We were hur-hur-huring like Jabba the Hutt when STAR WARS: Squadrons was announced. For years, we’ve had to make do with blasters and lightsabers in our Star Wars games, when some of us just wanted to return to the cockpit. So, when EA announced that they were gunning for the glory years of X-Wing vs. Tie Fighter and Jedi Starfighter, well, we did some manoeuvres. Finally, the wait is over. The four moons of Yavin have aligned and STAR WARS: Squadrons emerges from lightspeed on Xbox One, PS4 and PC today.
So, what are we getting for our Galactic Credits?
It looks like we’re getting two takes on dogfighting. The first is the campaign, a solo (but not Solo) story that switches regularly between the New Republic and the Empire. Everything takes place in the moments after Return of the Jedi, so expect a fractured Empire and a resurgent New Republic, which will make the balance of power fascinating.
You’ll be moving from ship to ship in the campaign, with different classes on offer. You’ll be nipping about in the nimble A-wings and Tie Fighters, and raining down death in the Bombers. Fascinatingly, you’ll have some control over the make-up of your squadron, switching out ships and giving orders, while you will also be able to micromanage your own ship, moving power from shields to weapons, and vice versa.
Some of the above is true for the multiplayer too, which will eat up your life like a nap in a Sarlacc. 5-vs-5 dogfights sound like the Bib’s knees, with you and some friends taking on an opposing squadron. You will climb the ranks, unlock new components (we’re seeing Battlefront making an impression here), while there’s been confirmation that the game won’t have microtransactions or a live service – on launch, at least.
If you’re anything like us, the news of the launch gives us a tingle in our midichlorians. We can’t wait to hop into the cockpit and travel to the skies above Yavin 4 and Galitan. Just don’t get too cocky.
STAR WARS: Squadrons launches today on Microsoft Xbox One for the surprisingly affordable price of £34.99 with the usual 10% discount in place for EA Play subscribers. It is also out today on Playstation 4 and PC via Steam.
Game Description:
Plan every skirmish with your squadron in the briefing room before taking off to the evolving battlefields across the galaxy. Pilots will triumph as a team in known and never-before-seen locations, including the gas giant of Yavin Prime and the shattered moon of Galitan. Take full control of different starfighter classes from both the New Republic and Imperial fleets, such as the X-wing and TIE fighter. Modify your ship, divert the power between its systems, and destroy your opponents in strategic space dogfights. Compete in intense 5v5 dogfights, unite with your squadron to tip the scales in monumental fleet battles, and take off in a thrilling Star Wars™ single-player story set after the events of Return of the Jedi.
