Articles

X-Wing series next.....? 04 Aug, 2009 / Comments: 21

By jp-30


LucasArts president Darrel Rodriguez typed an extra long ellipsis in an email interview with G4TV. Mysterious!
I asked Rodriguez for thoughts on a return of the company's lauded X-Wing and Tie Fighter flight sim series.

His answer?

"We don’t have any announcements now, but stay tuned," said Rodriguez. "We will soon....."
Oh lordy, please be 'Special Editions' of the X-Wing games. Or better yet an entirely new game for PC and consoles by Totally Games.

And yes, before the "PC only" crowd start hurling concussion missiles, I do think one can get the full X-Wing experience on consoles with clever use of controller buttons/stick waggles.

Source: G4TV

21

21 Comments

  • Izzy on 05 Aug, 2009, 12:54…
    I hope it does come on consoles I always wanted to play an X-Wing game.
  • Narrative on 05 Aug, 2009, 11:12…
    I really REALLY hope they're developing something new rather then just flogging a dead donkey. I was obsessed with X-Wing & Tie Fighter games.
  • jp-30 on 05 Aug, 2009, 11:30…
    If the old games simply play in Vista (or XP) without all that tweaking and compatibility mode malarkey, I'll be happy enough.

    And if they sell well enough in Steam, maybe it'll finally send a message that there is still a market for a space combat sim that's not an afterthought to Galaxies or Battlefront.
  • The Tingler on 05 Aug, 2009, 08:03…
    Steam release. Inevitable.
  • jp-30 on 05 Aug, 2009, 08:33…
    Yes, the most likey answer.
  • DustCropper on 05 Aug, 2009, 05:57…
    If they are indeed remaking these games, I hope they keep (or re-record) the original iMUSE music instead of simply attaching static Star Wars music like they did for the Collector's Series several years ago. That music was a big part of the game for me, especially Tie Fighter.
  • ChanceKell on 05 Aug, 2009, 05:55…
    In regards to console gaming, I think we have seen with the Rogue Squadron series that it's possible to have a fun arcade simulator experience without a keyboard.

    The important thing about this development is that we're seeing a rebirth of one of the greatest franchises in gaming history. No matter what, we'll be using modern technology, so we won't be playing the same game we played 10+ years ago. We're looking forward to a whole new experience in a familiar galaxy, and I for one can't wait.

    I do hope they go all-out for this revival. PC space games haven't had a heavy-hitter in forever, and it'd be fun to see what could happen with the console market (even if it's just a Wii update of the Rogue Squadron franchise).
  • jp-30 on 05 Aug, 2009, 06:09…
    The Rogue Squadron series is definitly an Arcade experience, and the X-Wing series a Simulation experience.

    So long as any new games that might bear the "X-Wing Series" branding lean more heavily towards the Sim than the Arcade feel I'll be happy (power re-routing betwee engines, lasers & shields, for the obvious example of strategic use of resources during combat).

    How was Totally Games "Secret Weapons over Normandy"? A LucasArts sim series updated for both consoles & PC? I haven't ever played it.

    As far as a Wii update of Rogue Leader, it was in the works, but all sorts of dodgy shit has gone down with Factor 5 lately.
  • hierohero on 05 Aug, 2009, 03:26…
    I loved the X-wing games..they were awesome..if they brought them back they would sell!
  • spiralout on 05 Aug, 2009, 00:59…
    Heh, X-Wing on Wii...
  • jp-30 on 05 Aug, 2009, 01:08…
    Nunchuck to fly & shoot, Wiimote's D pad and A, B, +, -, 1, 2 buttons for Throttle and the most common actions. Wii pointer to activate various other things on a HUD. It's possible*.


    *And very unlikely.
  • Jayel on 05 Aug, 2009, 01:36…
    what if it was a co-op:
    Player one plays the pilot, player two plays the astrodroid.
    The pilot steers the craft with wiimote's motion sensor and the droid deals with shield adjustment, sending orders to wingmen and, most importantly, lock s-foils in attack position.
  • jp-30 on 05 Aug, 2009, 01:48…
    Used to play 'pilot & weapons/navigator' on X-Wing & TIE all the time when my friends were over.
  • Jayel on 05 Aug, 2009, 00:49…
    I would be happy with a direct port of TIE Fighter to modern PC. Although nothing would make me happier than a full remake with all new graphics and VR helmet or trackIR support.
  • Jake on 05 Aug, 2009, 00:41…
    heh!
  • jp-30 on 05 Aug, 2009, 00:55…
    Yes, I know. But, all the music levels can be done via setting menu. Detail level toggles are unnecessary in a console. No need to Calibrate joystick. The throttle 0, throttle 1/3, 2/3, full can be pared back (hold one button, tap 2nd Joystick up once for 1/3, twice for 2.3, 3 times for full power, etc). Hold different button and use 2nd joystick for wingman directions. No button & 2nd joystick for camera movement. D-Pad for various weapon configurations.

    In theory, with various button and d-pad / 2nd stick combos you can cram plenty of controls into a console controller.

    Whether the console crowd could be bothered learning them is a different matter.

    Also, a 2nd controller's buttons could be utilised for less-used functions, if need be.
  • Jake on 05 Aug, 2009, 01:36…
    I know I know. It's am amazingly daunting keybind list, though!
  • JohnGreenArt on 05 Aug, 2009, 01:54…
    Many of those options could be selected through a menu from a pause screen or something, since a lot of them don't specifically need to be done while playing.
  • jp-30 on 05 Aug, 2009, 01:49…
    That it is. I'm sure I only ever used 20% of the available commands.
  • Melancholick on 04 Aug, 2009, 21:48…
    Scream. Scream. SCREEEEAM~!
  • elTee on 04 Aug, 2009, 21:28…
    Oh man, great great news. :D