Star Wars: Squadrons

The story of Star Wars: Squadrons receives mixed praise, with several critics highlighting its engaging narrative structure and respectful approach to the Star Wars universe. IGN Spain notes that the campaign explores both Imperial and Rebel perspectives, offering insight into characters’ motivations, while Jeuxvideo.com appreciates its balanced portrayal of the New Republic and Empire without simplistic morality. Xbox Tavern and Road to VR praise the story as immersive and Worth Playing through, with the latter calling it a “well-crafted” eight-hour experience. Some reviewers, like Cultured Vultures and MondoXbox, commend the narrative’s ability to blend new characters with familiar lore, creating an engaging, if not groundbreaking, tale. The dual-pilot perspective and cinematic cutscenes also receive nods for adding depth, as seen in the praise from Xbox Achievements and PC Games, which highlight the story’s focus on space combat and character backstories. However, the majority of critics criticize the story for its lack of originality, emotional depth, and narrative ambition. Riot Pixels and Game Revolution describe the plot as uninteresting and derivative, with characters that fail to resonate. Gamer.nl and GameMAG point out that the campaign feels like a tutorial for multiplayer, with weak storytelling and minimal player agency. The silent protagonist trope is frequently criticized, with Destructoid and Generación Xbox noting how it hinders immersion and character development. Additionally, many reviewers, including Trusted Reviews and Wccftech, argue that the narrative relies heavily on exposition and lacks meaningful moral dilemmas or plot twists. Repetitive missions and a short runtime further detract from the experience, as highlighted by GameCritics and PCGamesN, who describe it as “underwhelming” and “lackluster.” Overall, the consensus leans toward the story being a functional but unremarkable addition to the Star Wars franchise. While some critics, like Player 2 and Malditos Nerds, appreciate its engaging characters and cinematic moments, the majority view it as a serviceable setup for multiplayer rather than a standalone narrative. The campaign’s strengths—such as its exploration of post-Endor conflicts and dual-perspective storytelling—are often overshadowed by its lack of depth and repetitive structure. As noted by VG247 and Atomix, it serves its purpose as a tutorial but fails to leave a lasting impact on the Star Wars mythos. Despite mixed reactions, the story is generally seen as a competent but unambitious effort that prioritizes gameplay over narrative innovation.

The gameplay of Star Wars: Squadrons is widely praised for its engaging flight mechanics, ship customization, and immersive combat experiences. Critics highlight the game’s ability to balance arcade-style action with simulation depth, offering players a rewarding experience whether they’re mastering power distribution systems or executing complex maneuvers. GameSpot notes the “mix of arcade-style and simulator elements,” while IGN Italia emphasizes the “complex maneuvers and power management” that make dogfights satisfying. The game’s focus on ship customization and varied roles—such as managing energy between weapons, shields, and engines—adds strategic layers, as noted by The Digital Fix and Atomix. Multiplayer modes like Dogfight and Fleet Battles are frequently lauded for their intensity and teamwork requirements, with We Got This Covered praising the “teamwork and strategy” in these modes. Additionally, the VR integration enhances immersion, as highlighted by AusGamers, who commend its “extra peripheral awareness.” Despite these strengths, several critics point to notable flaws. The single-player campaign is often criticized for being too easy or repetitive, with Riot Pixels noting it lacks engaging missions, while Game Over Online describes the scripted, linear nature of tasks. Multiplayer, though enjoyable, faces criticism for repetition and limited rewards, as PLAY! Zine points out issues with controller support and a “limited selection of ships.” Others, like Gamer.no, argue that the short campaign and sparse content detract from the experience, while Power Unlimited suggests the core mechanics—flying and shooting—can become fatiguing. Additionally, some reviewers, such as Push Square, find objectives “uninspiring,” and Game Over Online mentions recycled elements from older games. These critiques often center on pacing, variety, and depth in non-multiplayer modes. Overall, the majority of critics agree that Star Wars: Squadrons delivers a strong gameplay experience, with its flight mechanics, customization, and combat systems earning widespread acclaim. While some issues with repetition, campaign length, and ship selection are noted, these are often framed as minor drawbacks rather than deal-breakers. GameSpot and IGN Italia emphasize the game’s accessibility and depth, while TheGamer highlights its “infinite skill ceiling” and fun PvP focus. The consensus is that Squadrons succeeds in capturing the spirit of classic Star Wars dogfights while offering a modern, customizable experience. As Critical Hit notes, the balance between simulation and arcade elements, along with the emphasis on ship management, makes it a standout title for fans of space combat. Despite its flaws, the game’s strengths—particularly in multiplayer and mechanical design—secure its place as a compelling entry in the genre.

The majority of critics praised Star Wars: Squadrons for its strong visual design, with many highlighting its immersive and detailed presentation. The game’s use of the Frostbite 3 engine and Unreal Engine 4 (for PC) was frequently noted for delivering sharp, visually rich environments, from intricate cockpits to expansive space vistas. GameSpot lauded its retro-futuristic aesthetics and well-designed cockpits, while Cultured Vultures called it potentially the best-looking Star Wars game ever made. The VR experience stood out as a major highlight, with critics like GameSpew and Road to VR praising the immersive detail in ship interiors, dynamic lighting, and epic backdrops. Many also emphasized the faithful recreation of the Star Wars universe, with Game Informer noting that battles feel larger in scale in VR, and VG247 appreciating the "impressive textures and visual effects." The attention to detail in iconic ship designs and environments, such as the "breathtaking" cockpits mentioned by Trusted Reviews and the "gorgeous maps" of PCGamesN, further underscored the game’s technical strengths. However, several critics pointed out notable flaws, particularly in character models and textures. Gaming Nexus criticized the graphics as "decent but not stunning," with VR suffering from low resolution, while Riot Pixels described the visuals as "mediocre" due to poor character models and close-up objects. Gamer.no noted that some maps felt visually cluttered, hindering gameplay clarity, and Vandal mentioned that menu character models lacked polish despite impressive ship designs. Metro GameCentral also pointed out unconvincing ship movements, and Softpedia acknowledged that some textures could be improved. Additionally, while the VR experience was praised, critics like Impulsegamer and Vgames noted issues such as stiff animations and unclear textures on certain character models. These critiques, though varied in severity, highlighted areas where the game fell short of its potential. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among reviewers was overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that Star Wars: Squadrons delivers a visually impressive experience. While some flaws existed—particularly in character models and VR optimization—the majority of critics emphasized its strengths, such as the "stunning" visuals (Cultured Vultures), "beautifully designed maps" (GameOver.gr), and "immersive cockpit experience" (GamesRadar+). Even reviewers who pointed out technical shortcomings, like Gaming Nexus and Riot Pixels, acknowledged that the game “gets the job done” and captures the essence of Star Wars. The combination of detailed ship designs, atmospheric environments, and a strong VR component created a cohesive and engaging visual identity, making it one of the more visually compelling entries in the franchise. As GameSkinny noted, the game’s visuals "make it feel like piloting a starfighter," reinforcing its success in blending technical quality with thematic authenticity.

The majority of critics praised the sound design and music of Star Wars: Squadrons as a standout element that effectively captures the essence of the franchise. Reviewers like GameSpot, COGconnected, and Jeuxvideo.com highlighted the use of recognizable Star Wars audio cues, such as iconic sound effects (e.g., Tie Fighter screams) and orchestral scores, which enhance immersion and evoke nostalgia. The game’s soundtrack, including John Williams’ themes and new compositions, was frequently lauded for its authenticity and emotional resonance. GameCritics and Shacknews noted the “solid” and “iconic” sound presentation, while MGG Spain emphasized the excellence of voice acting and translation in conveying character emotions. Additionally, features like binaural audio options (GameMAG) and immersive VR-specific sound design (M3) were highlighted as technical achievements that elevate the experience. Many critics also praised the balance between familiar Star Wars motifs and fresh compositions, with Gameblog.fr noting “excellent orchestral scores” that complement the game’s space combat. While most reviews were positive, a few critiques pointed to minor shortcomings. Riot Pixels argued that the sound design failed to evoke strong emotions and that the music did not meet expectations, while Impulsegamer noted some voice acting felt clichéd or condescending. Hardcore Gamer mentioned that combat noise occasionally overshadowed dialogue, and MGG pointed out that French voice acting was less convincing. Additionally, New Game Network critiqued the soundtrack’s lack of variety, noting repetitive remixes of faction themes. These concerns were relatively isolated, with most reviewers focusing on the overall quality rather than specific flaws. The criticisms often centered on technical execution or subjective preferences rather than overarching failures in the sound design. The consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with Star Wars: Squadrons’ sound design and music being celebrated as a key strength that honors the franchise’s legacy. While a handful of reviewers raised minor issues—such as voice acting inconsistencies or musical repetition—the vast majority emphasized how the audio elements effectively immerse players in the Star Wars universe. GameOver.gr and Eurogamer Italy praised the “excellent” mix of sound effects and music, while Twinfinite and Hobby Consolas highlighted the authenticity of the audio design. Even critics with minor reservations acknowledged the game’s commitment to delivering a faithful and engaging auditory experience. Ultimately, the reviews underscore that Squadrons succeeds in using sound and music as integral tools for storytelling and immersion, aligning closely with the expectations of Star Wars fans.

The voice acting in Star Wars: Squadrons receives several positive remarks, particularly for its ability to enhance immersion and character depth. Critics like Hobby Consolas and Screen Rant highlight that the performances are strong and contribute to an engaging experience, with some noting that players might "want to put the controller down and just listen" to characters banter. Vandal praises the voice acting as "outstanding," emphasizing well-chosen professional actors who fit the Star Wars franchise. Additionally, localization efforts are frequently praised, such as Jeuxvideo.com’s mention of full French voice acting and subtitles, which improve accessibility. Twinfinite and UploadVR also commend the believability of performances, noting that characters offer opportunities for lore exploration. These positives suggest that when executed well, the voice acting effectively supports the game’s narrative and world-building. However, several critics criticize the voice acting for its limitations, particularly in terms of delivery, character engagement, and emotional impact. COGconnected describes the dialogue as "wooden" and performances as "unsettling," while Finger Guns calls it "bland and corny." GameCritics points out that characters are more distinguishable by their accents than personalities, and GameOver.gr notes awkward delivery lacking natural flow. The silent protagonist is a recurring issue: Power Unlimited and GameSpot argue that the lack of dialogue from the player character undermines emotional connections, while GamingBolt and God is a Geek highlight how this limits narrative engagement. Additionally, PC Gamer criticizes the "stiff" delivery and monologues that fail to foster meaningful interactions. These critiques suggest that while some performances are strong, broader issues with pacing, character development, and interactivity detract from the overall experience. The overall consensus among critics is mixed, reflecting both commendable aspects and significant shortcomings. While many praise the voice acting for its technical quality and contributions to immersion—such as Xbox Achievements’ assertion that performances are "uniformly excellent"—others argue that it falls short in emotional resonance and narrative depth. The silent protagonist and minimal character interaction are frequently cited as major drawbacks, with GameSpot and GamingBolt emphasizing how this weakens engagement. Conversely, localized voice tracks (e.g., French, Italian, Spanish) are seen as a positive by outlets like Jeuxvideo.com and 3DJuegos, though some, like MGG Spain, note that not all translations are equally convincing. Ultimately, the voice acting in Star Wars: Squadrons is viewed as competent but uneven, with its strengths often overshadowed by structural limitations in dialogue design and character interaction.

The technical performance of Star Wars: Squadrons varies across platforms, with some notable positives. On PC, critics like PC Invasion and GameGrin highlight its ability to run smoothly on high-end hardware, while Eurogamer Italy and Jeuxvideo.com (PC) praise its "impeccable" performance without stuttering or graphical issues. For PS4, Vgames notes smooth crossplay functionality and stable online play, with PlaySense acknowledging minimal texture flickering despite broader technical hiccups. On Xbox One, Meristation and GameSpew commend the game’s optimization on Xbox One X, calling it "smooth and well-optimized," while Generación Xbox and 3DJuegos report no significant issues. VR performance is generally praised, with Road to VR noting solid performance on high settings and Vandal describing a "VR experience that enhances immersion." These positives suggest the game’s technical foundation is strong when properly configured. However, several platform-specific negatives emerge. On PC, LevelUp criticizes poor optimization with low frame rates and screen tearing, while CGMagazine and Gaming Age report crashes in VR mode and unstable system communication. Matchmaking issues plague PC players too, as GameGrin and New Game Network note disconnects and lobby instability. For PS4, PLAY! Zine highlights problematic controller support and input lag, while PlaySense and Screen Rant mention texture flickering, AI glitches, and frame skipping. On Xbox One, ZTGD notes fan strain from heavy usage, and GameMAG points to joystick responsiveness issues. VR-related problems persist across platforms: Gamersky mentions dizziness in first-person cockpits, while Gaming Nexus and Jeuxvideo.com (PS4) note graphical compromises and resolution issues. These challenges indicate the game’s technical polish was uneven at launch. Overall, critics agree that Star Wars: Squadrons has a solid core but faces platform-specific technical hurdles. While PC users grapple with optimization and VR instability, PS4 players deal with controller and AI bugs, and Xbox One sees minor but noticeable performance strains. However, many reviewers—such as GameGrin, Vandal, and Eurogamer Italy—acknowledge that these issues are often mitigated by hardware upgrades or post-launch patches. The consensus leans toward the game being technically sound for its intended audience, with VR and crossplay features standing out as strong points despite their flaws. While no platform is entirely free of issues, the majority of critics agree that Squadrons delivers a stable and immersive experience once technical kinks are addressed.

The reviewers generally acknowledge some positive aspects of Star Wars: Squadrons’ replay value, particularly its multiplayer modes and progression systems. Critics like Shacknews highlight the engaging 5v5 dogfights and objective-based Fleet Battles, which offer strategic depth and tactical variety. GamesRadar+ praises the absence of microtransactions and the community-driven engagement, while Cubed3 notes that ranked matches and cosmetic rewards incentivize continued play. Additionally, IGN Italia points to experience points and in-game currency as drivers for unlocking content, and DualShockers emphasizes the high replayability from customization options and varied ship loadouts. The campaign’s difficulty levels and achievements also provide some incentive for multiple playthroughs, as noted by PC Games and Generación Xbox. However, the negatives dominate the critique, with many reviewers citing limited content variety and repetitive gameplay as major drawbacks. Gamer.no, Riot Pixels, and Game Over Online all stress that the short single-player campaign (around 8 hours) and sparse multiplayer modes lead to quick saturation. Eurogamer Italy and Push Square specifically mention only two multiplayer modes and six maps, which restricts long-term engagement. Destructoid and GameSkinny note that even with progression systems, the core gameplay feels repetitive over time. Issues like matchmaking challenges (Slant Magazine) and a lack of post-launch support (UploadVR) further diminish replayability. While some praise the absence of microtransactions (Cubed3, GamesRadar+), others argue that the limited modes and maps fail to sustain interest, as highlighted by Game Debate and Vandal. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward a cautious assessment: Star Wars: Squadrons offers some replay value through its multiplayer mechanics and progression systems, but these are undermined by a lack of content variety and depth. While Shacknews, GamesRadar+, and Cubed3 highlight the potential for engagement, most agree that the game’s current state feels incomplete. The single-player campaign’s brevity and the multiplayer’s limited modes (as noted by Eurogamer Italy, Push Square, and GameMAG) create a sense of unfinished ambition. However, some reviewers like Vgames and UploadVR suggest that future updates could enhance replayability, while others (Game Debate, Ragequit.gr) acknowledge the game’s foundation for returning players. Ultimately, the title is seen as enjoyable in the short term but lacking in long-term appeal without additional content.