Star Wars: Squadrons Review

Star Wars: Squadrons, developed by EA Motive and published by Electronic Arts, launched on the PC in October 2020, reigniting the long-dormant Star Wars space combat genre. This game delivered on the fantasy of being a starfighter pilot, offering intense dogfighting action, deep customization, and a compelling narrative from both sides of the Galactic Civil War. This Star Wars Squadrons PC review explores why it’s a must-play for fans of iconic starfighters.

Gameplay: First-Person Dogfights and Power Management

The core gameplay of Star Wars: Squadrons is exclusively first-person, placing players directly in the cockpit of legendary starfighters like the X-Wing, TIE Fighter, A-Wing, Y-Wing, TIE Bomber, and TIE Interceptor. This perspective, especially with VR support (a major highlight on PC), creates an incredibly immersive experience. The flight model strikes a perfect balance between arcade accessibility and flight sim depth, requiring players to master power management (shunting power to engines, weapons, or shields) to gain an edge in combat.

The multiplayer is the game’s main draw, featuring two core modes: “Dogfight” (a classic team deathmatch) and “Fleet Battles” (a multi-stage objective-based mode where teams attack and defend capital ships). Success in Fleet Battles requires strategic teamwork, communication, and effective use of different starfighter classes. The customization options are extensive, allowing players to unlock new components to alter their ship’s performance and cosmetics to personalize their pilot and cockpit. The PC version benefits from high frame rates and sharp visuals, making the space battles truly spectacular.

• Immersive first-person cockpit view for all gameplay
• Deep power management mechanics for strategic combat
• Engaging multiplayer modes: Dogfight and Fleet Battles
• Extensive starfighter and pilot customization
• Full VR support for unparalleled immersion on PC

Story and Setting: Dual Perspectives of the Galactic Civil War

The single-player campaign of Star Wars: Squadrons is a compelling narrative set after *Return of the Jedi*. Players alternate between two custom pilots: one serving the New Republic’s Vanguard Squadron and another serving the Imperial’s Titan Squadron. This dual-faction story provides unique insights into both sides of the conflict, exploring the motivations and ideologies of the pilots.

The narrative is well-written, with memorable characters and authentic Star Wars lore. It serves as an excellent tutorial for the game’s mechanics while delivering a satisfying plot that feels like a genuine addition to the Star Wars universe.

Graphics and Sound: Frostbite Engine’s Galactic Beauty

Powered by the Frostbite engine, Star Wars: Squadrons is visually stunning on PC. The starfighters are meticulously detailed, the space environments are breathtaking, and the explosions and laser fire light up the screen with cinematic flair. The game’s art direction perfectly captures the aesthetic of the Star Wars films.

The sound design is exceptional. Every blaster bolt, TIE Fighter shriek, and proton torpedo launch sounds authentic and impactful. The iconic Star Wars music swells at just the right moments, creating an incredibly immersive and thrilling experience. The voice acting is solid, bringing the new characters to life.

Legacy: A Focused Star Wars Gem

Star Wars: Squadrons was praised for its focused design, delivering a pure starfighter experience without unnecessary open-world bloat. It filled a long-standing void for Star Wars flight sim fans and proved that a smaller, more concentrated game could still deliver immense value. It remains a beloved entry in the Star Wars game canon.

Is Star Wars: Squadrons on PC Worth Playing Today?

Absolutely. Star Wars: Squadrons on PC is a must-play for fans of space combat games and the Star Wars universe. Its immersive first-person dogfights, deep customization, and engaging multiplayer offer countless hours of thrilling gameplay. With its VR support and stunning visuals, it’s the ultimate starfighter fantasy and a true classic PC game that continues to deliver galactic action.