Star Wars Zero Company action review
When you think of Star Wars tactics, you probably picture the familiar grid-based warfare of XCOM. But a new contender has entered the arena, blending that crunchy strategic depth with cinematic spectacle and an epic, untold Star Wars saga: Star Wars Zero Company.
Developed by the crew at Bit Reactor, this game manages to pull off something truly ambitious. It’s not just a tactical simulation; it’s a lavishly produced, action-oriented exploration game wrapped around a narrative that spans the twilight of the High Republic—hitting those sweet spots of stories like Rogue One and the Knights of the Old Republic.
Bit Reactor has done more than just repackage the old formula; they’ve taken the core principles of successful tactics games and injected them with an engaging, modern twist. The result is a game that successfully balances crunchy complexity with incredibly satisfying story beats and gorgeous set pieces.
At the heart of the experience is a truly unique cast of characters. Players step into the role of Commander Hawks, a disgraced former Republic officer with a charmingly incongruous cowboy drawl. With highly customizable appearances and class choices, you develop a genuine sense of ownership over your protagonist. But the true brilliance lies in the ensemble: Hawks and their crew are a winning “family of friends” dynamic, full of friction and conflict—from the abrasive former bean counter to the laconic bounty hunter—making every interaction feel genuinely affecting.
The gameplay masterfully shifts between modes. You manage your operation from the Den, a detailed home base in an asteroid-bound smuggler city, where you can engage in text-based espionage reminiscent of Dragon Age: Inquisition. Then, you jump into full, action-game-style driving exploration, where every environment is richly detailed, feeling as tactile as Jedi: Fallen Order. This blend—moving seamlessly from deep tactical combat to immersive, third-person exploration—is one of the game’s most clever features.
Even the combat is highly satisfying. While the turn-based tactical core remains, the gameplay introduces dynamic elements like the Squad wipe mechanic, which forces players to think creatively about mission objectives. Expect intense, unpredictable challenges, and a delightful sense of trolling in the side missions that keeps the momentum high.
Deeper engagement comes from the RPG elements. Players aren’t limited to pure tactics; they can engage in rewarding buildcrafting. Classes like the Gunslinger, which rewards aggressive attacks with quickdraw abilities, and the Astromech droids, who act as supportive “support gods” for the squad, allow for fascinating synergies. These systems give players room to experiment and tailor their approach to the unfolding narrative.
While the game delivers a spectacular experience, a few minor technical hiccups occasionally appeared, including some graphical glitches and occasional hang time. Furthermore, the exploration segments are very linear, which some players found restrictive. However, these small blemishes don’t detract from the overall impact. Star Wars Zero Company is a powerhouse debut, offering a substantial, highly replayable, and utterly delightful take on the Star Wars universe.
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