighters and delivering thrilling, tactical dogfights in a galaxy far, far away.
Pros:
- Authentic and immersive Star Wars flight experience
- Deep and rewarding flight mechanics
- Stunning visuals and detailed ship designs
- Excellent sound design and music
- No microtransactions
Cons:
- Short single-player campaign
- Limited multiplayer modes
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- No long-term content updates planned
Is It Worth Buying?
If you enjoy space combat games, Star Wars: Squadrons is absolutely worth playing. It offers a high level of immersion and rewarding mechanics for those willing to master its controls. However, if you are primarily looking for a long and deep single-player story, this may not be the best choice. For fans of dogfighting and strategic space battles, though, this is one of the best Star Wars flight experiences available.
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