After a leak was first reported about Electronic Arts’ upcoming Star Wars: Squadrons last week the company has now released the first details. These have included an action-packed trailer and confirmation that virtual reality (VR) support will also be included.
Developed by EA’s Motive Studios, Star Wars: Squadrons will be purely starfighter combat-based and lean heavily towards team dogfights. Offering intense 5v5 battles, you’ll be able to pilot ships from the New Republic and Imperial fleets, like the iconic X-wing, A-Wing or TIE fighter and TIE Bomber.
In Star Wars: Squadrons you’ll be able to plan attacks with your squadron before deploying, then in the midst of a battle control options such as diverting the power between a ship’s systems to remain in the fight, opening up different strategic possibilities. Ships will also be upgradable with new components like “weapons, hulls, engines and shields” to unlock.
Motive Studios has included locations “never-before-seen including the gas giant of Yavin Prime and the shattered moon of Galitan.” There will also be a single-player story mode set after Star Wars: Return of the Jedi covering a key campaign near the conclusion of the Galactic Civil War. You’ll switch between both sides customising your character along the way.
“We created this game for every Star Wars fan who has ever dreamt about soaring across the galaxy in their favourite starfighter,” said Motive Studios’ creative director Ian Frazier in a statement. “We’ve been able to create a high-fidelity starfighter experience with an authentic storyline that invites Star Wars fans to explore never-before-seen corners of the galaxy in their own ship.”
When it comes to platform support most seem to be covered. PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, while on the VR side PlayStation VR and PC VR headsets are all included. Importantly, they’ll all feature cross-play support.
Star Wars: Squadrons will launch for all supported platforms on 2nd October 2020. It’s available to pre-order now for $39.99 USD/£34.99 GBP/€39.99 EUR. This Thursday, 18th June, EA Play will be premiering Star Wars: Squadrons gameplay at 4pm PST/12am BST. As further details for Star Wars: Squadrons are released, VRFocus will let you know.