18. Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance (1999) – PC
Star Wars: Tie Fighter may be the most innovative game in this Star Wars space-simulator trilogy, but for my money, Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance is the most polished, most fun, and most compelling in the narrative department. You are the youngest child in the Azzameen family, the highly respected owners of a trading company. Your character is on his way to becoming a skilled pilot, and soon qualifies to fly for the family company. If there was any doubt that you would make an ace pilot, look no further than your first name, which is also Ace.
Ironic alliterations aside, you spend the first few missions transporting goods and cargo across the galaxy, and perform various odd jobs, such as reconnaissance and escort. This may sound dull, but it allows you to get acquainted with the specifics of your spaceship. This is not a space-shooter, it is a simulator first. You will have to adjust and balance your craft’s available power between your engines, shields, and weapons. If there is no threat than you should put all your power into your engines, allowing you to travel faster. If you come under attack, you should reroute energy to your shields to protect yourself, and to your weapons for offense. Careful though, if you take too much energy away from your engines your slower rate of travel will leave you more susceptible to incoming fire. This balance is the core of the gameplay.
Just when you are starting to make a name for yourself in the company, your shipping yard comes under attack from the Empire, many of your family members are killed in the escape to safety, and the rest are scattered around the galaxy. Ace is on his own. Inevitably, you sign up with the rebellion to revenge the attack on your family. This adventure takes you through the rest of the game, eventually ending up in the battle over Endor where you must fly into the reassembled Death Star and take it out with Lando himself.
The whole package is a thrilling, cinematic experience. The dogfights are a blast, although not as simple as you may be used to. You will find yourself getting caught up in familiar Star Wars themes and stories, while you try desperately to bring your family, and the company back together. It’s both personal and epic. Why have we not had another one of these since 1999?
Star Wars: Tie Fighter may be the most innovative game in this Star Wars space-simulator trilogy, but for my money, Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance is the most polished, most fun, and most compelling in the narrative department. You are the youngest child in the Azzameen family, the highly respected owners of a trading company. Your character is on his way to becoming a skilled pilot, and soon qualifies to fly for the family company. If there was any doubt that you would make an ace pilot, look no further than your first name, which is also Ace.
Ironic alliterations aside, you spend the first few missions transporting goods and cargo across the galaxy, and perform various odd jobs, such as reconnaissance and escort. This may sound dull, but it allows you to get acquainted with the specifics of your spaceship. This is not a space-shooter, it is a simulator first. You will have to adjust and balance your craft’s available power between your engines, shields, and weapons. If there is no threat than you should put all your power into your engines, allowing you to travel faster. If you come under attack, you should reroute energy to your shields to protect yourself, and to your weapons for offense. Careful though, if you take too much energy away from your engines your slower rate of travel will leave you more susceptible to incoming fire. This balance is the core of the gameplay.
Just when you are starting to make a name for yourself in the company, your shipping yard comes under attack from the Empire, many of your family members are killed in the escape to safety, and the rest are scattered around the galaxy. Ace is on his own. Inevitably, you sign up with the rebellion to revenge the attack on your family. This adventure takes you through the rest of the game, eventually ending up in the battle over Endor where you must fly into the reassembled Death Star and take it out with Lando himself.
The whole package is a thrilling, cinematic experience. The dogfights are a blast, although not as simple as you may be used to. You will find yourself getting caught up in familiar Star Wars themes and stories, while you try desperately to bring your family, and the company back together. It’s both personal and epic. Why have we not had another one of these since 1999?
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