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Star Wars: Squadrons

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Star Wars: Squadrons
Item: Star Wars: Squadrons
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2020

GenresVirtual Reality, Adventure, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Shooter, Simulation, Single Player, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective

AvailableOct 1, 2020

PlatformPC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4

DeveloperMotive Studios

Overview

Master the art of starfighter combat in the authentic piloting experience STAR WARS: Squadrons. Buckle up, feel the adrenaline of first-person multiplayer space dogfights alongside your squadron, and learn what it means to be a pilot in a thrilling STAR WARS single-player campaign.

Elsewhere

6.6

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Star Wars: Squadrons attempts to delve into the New Republic vs. Galactic Empire conflict, earning some praise for its dual perspective and character depth. However, critics largely slam the story for being dull, predictable, and underdeveloped, often likening it to a mere tutorial for multiplayer combat rather than a compelling narrative. Ultimately, while it has a familiar Star Wars setting, the game fails to deliver the engaging story fans expect.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

22%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

68%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Star Wars: Squadrons has garnered some praise among critics for its attempt to explore the conflict between the New Republic and the remnants of the Galactic Empire. Critics like Jeuxvideo.com appreciate the narrative for presenting a balanced view of both sides, avoiding a simplistic black-and-white morality. Similarly, Malditos Nerds highlights the engaging nature of the narrative, noting the depth of characters and unexpected twists that fit well within the Star Wars universe. The dual perspective approach, as pointed out by Gaming Nexus, allows players to experience the story from both the Imperial and Rebel sides, adding a layer of complexity to the overall narrative. However, the majority of reviewers have criticized the story for its lack of depth and originality. Critics such as Push Square and Ragequit.gr describe the narrative as dull, predictable, and filled with clichés, which detracts from the potential engagement with the characters. Many reviewers, including GameSpot and Worth Playing, express disappointment in the character development, labeling them as forgettable and underdeveloped. The campaign is often compared to a tutorial rather than a fully fleshed-out narrative experience, with GameCritics and DualShockers noting that the storytelling feels more like a means to prepare players for multiplayer combat rather than a compelling standalone story. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Star Wars: Squadrons offers a familiar setting within the beloved franchise, it ultimately falls short in delivering a captivating narrative. Many reviews, such as those from Game Over Online and PlayStation Universe, reflect a sentiment that the story is serviceable but lacks the depth and emotional resonance expected from a title set in the Star Wars universe. The critiques point to a missed opportunity to create a more engaging and immersive experience, with the narrative often feeling like a backdrop to the gameplay rather than a central element of the experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Star Wars: Squadrons impresses with its immersive dogfighting and strategic depth, appealing to both newcomers and veterans alike. Critics praise its engaging multiplayer and diverse ship mechanics, though some note flaws in the easy single-player campaign and limited ship variety. Despite concerns about mission linearity and potential gameplay repetition, the game is hailed as a standout in the space combat genre, offering a rewarding experience for fans.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

85%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

15%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Star Wars: Squadrons has garnered considerable praise from a majority of critics, highlighting its immersive dogfighting mechanics and depth of control. Reviewers like Noisy Pixel and PlayStation Universe emphasized the engaging nature of the flight experience, with the latter noting the strategic depth and fun mechanics of multiplayer dogfights. Many critics appreciated the game’s balance between accessibility for newcomers and complexity for seasoned players, with GameSpot and Jeuxvideo.com pointing out the effective power management system that adds a layer of strategy to combat. The variety of ship types, each with unique handling and customization options, was also positively received, as noted by Player 2 and Cultured Vultures, who praised the distinct playstyles and tactical elements involved in piloting. However, despite the overall positive sentiment, several critics pointed out notable shortcomings in the gameplay experience. For instance, Riot Pixels criticized the single-player campaign for being too easy and lacking engaging missions, while Game Over Online mentioned that many elements felt recycled from older games, leading to a sense of linearity in mission design. Additionally, some reviewers highlighted issues with the limited selection of ships, as seen in the opinions of PLAY! Zine and Gamer.no, which detracted from the overall experience and variety. Furthermore, while the multiplayer aspect received accolades, some critics like Power Unlimited and Metro GameCentral noted that the gameplay could become repetitive over time, potentially leading to player fatigue. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Star Wars: Squadrons delivers a compelling and immersive gameplay experience, particularly in its multiplayer modes, which many consider the game's highlight. While there are valid criticisms regarding mission design and the limited ship roster, the majority of reviewers agree that the game succeeds in providing an engaging flight simulation with strategic depth. Critics such as XGN and Pure Xbox encapsulated this sentiment, praising the engaging nature of the gameplay and the rewarding mastery of its mechanics. Thus, Star Wars: Squadrons stands out as a strong entry in the space combat genre, appealing to both casual players and dedicated fans of the franchise.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Star Wars: Squadrons impresses with stunning graphics and immersive design, earning praise for its detailed ship models and VR experience. Critics highlight the exceptional environments powered by the Frostbite 3 engine. However, some point out budget constraints, limited environment variety, and stiff character animations. Overall, the visuals are celebrated as some of the best in the franchise, despite notable shortcomings.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

69%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

31%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Star Wars: Squadrons have garnered a largely positive reception from critics, highlighting the game's ability to immerse players in the iconic Star Wars universe. Many reviewers praised the detailed ship designs and environments, with Critical Hit noting the "breathtaking environments and detailed recreations of iconic Star Wars ships," which enhance the overall immersive experience. The use of the Frostbite 3 engine has been commended, with MMORPG.com and Merlin'in Kazanı emphasizing the high-quality graphics and well-designed maps. The VR experience has also been a standout feature, with several critics, including Destructoid and Hobby Consolas, remarking on the enhanced immersion provided by the VR implementation, which captures the essence of the franchise beautifully. However, despite the overall acclaim, there are notable criticisms regarding the game's visual presentation. Some reviewers, such as Gaming Nexus and GRYOnline.pl, pointed out that the graphics feel budget-conscious and do not meet the high expectations typically associated with the Star Wars franchise. The lack of variety in environments was also highlighted, with XGN mentioning limited diversity in space battles and Gamer.no criticizing visual clutter that can hinder gameplay clarity. Additionally, character animations have been described as stiff and lifeless by critics like Power Unlimited and Impulsegamer, detracting from the overall visual experience. In summary, while the majority of critics agree that Star Wars: Squadrons boasts impressive graphics and a strong visual design that effectively immerses players in the Star Wars universe, there are some concerns about the game's limitations. The consensus leans toward a positive reception, with many reviewers celebrating the game's ability to capture the franchise's aesthetic, as seen in comments from Cultured Vultures and We Got This Covered, who praised the visuals as potentially the best in a Star Wars game to date. Overall, while there are areas for improvement, the graphics and visual design of Star Wars: Squadrons have left a favorable impression on most reviewers.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Star Wars: Squadrons’ sound design and music receive widespread acclaim for immersing players in the Star Wars universe, with critics praising the use of iconic sound effects and an engaging orchestral score. While some reviewers point out issues with voice acting and emotional depth, the overall consensus celebrates the game's audio as a vital component that enhances nostalgia and gameplay immersion.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

83%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

16%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Star Wars: Squadrons have garnered significant praise from a majority of critics, who highlight the game's ability to immerse players in the iconic Star Wars universe. Many reviewers, such as Shacknews and GameSpot, commend the effective use of familiar sound effects, which enhance the overall excitement and immersion during gameplay. Critics like AusGamers and PC Games also note that the orchestral score, featuring both classic themes and new compositions, contributes positively to the atmosphere, making the experience feel authentic and engaging. The attention to detail in sound design, including the charming droid noises and the powerful soundtrack, is frequently mentioned, with reviewers like Vgames and Softpedia emphasizing how these elements work together to create a captivating audio landscape. Despite the overall acclaim, some critics have pointed out shortcomings in specific areas of the sound design. Riot Pixels expresses disappointment, stating that the sound design fails to evoke strong emotions and that the iconic music does not enhance the experience as expected. Additionally, Game Over Online mentions that while character monologues are well-voiced, they lack energy, which could detract from the immersive experience. Some reviews also note that the voice acting can sometimes feel cliched or condescending, as pointed out by Impulsegamer. This inconsistency in voice performance, particularly in non-English versions, has led to mixed feelings among certain critics regarding the overall impact of the audio experience. Overall, the consensus among critics leans heavily towards a positive reception of the sound design and music in Star Wars: Squadrons. While there are critiques regarding voice acting and emotional resonance, the majority of reviewers agree that the game successfully captures the essence of the Star Wars franchise through its sound design. Critics like Game Informer and MMORPG.com highlight how the audio elements enhance immersion and evoke nostalgia, contributing to a thrilling gameplay experience. The combination of iconic sound effects and a well-executed musical score has resonated with many players, making it a key aspect of the game that enhances its appeal and authenticity within the beloved Star Wars universe.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Star Wars: Squadrons features generally strong voice acting that enhances immersion, particularly in VR, but faces criticism for wooden performances, a silent protagonist, and clichéd dialogue. While some critics highlight its emotional impact, others point to limitations that prevent it from reaching the heights of classic Star Wars films, leading to a mixed overall reception.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

32%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

15%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Star Wars: Squadrons has garnered a mixed but generally favorable reception from critics, highlighting several positive aspects. Many reviewers, such as Vandal and GameCrate, praised the performances as being well-executed and fitting for the Star Wars franchise. Critics like Atomix noted that the voice acting enhances the emotional impact of the game, particularly with NPCs, which contributes to a more immersive experience. Additionally, some critics, including Road to VR and UploadVR, emphasized the strength of the voice acting in enhancing character interactions and overall immersion, especially in virtual reality settings. The presence of professional actors and the effort put into localization, as noted by MondoXbox and Jeuxvideo.com, also received commendations for making the experience more accessible and engaging for a wider audience. Conversely, the voice acting has faced significant criticism, particularly concerning its delivery and character engagement. Critics such as COGconnected and Finger Guns described the performances as wooden and bland, with some characters lacking memorable traits. The issue of the silent protagonist was highlighted by several reviewers, including Power Unlimited and GameSpot, who noted that this decision detracted from emotional connections and made interactions feel awkward. Additionally, the dialogue was criticized for being clichéd or condescending at times, as pointed out by Impulsegamer, while other reviewers like PlayStation Universe remarked on the minimal impact of in-flight dialogue, which lacked emotional weight. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while the voice acting in Star Wars: Squadrons features some commendable performances and contributes positively to the game's immersive experience, it is hampered by limitations such as the silent protagonist and inconsistent dialogue delivery. Critics like Trusted Reviews and Hardcore Gamer acknowledged the potential of the voice acting to enhance the narrative but ultimately felt that it did not reach the heights of the classic films. The mixed reviews indicate a divide in the effectiveness of the voice acting, with some praising its contribution to immersion while others lamented its shortcomings in character engagement and emotional depth.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Star Wars: Squadrons delivers solid technical performance across platforms, receiving praise for smooth gameplay and high frame rates, especially on PS4 and Xbox One. However, critics highlight notable issues like poor controller support, stuttering, and bugs on PS4; disruptive glitches on Xbox One; and optimization problems on PC, including low frame rates and VR instability. While generally enjoyable, players’ experiences may vary significantly depending on their platform choice.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

36%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

60%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Star Wars: Squadrons has garnered a mix of positive feedback across different gaming platforms. On the PlayStation 4, critics like Vandal and We Got This Covered noted that the game runs smoothly with no significant technical issues, contributing to a stable gameplay experience. Similarly, Xbox One players have experienced solid performance, with reviews from GameSpew and Meristation highlighting the game's fluidity and high frame rates, particularly on the Xbox One X. On PC, the sentiment is largely positive as well, with multiple reviewers, including Eurogamer Italy and Player 2, praising the game's performance on high settings, noting that it runs smoothly even during intense space battles. However, several critics pointed out notable negatives related to technical performance across platforms. On PS4, PLAY! Zine and Screen Rant mentioned issues such as poor controller support, bugs related to input signals, and stuttering during gameplay. Xbox One players faced frustrations as well, with Gamer.no reporting disruptive bugs that sometimes required restarting the game. The PC version, while praised for its overall performance, has been criticized by reviewers like LevelUp and CGMagazine for optimization issues, including low frame rates, crashes, and VR-related problems that can affect stability and user experience. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while Star Wars: Squadrons performs well on multiple platforms, it is not without its flaws. The PS4 version has received mixed reviews, with some praising its performance while others highlight significant bugs and controller issues. The Xbox One version generally fares better, but still experiences some technical hiccups. On PC, the performance is largely solid but marred by optimization problems and occasional bugs, particularly in VR mode. Critics like IGN Italia and Game Informer emphasize that the game is playable and enjoyable, but the varied experiences across platforms suggest that players may encounter different levels of satisfaction depending on their chosen system.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Star Wars: Squadrons boasts engaging multiplayer dogfighting and customization that keeps players coming back, but a short campaign and repetitive gameplay dampen its replay value. Critics praise the absence of microtransactions but warn of limited content and lack of ongoing support, raising concerns about long-term engagement. Overall, while the multiplayer is fun, the game struggles with variety and depth, leaving players wanting more.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

23%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

74%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Star Wars: Squadrons is mixed, with several critics highlighting positive aspects, particularly in its multiplayer modes. Many reviewers, such as GameSpot and DualShockers, commend the engaging dogfighting mechanics and the depth of multiplayer gameplay, which includes various modes and customization options. Critics like PC Gamer and God is a Geek emphasize that the multiplayer experience encourages players to return, citing the strategic elements and community engagement as significant factors that contribute to replayability. The absence of microtransactions is also noted positively by several reviewers, including Push Square and GamesRadar+, which enhances the overall experience for players willing to invest time into the game. However, the negatives surrounding the game's replay value are equally pronounced. Critics consistently mention the short campaign, with Game Over Online and Gamer.no pointing out that the limited number of maps and modes leads to a feeling of saturation. The repetitive nature of both the single-player and multiplayer experiences is a recurring theme, as noted by Riot Pixels and PLAY! Zine, indicating that players may quickly exhaust the available content. Additionally, concerns about the lack of ongoing support and new content post-launch are raised by several reviewers, including UploadVR and GameSpace, which could hinder long-term engagement. In summary, while Star Wars: Squadrons provides a solid multiplayer experience that many critics find enjoyable and rewarding, the overall consensus leans towards a recognition of its limitations. The short campaign and repetitive gameplay elements, as highlighted by critics like Eurogamer Italy and TrueGaming, detract from its replay value. Although there is potential for future content to enhance the experience, the current state of the game leaves many reviewers feeling that it may not sustain long-term interest among players. Thus, while the multiplayer modes have their merits, the game ultimately suffers from a lack of variety and depth that could keep players engaged over time.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

68%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

32%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment surrounding "Star Wars: Squadrons" among critics is a mixed but generally positive one, with many praising its immersive gameplay and strong flight mechanics. Reviewers like We Got This Covered and UploadVR highlight the game's engaging aerial combat experience, particularly in VR, which many consider a standout feature. Critics such as God is a Geek and PC Invasion commend the game for capturing the essence of the Star Wars franchise, delivering a thrilling experience that appeals to both casual players and hardcore fans. Additionally, the game's pricing at $40 is often viewed as reasonable, providing decent value for its offerings, as noted by Game Revolution and Gaming Age. However, despite the praise, several critics point out significant shortcomings, particularly regarding the campaign and multiplayer modes. Riot Pixels and Push Square emphasize the campaign's lack of depth and excitement, describing it as boring and uninspired. Many reviews, including those from GameSpot and PlayStation LifeStyle, echo concerns about the limited content and replayability, suggesting that the multiplayer experience feels underwhelming and lacks variety. This sentiment is reinforced by critiques from Gamer.nl and Power Unlimited, who mention that while the gameplay is enjoyable, the overall experience feels short-lived due to the absence of substantial narrative and content updates. In summary, while "Star Wars: Squadrons" is celebrated for its immersive gameplay and nostalgic homage to classic flight sims, critics are divided on its overall execution. The consensus suggests that the game successfully delivers an engaging experience, particularly for fans of the franchise, but falls short in narrative depth and content variety. Reviewers like Cultured Vultures and Guardian highlight its potential as a must-play for fans, yet many agree that the game could benefit from further development and updates to enhance its longevity. Overall, it is a solid title that captures the thrill of space combat but leaves players wanting more in terms of story and multiplayer engagement.

TL;DR

"Star Wars: Squadrons" garners mixed but generally positive reviews, praised for its immersive gameplay and strong flight mechanics, especially in VR. Critics laud its aerial combat and nostalgic charm, viewing its $40 price as a fair deal. However, it suffers from a lackluster campaign and limited multiplayer content, leaving players wanting more depth and variety. While it excites fans of the franchise, the game ultimately feels short-lived and could benefit from further development to enhance its longevity.

MONSTER

Reviews

128 reviews found

100

Guardian

PlayStation 4

Oct 7, 2020