STAR WARS™: Squadrons
" Immersive action simulation with authentic Star Wars starfighters but a dwindling multiplayer community "
STAR WARS™: Squadrons Review
STAR WARS™: Squadrons offers an immersive space combat experience set in the Star Wars universe, featuring a campaign where players pilot iconic starfighters from both the Empire and the New Republic. The gameplay merges arcade-style and semi-realistic flight mechanics, appealing mainly to Star Wars fans and flight sim enthusiasts. The game shines with its detailed starship models, atmospheric sound design, and the ability to play in VR, which many players found particularly engaging. However, the multiplayer community is largely inactive, limiting the game's longevity and social appeal.
Players frequently report technical issues, including game crashes, anti-cheat conflicts, and poor PC port optimization, which severely impact the overall experience. Controls, especially keyboard and mouse, feel clunky to some, while flight sticks and controllers provide a better experience. The story is considered campy and uninspired by many, with some praising the nostalgic elements but criticizing the dialogue and plot resolution. Despite its potential, lack of ongoing support and dead multiplayer servers have left many disappointed, recommending purchase only on sale or for single-player and VR use.
Highlights
Players praise the game's immersive flight mechanics and the authentic Star Wars starfighter experience. The graphics and sound design are noted as strong points, effectively capturing the iconic universe. The campaign offers a unique perspective by allowing play from both Empire and New Republic viewpoints. VR support is highly regarded, enhancing immersion for enthusiasts. The game also includes a variety of ships and customization options, appealing to fans of space combat and Star Wars lore.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the dead multiplayer servers, severely limiting online play. Technical issues such as game crashes, anti-cheat launch problems, and poor PC port optimization frustrate players. Controls, especially with keyboard and mouse, are often described as unresponsive or awkward. The campaign's storyline and dialogue receive negative feedback for being clichéd and uninspired. Additionally, the small map sizes and sluggish flight response detract from gameplay enjoyment. Lack of motion controller support in VR and absence of co-op campaign modes are also noted drawbacks.
Pros
- • Immersive flight mechanics that blend arcade and realistic styles well.
- • Authentic Star Wars starfighter experience with detailed ship models.
- • Strong graphics and atmospheric sound design enhance immersion.
- • VR support significantly improves the gameplay experience.
- • Campaign allows playing as both Empire and New Republic pilots.
- • Good variety of ships and customization options for players.
- • Controls are enjoyable with gamepad or flight stick devices.
Cons
- • Multiplayer community is effectively dead, limiting online play.
- • Frequent technical issues including crashes and anti-cheat failures.
- • Poor PC port with awkward controls for keyboard and mouse users.
- • Story and dialogue are clichéd, campy, and uninspired.
- • Small map sizes reduce tactical variety and exploration.
- • Flight response can feel sluggish, especially on smaller ships.
- • No motion controller support in VR disappoints some players.
Rating Criteria
Master the art of starfighter combat in the authentic piloting experience STAR WARS™: Squadrons. Feel the adrenaline of first-person multiplayer space dogfights alongside your squadron, and buckle up in a thrilling STAR WARS™ story.
