[ad_1]
“Star Wars: Squadrons” is EA’s latest “Star Wars” video game, bringing fans back to the ’90s era of “Star Wars” video games with a game focused exclusively on starfights, major battles and Well, you star wars.
In many ways, “Squadrons” feels like a small game. There is a campaign mode and a multiplayer mode, and that is relatively. Games from years past tend to have an ever-expanding story mode with a few missions and multiplayer options.
But that’s the beauty of “Squadrons” – the game can be anything you want it to be, and that makes it perfect for each and every “Star Wars” fan.
The Deseret News was able to test the game before its release, and there’s a lot to take out of it. These are our immediate findings from the game. This list will be updated as the game continues.
The campaign mode is a simple story that adds to the tradition of ‘Star Wars’
The “Squads” campaign mode allows players to switch between an Empire and New Republic pilot. As a pilot, you must complete missions that will advance the story. It takes place in the years after “Return of the Jedi,” which gives “Star Wars” fans some new material to add to the timeline.
The campaign begins with a series of cameos, which will instantly hook all fans. The challenges within the campaign mode can be accomplished quite easily as there is a “story mode” that gives you the easiest battles so you can see more of the story. It’s still challenging though, so be prepared to really focus on what’s going on around you.
We are still working on the campaign. But the story takes players from battle to battle seamlessly, while offering a dramatic story about the fight for the galaxy.
Multiplayer is where the fun begins
“Squadrons” features a multiplayer mode that is similar to “Fortnite” or other major video games in that it offers challenges, rewards, and a quick matchmaking system that launches you straight into the competition. You can compete in ranked, unranked, and casual modes online, giving you a chance to embrace flying your boat at your own pace.
The game also features an impressive collection of “Star Wars” planets. Each battle takes you to a specific world in the galaxy, allowing you to see more of the universe. It was fun fighting on new planets, some of which we had never heard of before, and then quickly moving on to the next.
Choosing between your boats is another fun aspect. You get to choose a different vehicle that helps your team in different ways. For example, the Empire has a “reaper” vehicle that can help the rest of its ships. Most games will feature ships that fight each other with lasers, so perhaps that “reaper” ship is more reserved for you and your own squad of friends.
I already noticed a few different moments where I knew I would laugh if my squad (shout out Toothpaste FC) flew together. The game shows replays, showing you some of the fun crashes over and over again.
It’s a fantastic mode that will only grow as the game becomes more popular.
Controls can be frustrating
The “squad” controls are a double-edged sword. From one perspective, the controls remind you of a real flight simulator. We play on the Xbox One. The left stick controls the left-to-right movement of the ship and the right stick controls the up and down movement of the ship. It takes a bit of getting used to, of course, because the screen is full of the cockpit, so it feels like you’re in an X-Wing. But the controls are difficult to maneuver at first, as you also have to control which part of your ship (engines, weapons, shields) is making the most of your ship’s power.
That said, it’s a harmless yet totally realistic set of controls that makes you feel like you’re flying through the “Star Wars” galaxy. You are literally a pilot. And that’s awesome for a game to give you a chance to be a real star driver. Once you get a hold of the controls, it will be easy to navigate from there.
The game is absolutely beautiful
Squadrons does an extraordinary job with its presentation and graphic detail. Each of the planets shines on the screen. Sitting in the pilot’s seat in the X-Wing or Tie Fights seems so realistic. We highly recommend putting the game on the big screen to make it feel like you’re on the ship. Heck, we got a little nervous before the first flight because it really felt like we were in the cockpit of an X-Wing. It’s a tremendous experience, and EA did a great job of creating a game that puts you right behind the pilot’s chair.