The X-Wing game series was LucasArts' answer to Wing Commander. They took the genre by storm letting everyone take part in the "Star Wars" story. The winners of the competition between Origin Systems (Wing Commander) and LucasArts were fans of the genre. We got several incredible, fun, and amazing games from 1991 through 2000. Back when this was originally released, I was a huge fan (and still am a fan of) the Origin Systems Wing Commander series. I was afraid this was going to be a rip off of Wing Commander using the Star Wars license (in short, I was afraid it was going to suffer by comparison). However, LucasArts created an excellent series of games (X-Wing, TIE Fighter, and X-Wing Alliance). The story was engrossing, the controls intuitive (without being a carbon copy of Wing Commander), and it was incredibly engrossing to finally fly the Rebellion starfighters we'd seen on the big screen since 1997. Being a simulation, you had to learn the controls well, how to balance your shields, change weapons quickly when needed, and how to be a good space combat dogfighter. As I noted earlier, the control scheme and "feel" of the ship vary from the Wing Commander. That doesn't make either of them better than the other, but it just makes each game a fun and unique experience. I had the original games, then purchased the X-Wing Trilogy Collection when it was released in 2000 (still have it...http://www.ign.com/games/star-wars-x-wing-trilogy/pc-855091), which was a collection of the games when they were reworked for Windows using DirectX. I see that this purchase includes all versions of the game along with the two "Tour of Duty" expansions (Imperial Pursuit and B-Wing). Imperial Pursuit was good, but B-Wing gave the game an incredible depth and added more replayability then ever before. If you enjoy space combat sims, this game, X-Wing, and X-Wing Alliance are "must haves" for your collection. All three games are highly recommended. A+++
I wrote a similar review for X-Wing, but this game is just enough different to warrant its own review. The X-Wing game series was LucasArts' answer to Wing Commander. They took the genre by storm letting everyone take part in the "Star Wars" story. The winners of the competition between Origin Systems (Wing Commander) and LucasArts were fans of the genre. We got several incredible, fun, and amazing games from 1991 through 2000. Back when this was originally released, I was a huge fan (and still am a fan of) the Origin Systems Wing Commander series. I was afraid this was going to be a rip off of Wing Commander using the Star Wars license (in short, I was afraid it was going to suffer by comparison). However, LucasArts created an excellent series of games (X-Wing, TIE Fighter, and X-Wing Alliance). The story was engrossing, the controls intuitive (without being a carbon copy of Wing Commander), and it was a blast to fly as the Imerperials and learning to fly all the types of TIE fighters (some not seen in the movies!). As I noted earlier, the control scheme and "feel" of the ship vary from the Wing Commander. That doesn't make either of them better than the other, but it just makes each game a fun and unique experience. I had the original games, then the CD versions, then purchased the X-Wing Trilogy Collection when it was released in 2000 (still have it...http://www.ign.com/games/star-wars-x-wing-trilogy/pc-855091), which was a collection of the games when they were reworked for Windows using DirectX. I see that this purchase includes all versions of the game along with the "Enemies of the Empire" expansion, which added excellent storyline to the overall game. If you enjoy space combat sims, this game, X-Wing, and X-Wing Alliance are "must haves" for your collection. All three games are highly recommended. A+++
This game surprised me. At first it looked like a cheap ripoff of Back to the Future, but once I got to playing it with my kids and we had a blast. We got it for the PS3, but if the PC version translates the game well, then it should be a lot of fun for any fan of the movie series.
I cut my teeth on Wing Commanders 1 and 2. Wing Commander was one of the best space combat sims ever made. Wing Commander 4 - The Price of Freedom was a very excellent follow-up to the groundbreaking Wing Commander 3 - The Heart of the Tiger. Mark Hamill did an excellent job in the three games he played in for Origin Systems. This game was an excellent blend of cinematics and gameplay. Your decisions affected the ships and NPCs that would be available as allies (or enemies) in future missions. In short, this game is excellent. More than worth the asking price on GOG. If you do purchase it, do yourself a favor and get a decent USB Logitech or Thrustmaster joystick. Not only does it make the game easier to play, but helps make it a wonderfully immersive experience.
