Star Wars Zero Companyis a compelling turn-based game set in theStar Warsuniverse. Being co-developed by newcomer indie studio Bit Reactor andStar Wars Jedideveloper Respawn,Star Wars Zero Companyis teasing an exciting spin on the popular sci-fi franchise.
What’s even more intriguing, though, is that the team at Bit Reactor are no strangers to the turn-based strategy genre. The studio is made up of a variety of industry veterans, with many having experience working ontheXCOMseries.XCOMhas become one of the most notable turn-based franchises in the strategy genre, and while the promise ofStar Wars Zero Companyis exciting, it also raises the question of when anotherXCOMgame will see the light of day.
Star Wars Zero Company Could Fill an XCOM-Sized Hole
Taking On Alien Invasions One Turn at a Time
With over 30 years' worth of games under its belt,theXCOMfranchisedefinitely isn’t hurting for content. However, just because a long-running series has plenty of entries to offer doesn’t mean that it wouldn’t be exciting to get another chapter. After 2001, the original franchise went dormant, but a reboot in 2012 brought new life to the sci-fi series. Developed by Firaxis and published by 2K Games, this rebooted version ofXCOMbrought the alien-fighting story back from the grave, and it’s continued to be quite successful within its genre.
Despite the success, Firaxis and 2K have kept silent on whatthe future ofXCOMhas in store. With it now being five years sinceXCOM: Chimera Squadwas released, the series definitely feels due for an update of some kind. It’s possible that the rebooted franchise may have run its course, but that hopefully isn’t the case.
Bit Reactor was co-founded by CEO Greg Foertsch, who served as the Art Director forXCOM: Enemy UnknownandXCOM 2.
Until a New XCOM Surfaces, Star Wars Zero Company Can Scratch That Turn-Based Itch
Star Wars Zero Companymay not be centered around alien invasions, but because Bit Reactor’s devs have plenty of experience in the turn-based genre, the gameplay is bound to feel quite similar. AlthoughStar Warshas a very different identity than the alien-centric series, it is still at least within the sci-fi genre, which could also help tie over fans until anotherXCOMis announced, if ever.Star Wars Zero Companyis a fun change of pacefor the franchise’s video game offerings, and its potential similarity toXCOMcould make it a great option for longtime fans in the mood for something new, but familiar.
InStar Wars Zero Company, players take on the role of Hawks as they lead a customizable squad during the events of the Clone Wars.
Turn-Based Gameplay is Back in the Spotlight
The incredible success ofClair Obscur: Expedition 33andBaldur’s Gate 3have demonstrated just how satisfying turn-based gameplay can be, soStar Wars Zero Companywill hopefully continue to showcase this genre’s strengths. The two have very different approaches to turn-based mechanics, but it’s exciting to see this style of gameplay getting a lot of attention.
Whether it’s a turn-based tactics title or a turn-based RPG, both routes require patience from players, and it will be exciting to see how that plays out in aStar Warssetting.The wait forStar Wars Zero Companymay be a little bit longer than desired, but it can hopefully pave the way for moreXCOM, or simply more turn-based titles.
