Star Wars, before focusing on his English name even here, he was simply called Star Wars (thanks to a time when speaking English was not so obvious in our country). Star wars, regardless of any possible construction that subsequently occurred thanks to the multitude of films and spin-off series, are about battles between stars, in space, by flying. If all this were too little to highlight the obvious - namely that to be such these Star Wars must have a component dedicated to space - many of the most important actions done by the protagonists were also related to ships and air attacks (the destruction of Death Black, for example). For this reason it seemed strange until a few months ago to think of the multitude of games released on the saga, without however that one was dedicated to the real heroes of these films, the pilots of the various factions. Luckily Star Wars Squadrons is here to remind us of this (as well as all those old titles we loved years ago and now live with soul in this new EA). Star wars squadrons is a game that comes out at a budget price and offers, in a sort of formula in the making, a short campaign, a couple of interesting online modes and a customization that is neither excellent nor poor.
History is written in the stars
Unfortunately, however, very few were enough: this Star Wars Squadrons campaign is short, concise, full of clichés and more useful to get carried away. It is fully reminiscent of a campaign from any Battlefield, where in the end, online is what matters. But short does not mean poor; in fact, the plot is well structured, and places us in unpublished events following the sixth episode. The idea is therefore to travel in the huge sea that separated Episode VI from Episode VII, so as not to collide with any canon but still proposing interesting events. We always talk about the Empire and the Rebels, what is right and wrong and how these factions can change over time. In the game we will impersonate both a pilot of the "good ones" and one of the "bad ones": in doing so, we will therefore be offered a non-linear narrative, which will jump between the two factions, telling us in full, from both points of view, the plot.
It starts more or less with a tutorial, which immediately emphasizes a play system that is simple to learn but difficult to master: if in fact many commands are linked to classic flying games, we will be able to manage the engine power to give more thrust to speed, weapons or shields. This basic addition, which perhaps in the theoretical could change little, will instead make the choices vital (especially in multiplayer). To help us, also, there is a repair kit for the ship (in case of damage), some missiles and the ability to customize our vehicle as we want.
Star Wars
Once the story is over, between limited-duration online events and multiplayer, we enter the real game: before doing so, however, we need to understand what we can really do within the game. Star Wars Squadrons proposes 4 vehicles per faction, each linked to one class: we will be able to play as Hunting, Interceptor, Bomber o Support, and each of these roles will have different statistics, different importance and different tasks to be fulfilled in the team. Once the vehicle has been chosen (which is not binding), we can then modify it aesthetically and in terms of weapons: these mods can be made by unlocking the parts in the game or paying them through an unlockable currency only in-game, thanks to achievements and objectives.
Perhaps due to the idea of the budget price or the desire to update the game over time, the title currently features only two online modes: the first, called Dogfight, will offer a classic 5v5 where we will have to defeat enemy fighters. , while the second, Battaglia tra Flotte, will offer us a 5v5 with objectives. Very fun in the first place, but they end up highlighting the lack of other interesting modes, making the game a repetition of fairly trite and coy situations (albeit fortunately diversified thanks to the online component).
Technically, the game presents itself with truly breathtaking graphics (we did not expect less) and with a sound arranged to perfection: the game focuses a lot on the visual and auditory effect, as the lights and lasers are one of the mechanics that it does. immerse the player in the title. Some shadows flicker from time to time, and some lights are so high that they contrast too much with the shadows (you will notice this in the view inside the cockpit).
The feeling
Exactly, the heart of this game is the feeling: if in fact the campaign remains short and the modalities for now are few, getting on a starfighter and hovering among the debris of asteroids, other ships and enemies is something really satisfying. The ability to rotate our ship combined with very intuitive controls (just move the mouse to change course) prepares the player with everything necessary to be able to perfectly simulate real star wars, between dodged shots, last-second destruction and a lot of adrenaline. Obviously it will take a few games before we really get the hang of it, but once you have a good command the gaming experience will be the best, thanks to a system that is immediately pleased but leaves a lot in the hands of the players and theirs. agility.
Star Wars Squadrons is also playable with the VR: in fact on PlayStation 4 you can take advantage of PSVR while on PC you will have compatibility with any other viewer. Too bad for the lack of compatibility with the Oculus Touch, a system that would have allowed further immersion. Its lack, in addition to being a bit of a joke to those who thought they could move completely inside the cockpit, forces the player to use the keyboard mouse even with the viewer, making the gaming experience more difficult. Obviously, on PS4, the thing silences a bit, as the DualShock is easier to use with "eyes closed", but on the ugly side you can easily take advantage of a stick of any type, so as to set the right commands even on PC and, indeed, make everything even more immersive.
