Star Wars Zero Company: a rounded tactic with blockbuster ambition

A new video game titled Star Wars: Zero Company has emerged as a fusion of the iconic Star Wars universe with the strategic depth of turn-based tactical games such as XCOM. Developed by Bit Reactor, a relatively young studio led by Game Director Greg Foertsch, the title aims to bring high-quality turn-based gameplay into the mainstream through the powerful brand recognition of Star Wars. According to early access reports from heise online, the game promises to deliver a compelling blend of narrative and mechanics that could redefine the genre. The game's setting is firmly rooted in the Clone Wars era, a pivotal time in the Star Wars timeline marked by conflict between the Galactic Republic and the Separatists. The protagonist, Hawks, is a disgraced Republic officer who leads a mercenary squad hired by the Republic. Unlike other characters, Hawks is immune to permanent death, allowing players to experiment with strategies without fear of losing their main character. Players can customize Hawks' appearance, including species, name, clothing, and specialization, offering a deeply personal experience. Gameplay in Star Wars: Zero Company draws heavily from the mechanics found in XCOM, particularly in its turn-based combat system. Combat is structured around a percentage-based hit chance, with damage per shot determined outside of critical hits. Both player-controlled units and enemy forces can set up Overwatch zones, providing cover and protection during engagements. Cover plays a crucial role in survival, though some elements can be destroyed, adding layers of strategy to each battle. Unlike traditional XCOM-style games, which often rely on a fixed action point system, Zero Company introduces a dual resource management approach. Movement and attack actions share a pool of three points, enabling multiple attacks per turn right from the start. Additionally, players earn Advantage Points through combat actions, which can be spent on special abilities. For example, the ability known as Trick allows a unit to fire a rocket using 10 Advantage Points. A unique feature is the Backup System, which lets players select a team member to act for free before an attack, potentially opening up new tactical possibilities later in the game. Environmental interaction is another key element of the game. Many objects within the game world are destructible, allowing players to use walls as weapons by throwing enemies against them, causing additional damage. Outside of combat, movement is controlled via a third-person perspective using WASD controls, similar to the method used in Midnight Suns, another Firaxis-developed game. This control scheme is more intuitive than the grid-based movement typical of many turn-based titles. Companions in Zero Company differ significantly from generic AI allies found in most tactical games. Instead, they are predefined characters with distinct appearances, personalities, and skill sets. While these companions can be permanently killed if the permadeath option is enabled, players can also recruit generic soldiers to join their squad. The maximum number of accompanying characters is four, which is relatively small compared to other games in the genre. Between missions, players manage their base of operations, upgrading facilities and engaging in conversations that further develop the story. The narrative unfolds in the shadow of the Clone Wars, exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption. As the game progresses, players will face increasingly complex challenges that test both their strategic acumen and decision-making skills. The development team behind Zero Company includes several former members of Firaxis Games, the studio responsible for XCOM and Midnight Suns. Their experience in crafting deep, strategic gameplay has clearly influenced the design of Zero Company, making it one of the most anticipated entries in the Star Wars gaming landscape. With its innovative mechanics and rich storytelling, the game is poised to make a significant impact on the turn-based strategy genre.