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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. relaxus
    Mar 19, 2023
    7
    Great cinematics. Story is alright. Gameplay could use a little polish. Still an enjoyable experience.
  2. TheQuietGamer
    Jan 3, 2021
    6
    At some point or another every Star Wars fan has wondered what it would be like to pilot one of the series' iconic starfighters. While there have been plenty of games over the years dedicated to letting you take control of the galaxy far, far away's most notable ships, few have done so with the same level of immersion as Squadrons. With it's highly detailed cockpits and plethora of HUDAt some point or another every Star Wars fan has wondered what it would be like to pilot one of the series' iconic starfighters. While there have been plenty of games over the years dedicated to letting you take control of the galaxy far, far away's most notable ships, few have done so with the same level of immersion as Squadrons. With it's highly detailed cockpits and plethora of HUD options that allow you to turn the experience into a borderline flight simulator should you please, this is the first time players can feel like they're actually sitting in a X-wing or TIE fighter. Particularly if they have VR. However, while a ton of work clearly went into ensuring that piloting feels both authentic and believable, a lack of content means that there isn't enough here to keep players engaged long-term or compliment the amount of depth you can find in the complex systems underneath the hull.

    If you're looking to get familiar with the mechanics before jumping into the competitive scene, the single-player campaign is where you're going to want to start as it does a great job of teaching you the various ins and outs of each ship. Unfortunately, that's about all it's good for as while there are a few neat ideas here and there their implementation feels half-baked, making it impossible to hide the fact that it's just a glorified eight-and-a-half hour tutorial at best. Then there are the narrative and writing deficiencies...

    Squadrons' story mode tries to sell you on the feeling of being the newest addition to a tight-knit fighter squad by letting you make your own pilot and interact with your AI teammates in-between missions. Your customization options are limited to a handful of pre-made faces though that don't even give you the choice of every race for each gender and conversations with other characters are one-sided affairs where they talk at you because your avatar never speaks. Your battle buddies aren't the most interesting bunch either. They, along with the plot, feel rather inconsequential and small-scale compared to those in the other games you can find in Disney's new EU.

    That's not to say there aren't some positives. I did appreciate seeing some of the more creative alien species fill lead roles rather than just being used as mere window dressing like they would anywhere else in the franchise, and getting to witness the conflict from the perspectives of both the Empire and the New Republic was a breath of fresh air. In fact, I'd say it's the mission structure that really brings the offline portion of the package down. With few exceptions every stage plays out exactly the same way with you awkwardly flying around in circles trying to target enemy fighters before destroying a bigger ship or two after they're all gone. It's a very noticeable loop that not even the beautiful space environments can hide.

    Multiplayer fares a bit better. Matches provide the kind of arcade style aerial dogfighting action I had hoped for in Battlefront II, while still allowing the depth and intricacies of the flight and combat systems to shine through. Which is why it's such a shame it doesn't offer more to do. There are only two modes. One a standard 5v5 team deathmatch and the other an objective based battle where the goal is to rack up enough kills to get a shot at the opposing side's flagships. Both are fun, but given that's all there is the game has a serious issue with longevity. Something that isn't helped by a shallow progression system that allows you to craft an ideal loadout for your playstyle early on that you'll never need to change, leaving you with nothing but cosmetics you don't even really get to see while playing due to the first-person perspective to chase from then on out. It gets old far too quickly.

    I can't heap enough praise on how good it feels to fly these much loved Star Wars vehicles. I just wish there had been a bigger game built around them. With so little content I can't help but wonder if this might not have been better off as a virtual reality exclusive, as due to the relative newness of the technology VR has been able to get away with delivering products that are more experience over substance. On hardware where we've come to expect a bit more, Squadrons simply fails to deliver enough to demand consumer's attention no matter how close it comes to delivering the fan base's dream starfighter game. It does at least provide an incredible foundation for EA and developer Motive Studios to build on.

    6.5/10    … Expand
  3. TJD2
    Jun 5, 2021
    6
    Although Squadrons is a fun arcade cockpit-style experience, the VR is nauseating after around 30 minutes of gameplay. There is also not much to be had in the way of actual plot. Follow your Squad leader and listen to him ramble while destroying enemy fighters or switching between power diverting is all players really do here.
  4. Empyrea
    Sep 12, 2021
    6
    I've only played the campaign but and I don't think this game would deserve more than a 7. Much better the Battlefronts than this game or the Fallen Order. It's a totally skippable game although the more I played the more I liked it. At theginning sometimes it felt a bit repetitive and boring. About graphics they are good but about dialogues they should have put some sentences moreI've only played the campaign but and I don't think this game would deserve more than a 7. Much better the Battlefronts than this game or the Fallen Order. It's a totally skippable game although the more I played the more I liked it. At theginning sometimes it felt a bit repetitive and boring. About graphics they are good but about dialogues they should have put some sentences more together. Sometimes I found short innecessary silence moments betwen some sentences. I just hope that some day they make a good rpg about the star wars world because I think that would be awesome and lots of people would buy it. The campaign probably took me about 8 hours or so.… Expand
  5. Radam64
    Oct 7, 2020
    6
    This game is made for VR. The flying is very slow and so is the aiming, it's like piloting a space boat in the mud. It's okay and easy in the single player mode but online it's frustrating as hell trying to chase people around because turning is so slow. It's a great VR game but a very shallow console game.
  6. Calamity10
    Oct 4, 2020
    6
    I'm enjoying the campaign so far though it's nothing to write home about, the gameplay is where it shines, the controls of the ships is great and is really immersive, I wish I could play this in VR as I feel my experience would improve dramatically. the multiplayer is pretty good too though I do feel it's a little light of features, I would like more customisable features and skins forI'm enjoying the campaign so far though it's nothing to write home about, the gameplay is where it shines, the controls of the ships is great and is really immersive, I wish I could play this in VR as I feel my experience would improve dramatically. the multiplayer is pretty good too though I do feel it's a little light of features, I would like more customisable features and skins for your ships and I hope they add these things later on which seems likely as there is skins already locked for the next operation. hopefully this is something that can be improved overtime and I would recommend it only if you’re a die hard star wars fan, for £34 on the ps store, its not too bad but I would search for cheaper prices else where or wait for it to go on sale.… Expand
  7. Glemial
    Jun 15, 2021
    6
    I had a lot of fun in the main story, but after that, there is not too much to do. The multiplayer has only 2 game modes and become boring after a few matches. Even the customization in this game is trash, with nothing interesting on it. If you like star wars and flight games give it a try for the story mode, but if you aren't that person, don't even think of buy this game.
  8. waterfall148
    Oct 3, 2020
    6
    gameplay:8.5
    story:6
    characters:3
    multiplayer: 8
    content: 5

    overall: 6
  9. jordo32
    Jun 14, 2021
    6
    This is one of EA's better SW products, but it is not without flaws (and good god there are flaws). If you're getting this game mainly for the single-player campaign and plan on playing 0 hours of multiplayer, kindly go back to playing X-wing.

    The campaign is about 6-8 hours long, likely because the devs want you to primarily play the multiplayer. Even though the writing of the campaign    This is one of EA's better SW products, but it is not without flaws (and good god there are flaws). If you're getting this game mainly for the single-player campaign and plan on playing 0 hours of multiplayer, kindly go back to playing X-wing.

    The campaign is about 6-8 hours long, likely because the devs want you to primarily play the multiplayer. Even though the writing of the campaign is iffy, it does have some decent moments that SW fans would very much appreciate. However, once you finish the campaign, you will likely wish for more out of it due to its short length.

    Unless you have a group of friends to play the multiplayer with, it is best left untouched.    … Expand
  10. zzZZZzzzzZZz
    Jan 6, 2021
    5
    Невыносимая тоска, ужасная графика, отсутствие харизматиков, вокруг одни говорящие титульно куклы, геймплей однообразен, конфликт сюжета высосан из пальца, номинальный, ходульный. Да ВСЁ здесь номинально. От ВР никаких ощущений погружения. Челюсть от зевков сломать можно. Даже не проходняк - ниже среднего. Так плохо, что её короткий сингл даже в зачёт идёт. Ощущение от сюжета, диалогов,Невыносимая тоска, ужасная графика, отсутствие харизматиков, вокруг одни говорящие титульно куклы, геймплей однообразен, конфликт сюжета высосан из пальца, номинальный, ходульный. Да ВСЁ здесь номинально. От ВР никаких ощущений погружения. Челюсть от зевков сломать можно. Даже не проходняк - ниже среднего. Так плохо, что её короткий сингл даже в зачёт идёт. Ощущение от сюжета, диалогов, геймплея - будто всё к тебе параллельно, а ты как в дымке или за стеклом и всё медленно проплывает, не фиксируясь сознанием. / Играл на PS4VR… Expand
  11. kylocosplay
    Dec 14, 2020
    5
    El juego podría haber sido mucho mejor, la campaña está bien pero algo repetitiva, el multijugador entretenido pero con muy pocos modos de juego. Los escenarios están increíbles y muy bien ambientados aunque podrían haberlo aprovechado mejor. La personalización de ambos bandos está aceptable con muchos guiños a lo largo de la saga.
  12. BoostOrDie
    Nov 4, 2020
    5
    It is not what i expected. Quite dull cosmosim. Al you do it chase the bloody target. When you aqure it in view you have 2-3 seconds to shoot then he flyes pass you (behind you) you start searching again, get target in view and 2-3 sec for shooting then everytnig repeats and this is over and over and over again...
  13. Mikeuk81
    Oct 7, 2020
    5
    I wanted to love this game, unfortunately, it's just a rather shallow experience. If you're looking for a modern X-Wing vs Tie fighter you will be disappointed but if you're looking for an arcadey type' flight sim' you will love it.

    If you're after a quick blast with low skill ceiling game then you will probably enjoy it, I'm more of a hardcore flight sim fan so found it lacking. I    I wanted to love this game, unfortunately, it's just a rather shallow experience. If you're looking for a modern X-Wing vs Tie fighter you will be disappointed but if you're looking for an arcadey type' flight sim' you will love it.

    If you're after a quick blast with low skill ceiling game then you will probably enjoy it, I'm more of a hardcore flight sim fan so found it lacking. I appreciate the developers trying something 'new' and understand why they went the route they did, but hopefully, they will bring us a true successor to the X-Wing/tie fighter games of old    … Expand
  14. Heretic38
    Oct 11, 2020
    5
    As a huge fan of X-Wing vs Tie Fighter, I had great expectations. This game looks and sounds really well done as a AAA (is it one?) title should look and sound like. Also it makes really fun. I can´t comment on the VR experience but I read it´s fantastic. The campaign part is quite boring and uninspired but i was more looking forward to the multiplayer part which is fun.
    Other than that    As a huge fan of X-Wing vs Tie Fighter, I had great expectations. This game looks and sounds really well done as a AAA (is it one?) title should look and sound like. Also it makes really fun. I can´t comment on the VR experience but I read it´s fantastic. The campaign part is quite boring and uninspired but i was more looking forward to the multiplayer part which is fun.
    Other than that the whole game feels like a mini game with the lack of content and options. EA already stated that there will be no DLC so this explains the low price... I would recommend all players to test it first and make your own thoughts if you really need this great "mini game".    … Expand
  15. Unicron666
    Oct 8, 2020
    5
    The game itself is enjoyable and fun, with vr it's is amazing!! The story and characters, however are awful. I rarely skip past story scenes but this was just plain rubbish, I lost all interest with the story quite early in and from what I've heard of the rest, I'm quite happy I did so. It's a shame that we had such an enjoyable game ruined by bad writing
  16. SirGoose
    Oct 4, 2020
    5
    Pretty enough and a great VR experience. The gameplay is fresh, kind of a MOBA feel to it. It claims to support HOTAS but it does so very poorly. You will likely have a nightmare of a time making it work right if you can at all. Flight mechanics are pretty poor. This is not a space sim. It is Overwatch in X-Wings. That's not bad, just not what I feel was advertised.
  17. Yozays
    Oct 15, 2020
    5
    Wonderful game. High skill ceiling and fun mechanics. Also increases enjoyment of ship scenes when watching the movies! Cheaper than most games too! Best played in VR.
  18. JoeMama2917
    Nov 3, 2020
    5
    I got this game on sale and its ok. Nothing too ground breaking but it's fun. Graphics are on point for 2020 gaming. The story is weak with poor writing and dialogue. Gameplay can be pretty fun, controlling your starfighter is cool but lacks depth. If you can get this game for less than 30 bucks, I'd say give it a go.
  19. jackthemc
    Dec 11, 2020
    5
    I'm updating my review because I actually ended up enjoying this game considering the $20 I paid for it. The controls are bizarre (Why this doesn't use a single stick to steer when it shows cutscenes of pilots steering with a single stick, I will never know) but I eventually got used to them, and a masterpiece this is not, but maybe this a fun three hours that you can have if you'reI'm updating my review because I actually ended up enjoying this game considering the $20 I paid for it. The controls are bizarre (Why this doesn't use a single stick to steer when it shows cutscenes of pilots steering with a single stick, I will never know) but I eventually got used to them, and a masterpiece this is not, but maybe this a fun three hours that you can have if you're looking to scratch a Star Wars itch like I was.… Expand
  20. Slickrdm
    Aug 4, 2021
    5
    If you. Starwars fan and always wanted to bop into an x wing or tie fighter well this is the best simulated experience out there. Not sure in pancake gaming but in PSVR with a HOTAS flight stick snd throttle it was absolutely breath taking.

    Multi-player is jaw droppingly fun. The game mechanics are sound and well thought out. They do not inherit the clunkiness of other games that tried    If you. Starwars fan and always wanted to bop into an x wing or tie fighter well this is the best simulated experience out there. Not sure in pancake gaming but in PSVR with a HOTAS flight stick snd throttle it was absolutely breath taking.

    Multi-player is jaw droppingly fun. The game mechanics are sound and well thought out. They do not inherit the clunkiness of other games that tried space dog fighting before ie battlefront. The ability to role play from support to attack or defense is well balanced. This game would get 6/6 if i could give it.

    This made my childhood come alive and swallow the experience whole and had me begging for a 2nd plate.    … Expand
  21. samuel426
    Jun 21, 2022
    5
    Otro juego de la franquicia Star Wars de la mano de Electronic Arts, esta vez centrado en el combate aéreo, tanto con naves de la nueva república como del imperio. Partiendo que este estilo de jugabilidad no es de las que más me seduce, debo decir que el juego me ha decepcionado bastante, salvando claro esta el apartado técnico. La historia es pobre y aburrida, no hay personajesOtro juego de la franquicia Star Wars de la mano de Electronic Arts, esta vez centrado en el combate aéreo, tanto con naves de la nueva república como del imperio. Partiendo que este estilo de jugabilidad no es de las que más me seduce, debo decir que el juego me ha decepcionado bastante, salvando claro esta el apartado técnico. La historia es pobre y aburrida, no hay personajes memorables, la jugabilidad es repetitiva hasta la saciedad; cuando iba a mitad de juego solo deseaba que se terminase. Siento que le falta variedad jugable, como si me la dio en su día Star Wars Rebel Assault II, que combinaba el duelo aéreo y el shooter. Un juego muy olvidable.… Expand
  22. Giero
    Jan 4, 2023
    5
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  23. Harthik69
    Jul 9, 2023
    5
    Average Game. You can play for couple of Hrs. But not that greate. Ok to play in future just to experiecne nostalgia
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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.
  27. 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.
  28. cloudyHaze
    Oct 6, 2020
    3
    I wanted a deep flight combat game all i got was a 20 minute time killer. Im gonna start of light and work my way down to the biggest offence. Man was excited for this. Dont waste your money. “Deep” gameplay is deep for mobile gamers maybe lol. “Oh look u can divert power its deep” lolol. Doesnt even feel like star wars, characters look like they came out of a fashion magazine...and whyI wanted a deep flight combat game all i got was a 20 minute time killer. Im gonna start of light and work my way down to the biggest offence. Man was excited for this. Dont waste your money. “Deep” gameplay is deep for mobile gamers maybe lol. “Oh look u can divert power its deep” lolol. Doesnt even feel like star wars, characters look like they came out of a fashion magazine...and why arent storm troopers wearing their helmets wtf. I wanna be in a room full of storm troopers etc not in some high school drama parading with a light star wars skin on it. Skipped all the hanger parts as the characters and story are a waste of my time and nothing but cringe. A lot of the characters voice actors sound like they came from a children's cartoon and it really breaks the immersion during gameplay. Don't even get me started on the dialogue. I was hoping for the gameplay to be amazeballs thats why i bought this but my god am i disappointed...the way you track ships is horrid theres no options like in battlefield 3 to look where your opponent is while turning by locking on. Dont have VR? Good luck seeing whos going anywhere, most of the time you will be flying aimlessly. The way throttle works is also stupid as hell. All imperial ships suck. The Tie Fighter is a joke you cant see a god damned thing peripherally so have fun lolol. All in all i was gonna get vr for this and a joystick. Now i wish id saved $55 Cad. Disney and EA were made for each other. Star Wars is dead. P.S maps suck.… Expand
  29. gamer_boy
    Oct 4, 2020
    3
    Very poor story with completely unforgettable characters. I’ve been a HUGE Star Wars fan for over 40 years, but they have lost their way. Can’t take anymore of the SJW being crammed down our throats. Star Wars was always inclusive and diverse, WAY before it was fashionable to be, now it’s just over the top and this game is the epitome of it. Aside from that, the story is boring, the gameVery poor story with completely unforgettable characters. I’ve been a HUGE Star Wars fan for over 40 years, but they have lost their way. Can’t take anymore of the SJW being crammed down our throats. Star Wars was always inclusive and diverse, WAY before it was fashionable to be, now it’s just over the top and this game is the epitome of it. Aside from that, the story is boring, the game play is SOOOO weak, I was hoping for a Rogue Squadron experience, but this isn’t even close. Should have been 3rd person view not 1st, the controls are a mess and with everything that’s going on, it feels like you need a PhD to use them at times. Graphics look pretty good, but that’s about the only positive. Severely disappointed in this game, I’d much rather hook up my N64 or game cube and play through the Rogue Squadron games, or even play the Starfighter Assult missions on the Battlefront games. Both are superior to the mess that Squadrons is.… 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.
Page:

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
See all critic reviews »