Star Wars: Squadrons

 PC
User Score
5.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 417 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 206 out of 417
  2. Mixed: 52 out of 417
  3. Negative: 159 out of 417

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  1. RomulKing
    Aug 9, 2021
    9
    Campaign is short and story not so much exciting (completed the whole campaign in VR). But, you know - having a chance to fly in Star Wars in VR + destroy Star Destroyer - that's just wow! For all who remembers legendary Tie Fighter and X-Wing Alliance and wanted to fly in this universe with modern graphics - highly recommended!
  2. Eddie86PL
    May 1, 2021
    5
    This is one of the most overpriced, over-licenced, underutilized and striped of any good mechanics piece of f(l)ight sim I played to date. Controls were clearly designed for a console and the ships functionality only slightly exceeds the general ideas of those from Terminal Velocity. In comparison to Freespace the game has actually far less to offer. It is significantly shorter (about 8This is one of the most overpriced, over-licenced, underutilized and striped of any good mechanics piece of f(l)ight sim I played to date. Controls were clearly designed for a console and the ships functionality only slightly exceeds the general ideas of those from Terminal Velocity. In comparison to Freespace the game has actually far less to offer. It is significantly shorter (about 8 hours), targeting systems are a joke, ship controls are basic and it is still a high praise. Mouse controls are terrible and a pad is a must. Alternatively you can remap the keyboard for a more dynamic experience. What is absolutely barbaric is that the game physics do not use any form of inertia in space. While at the subject of space, why are all the battles taking place in space alone? Why are there no on - world atmospheric missions? NPC's could be completely skipped as a wooden block would have more to offer. The only thing this game actually does have to offer are really amazing graphics, too bad that there are so many graphical artifacts (v - sync doesn't always work right, you can get stuck on a piece of a space debris). What is an utmost atrocity is that the story regardless of the side chosen is linear and failed missions simply restarts having no impact on the final outcome. To summarize:
    - game is extremely short
    - linear story line, missions have no impact on the story or upcoming missions
    - gorgeous unfortunately under-optimized graphics
    - terrible controls and ship functionality
    - unrealistic space - physics
    - music is yet another SW copy/paste
    - meaningless NPC's

    Fun to play tough... once. Recommendation? Wait until it's on sale for -75% discount, then it may actually be worth your attention.    … Expand
  3. NotGiven
    Jul 8, 2021
    8
    I really like this game. This game is really getting me into flight sim games as a whole. There's a high skill ceiling with the game and the multiplayer and single player are really fun.

    I honestly don't know why there's so many overly negative reviews because this game is really great. This game is one of my favorite games along with titanfall 2 and fallout 4 While there are    I really like this game. This game is really getting me into flight sim games as a whole. There's a high skill ceiling with the game and the multiplayer and single player are really fun.

    I honestly don't know why there's so many overly negative reviews because this game is really great.

    This game is one of my favorite games along with titanfall 2 and fallout 4

    While there are legitimate criticisms with this game don't listen to the "anti-sjw" crowd because they just don't like it because the cast is diverse. Which while there are stuff you can criticize this game on, that reason of it being too sjw is just stupid. Don't listen to those reviews.

    I really like this game and I hope we get a sequel that maybe has the clone wars or just more ships and maps. Plus even though it wasn't really the main goal of the game I really liked the new republic squadmates in particular.    … Expand
  4. GroovyMoose
    Aug 4, 2021
    9
    As a big fan of both Star Wars and space combat games, I had a lot of fun with this one. The flight and combat mechanics feel great, and the immersion you get when playing with VR really brings you into the world around you. The only criticism I have is that there just isn't enough content. The campaign is a solid, fun experience, and the multiplayer will definitely bring you hours of fun,As a big fan of both Star Wars and space combat games, I had a lot of fun with this one. The flight and combat mechanics feel great, and the immersion you get when playing with VR really brings you into the world around you. The only criticism I have is that there just isn't enough content. The campaign is a solid, fun experience, and the multiplayer will definitely bring you hours of fun, especially with friends, but with only 2 game modes that play out similarly every time, you can't help but wish for more varied objectives and game types. Battlefront II, for example, had a lot of varied objectives for its space combat mode, and I would love to see some of that brought over to a game with deeper mechanics, like this one. All in all, I would very much support a sequel or follow up to this.… Expand
  5. EH_Hijacker
    Aug 4, 2021
    10
    Squadrons is a fantastic game despite some of its flaws. The gameplay is rock solid. So much that, even with only two online game modes, I feel compelled to fire it up night after night and go drifting about in some of the most beautifully rendered star fighters to have graced a computer screen.

    The game has a high skill floor to be considered accessible, however. It's tough to get    Squadrons is a fantastic game despite some of its flaws. The gameplay is rock solid. So much that, even with only two online game modes, I feel compelled to fire it up night after night and go drifting about in some of the most beautifully rendered star fighters to have graced a computer screen.

    The game has a high skill floor to be considered accessible, however. It's tough to get your footing under you when you first start the online modes. The people who have been playing for months on end know the controls inside and out, and will fly sideways around you while you're just figuring out where the throttle is. But keep at it, and in no time, you'll be pulling the same stunts yourself. It's gratifying to find yourself learning the mechanics.

    The story itself is above par. I enjoyed it for what it was. People say it's a tutorial for online play, but it really isn't. The narrative can feel a bit boggy at times. But I keep seeing critiques about how it doesn't compare to the old games. However, I say this: the old games didn't have amazing stories either. Squadrons does a superb job of getting you moving, doing things other than fly and shoot all the time, and delivering it all in a well wrapped package.

    VR is also amazing in this game. When I first booted up my HMD, I was blown away with how real the cockpits felt. The models look great in pancake mode, but you really feel like you're in a spaceship flying at hundreds of kilometers an hour when you plop into VR.

    What truly impresses me is how well the game plays regardless of your controller type. It works great as a keyboard and mouse game, HOTAS, HOKAS, HOSAS, and console controller without being too skewed to favor one over another. Crossplay also puts this to the test as console players are just as effective as PC players since console controllers are a very viable option.

    The music is amazing as well. The composer not only did great arrangements of classic pieces but also brought his own life into Squadrons only thematic melodies that weave seamlessly with the John Williams compositions.

    The game has a tight knit online community. I've never met so many people who can be competitive, but at the same time approachable. It really feels amazing to be a part of it.

    In summary, it's a fantastic game that I think people should try. If you love Star Wars and flight sims, definitely check it out.    … Expand
  6. SanchoTheHyena
    Aug 4, 2021
    9
    Fantastic game for any fan of Star Wars and flight simulators. While the budget placed by EA shows in several places (namely the UI and various unfixable bugs), overall this game is easily one of my favorites.

    PROS: -Iconic star wars vehicles are all fun to fly -deep team-based gameplay -thriving multiplayer community with cross-platform play across Xbox, PSN, and PC -Gorgeous graphics,    Fantastic game for any fan of Star Wars and flight simulators. While the budget placed by EA shows in several places (namely the UI and various unfixable bugs), overall this game is easily one of my favorites.

    PROS:
    -Iconic star wars vehicles are all fun to fly
    -deep team-based gameplay
    -thriving multiplayer community with cross-platform play across Xbox, PSN, and PC
    -Gorgeous graphics, full VR support
    -Several different roles to play as, extremely rewarding teamwork
    -high speed, high intensity combat
    -dogfighting rewards using actual flight maneuvers alongside clever energy and boost management

    CONS:
    -Somewhat repetitive gameplay
    -Steep learning curve
    -poor UI
    -Multiplayer requires full communication with team and excellent coordination, so not particularly good for solo players
    -short story mode    … Expand
  7. neurotictim
    Aug 5, 2021
    9
    What an amazing game.  The developers at Motive really outdid themselves, with a reasonably compelling (if short) campaign, diverse cast of engaging characters, and one of the most challenging and satisfying multi-player experiences available for this game type.  Yes, there are some flaws, but you get to fly an X-wing in beautiful VR; all complaints fall short of that.  The mechanics areWhat an amazing game.  The developers at Motive really outdid themselves, with a reasonably compelling (if short) campaign, diverse cast of engaging characters, and one of the most challenging and satisfying multi-player experiences available for this game type.  Yes, there are some flaws, but you get to fly an X-wing in beautiful VR; all complaints fall short of that.  The mechanics are finely tuned and require practice, but as a long time Star Wars fan, this is the game I've been waiting on for 40 years. If I had to pick out a flaw, it's that I wish there was MORE game.  More characters, more ships, more maps, more cosmetics, all of it.  The planned support ended far too soon, the marketing team didn't hype it enough, and a game that is by all rights one of the best of the type to come out in years is instead relegated to the bargain bin, far too soon.… Expand
  8. EvilGrin
    Aug 5, 2021
    10
    I've been playing Star Wars space sim games since I was 12 back in '93 with Xwing. Xwing vs. Tie Fighter was my first online gaming experience, I played the hell out of it and Xwing Alliance, made many lifelong friends from it along the way too. These games have influenced my life considerably, and when Squadrons was announced last year I set about looking up all the old friends and groupsI've been playing Star Wars space sim games since I was 12 back in '93 with Xwing. Xwing vs. Tie Fighter was my first online gaming experience, I played the hell out of it and Xwing Alliance, made many lifelong friends from it along the way too. These games have influenced my life considerably, and when Squadrons was announced last year I set about looking up all the old friends and groups from those games back in the day, and I've been having a blast ever since, and making many new friends along the way.

    We started playing XvT/XWA again in preparation for Squadrons coming out, and it's rekindled so many joyful memories and experiences from those games I played in my childhood. Amazingly I'm part of groups that still play XvT and XWA, as well as Squadrons, and it's honestly been my best gaming experience since XvT. I honestly hope it was popular enough to make Squadrons 2 or other true star wars space sims a reality in the future.

    10/10 doesn't feel like it gives the experience I've had from this game justice. Ignore the bigots and the haters, this game is fantastic and the community is still thriving despite no further support from EA.    … Expand
  9. TRA_Sharper
    Aug 5, 2021
    10
    I'm Voting 10/10. I have done so on 2 different accounts as I bought this game on PS4 and on PC because the game is so awesome.
  10. RMT_Sharper
    Aug 5, 2021
    10
    Best game ever. I can only hope there will be a Squadrons 2. I bought a PS4 and PSVR just for this game. Liked it so much, I bought it again on PC, along with a gaming PC and VR.
  11. Utseveres
    Aug 5, 2021
    9
    I'd say this is one of my all time favourite games. It's a steep learning curve, but it's a lot of fun. It's basically the game I've been waiting decades to play since first seeing star wars age 7.
  12. Raearu
    Aug 5, 2021
    9
    For many of us who live streaming wars and grew up playing games on PC in the 90s games like X-Wing, Tie Fighter and their successors hold a very special place in our memories. It has been a very long time since there has been a Star Wars space sim which came anywhere close to the immersion and the care and attention to detail of those games until now. This is no mere arcade shooter or anFor many of us who live streaming wars and grew up playing games on PC in the 90s games like X-Wing, Tie Fighter and their successors hold a very special place in our memories. It has been a very long time since there has been a Star Wars space sim which came anywhere close to the immersion and the care and attention to detail of those games until now. This is no mere arcade shooter or an over complex flight simulator, it is a careful balance of the two, optimised for realistic but hectic and mind blowing dogfights. The skill ceiling is huge but it is fun from day 1 especially in VR where this is the first time I genuinely felt like I was behind the flight stick of an X Wing or my personal favourite the A Wing. You blast past the tie fighter you were chasing as you realise an interceptor has locked on to you behind and as you look behind you to keep him in your sights as you manoeuvre your ship into a tight loop bringing them into your sights as you lower your gaze to line up the target reticule….squeezing the trigger and blowing past the wreckage as explosions trigger all around you. Even more amazing is watching your B- Wing cockpit rotate around you as your cockpit remains stable, a beautiful moment to really feel what being in this ship is meant to feel like. This game is worth every penny and more. The developers revived the golden age of Star Wars games and did the impossible, improved on a beloved classic. My only gripe which prevents me from giving this a 10/10 is that there is so much more potential in the single player and co-op modes. The single player feels a bit too on rails and thinking back to the excellent array of mission types available in the older games it would seem a simple task to replicate in this fantastic new game engine, protect, escort, disable, capture missions all in a 5 squad co-op. Also for a game called squadrons it would have been great to have a clan system of some kind and allow permanent squadron names and assigned designations (Red 5 standing by). All of this could easily be capitalised on with a sequel. If there is no sequel it will be a travesty and a waste of a well crafted game engine.… Expand
  13. landocatrissian
    Aug 6, 2021
    10
    it's a real shame people would allow bigotry to take the sheer joy of flying an X-wing away from them. it's not perfect, but the community around this game is fantastic, the immersion is on point, and it's been a childhood fantasy to fly an x-wing and i don't regret buying a ps4 literally for this game. to all the bigots out there, just play multiplayer, even though you're bad people youit's a real shame people would allow bigotry to take the sheer joy of flying an X-wing away from them. it's not perfect, but the community around this game is fantastic, the immersion is on point, and it's been a childhood fantasy to fly an x-wing and i don't regret buying a ps4 literally for this game. to all the bigots out there, just play multiplayer, even though you're bad people you still deserve a chance to live your childhood fantasies too maybe it'll make you a better person… Expand
  14. Didcovic
    Jan 7, 2023
    9
    they say a lot about like "the controls and the gameplay are horribles" but if a star wars starship exists, the controls would be like that, a ship is hard to control and you need to know that. sorry for the english mistakes i am from brazil.
  15. teshia
    Aug 30, 2021
    7
    Not bad but a mix of highs and lows. For me, I took no interest in the multiplayer, as I'm a big fan of Tie Fighter and X-Wing from the DOS days and was looking for a similar experience. Great cutscenes, good looking gameplay and a fun ride but on the down side the flying experience felt a bit sluggish and the keyboard and mouse control set feels a bit rough. Also, it's too short. INot bad but a mix of highs and lows. For me, I took no interest in the multiplayer, as I'm a big fan of Tie Fighter and X-Wing from the DOS days and was looking for a similar experience. Great cutscenes, good looking gameplay and a fun ride but on the down side the flying experience felt a bit sluggish and the keyboard and mouse control set feels a bit rough. Also, it's too short. I was experiencing an old school feel like maybe something where you could play through a rebel campaign of 15 missions and then 15 missions of imperial, kind of like with the original Command and Conquer. Playing both sides simultaneously was interesting but ultimately felt a bit unfocused. Interesting though. I think these guys should remake X-Wing and Tie Fighter together in one game where you can choose sides and then play through those campaigns. Those games are crying out for remasters.… Expand
  16. Draethorian
    Jun 17, 2023
    0
    Left the game when controls were complete garbage, returned to be confirmed that the rest is so too...
  17. philzlz
    Jan 13, 2023
    7
    While I enjoyed the music (of course) the characters were not interesting enough to hold my attention and missions felt too short and lacked in variety. You could change your ship before missions but this was unnecessary since the objectives were very similar.

    The graphics looked great, some backdrops with gigantic planets bursting apart looked impressive. Overall, a very mediocre    While I enjoyed the music (of course) the characters were not interesting enough to hold my attention and missions felt too short and lacked in variety. You could change your ship before missions but this was unnecessary since the objectives were very similar.

    The graphics looked great, some backdrops with gigantic planets bursting apart looked impressive. Overall, a very mediocre experience, more can be done with the Star Wars license.    … Expand
  18. Mobileum
    Nov 26, 2022
    6
    Took me some time to get use to the controls. I actually "mastered" it only for the last two missions. Beside that I think this game is a lot of hit and miss. I played entirely in VR with a Hotas joystick and some moments were just orgasmic. But EA miss a lot about immersion in that game and the woke stuff is just annoying. Honestly the female you play with the empire is the most annoyingTook me some time to get use to the controls. I actually "mastered" it only for the last two missions. Beside that I think this game is a lot of hit and miss. I played entirely in VR with a Hotas joystick and some moments were just orgasmic. But EA miss a lot about immersion in that game and the woke stuff is just annoying. Honestly the female you play with the empire is the most annoying character I've ever seen in a game. I don't know why they did that. You remove those lame characters and put regular Star Wars vilain, you give the ability to control the ship when leaving/reentering the hangar and it's an easy 8/10. Also they messed up the hyperspace effect, how can you mess that up ?

    I would recommend that game for a star wars fan and people that don't care about woke propaganda. You can have a lot of fun.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

77
#77 Best PC Game of 2020
24
#24 Most Discussed PC Game of 2020

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 48 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 48
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 48
  3. Negative: 0 out of 48
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jan 4, 2021
    80
    The one and only chance to be a space pilot in a galaxy far far away. Living and experiencing adrenaline filled dogfight is simply breathtaking. [Issue#307]
  2. CD-Action
    Dec 18, 2020
    70
    To put it simply, Star Wars: Squadrons is a low-budget X-Wing vs TIE Fighter II based off of Battlefront II’s space battles. I admit that I expected more, but after two decades we finally got a new Star Wars sim (leaning towards the arcade side, but still) and I did enjoy it. It looks and sounds like a Star Wars game should, and Motive’s successful effort to balance such dissimilar crafts as the X-Wing and the TIE Fighter is commendable. [12/2020, p.64]
  3. Riot Pixels
    Nov 21, 2020
    60
    There’s a good concept at the core of Star Wars: Squadrons, as flying a space fighter and managing its systems can be a lot of fun, however, you have to be a very dedicated Star Wars fan to enjoy a drab campaign with just a handful of memorable moments and watered-down multiplayer modes from Battlefront 2.
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