Since I discovered GoG, I've been hoping in pure faith for this. On my previous machine I was able to run an emulator in which I could (clunkily) play this title, but alas in these days, GoG has become my only hope to relive many of these classics. With X-Wing Alliance a couple years ago I was rewarded largely in that faith, and now, after another tantalizing wait, they've delivered again. Just like it played in 97' just without the 20 minute loading screens. Thanks GoG, we love and support ya. Time to play the fourth Indiana Jones movie that should have been!
I have distant, hazy memories of playing X-Wing, TIE Fighter, and X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter as a young child. I was familiar with all those titles growing up, and by the time I found a clearance copy of the obscure "X-Wing Alliance" at a local Fry's, the flight stick pilot mentality had become second-nature, and I immersed into this new game with a very shallow learning curve. What I found in X-Wing Alliance was nothing short of legendary. Gameplay is near perfection, with thoughtful and challenging A.I., stimulating objectives and a wonderful variety of locations and mission types (admittedly, the premise of "regular inspection/escort mission...until something GOES WRONG" becomes predictable after time, but the trope doesn't subtract from the entertainment of the gameplay). The starships are remarkable, a true wet dream for anyone who grew up wanting to be a Rebel pilot (note: make sure you download the "X-Wing Alliance Upgrade"! Gorgeous new textures, plus the new ability to pilot the more obscure vessels in the simulator). With a story extremely fitting and respectful to the original trilogy of movies, the silent protagonist Ace Azzameen became a personal hero in the Star Wars mythos, and with a true rarity I actually felt that I was living in his shoes. His counterparts, family, friends and enemies are just as impacting. I think there's something to be said for the quality of good voice acting, when you can grow personally attached over the course of the game to characters you literally never see. All in all, just an all-around perfect experience, recommended for anyone who likes to fly, and maybe even someone who doesn't. The story and setting is so immersive in this game, I think it's possible that someone who doesn't like flight games could still find themselves drawn into this example. To this day I proudly consider it to be my favorite game of all time, with only Half-Life 2 and Red Dead Redemption coming close to competition. I looked for any and all forms of escapism in my youth. This game was the pinnacle of that search.
