Finally, the latest edition to the Star Wars franchise of games has been revealed as Star Wars: Squadrons, developed by EA Motive. After several game name and logo leaks, and an agonising couple of days wait, we have now been shown the first trailer for the latest starfighter game in the Star Wars universe, Star Wars: Squadrons. It’s been a long time since 1999’s’ X-Wing Alliance, 2001’s Starfighter and Rogue Leader and 2002’s Jedi Starfighter so I’m stoked to be able to get out my old Microsoft Sidewinder Precision Pro joystick from the archives. In Squadrons, there will be 5v5 multiplayer dogfights and fleet battles, as well as an engaging single player campaign following Episode 6: Return of the Jedi and the epic Battle of Endor. The release date is set for October 3, 2020 for us Aussies and pre-orders are available now.
Here’s what we know so far. We saw classic era Rebel and Imperial fighters and some capital ships. We also saw the U-Wing and a Tie Reaper from Rogue One. We definitely saw Wedge Antilles and given this is set after the Battle of Endor, I’d love to see Nora Wexley make an appearance, but that’s my speculation. I liked what we saw of the in-cockpit scenes, however am reserving judgement until we see gameplay at the EA Play event early Friday morning. Here’s some images and information from the game’s website.
Star Wars: Squadrons will offer rich cosmetic and gameplay customization options with rewards and bonuses that are earned solely through gameplay. As players move up the ranks, they’ll earn components such as weapons, hulls, engines and shields to customize the performance of their starfighters; and gain cosmetic items to customize their cockpit, ship exteriors, and appearance of their pilot. In addition, players will be able to squad up with their friends and play against others, regardless of platform, as cross-play will be supported on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC, and VR.
Protect the Galaxy
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.
Master Legendary Starfighters
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. The Rebels Vanguard Squadron consists of X-wing, Y-wing, A-wing and U-wing craft. The Imperial Titan Squadron consists of TIE Fighter, TIE Interceptor, TIE Bomber and TIE Reaper.
Stay on Target
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. Immerse yourself in the pilot’s seat completely with the option to play the entirety of Star Wars : Squadrons in virtual reality (VR) on PlayStation 4 and PC with cross-play support.
The game will release on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC via Origin and Steam. You can read more about the game over at the official website, and there will be more gameplay shown at EA Play event on the morning of June 19, 2020 for us Aussies. We will update you with more information about the game as it becomes available.
May the force be with you!
#gameonAUS
Written by: @ChrisJInglis
