“Tie Fighter” is another game in list of Lucas Arts simulation games, following the Star Wars saga. This game lets you take on the role of an up and coming young Tie-Fighter pilot in the service of the Empire.
The game definitely has a taste for variety, not usually seen in space simulation games, specifically in the vast number of ships and the diversity among their qualities you’ll pilot from mission to mission. From the fast, nimble Tie Fighter without a shield and only poor weaponry to the heavily armed and armored Missile Boat, every new craft will test a new aspect of your piloting skills.
The interface is easier than most simulation games, with helpful controls such as “match speed” that allow you to automatically adjust your throttle to match your target’s speed-and incredibly helpful factor in escort missions. Weapons are diverse, and may seem overly-complicated at first, but new items are introduced one at a time, and come complete with storyline justifications for each one. For example, you won’t be able to fly the awesome Tie Defender until you’ve completed several missions to enable the Empire to develop these incredible ships.
Lucas Arts also included a combat simulator, allowing you to create customized battles and fly against whatever you want (including Star Destroyers), and a training system that allows earning medallions and certificates.
The graphics were terrific for their time. The game includes
a rich variety of voice actors and in-flight conversations between your allies and enemies, and while you cannot alter the storyline with your communications, the game does include a list of hot-key-triggered commands, you can issue to your flight and individual wingmen (such as “attack my target”, “defend my target”, and “head home) that provide a strong measure of fluidity in the game.
The music is standard issue Star Wars fare, so if you enjoy the constant humming of the Imperial March in the background, you’ll love this game.
All in all, if you’re a space simulator fan, looking for a unique twist on an old idea, this is the game for you.
