Star Wars: Squadrons

 PlayStation 4
User Score
5.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 393 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 161 out of 393
  2. Mixed: 87 out of 393
  3. Negative: 145 out of 393
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  1. sideshownate
    Aug 13, 2023
    2
    So much potential yet Ea can never do anything with it. They already struggled with air mechancics in previous games yet thought they could make a full game with it.
  2. Slipoch
    Feb 20, 2023
    2
    2023 review
    GFX : 5/10
    Gameplay: 3/10 Plot: 1/10 Enjoyment: 2/10 Terrible SP story - trite and cliche with nothing new to add, it also relies way too much on Star Wars nostalgia. Controls are woeful: Eschewing the standard flights systems you would get on craft with large back engines and minor thrusters for direction (pull back to lift the front of your ship). They locked down    2023 review
    GFX : 5/10
    Gameplay: 3/10
    Plot: 1/10
    Enjoyment: 2/10

    Terrible SP story - trite and cliche with nothing new to add, it also relies way too much on Star Wars nostalgia.

    Controls are woeful: Eschewing the standard flights systems you would get on craft with large back engines and minor thrusters for direction (pull back to lift the front of your ship). They locked down swapping these controls in particular yaw and turn to "make sure pc players didn't over dominate the console players". This is ignoring the weird layout of other controls and the fact that swapping pitch y doesn't swap the targeting indicators.

    Graphics are only ok. Star Citizen's first dogfight alpha looked way better and that was ages ago. The sense of size changes as you play with destroyers seeming huge one minute, but corvettes seeming small, then with the star destroyers seeming fairly small. You will also notice size-popping, where all of a sudden a model will change to a higher-quality model suddenly, this is one part of why size seems variable.

    Gameplay has numerous issues (even in 2023) - with dodgy collision detection, lag artifacts (for even minor latency) and inconsistent gameplay (hey do this action to do this specific task, then do the exact same thing for a different task which has different results later). Matchmaking still pits noobs against seasoned teams

    overall a pretty boring game, with deliberately difficult controls and poor UI, poor story and old graphics.    … Expand
  3. johnsonbrown
    Jun 10, 2022
    0
    Terrible game with political propaganda. This game feels like it was written by and for diversity hires.
  4. Smalhanz
    Jun 4, 2022
    1
    Not even close to the original xwing vs tie. Fighter. Multiplayer is horrible, squad command is bad, and no mission editior like the original had. Consolified crap.
  5. Kreveta
    Mar 31, 2022
    1
    Game is average. Campaign is a bit boring, flying the ship doesnt have good feeling. But the worst is that you cant finish the story. In mission 9 there is a bug which have most people. Black screen error while loading mission. It is known for 3 years but the deceloper did nothing to repair it.
  6. Selway
    Jan 9, 2022
    0
    I really love this genre. But after this game, I sincerely hope that developers will never make games again. It's horrible. Everything is bad. Broken gameplay after 1.5 years. Disgusting storyline. It is better not to do the company at all if you do it this way.
  7. JheredParnell
    Dec 5, 2021
    4
    Showed promise but has very poor mouse/keyboard controls. It is like the joystick programming was used for the mouse. Battlefield (any) and War thunder do so much better at mouse/keyboard than this game.
  8. PanHombre
    Dec 1, 2021
    0
    It’s giant bag of **** on fire, it’s unbelievable how much that sweeden **** can devastate star wars title. It have ONLY SIX SHIPS!! look at star wars universe, there is hundreds of ships and who know what more.
    Your squad on both sides imperium/rebels is horribly annoying, both squads are assembled from: gays, trans and lesbians that can saz nothin more than: I aM lEsBiAn/GaY/TrAnS lOoK    It’s giant bag of **** on fire, it’s unbelievable how much that sweeden **** can devastate star wars title. It have ONLY SIX SHIPS!! look at star wars universe, there is hundreds of ships and who know what more.
    Your squad on both sides imperium/rebels is horribly annoying, both squads are assembled from: gays, trans and lesbians that can saz nothin more than: I aM lEsBiAn/GaY/TrAnS lOoK aT mE i NeEd YoUr AtTeNtIoN bla bla bla...
    And story is just garbage...    … Expand
  9. watchoutch02
    Nov 22, 2021
    0
    I got it for free with ps plus. It's boring, repetitive, mechanics are slow and not intuitive...and the icing on the cake: it's full of sjw characters.
    Thumbs down.
  10. AndyInfin
    Oct 4, 2021
    0
    Absolutely boring & repetative. Not recommended to anyone. This is where they need to pay you to play this game, not the opposite.
  11. madterps
    Sep 24, 2021
    3
    This game controls like a tank. Unfortunately alot of it just sucks, because it seems very unresponsive to Dual Shock controls, I dont remember games like Ace Combat this bad.
  12. alexslork
    Aug 17, 2021
    1
    If you play random like every other multiplayer game. You will get beaten down by premade teams of players who know each other.
  13. das_dennis
    Aug 5, 2021
    4
    maybe its because games like this are not my favorite genre but i m not really happy with this game - feels like youre not really involved - it doesnt really matter how you perform - the graphics are not special - it never felt like action its always like watching it from far instead of flying fighting yourself
  14. razoom
    Jul 31, 2021
    0
    Do not belive the 79 score, it is not even around 5.5 by only fans of star wars, the fair score is 0.5, and this 5 only for star wars universe, which is been **** by everyone who can offer good money, thank you very much jorje lucas. The only reason why i played this piece of **** it"s because it was ps store free on june or july. I can only imagine how people, who payed real money, isDo not belive the 79 score, it is not even around 5.5 by only fans of star wars, the fair score is 0.5, and this 5 only for star wars universe, which is been **** by everyone who can offer good money, thank you very much jorje lucas. The only reason why i played this piece of **** it"s because it was ps store free on june or july. I can only imagine how people, who payed real money, is feeling) Sorry for you guys.… Expand
  15. bucklavaa
    Jul 18, 2021
    4
    The characters are either black or female. I am a white male. What a discriminatory game. I am so offended.
  16. MoreBiscuits
    Jun 24, 2021
    3
    Boring and dull for the average user. Maybe accomplished dog fighters could find some enjoyment here but for the most it lacks any reason to play.
  17. Kroverz
    Jun 16, 2021
    2
    At first, the game is interesting, but later the gameplay becomes boring, since you, besides just sitting in a spaceship and shooting at other players, can do nothing else.
  18. jethro102677
    Jun 11, 2021
    0
    I started this game only because it was free on PS plus and I quickly found out why. This game is absolute trash. I can't even comment on the story and how bad it is, not that anything like that surprises me from EA, and I couldn't get past about 15 minutes of playing. For me it's the controls, which are 99% of a flying type game and they are absolutely the worst! You throttle down andI started this game only because it was free on PS plus and I quickly found out why. This game is absolute trash. I can't even comment on the story and how bad it is, not that anything like that surprises me from EA, and I couldn't get past about 15 minutes of playing. For me it's the controls, which are 99% of a flying type game and they are absolutely the worst! You throttle down and yet somehow turn slower than when at max throttle. You leave the throttle at mid for normal maneuverability, and yet you still slow down and randomly speed up in turns. yeah have fun aiming with that mess. The only thing positive about this game is that it's free now, it's nostalgic star wars, and it works with VR if you have it, which I don't. Honestly I don't know how EA even stays in business with the trash they continue to churn out. Pay attention the user reviews. This is another EA money grab and frankly the so called critics should be ashamed anyone gave it over 50. I suppose the cash tentacles of EA reach all over even so called critics.

    But please ignore the ridiculous people whining about identity politics because they can't play a whiter person. Inclusivity is the only thing they got right about this game.    … Expand
  19. SoakerCity
    Jun 2, 2021
    2
    Very poor graphics, boring gameplay, simplistic everything. The writing is ABYSMAL. Its just not fun. Sort of challenging ( I played it on veteran), but just doesn't feel right. Very woke, as well. Just not a good game. Felt like it was for under 12 children. Felt like a PS 2 game. Boring story mode.
  20. Skydog
    Jun 1, 2021
    0
    One of the worst Star Wars games ever made. Who makes a star fighter game and leaves it as first person only? Trash...
    Can’t believe EA can get by with a poorly made game like this but everyone bashes cyberpunk when this **** is no better!
  21. Windolicker
    Apr 9, 2021
    0
    All I needed to do was watch the trailer for the game; I discovered that finding a white man in it was much like playing a game of Where's Waldo. That pretty much tells me everything I need to know about this title: it is made by people who aren't outside of the box thinkers, they are followers that go with the crowd, and they will deliver a sub par game that may be worth playing for a fewAll I needed to do was watch the trailer for the game; I discovered that finding a white man in it was much like playing a game of Where's Waldo. That pretty much tells me everything I need to know about this title: it is made by people who aren't outside of the box thinkers, they are followers that go with the crowd, and they will deliver a sub par game that may be worth playing for a few days at most. Personally, I am not going to give money to any company that thinks that I am evil because of my skin color. Thanks.… Expand
  22. Undead_Corsair
    Apr 8, 2021
    3
    TLDR: Bland campaign, sluggish gameplay, underwhelming online, unimpressive graphics and sound.

    Basically it's a shame. I thought this game might be a step in the right direction but it really hasn't impressed me. I've been a long-time fan of space and flight combat games like Colony Wars, Ace Combat, and the old SW Starfighter game on PS2. And I'm a long-time Star Wars fan. I really    TLDR: Bland campaign, sluggish gameplay, underwhelming online, unimpressive graphics and sound.

    Basically it's a shame. I thought this game might be a step in the right direction but it really hasn't impressed me. I've been a long-time fan of space and flight combat games like Colony Wars, Ace Combat, and the old SW Starfighter game on PS2. And I'm a long-time Star Wars fan. I really enjoyed Starfighter Assault in Dice's SW Battlefront 2 as well, it just should've gotten more content.

    Squadrons though just ain't it. The campaign is not remotely interesting, about as mediocre as the Battlefront 2 campaign, and that's no surprise as Motive was responsible for both. The highlight was seeing Hera from Rebels, but even she lacks the life and character she had in the show.

    As for gameplay, the controls might have depth and complexity, but that doesn't make them feel good. This is not a very accessible game, even for someone like myself who has a fair bit of experience with other games in the genre. The piloting controls just feel sluggish, loose and imprecise. Banking, turning, pitching, rolling, accelerating/braking, none of it feels responsive enough, and this makes hitting small moving targets frustratingly difficult. This is all worsened by always being locked into first person perspective, with your field of view restricted things just feel more cumbersome and claustrophobic. It may be more immersive for some, and I know this game was made with VR in mind, but the lack of a third person view is a big turn-off for me.

    I will say Motive played with some interesting ideas for the mechanics, like managing the power systems of your fighter, adjusting deflector shield positioning, and boosting and drifting. These ideas have potential, but the unpleasant basic controls for steering your craft always overshadow the interesting tactical options that could be offered by the deeper mechanics. The customisation on offer though is very welcome.

    Then there's online, it's dominated by people who are really into the game. That's not surprising, but with all matches being 5v5 (that's less than half the number of players you could have in a full Starfighter match in Battlefront 2) things can definitely feel very one-sided. And with the small player count in a match these space battles often feel pretty sparse and empty, there aren't enough extra AI enemies to make things feel bigger. These dogfights amount to small skirmishes, not epic fleet battles.

    And then the presentation. The graphics are definitely worse than Battlefront 2's, there's just less detail and polish in general. The cockpits look nice, but the space outside, not great. Unfortunately I think because of the prioritisation of VR, visual fidelity has been sacrificed. If you have VR it might be very impressive, but for the average Joe like myself playing games on his TV it feels a little lacking. The effects for explosions and laser fire also just lack the impact of previous games or the old movies. Part of that is also down to the sound design, it just lacks the kick of Ben Burtt's work on the original films.

    Overall I'm just sad I couldn't get into this game. I love Star Wars, I love starfighters, I love flight combat games, Squadrons should've been a winner for me, but it missed the mark on basically every aspect. Clunky controls and lacklustre story and online just hold it all back. I feel bad for being so harsh on a game that doesn't pull any of the microtransaction and live-service nonsense that's become so ubiquitous, but I'm not going to congratulate anyone for doing the bare minimum to appear consumer-friendly. That's basically what recent Star Wars games have been all about anyway.

    Here's hoping the formation of Lucasfilm Games leads to some more impressive stuff, and hopefully it won't be another decade before we see a new starfighter game. Games are built on hope.    … Expand
  23. Thaloc
    Mar 26, 2021
    0
    The main issue with this game is the new player experience, which can best be described as awful. There is a very steep and long learning curve with the flight control mechanics. It takes a lot of time to master so as long as you enjoy dying over, and over, and over very quickly with no short or medium term enjoyment then this is the game for you. If your the sort of person who wants toThe main issue with this game is the new player experience, which can best be described as awful. There is a very steep and long learning curve with the flight control mechanics. It takes a lot of time to master so as long as you enjoy dying over, and over, and over very quickly with no short or medium term enjoyment then this is the game for you. If your the sort of person who wants to enjoy a game straight out of the box then avoid.... seriously!… Expand
  24. Draxonfly
    Feb 24, 2021
    2
    The single player was ok, the story kept you playing.. Multi-player just blows hard, horrible.

    Was so looking forward to this game, but was so disappointed in it.. If it was more like the battlefront flying part of that game, it would of been awesome.. but its not so it kinda just sucks...
  25. AstroM42
    Feb 2, 2021
    0
    bad game, no clear hinds how to play and confusing. It's really not fun to play, DO NOT BUY THIS
  26. DaveAus
    Jan 2, 2021
    0
    While a great idea in theory, its execution of a Star Wars space fighter game is terrible.
    There is no grand campaign or custom sandbox or couch co-op. It's a very short linear game.
    The characters are unlikable and certain choices were made with them clearly at the last minute which hurts their development as it feels so unnatural and forced.

    Next time let us make our own character.
  27. Niceum
    Jan 1, 2021
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. You fly around and shoot stuff. Zipping to and fro your enemy. It's terrible.… Expand
  28. Master_KayOz
    Dec 27, 2020
    1
    Controls for HOTAS are all over the place, showing key numbers that don't exist. Trying to set features to certain keys by mouse changes control layout to keyboard/mouse. It's basically impossible to remap joystick controls in the menu - so I simply cannot play. How can you botch flight controls so badly?! Throttle is inverted and located on a tiny slider ON my friggin THROTTLE whichControls for HOTAS are all over the place, showing key numbers that don't exist. Trying to set features to certain keys by mouse changes control layout to keyboard/mouse. It's basically impossible to remap joystick controls in the menu - so I simply cannot play. How can you botch flight controls so badly?! Throttle is inverted and located on a tiny slider ON my friggin THROTTLE which doesn't do a thing!!! You had ONE job - and you blew it… Expand
  29. JGM_Reviews
    Dec 15, 2020
    4
    This game had a phenomenal amount of potential to place you in the thick of your dream Star Wars scenario; instead, it’s a constant struggle to ignore the weak, ineffectual characters who were clearly designed by committee as opposed to any sort of unified (or single) vision. This is before we even get onto the redundant customisation, buggy action and convoluted controls...

    Firstly on    This game had a phenomenal amount of potential to place you in the thick of your dream Star Wars scenario; instead, it’s a constant struggle to ignore the weak, ineffectual characters who were clearly designed by committee as opposed to any sort of unified (or single) vision. This is before we even get onto the redundant customisation, buggy action and convoluted controls...

    Firstly on the characters, there appears to have been a deliberate attempt to avoid making anyone truly good or evil, and it’s totally fine to blur this line as long as the characters themselves are charismatic in some manner (they aren’t). Every single crew member is both bored and boring in their role within the story. It feels more like taking part in space battles with some corporate office colleagues on a “fun” work day out, as opposed to a crew of experienced and battle-hardened ace pilots. The game has managed to make the entire cast very diverse AND YET all somehow the exact same in terms of personality, to the point that everyone is absolutely forgettable - a bunch of mild-mannered, polite, quietly spoken jobsworths. I PLAY GAMES TO ESCAPE THESE PEOPLE!

    Onto the gameplay itself, which is brilliant...sometimes...under certain circumstances...I think. It certainly feels great sitting in the cockpit and looking around, and when the action is light it all feels controlled and slick. However, as soon as multiple enemies turn up, it descends into an anarchic blend of thrashing around, trying in vain to cycle through enemies and bumping into things whilst the voiceovers shout the same pointless drivel over and over. The controls probably feel great with a keyboard and mouse, but on a PS4 controller it’s more of a lucky combination of button-mashing / praying. I also witnessed a fair amount of ships stalling and glitching, and the game itself crashed on me once or twice after just a couple of missions.

    Finally, I was really, REALLY looking forward to customising my own character and my ship, but the game renders this fun bit of personalisation totally useless, since the entire experience is first-person - I’ll never get to peek around the ship or look into the cockpit, gutted!

    If I could, I’d get a refund on this game, but since I have already missed that window of opportunity I will instead trudge through the remaining missions, imagining I’m surrounded by charismatic heroes and villains instead of my usual 9-5 coworkers in jumpsuits...and I’ll be sticking it on Story Mode to get through it ASAP.

    Swing and a miss. Don’t let the glowing official reviews fool you on this one.    … Expand
  30. Yegwen
    Dec 11, 2020
    3
    Most missions come down to chasing enemy fighters. And all the cool cinematic moments happen in pre-rendered cinematic, so it feels like you've been enlisted as the pilot for the most boring parts of the campaign. I regret the purchase.
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Awards & Rankings

64
#64 Best PS4 Game of 2020
30
#30 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2020

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 50 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 50
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 50
  3. Negative: 0 out of 50
  1. Game World Navigator Magazine
    Nov 18, 2020
    73
    Moderately hardcore, a tad nostalgic, devoid of AAA luster, but engaging nonetheless – Squadrons is a nice choice for those who miss Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance. [Issue#249, p.56]
  2. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Nov 15, 2020
    80
    It’s the game PS VR was made for; dogfighting is fast and nuanced, but it’s the physical act of sitting inside some of the Star Wars universe’s most iconic cockpits that never fails to impress. [Issue#181, p.84]
  3. GameCritics
    Nov 10, 2020
    80
    While Squadrons has likely already come and gone for those who can’t experience it as its best, I can’t overstate just how vital it is for Star Wars fans fortunate enough to play in VR. This is arguably the first productive thing EA has done with the Star Wars franchise — I don’t know what took them so long, but I hope it’s a sign of things to come.
    Read full review
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