Game:

Star Wars: X-Wing (1993)

Duration: 29:55

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Played on DosBox

X-Wing

is a space combat simulation, the first in the Star Wars universe. From the cockpits of X-Wing, Y-
Wing and A-Wing starfighters, players fight for the Rebel Alliance in their struggle against the evil
Galactic Empire.

Unlike earlier titles in the genre like

Wing Commander

,

X-Wing

employs a polygonal 3D engine: flat-shaded polygons are combined with bitmaps only for
explosion effects.

The game features a comprehensive training element. Before starting on real missions, players
should navigate the pilot proving grounds, also known as 'Maze', by flying through a course of
doorways set atop platforms in space, preferably without missing any, all while keeping an eye on
the tight time limit. Higher levels add additional challenges like hostile laser turrets. Next to the
'Maze', there are simulated historical missions (six for each of the three fighters) that prepare for
the complex missions in the rest of the game.

The main part of the game consists of three separate campaigns, called Tours of Duty. The Tours
can be played in any order, even though they build on each other story-wise: Tour I, 'A New Ally',
tells of the Rebellion's search for political allies in their fight against the Empire, while the Emperor
launches Operation Strike Fear, a major offensive against the Rebels. Tour II, 'The Great Search'
chronicles the Rebels' search for the plans to the Empire's new superweapon, the Death Star. Tour
III, 'The Gathering Storm', tells of their efforts to find and destroy the battle station. Animated
cutscenes are featured after certain missions to continue the story.

Each Tour consists of around a dozen missions, which include a wide variety of objectives. There
are standard strike, escort and defense assignments, but also reconnaissance flights - just
scanning ships without attacking them - or capture operations - disabling enemy ships, then
protecting the transport carrying the strike team during the takeover. The game of course
culminates in the famous attack on the Death Star.

The three flyable fighters all handle differently and are thus more or less suitable for the different
types of missions. The X-Wing is heavily armed and armored, and is usually used on strike
missions. The Y-Wing is slower and less well protected, but is the only ship equipped with ion
cannons, necessary for disabling ships. With its high speed and maneuverability, the A-Wing is
ideal for recon and intercept missions.

Next to lasers and ion cannons, the fighters are armed with limited amounts of warheads: proton
torpedoes are slow and highly destructive, while concussion missiles are faster, but yield less
damage.

A unique feature of the game is energy management: Energy must be divided between engines,
weapons and shields. At the standard settings, weapons and shields don't recharge - energy must
be diverted from the engines for that, slowing the ship. On the other hand, putting more power
into the engines adds speed, but drains shields and guns. Energy can also be transferred between
the systems, boosting weapons power at the expense of shields or vice versa.

Space is populated by many ships besides the player's, most of which are well-known from the
movies. The Empire will usually launch waves of TIE Fighters, Interceptors and Bombers from Star
Destroyers. The Rebels employ large Mon Calamari cruisers and Corellian Corvettes. In use by
both sides are Nebulon-B escort frigates and Lambda-class shuttles. Some ships not seen in the
movies include the Imperial assault gunboat, the stormtrooper transport and bulk freighters.
Friendly fighters will sometimes accompany the player, and can be given specific orders.

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