Star Wars: Rogue Squadron
- March 29, 2016
- Factor 5
Get on Steam"Star Wars: Rogue Squadron" is a classic game that lets players step into the role of a Rebel Alliance starfighter pilot. The game features a variety of missions across different Star Wars locations, where players must complete objectives such as destroying enemy bases and protecting allies. With a variety of starfighters to choose from and fast-paced aerial combat, "Rogue Squadron" offers an immersive and thrilling Star Wars experience.
PC
Windows
Nintendo 64
Reviews
- Nostalgic experience that brings back fond memories of playing on the N64.
- Engaging gameplay with a variety of missions and unlockable ships, including iconic Star Wars vehicles.
- Runs well on modern systems with a controller, providing a fun arcade-like flight experience.
- Poorly optimized port with significant control issues, especially with mouse and keyboard.
- Camera frequently fails to follow the ship, requiring constant adjustments that disrupt gameplay.
- Frequent crashes and bugs that can make the game unplayable on modern hardware.
- story486 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 83 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The story of "Star Wars: Rogue Squadron" is generally considered thin and somewhat disjointed, primarily revolving around Luke Skywalker and his squadron's missions against the Empire. While the game features a variety of mission types and settings that contribute to an engaging experience, many players feel that the narrative lacks depth and coherence, relying heavily on players' familiarity with the Star Wars universe. Despite its narrative shortcomings, the gameplay and mission variety are praised, making it a nostalgic and enjoyable experience for fans of the franchise.
“With tons of vehicles to pilot and a great story to boot.”
“The story is simple but interesting, as Star Wars games are, they explore parts of the universe outside of the movies, but without losing the connection with them, either with the plot, the characters, and the locations.”
“Better than both its sequels, it has an awesome story that takes place between episodes 4 and 5; it is, in my opinion, on par with Star Wars Squadrons, another good game just like this was Battle for Naboo.”
“Story-wise, nothing important happens as it's just him and his squadron fighting the Empire.”
“The story is very thin in this game and its presentation isn't the best.”
“While the story is pretty messy with tons of decisions that make no sense, the gameplay is what takes center stage for Rogue Squadron.”
- graphics244 mentions
- 26 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely regarded as dated, reflecting its original release in 1998, with many players noting that they do not hold up to modern standards. While some appreciate the nostalgic charm and detail of the visuals, others criticize issues such as low resolution, poor draw distance, and graphical glitches, particularly when played on newer hardware. Overall, the consensus is that while the graphics may not impress today, the solid gameplay and engaging experience often outweigh these visual shortcomings.
“Featuring a variety of spacecraft and iconic Star Wars locales, the game's graphics and sound design capture the essence of the series.”
“Incredible graphics for 1998; rivals some of the games being played today.”
“The graphics still hold up well, and I've not experienced the 'graphical glitches' that some have complained about.”
“The graphics are horribly dated, and the draw distance is laughable.”
“The graphics are terrible and even with 20 years of technology between its release on the Nintendo to being ported to PC, nothing has changed and the draw distance is still poor.”
“First things first, the graphics are horribly outdated, granted it's almost 20 years after its original release.”
- gameplay114 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The gameplay of this classic title is a mix of nostalgia and frustration, with many praising its fun, arcade-style flight mechanics and diverse missions, while others criticize its dated graphics, simplistic controls, and various technical issues, including camera glitches and crashes. While it offers enjoyable dogfights and varied objectives, the unbalanced difficulty and lack of modern refinements may deter newer players. Overall, it remains a beloved gem for fans of retro gaming and Star Wars, though it may not appeal to those accustomed to contemporary gameplay standards.
“Flying X-wings, Y-wings, A-wings, and more never gets old, and even though the graphics are dated (it was an N64 game after all), the gameplay still holds up.”
“The gameplay is simple yet fun, short but sweet (with replay value too), and it strikes a balance of fanfare without feeling forced.”
“Rock solid story and gameplay with cool retro Star Wars action that holds up just as well today as it did all those years ago.”
“If you're looking to relive the nostalgia of playing Rogue Squadron on the N64, this is not the game for you. This is the PC port from 1998; admittedly, I can't speak much on the gameplay as the game is constantly crashing. The farthest I managed to make it to is the level select screen before crashing.”
“However, the unbalanced difficulty of most of the missions makes it hard to recommend for someone not interested in Star Wars games or old games in general, because beyond lacking certain elements considered elementary today, the gameplay itself can be a bit too frustrating at times.”
“As a PC port, both the controls and camera are terrible, the gameplay is very simplistic, and the visuals are ugly.”
- stability90 mentions
- 16 % positive mentions
- 2 % neutral mentions
- 82 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a mixed bag, with many players reporting numerous glitches, camera issues, and occasional freezes, particularly on modern systems. While some users have successfully resolved technical problems through troubleshooting, others find the experience frustratingly buggy, especially in specific gameplay scenarios. Overall, while the game can run well on certain setups, it is often marred by instability that detracts from the enjoyment.
“No troubleshooting, no weird drivers needed.”
“It runs great on everything, even a potato.”
“I can say that it runs great, no issues, pretty much requires the specs of any computer past 2002, and it has everything from the original.”
“Tons of glitches and odd problems with this game on Windows 11.”
“Game is completely broken; the sound in the intro suddenly stops, it freezes after every cutscene, and I get a black screen during gameplay.”
“It hangs, black screens, and freezes all the time.”
- optimization50 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The game's optimization for modern systems is widely criticized, with many users noting that it runs smoothly but lacks necessary updates for contemporary hardware and software, such as resolution adjustments and proper mouse controls. While some players find it nostalgic and manageable with extra effort, others express frustration over its outdated mechanics and the absence of features like the Steam overlay. Overall, the consensus is that despite its enjoyable gameplay, the lack of optimization makes it a less appealing option for new players.
“If you are willing to do a bit of extra work to get it to run smoothly, the game is great.”
“It runs smoothly on even typical laptops, and it's as nostalgia-filled as if you had the N64 all over again.”
“Fantastic job with re-releasing it for modern PCs, must say I'm very impressed with the controller integration and performance, it's great to be back on Rogue One!”
“The mechanics of the engine (resolution, draw distances, etc.) have all gone mostly unchanged since before the turn of the millennium, and as a result, so has almost any pretense of optimization.”
“This game is horribly optimized for PC; the mouse controls don't work at all.”
“Sadly, this version is not optimized for modern machines at all.”
- music38 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives high praise for its quality and memorability, with many reviewers noting that it complements the iconic Star Wars universe effectively. While some mention that certain tracks sound tinny, the overall sound design, including sound effects and voice acting, is considered top-notch and immersive. Additionally, the inclusion of original music that aligns well with John Williams' scores is highlighted as a significant positive aspect.
“The music of the game was very well done, and the theme is memorable.”
“The sound is amazing, everything sounds as it should, the music is great and (gasp) original.”
“Top marks for the music and sound design, helping to fully immerse the player in the Star Wars universe.”
“I doesn't look perfect (the draw distance is a big hindrance at that) and the music sounds very tinny, but the other in-game sound effects sound great!”
“Music is meh”
“Pros: updated graphics, a new UI, partial controller support + mouse & key controls, same low bit sounds and music that we know and love.”
- replayability32 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The game offers significant replayability, primarily through its medal system that encourages players to revisit missions for gold, silver, or bronze ratings, unlocking additional content in the process. While some players note a lack of difficulty settings may limit replay value after the initial playthrough, many still find the gameplay enjoyable and challenging enough to warrant multiple runs. Overall, it is regarded as a highly replayable experience, especially for those seeking to achieve 100% completion.
“Excellent game with tons of replay value.”
“Going for medals gives the game lots of replay value, as missions are meant to be replayed multiple times for some sweet gold, silver, or bronze.”
“One of the premier dogfighters of all time, Rogue Squadron is still a smooth operator with plenty of replayability.”
“Speaking of difficulty, there is no difficulty setting, so once you're through, the replay value diminishes practically to zero, except for when you want to 100% the game and get a gold rating in every mission (good luck with your life).”
“One of the premier dogfighters of all time, Rogue Squadron is still a smooth operator with plenty of replayability, but all is not well in the galaxy far, far away.”
“Decent length, and replayability, especially when you challenge yourself to acquire either all bronze, silver, or gold medals to unlock 3 secret bonus missions!”
- humor18 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by its charming glitches, such as blocky enemy designs and amusing camera issues, which often enhance the experience rather than detract from it. Players find joy in the absurdity of gameplay elements, like converting a v-wing into a car, and appreciate the funny playability and engaging story. Overall, the game elicits laughter through its quirky mechanics and nostalgic moments, making it a memorable experience.
“Funny playability and good story.”
“A hilarious cheat is converting the v-wing into a car.”
“It was funny as hell to fly around in a car taking down space fighters.”
- monetization4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization of this game is widely criticized as a blatant cash grab, tarnishing the nostalgia of the original title. Reviewers express strong dissatisfaction, labeling the port as a poor quality attempt to exploit fans rather than deliver a genuine experience.
“Don't ruin your childhood memories of an amazing game by trying to play this piece of shit cash grab of a port.”
“Or at least it would be, if this wasn't a terrible port and a blatant cash grab.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be somewhat tedious, yet they still enjoy the overall experience, indicating a balance between effort and fun.
“It's quite tedious at times, but it's still very fun.”
