Star Wars Squadron Review – In this Star Wars Squadron Review, we dive deep into one of the most immersive space combat games in the Star Wars universe. Developed by Motive Studios and published by Electronic Arts, Star Wars Squadrons is a first-person dogfighting game that puts players in the cockpit of legendary starfighters. Released on PS4 and Xbox One, this title offers a thrilling single-player campaign and an engaging multiplayer experience. But is Star Wars Squadrons truly a game worth playing? Let’s find out.
Gameplay and Mechanics
At its core, Star Wars Squadrons delivers an authentic space combat experience, allowing players to pilot iconic starfighters from both the New Republic and the Empire. Unlike most modern shooters, this game requires strategy and skill, as players must manage ship systems, balance power distribution, and engage in intense dogfights.
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The game features eight different starfighters, each with unique handling and weapon systems. Players can choose from Interceptors, Bombers, Fighters, and Support Ships, each serving a different role in battle. The ability to redirect power between engines, shields, and weapons adds an extra layer of depth, making every battle feel intense and strategic.
For those who enjoy customization, Star Wars Squadrons offers a variety of cosmetic upgrades for ships and pilots. Players can unlock new paint jobs, cockpit decorations, and ship modifications through in-game progression, allowing for a personalized experience without microtransactions.
Single-Player Campaign
The single-player campaign in Star Wars Squadrons provides a narrative-driven experience that takes place after the events of Return of the Jedi. Players alternate between two factions—the New Republic’s Vanguard Squadron and the Empire’s Titan Squadron. This dual perspective offers a well-rounded look at both sides of the war, giving players a chance to experience different starfighter tactics and strategies.
While the story is well-written, it primarily serves as a training ground for multiplayer, with missions designed to teach players advanced flying techniques and ship controls. Despite its short length (around 6-8 hours), the campaign offers memorable moments, stunning visuals, and engaging dogfights that capture the essence of Star Wars space battles.
Multiplayer Experience
The heart of Star Wars Squadrons lies in its multiplayer mode, where players engage in 5v5 space battles across various maps. There are two main multiplayer modes:
- Dogfight Mode – A straightforward team deathmatch where pilots must outmaneuver and eliminate enemy starfighters. This mode is fast-paced and skill-based, rewarding players who master their ship’s mechanics.
- Fleet Battles – A multi-stage, strategic battle where teams push toward the enemy’s flagship while defending their own. This mode requires team coordination, tactical play, and well-balanced squad compositions.
One of the most impressive aspects of multiplayer is its cross-play support, allowing PS4 and Xbox One players to compete together. This ensures shorter matchmaking times and a larger player base, making the experience even more enjoyable.
Graphics and Visuals
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Star Wars Squadrons excels in visual fidelity, with detailed ship models, realistic lighting, and stunning space environments. Whether you’re flying through asteroid fields, navigating deep space, or attacking massive capital ships, the game delivers a visually immersive experience.
The cockpit details are particularly impressive, with fully functional instruments and responsive controls. Players can navigate battles entirely from their in-ship HUD, adding to the realism of being a true starfighter pilot.
VR Support and Immersion
One of the standout features of Star Wars Squadrons is its VR compatibility (available on PS4). Playing the game in virtual reality completely transforms the experience, offering unparalleled immersion. The ability to freely look around the cockpit, track enemy movements, and engage in intense dogfights makes it feel like you’re truly piloting a starfighter.
For those without VR, the standard first-person perspective still provides an excellent cinematic feel, making every battle thrilling and engaging.
Sound Design and Music
As expected from a Star Wars title, the sound design is top-tier. The game features iconic Star Wars sound effects, including blaster fire, engine roars, and the hum of shields activating. Each ship has its own distinct sound, making it easy to identify different starfighters in battle.
The musical score, inspired by John Williams’ legendary compositions, further enhances the experience, adding a cinematic quality to every battle. Additionally, the voice acting is solid, with characters delivering their lines convincingly throughout the campaign.
Platform-Specific Insights
Star Wars Squadrons PS4 Review
On the PS4, Star Wars Squadrons runs at a stable 60 FPS, ensuring smooth and responsive gameplay. The game’s visuals hold up well, with detailed ship models and beautiful space environments. While the PS4 version lacks ray-tracing or next-gen enhancements, it still delivers a solid and immersive experience, especially when played in VR mode.
Star Wars Squadrons Xbox One Review
The Xbox One version provides a similar experience to the PS4, offering smooth performance and detailed visuals. While the game runs well on base Xbox One consoles, it truly shines on Xbox One X, where players can enjoy higher resolution and improved frame rates. Thanks to cross-play functionality, Xbox One players can seamlessly battle against those on other platforms, keeping the matchmaking experience smooth.
Is Star Wars Squadrons a Good Game?
The short answer: Yes! Star Wars Squadrons is a fantastic space combat game that offers deeply immersive gameplay, strategic dogfights, and a strong multiplayer experience. While the single-player campaign is relatively short, it serves as a great introduction to the game’s mechanics. The true excitement comes from multiplayer, where players can engage in thrilling battles, coordinate strategies, and master different starfighters.
For those seeking a Star Wars flight simulator, this game is one of the best options available, delivering authentic dogfighting mechanics and an immersive cockpit experience. However, if you’re looking for a story-driven Star Wars adventure, you might find the campaign lacking.
Final Verdict – Should You Play Star Wars Squadrons?
In conclusion, Star Wars Squadrons is a must-play for fans of space combat and Star Wars dogfighting action. With engaging mechanics, impressive visuals, and cross-platform multiplayer, it delivers one of the most authentic Star Wars flight experiences to date.
While it may not be a traditional Star Wars adventure, it shines as a skill-based combat simulator, perfect for those who love tactical space battles and immersive cockpit gameplay. Whether you’re playing on PS4 or Xbox One, Star Wars Squadrons offers an exciting and rewarding experience – Star Wars Squadron Review
What do you think about Star Wars Squadrons? Rate this game below and share your thoughts!
