Given how it's been over 20 years since 'X-Wing Alliance' and about 17 years since 'Rogue Squadron: Rebel Strike' was released for the Gamecube, space combat games set in the 'Star Wars' universe have been a rare commodity.
'Battlefront II' had a space-combat section, but it was definitely a lot less involved than any of the space-simulators like 'X-Wing Alliance' or 'X-Wing Vs. TIE Fighter', not to mention it being tacked on rather than its own separate game.
'Squadrons', however, could be the end of the long wait for a decent 'Star Wars' space combat game. The first cinematic trailer went online earlier this week, with the gameplay trailer landing online today with some interesting developments from the initial announcement.
The game will have complete VR capability, meaning you'll be able to play the entire game with the headset on if you like. Not only that, the game appears to have no lootboxes, with power-ups and new features being earned through gameplay and not through purchasing.
The single-player campaign, meanwhile, is split between the Empire and the Alliance, set directly after the events of 'Return of the Jedi' and sees you joining either Titan Squadron or Vanguard Squadron, one for the Empire and the other for the Alliance.
Multiplayer, however, appears to be the driving force behind 'Squadrons' with five-on-five dogfights and the signature 'Fleet Battles' mode, which sees you taking on the rival team's capital ship with fighters alone. Interestingly, you'll be able to play this mode either on your own with AI or with players.
All in all, there's a lot to like about this. 'Star Wars: Squadrons' launches on October 2nd and we'll hopefully have a full review before then.
