Star Wars Zero Company: A Tactical Journey with a Familiar Twist

Star Wars Zero Company is here to satisfy our craving for tactical gameplay, and it’s a delightful mix of familiar mechanics with a fresh Star Wars twist. Think turn-based combat, expendable soldiers, and those heart-pounding moments when you narrowly escape defeat thanks to some clever overwatch tactics. It’s like slipping into an old pair of gaming shoes that fit just right, and trust me, it’s a blast!

I’ve had the chance to dive into an early version, playing through 18 cycles, and there were times when it felt like I was experiencing an XCOM 2 mod with a Star Wars skin—and with top-notch production quality. The gameplay is undeniably reminiscent of XCOM, which isn’t surprising since the team behind Bit Reactor includes ex-Firaxis veterans, led by Greg Foertsch, who was the art director for XCOM.

However, drawing comparisons to the legendary XCOM series comes with its own set of challenges. Just look at XCOM: Chimera Squad; while it introduced some innovative ideas, it suffered from the shadow of its predecessor. The same could be said about Zero Company. It shares many elements with XCOM, but it’s carving its own path, albeit with a sense of caution.

When the game hits the mark, it’s incredibly satisfying. Picture this: my squad was outnumbered and surrounded during one mission. I thought I had the upper hand, until every shot I took—80-90% chances to hit—missed. Talk about frustrating! It felt like the RNG gods were playing tricks on me. But the fight wasn’t over yet; I had some clever tricks up my sleeve, including abilities that gave extra action points and free shots. It was time to turn the tide!

Once back in control, I activated a special ability that allowed my clone to fire at a Separatist, triggering a free shot from a comrade. A little repositioning also let one of my crew flank the enemy, leaving them exposed. I also had a cover-busting grenade ready to go, and with my leader granting an extra action point, my toughest squad member charged in and took down a Separatist. I even set up a taunt that drew enemy fire towards a squad member, allowing for a retaliation counter every time they shot at him. By the time reinforcements showed up, we had already turned the battle in our favor. It felt fantastic!

The mix of XCOM-inspired gameplay with Zero Company’s unique mechanics creates an engaging experience, especially when teamwork plays such a crucial role. Even in the early game, where your abilities are limited, the potential for strategic plays is encouraging. One standout aspect is the astromech droid class, which adds a supportive dynamic rather than just acting as frontline fighters. These little guys can provide buffs and heal, proving their worth in tight situations.

However, despite the fun, there are moments when battles feel less intense compared to XCOM 2. The predictable enemy spawn zones can diminish the suspense that is typically a staple of tactical games. I’ve started to notice a bit of monotony in the combat arenas too—many of them feel too similar, with small, open spaces cluttered with crates instead of a diverse array of battlefields from across the galaxy.

The enemy variety also leaves something to be desired; while there are more exciting foes that appear later, the initial encounters can feel a bit too conventional for a universe brimming with unique species and challenges. Plus, I found myself making positioning errors due to some clarity issues in gameplay. To top it off, the game seems to favor gamepad controls, making mouse and keyboard play a less enjoyable experience—a surprising choice for a tactics title.

On the flip side, Zero Company also takes some inspiration from Midnight Suns, integrating elements of camaraderie and character-building that enhance the overall experience. You can explore your base, engage in pre-mission conversations, and even enjoy some mid-battle team-ups. This adds depth to the gameplay, making it feel more lively and interactive—something that’s often missing in tactical titles.

While the game doesn’t quite reach the heights of Midnight Suns, it does manage to bring a certain charm and personality that’s refreshing in the genre. The risk of losing squad members adds an emotional weight to your decisions, as permadeath is an option—though you can choose to turn it off if that’s not your style.

I admit, I have a few reservations about Zero Company. Despite my initial excitement, it doesn’t seem to push the genre forward as much as I hoped. XCOM 2 still holds the crown, and for Zero Company to dethrone it, it will need to take some bolder steps. Nonetheless, I’m still enjoying the gameplay and experimenting with different squad builds. Right now, I’m all about crafting a pistol-wielding sharpshooter who can dish out critical hits. The depth of customization is definitely a highlight!

In conclusion, while Zero Company may not break new ground in the tactical genre just yet, there’s plenty of fun to be had. Here’s hoping it surprises us with more innovative gameplay as the campaign progresses!

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