Fans of X-Wing vs TIE Fighters and Rogue Squadron, rejoice! Today Star Wars: Squadrons launches on Xbox One, PS4, and PC via the EA Desktop App (previously Origin), Steam, and Epic Games Store for $39.99. EA Play subscribers can get a 10% discount and immediate access to additional in-game items like the Interceptor Elegance Helmet and the Ashen Monarch Paint Job Set. With cross-play support, you can join up with your squad in 5v5 multiplayer combat modes like Dogfight and Fleet Battles. In Dogfight, you and the enemy’s squadron compete in destroying as many opponents as possible. Fleet Battles, on the other hand, have you destroying the enemy team’s flagships.
Meanwhile in the story mode, Star Wars: Squadrons features an original story set after Return of the Jedi where you can experience the conflict from the perspectives of two customizable characters. As a New Republic pilot, you will be lead by Lindon Javes, commander of the Vanguard Squadron. And when you side with Galactic Empire you answer to Terisa Kerill, commander of the Titan Squadron. Both sides are attracted to ‘Project Starhawk’, a starship project critical to the New Republic and one the Empire seeks to eliminate.
Star Wars: Squadrons launches with optional VR support as well for PS VR and PC, along with HOTAS flight stick support for all platforms. EA Motive Studios creative director Ian Frazier said he and his team have made sure to make the experience of piloting the X-Wing and its space brothers as “authentic” as possible:
As a lifelong Star Wars fan, it’s been an incredible journey to bring the space combat experience to life in a way that is true to the legacy of the franchise. It all starts in the cockpit, the center of the action. We’ve worked hand-in-hand with Lucasfilm to hone in on the pilot’s perspective, and match the aesthetic from the films to create an authentic Star Wars gameplay experience that will transport fans into the pilot’s seat. We’re thrilled to bring this experience to players around the world, who can now join together in battles across the galaxy.”
Lucasfilm Games Vice President Douglas Reilly also added that this game will bring a new perspective to the whole New Republic saga:
We are always looking to bring new Star Wars stories and experiences to our fans. Star Wars: Squadrons places players at the apex of one of the most uncertain times between the New Republic and Galactic Empire, where the scales of power could be tipped in either direction, and the fate of the galaxy is still unclear. We’re thrilled to give players the opportunity to play their Star Wars pilot fantasy and experience this original story.”
After launch, Motive will add new features such as daily challenges to earn in-game currency Glory and a season pass system with an eight-week cycle called Operations. For the odd folk who like to listen to game soundtracks all day long (like me), Star Wars: Squadrons‘ official soundtrack composed by Gordy Haab (Star Wars: The Old Republic, Star Wars: Battlefront) is now available at various streaming services including Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, and more. Do you think this will be another Star Wars homerun from EA like Fallen Order? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
