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CRITIK

Star Wars: Squadrons

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Star Wars: Squadrons
Item: Star Wars: Squadrons
Author: Critik 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, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X

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

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

29%

Mixed (50-79)

68%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Star Wars: Squadrons are varied. Some critics, such as App Trigger and Cubed3, find the story engaging and enjoyable. They appreciate the opportunity to experience both sides of the conflict and the deepening plot that connects them to the characters. The Digital Fix also praises the campaign, highlighting interesting characters and a solid story set in the Aftermath period of Star Wars. Xbox Achievements and Xbox Tavern both mention the unique characters and backstories that add depth to the narrative. On the other hand, several critics express disappointment with the story. COGconnected and GAMINGbible find the story serviceable but lacking. They mention off-putting dialogue sections and two-dimensional characters, respectively. GameCritics and Push Square describe the story as dull, lacking enthralling setpieces and memorable characters. Worth Playing goes as far as calling the single-player mode a game-length tutorial with paper-thin characters and a standard plot. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Star Wars: Squadrons is decent but not exceptional. While some appreciate the opportunity to explore both sides of the conflict and find the plot engaging, others feel that it falls short in terms of character development and impactful storytelling. The story is seen as serviceable, with some critics highlighting its role in providing context to the space battles and teaching players the tools needed for multiplayer. However, it is generally agreed upon that the story does not stand out and may not have much replayability.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on the story of Star Wars: Squadrons. Some praise it for engaging storytelling and deep characters, while others criticize it for being lackluster and uninspiring. Overall, the consensus is that the story is decent but not exceptional, serving its purpose without standing out.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

87%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of the critics praised the gameplay of Star Wars: Squadrons, considering it to be a standout feature of the game. They commended the intuitive controls, with some critics specifically mentioning the smooth and precise flying mechanics that made dogfights thrilling and satisfying. The game's emphasis on ship customization and power management systems also received positive feedback, with critics highlighting the depth and strategic elements they added to the gameplay. The ability to allocate ship systems and switch power between engines, weapons, and shields was praised for providing a layer of tactical play, as mentioned by App Trigger and GAMINGbible. The diverse ship classes with unique playstyles, as mentioned by Noisy Pixel, were also appreciated, adding variety and replayability to the gameplay experience. The multiplayer aspect of the game, particularly the Fleet Battles mode, was regarded as a standout feature by Cheat Code Central and ZTGD, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and the focused nature of the gameplay. While the majority of critics had positive opinions about the gameplay, there were a few criticisms raised. Some critics, such as Gamers Heroes and Guardian, mentioned the lack of a third-person perspective as a potential frustration. The objectives and tasks in the game were described as uninspiring and repetitive by Push Square, which could potentially impact the overall enjoyment of the gameplay experience. Xbox Tavern also noted that managing certain elements of the ship could be tricky, suggesting a slight learning curve for players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Star Wars: Squadrons is highly enjoyable and well-executed. The game successfully captures the spirit of classic dogfighting titles, striking a balance between arcadey action and in-depth flight-sim elements, as noted by Easy Allies. The gameplay mechanics are praised for their excellence, with a focus on fast-paced, dynamic dogfights and strategic decision-making, as mentioned by Slant Magazine. The gameplay is considered to be immersive, engaging, and offering a good mix of simplicity and detail, according to Worth Playing. The positive sentiment towards the gameplay, expressed by the majority of the critics, indicates that Star Wars: Squadrons delivers a satisfying and immersive gameplay experience for fans of space combat games.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics rave about Star Wars: Squadrons gameplay, praising its intuitive controls, thrilling dogfights, ship customization, and tactical elements. The diverse ship classes and multiplayer Fleet Battles mode stand out, emphasizing teamwork and strategic play. Some critics note issues like the lack of a third-person perspective and repetitive tasks, but overall, the game successfully balances arcade action with flight-sim elements. In conclusion, Star Wars: Squadrons offers a highly enjoyable and immersive gameplay experience for space combat fans.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

78%

Mixed (50-79)

22%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of the critics praised the graphics and visual design of Star Wars: Squadrons, with many highlighting the immersive and authentic Star Wars experience it provides. Critics such as COGconnected and Game Informer commended the game for its attention to detail in ship designs and the iconic cockpit view, which contributed to the overall immersion. The Digital Fix also mentioned the exceptional level of detail in the game's presentation, particularly in the cockpits, and the non-intrusive UI. However, there were some criticisms regarding the graphics and visual design of the game. Digital Chumps mentioned that outside of VR, the field of view felt lacking and the experience felt claustrophobic. Impulsegamer pointed out downsizing of detail for VR and stiff character animations. Screen Rant noted that the game looked slightly less realistic than Star Wars Battlefront II during gameplay, but this was not a major issue and did not detract significantly from the overall polish. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Star Wars: Squadrons has impressive graphics and visual design. The game was praised for its immersive and authentic Star Wars aesthetic, with critics such as GAMINGbible and TheGamer describing it as utterly gorgeous and remarkable. The implementation of VR was also highly praised, with Easy Allies stating that it feels mandatory for future Star Wars flight games. The majority of the critics appreciated the level of detail in the ships, the stunning spacescapes, and the overall representation of the Star Wars universe. While there were some minor criticisms, the positive opinions from the critics outweighed the negatives, making Star Wars: Squadrons a visually stunning and immersive experience for players.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics laud Star Wars: Squadrons for its stellar graphics and authentic Star Wars feel, praising the immersive cockpit views and attention to detail. While some note limitations outside of VR and minor graphical shortcomings, overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with many hailing it as a visually stunning and must-play experience, especially in VR.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of the critics praised the sound design and music of Star Wars: Squadrons, with many highlighting its ability to immerse players in the Star Wars universe. App Trigger commends the well-done music and sound design, while COGconnected mentions that the various sounds in the game, such as alarm bells, laser blasts, droid noises, and engine whines, all exude charm. Cubed3 describes every effect and piece of music as spot on, capturing the authentic 'Star Wars' feel. Digital Chumps goes as far as to describe the audio design as spectacular, enhancing the VR experience. GameCritics also notes that the sound design successfully captures the familiar sounds of the Star Wars universe. However, there were a few criticisms regarding the voice acting in the game. Impulsegamer mentions that while the Star Wars music and sound effects are present and help draw the player into the game, some voice acting can sound cliched or condescending at times. Despite this, Worth Playing states that the voice acting is largely solid, with the core cast doing a good job with what they have. It's important to note that these negative comments about the voice acting were only mentioned by a single critic, and the overall sentiment towards the sound design and music remains positive. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of Star Wars: Squadrons are highly commendable. The iconic Star Wars music, authentic sound effects, and immersive design contribute to the overall experience of the game. Critics such as Screen Rant and Slant Magazine highlight the brilliance of John Williams's score, with the latter mentioning how it adds to the exhilaration of the combat. The positive feedback from critics like AusGamers, Game Informer, and Xbox Achievements further solidify the general sentiment that the sound design and music in Star Wars: Squadrons successfully capture the essence of the Star Wars universe.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about Star Wars: Squadrons' immersive sound design and music, praising its ability to transport players into the iconic Star Wars universe. While some voice acting received criticism for being cliched, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The authentic sound effects and John Williams's score contribute to the game's immersive experience, with many critics lauding the game's audio design as spectacular.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

18%

Mixed (50-79)

73%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in Star Wars: Squadrons are quite varied. Some critics, such as Screen Rant and Xbox Achievements, praise the voice performances in the game. Screen Rant specifically mentions that the characters are brilliantly designed and performed, creating an immersive experience for players. Xbox Achievements goes even further, stating that the voice performances are uniformly excellent. These positive opinions highlight the strength of the voice acting in bringing the characters to life and enhancing the overall gameplay experience. However, there are also critics who express negative opinions about the voice acting in Star Wars: Squadrons. COGconnected criticizes the in-game dialogue, describing it as wooden and unsettling. GameCritics points out that the characters are more distinguishable by their accents than their personalities, suggesting a lack of depth in the voice performances. Impulsegamer also finds some voice acting to be off, sounding cliched or condescending at times. These negative opinions highlight weaknesses in the voice acting, such as lack of emotional depth and delivery that may not resonate with players. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the voice acting in Star Wars: Squadrons is mixed. While some critics, like Worth Playing and ZTGD, find the voice acting to be largely solid and commend the performances of the core cast, others, such as Push Square and Slant Magazine, have more negative opinions. Push Square goes as far as criticizing the voice acting as dire. The varied opinions suggest that the voice acting in Star Wars: Squadrons may not be universally appealing, with some players finding it immersive and well-performed, while others may find it lacking in certain aspects.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics are divided on the voice acting in Star Wars: Squadrons. Some praise it for bringing characters to life and enhancing gameplay, while others criticize it for being wooden and lacking emotional depth. Overall, opinions are mixed, with some finding it solid and immersive, while others find it cliched and lacking in personality.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

44%

Mixed (50-79)

56%

Negative (0-49)

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

In terms of technical performance, Star Wars: Squadrons received mixed reviews across different gaming platforms. Let's start with the positives. On the PlayStation 4, Cubed3 reported that while there were a few bugs, they were expected to be patched out quickly. Screen Rant also mentioned that the game runs well for the most part on PS4. Moving to PC, AusGamers praised the game for running well across a wide range of hardware, while Game Informer highlighted the game's VR support and performance, as well as its full suite of accessibility options. Player 2 also had a positive experience on PC, stating that the game ran smoothly without any significant drops in frame rate. However, there were also some negatives reported by critics. Screen Rant mentioned issues such as stuttering, frame skipping, lip syncing problems, and crashes during hardware-intensive sections on PS4. Game Debate noted that while the VR support and performance were praised on PC, there were some graphical compromises. Gaming Age experienced issues with the VR mode on PC, specifically related to system communication. ZTGD reported that playing on Xbox One X caused the console's fan to make noise, indicating some strain on the hardware. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Star Wars: Squadrons had its fair share of technical issues, particularly on PS4. However, the game was generally well-optimized on Xbox One X and PC. The VR support and performance were highly praised, although there were some compromises and communication issues in the VR mode on PC. Despite these technical hiccups, the game was considered fully playable and enjoyable across all platforms, with crossplay support and a variety of accessibility options.

TL;DR

technical performance

Star Wars: Squadrons had mixed technical reviews. Critics praised its performance on PC and Xbox One X, but noted issues like stuttering and crashes on PS4. VR support was a highlight, though some compromises were seen. Overall, the game was deemed playable and fun on all platforms with some technical hiccups.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

32%

Mixed (50-79)

68%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Star Wars: Squadrons are mixed, with some positive and negative aspects highlighted. In terms of positives, several critics mention the multiplayer modes as a source of replayability. App Trigger notes that there are multiple modes to play, while Cubed3 praises the ranked matches and rewards for cosmetic items in the multiplayer mode. GAMINGbible highlights the ship customization and the sense of the unknown in online play as enticing factors for replayability. Shacknews also mentions the availability of AI-controlled opposition for both dogfights and objective-based Fleet Battles in the multiplayer modes. These aspects contribute to the overall replay value of the game. On the negative side, some critics express concerns about the limited number of modes and maps in the multiplayer experience. Easy Allies mentions that there are only two modes, with only one being ranked. Push Square criticizes the limited number of modes and maps, although they appreciate the absence of microtransactions. Gaming Age notes that the short campaign does not offer any reasons to play again, and the multiplayer modes may not appeal to solo players. TheGamer also raises concerns about the player base and future content, suggesting that some players may want more content in terms of larger deathmatch modes or additional updates. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Star Wars: Squadrons offers replay value primarily through its multiplayer modes. The exhilarating dogfights and skill-based online matchups are praised by Game Informer, while Screen Rant highlights the joyous flying experiences with friends or allies. The presence of ship customizations and the ability to unlock rewards through multiplayer activities are mentioned as incentives to keep playing by Player 2 and Impulsegamer. However, the limited number of modes and maps, as well as concerns about the player base and future content, are mentioned as drawbacks. Despite these criticisms, the multiplayer experience is generally considered the standout feature of the game, providing overall replay value and justifying the price of entry for many critics.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics have mixed opinions on the replay value of Star Wars: Squadrons. Positives include engaging multiplayer modes, ship customization, and AI-controlled opposition. However, concerns arise about limited modes and maps, short campaign, and future content. Overall, the game's multiplayer experience shines but may lack depth for solo players and needs more variety in content.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

68%

Mixed (50-79)

32%

Negative (0-49)

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

Star Wars: Squadrons has received a generally positive response from the critics, with many praising its immersive gameplay, graphics, and sound design. App Trigger commends the game for being fun, immersive, and technically impressive, while Cheat Code Central highlights its accessibility and enjoyable gameplay. Cubed3 goes as far as calling it the greatest current-gen Star Wars title, praising its addictive multiplayer mode and great single-player story. The Digital Fix also appreciates the deep and tactical combat experience provided by the game. These positive reviews indicate that Star Wars: Squadrons successfully delivers a satisfying and engaging gaming experience. However, there are some criticisms raised by the critics. One common complaint is the lack of post-release content and the short length of the game, as mentioned by App Trigger. Push Square criticizes the boring story, inadequate multiplayer modes, and lack of content, while AusGamers feels that the game falls short of brilliance by not fully committing to either the sim-style or arcade-action. Digital Chumps suggests that the game is recommended for VR players but not as strongly for those playing on a standard monitor or TV. These criticisms suggest that Star Wars: Squadrons may not fully satisfy all players, particularly those looking for a longer and more varied gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Star Wars: Squadrons is a solid and enjoyable game, particularly for fans of the Star Wars franchise and flight combat genre. The game's VR support is widely praised, with Easy Allies calling it one of the best Star Wars games to support VR, and GAMINGbible stating that it is a must-buy for VR headset owners. The immersive and challenging gameplay, along with the absence of microtransactions, is also appreciated by several critics such as Screen Rant and Shacknews. While there are some criticisms regarding the game's length and lack of content, the positive reviews outweigh the negatives, indicating that Star Wars: Squadrons successfully delivers a satisfying and immersive starfighter experience.

TL;DR

Star Wars: Squadrons impresses critics with its immersive gameplay, graphics, and sound design, earning praise for its deep combat and addictive multiplayer mode. However, some critics point out issues like lack of post-release content and a short campaign. Overall, it's a solid choice for Star Wars and flight combat fans, especially in VR, though not without flaws. Critics agree that while it may not satisfy all players, it delivers an engaging starfighter experience.

CRITIK

Reviews

128 reviews found

100

Guardian

PlayStation 4

Oct 7, 2020