On June 15, EA revealed the trailer for its upcoming game Star Wars: Squadrons, which is set to release on October 2 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. It promises to tell a brand new story in the Star Wars universe, exploring new planets, moons, and “never before seen locations.” It will also feature an online multiplayer mode with progression based upgrades, customization, and cosmetics.
The cinematic trailer offered a short in-engine glimpse as to what the game will be about, showing the perspective of both the New Republic and the Galactic Empire. An official gameplay reveal has been announced for Thursday, June 18 during the EA play livestream scheduled for 7 PM ET/4 PM PT and midnight in the UK. There is currently no information about the title on next-gen consoles, however, there is VR support for both the PC and PS4.
Developed by Motive and published by EA, Star Wars: Squadrons is a first-person action game that will feature 5v5 multiplayer dogfights and fleet battles across known and never-before-seen locations which include “the gas giant of Yavin Prime and the shattered moon of Galitan.” Players will be able to pilot classic starfighters such as the X-wing and TIE fighter, and will be able to customize their starfighters and pilots with “rich cosmetic and customization options”.
While there is a huge multiplayer focus, as expected, what is surprising is that the customization options available to players will be “earned solely through gameplay.“ Although it’s still unconfirmed, this sounds like there will be zero or at least very little microtransactions in the game, a welcome change from EA after coming off the Star Wars: Battlefront 2 controversy.
Star Wars: Squadrons will also have an original single-player story set after the events of Return of the Jedi and the destruction of Death Star II, featuring a diverse cast and some cameos “from familiar faces”. The game’s story will be told through alternative perspectives as you play as a customizable pilot from the New Republic Vanguard Squadron and an Imperial pilot from the Titan Squadron.
Star Wars: Squadron will be $39.99/£34.99 at launch and is currently available for pre-order. EA Access and Origin Access members will be able to play up to 10 hours, with Premier subscribers getting full access at launch.
