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EA showed “Star Wars” fans the first glimpses of its new title “Star Wars: Squadrons,” which is coming out Oct. 2, 2020. Described as an “immersive, first-person space dogfighting experience,” it seems that the publisher is taking one of the best parts of its “Star Wars: Battlefront” games and expanding upon it.
The game will feature 5-versus-5 multiplayer battles, “monumental fleet battles” and a narrative that takes place after “Return of the Jedi.” From the reveal trailer, it looks like players will have a chance at piloting starfighters from both sides of the New Republic and Imperial fleets. In the news release, one of the multiplayer modes is one focused on setting out to destroy an opponent’s flagship. There will undoubtedly be other forms of multiplayer offerings as well, but this sounds like the main one.
EA describes the experience with the words “first-person multiplayer combat” where players have to defeat as many ships as possible. It sounds like team composition will play an important role than in the “Battlefront II” modes as players explore locations as Yavin Prime and the shattered moon of Galitan.
EA has learned from the “Battlefront II” backlash, and the publisher said players will be able to customize their starships with cosmetics and other gameplay options, but those rewards will be gained solely through gameplay. No loot boxes here. In the news release, EA says that progression will rely on levels and that players will earn ship parts that let them upgrade weapons, hulls, engines and shields. Players can also change the aesthetic of their cockpit, exteriors and pilot appearance.
Interestingly enough, EA says “Star Wars: Squadrons” will support cross-play on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC and VR. The publisher specifically mentioned PlayStation VR and PC but didn’t specify a PC VR platform. It’s unknown if “Squadrons” will be available for Oculus or Valve’s VR devices.
Although it appears that it will be a multiplayer game with some narrative elements, “Squadrons” will actually have a single-player campaign that follows the events of the Battle of Endor and reveals both sides of the proceeding conflict. In the campaign, players will battle in alternating perspectives of New Republic and Imperial pilots. They’ll join the Vanguard Squadron of the New Republic side and the Titan Squadron serving the Galactic Empire.
The game is priced at $39.99 and will be part of the EA Access and Origin Access Basic programs.
