Star Wars Zero Company

Star Wars Zero Company is a worthy addition to the canon of great Star Wars videogames. While its tactical battles could serve to be more complex and varied, the triple-A polish enhances a thrilling narrative that's begging to be replayed again and again.

Zero Company isn't flawless - few games are - but as a "first salvo" from this studio, I sincerely hope it does well; it feels a bit like an anomaly amidst EA's uncertain future. This really is a solid tactical, turn-based strategy game with a great story, good characters, and a universe that feels like Star Wars from a slightly different and grittier angle. It's got real potential!

Star Wars Zero Company really is great, and after a long absence from the forefront, it’s good to see the XCOM formula make a return. I don’t think it adds anything particularly valuable to the Star Wars franchise, and indeed seems to struggle to properly understand the qualities of Star Wars at times… but then again, Disney itself has been doing that to the films for years now, so it seems silly to be precious about purity when the property owners clearly no longer care about that.

Despite some rough edges, I think Star Wars Zero Company hits the mark of what it wants to achieve. It feels approachable for those relatively new to turn-based tactics games and yet has enough depth for veterans. The story is good, and the characters are likable. It’s unfortunate there were so many performance and gameplay hiccups, but hopefully those will be taken care of sooner than later via a patch or two.

A new all-timer Star Wars game and a stunning debut for Bit Reactor.

It’s the personalities, the histories, and the connections that give this franchise its endearing legacy. Zero Company proves this, and I think whether you’re a fan of Star Wars or are a die-hard XCOM fan, there is something for you here, and I can’t wait to see what Bit Reactor brings us next from the galaxy far, far away.

Star Wars Zero Company is an enjoyable, almost cookie-cutter strategy RPG. It takes few risks, but what’s here is competent and worth playing, especially for Star Wars fans. I wish what initially impressed me narratively and in terms of gameplay remained fresh throughout, but this is why I appreciate indies so much. If Star Wars isn’t your thing or you’re not that into strategy RPGs like this, then your mileage may certainly vary, but I am glad I got to know Hawks and his crew.

Star Wars Zero Company absolutely blew my expectations out of the galaxy and made me fall in love with the franchise again in a way that Disney hasn't been able to accomplish. XCOM traditions feature center stage atop a surprisingly gritty, cinematic story steeped in the galactic underbelly. Bit Reactor advances the genre like no other before it, proving turn-based tactics can comfortably succeed as "AAA." Some glitches here and there can't hold it back. Star Wars Zero Company is an instant classic, a genre-essential, and one of this season's best games.