The port works great on my Windows 8 laptop, but YOU MUST HAVE A JOYSTICK to play (a gamepad would probably work too, but why would you play a classic 90s flight game with thumbsticks?). This game really nails the feel of being a pilot in the Star Wars universe. The missions you will fly will vary from combat skirmishes, to hit-and-runs, recon, rescue, and even basic cargo delivery. All the classic fighters and bombers from the original trilogy are there: X-Wings, A-Wings, B-Wings, YT-1300s (think millennium falcon), and much MUCH more. The first few missions start off the game slow with a story about a family business, but the game quickly speeds up once conflict sets in and no mission is without combat. In addition to the campaign, you can also set up your own game scenarios through the combat sim (yes, a combat sim within a combat sim). Want to fly a squadron of TIEs attacking a star-destroyer? you got it! Want to fly a merc squadron taking advantage of a battle between two other factions? you bet! Want a 5v5 with X-wings vs A-wings? why not! The controls are a dream for those who want to know what it's like to fly an X-Wing (or any other star wars craft). The controls available to you include steering, throttle, shield orientation, power allocation between shields and weapons, cycling fire-modes, setting automatic turret defense (for ships that have turrets, mainly the YT-1300 and the Otana), and a hugely extensive targeting system. A word of caution though: the game's tutorials don't teach you nearly everything you need to know. Take the time to learn the controls, especially the targeting system. Specifically, learn how to target craft targeting you, target incoming warheads, target primary objectives, target friendlies, and target craft who are attacking the current target. The game is very complicated, but you will truly feel like a pilot once you master the controls. 10/10, needs an updated remake w/ modern graphics (or a sequel!)
