A certain kind of game has to have stakes. When you're bouncing off every enemy and can waltz through any encounter without risk, it can start to become a little same-y. It may be a little bit of a strange pitch to say you're looking forward to a game that makes you experience loss, but that's what makes generations of turn-based strategy games great, and that's what developer Bit Reactor is counting on with Star Wars Zero Company, a game every tactics fan is champing at the bit to play.
Set during the fan-favorite Clone Wars era, you'll command a group of soldiers, scoundrels, and at least one Jedi padawan through difficult battles set to test your tactical acumen. Every move counts because permadeath is always an option, and the original story will continue on without those who have succumbed to it. Here are some of the reasons I'm looking forward to Zero Company.
Character options
A cinematic, single-player game like this can live or die by its characters, and Zero Company is packed with compelling figures and talented actors helping to bring them to life. You play as Hawks, a former Republic officer who is fully customizable. They're a leader, but they're no infallible hero. You'll need to rely on your squadmates to get through each and every battle.
You'll have a deep selection of original characters to fill out your team. Some of them will be on the battlefield, and some will help you strategize from The Den, your home base. From an Umbaran sniper to a Mandalorian mercenary to only one Jedi, you'll need to figure out whose skills suit your playstyle and find new ways to approach every battle.
If their vibe doesn't match yours, you also have the option to create your own operators. You can choose from the core specializations of Assault, Heavy, Sharpshooter, Soldier, Scoundrel, Gunslinger, Scout, and Medic, with 10 varied species to choose from. In addition, you'll have various talents, weapons and utilities you can equip each character with, taking your tactical options further. You can even build your own astromech droids to fill out your team, making sure the last thing your enemy hears is their chirpy beep-boops as they rain down grenades on their dome.
Tactical takedown
New studio Bit Reactor has a history of working on some of the most well-loved tactical strategy games in recent history, and Star Wars Zero Company pulls lessons from them, alongside other sci-fi classics. You'll bring a four-person team into every battle, trying to balance your squad in a way that lets you take advantage of every opportunity.
Each specialization has three unique abilities: an Ultimate, a Standard, and a Passive. Gunslingers can chain their ability point usage to take out multiple enemies on the verge of dying, whereas Medics can keep your team on their feet when everything is starting to look bleak.
Don't play fast and loose. Permadeath is an option if you let your injuries pile up. It wasn't taken on without careful thought, though. "Star Wars is about loss," says narrative lead Aaron Contreras. "I mean, four years old, watching Obi-Wan Kenobi die, right? It’s about loss, and then also, as a developer, wanting people to not save scum, but to push through the loss, to what’s on the other side of the experience, to feel it." It's an intentional aspect of the game that leads to a lot of interesting story options.
Tell the tale
There's story around every corner in Zero Company. When you're at The Den, you'll be able to have conversations with your squadmates. You're in the midst of a schism between the Republic and the Separatists, and they'll make it clear which side they're on. You have to balance the needs of your team, keeping everyone together and loyal enough to see the mission through. Head to the Holotable and you'll be able to level-up and manage your team, upgrade the den, recruit additional operators and check out other strategic missions you can send your squad on.
Star Wars Zero Company is coming out on August 27 at the price of $49.99 (PC) / $59.99 (console) for the standard game and $59.99 (PC) / $69.99 (console) for the deluxe edition, which delivers tons of cosmetic items pulled from the Clone Wars era, including new outfits, tattoos, and weapons.
