Star Wars: Rogue Squadron

For the Nintendo 64

Rated T for Teens
1 player

An offshoot of the highly popular PC flight simulator X-Wing, Rogue Squadron lives up to the name Star Wars. Throughout most of the game, you play as Luke Skywalker, leader of the Rogue Squadron. With the exception of the Last level, and the bonus levels, most of the action in this game takes place between the Original Star Wars Movie, and The Empire Strikes Back.

The flight simulator aspect of this game is phenomenal. Have you ever contemplated piloting an X-Wing fighter into battle against Tie Fighters and other assorted Imperial forces? You have? Then this is the game for you. And unlike some other chapters of the X-Wing series, the controls in this game are relatively easy to master. It’s not even that difficult to jump right in.

The plot, while not stellar, provides a good continuity for the missions. One mission usually follows another, and you begin to “recognize” the people you are working with. As well as anticipate the next twist in the story.

There is also a rewards and ranking structure. For each mission, you can earn a medal. You are scored on certain factors to determine this including time, accuracy, and friendly saves. You start out as a trainee, and are rewarded new ranks as you complete missions and earn medals.

You might think a Teen rating on a Star Wars title is out of place. This is mainly due to the violence inherent in a war story. One item of particular note: You have the opportunity to shoot at people on the ground. What is especially disturbing is how they scream out when you hit them. This is why I would not recommend this game for small children. It can turn into a hunting mission, and the violence can appear gratuitous. Seems kind of unfair anyway, an X-Wing fighter against a pedestrian.

I would recommend this game to anybody with an interest in Star Wars. Also, for those who enjoy a battle style flight simulator.

Rating: 9 out of a possible 10