STAR WARS™: X-Wing Special Edition

Strangely enough, X-Wing had somewhat more of a lasting impact on me than TIE Fighter did; it may be because I had some memorably close calls (you have not lived until you have had to take on a gunboat with no charge in lasers or shields and only 1 torpedo) as opposed to the latter game's constant insta-death. It may also be tied to a special playlist I'd set up specifically for my last playthrough called "Star Wars Flight Music?". In any case, X-Wing is worth playing.

I've still got my original CDs of the CD (DOS) version and the "Collectors edition" (which pretty sure is the Windows version people here refer to as the 1998 version) but the DOS version while it runs OK in DosBox, runs at terrible resolution, looks blocky, has limited joystick support, and I would agree for the DOS version with other comments here saying it just doesn't cut it anymore. The windows version wouldn't install on 64 bit OS because of the 16 bit installer, and while a fellow online had done a lot of work to try to make a workable installer for it, I never had any success with it. So thought I'd give the version here a go. Installed the 1998 version and... wait its as easy as that? My monitor is running at 4K resolution, and sure of course the cutscenes and 3d textures are pretty blurry/blocky from being massively upscaled, but considering this was written to run in 320x200 on a 15" screen, its totally playable and looks better than I expected. And can map all 12 buttons and POV hat on my joystick to controls (tho that's a bit tedious)

First, let's get this out of the way: X-Wing is the prototypical Star Wars game; TIE Fighter is the archetypical Star Wars game. And if you're looking for the final word in space sim action, play the Descent: Freespace series. But this most recent release of X-Wing, a triumph of PC gaming that gamers could not even purchase for years, is an absolute must-play for any fan of Star Wars, space sims, or even 90's PC gaming in general. It's a full-throttle, non-stop, pure distillation of everything that makes the Star Wars universe great. This new version contains both the 1993 release as well as the 1998 re-release, along with all the expansion missions, all with no-hassle modern hardware compatibility. Simply install, play, and enjoy. With a joystick, of course. And you'll want every tactical advantage a joystick gives you. X-Wing handles very well with a good flight stick, but be forewarned that this is a truly and unrepentantly difficult game. You must constantly manage and balance the engine, weapons, and shield systems power, as well as the fore-and-aft balance of shielding power in the Rebel Alliance's duct-tape-engineered starcraft. Do you shift all your power to provide a thick cushion of shielding and near-limitless firepower as you lumber along? Or do you fly naked and defenseless to eke out every last ounce of horsepower to catch that transport about to jump out of the area? It's a constant battle of wits and strategy, and it means life or death for you and your ragtag brotherhood of pilots - a mere inch of the Empire's stranglehold on the galaxy is only relinquished through rock-steady nerves, lightning-fast problem solving, and, of course, a good aim. Perhaps TIE fighter, as a perfect sequel, does all that X-Wing does with more style, panache, and - most importantly - vialliany. But X-Wing should not be dismissed so easily in the shadow of its successor - trust me, this is the Star Wars space sim you are looking for.

X-Wing and TIE Fighter were, literally, why I got a computer when I was a teenager. Keep in mind, this was back in the day when the interwebs was new, and people didn't all own one. These games though, they were part of the resurgence of Star Wars as a phenomenon in pop culture. They were some of the first EU outside of the RPG's, and X-Wing and TIE Fighter (And X-Wing: Alliance, which I pray to god they're going to release!) are some of the finest stories of the "every man" in the Star Wars universe, you can hope to read about (the strategy guides are stories that sync with the games), as well as delve into and play and really be a part of the story. That computer lead me to so much more gaming. A broad new world of it. It's actually made me the tech guy my friends go to, for help. And these games are 2 of my fondest memories of Star Wars, ever. I'd tack on XW: Alliance, Dark Forces, and Jedi Knight to that list as well. For me, those were the absolute pinnacle of Star Wars gaming. Nothing has come close to matching that quality. These games are shining examples of the company that WAS Lucasarts, before its collapse. They made innovative, exciting, interesting titles for Star Wars (and more). Their graphics may look dated, but just playing one mission and I felt at home. Thank GoG (and Disney I guess) for putting these out. LONG overdue. Now, will we ever get XW: Alliance? And will we ever get a NEW actual Flight Simulator? The best part of Star Wars, was War in the Stars... These games let you live that, and I'm geeked to have them again.

It took me quite a while to beat all 5 Tour of Duty levels, but it was worth it. I felt a little emotional for like one or two seconds while watching cut scene of the Rebels arriving at Hoth, possibly because of how much fun this game is, which I would definitely recommend. It's also my favorite one out of the X-Wing series.