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This new Star Wars freebie is one for the retro gamers out there, as it expands upon one of the greatest Starfighter games we’ve ever had.
Star Wars is mostly known for its lightsaber duels. Qui-Gon Vs Darth Maul on Naboo, Anakin Vs Obi-Wan on Mustafar, Luke Vs Darth Vader on Bespin, the list of duels goes on.
However, Star Wars is also famous for some of the most intense aerial dogfights ever put to screen, which is exactly why starfighter games are so revered.
Modern Starfighter games like Star Wars: Squadrons are great but it’s important to remember, and honour, the games that started it all, and Embers of the Empire does exactly that.
Embers of the Empire is a brand-new mode expansion for the 1999 game Star Wars X-Wing Alliance.
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You can find the game on Steam and it’s about a humble trading family caught up in the shadow of the evil Empire.
It’s simply one game in a series of titles and while they were usurped by the Star Wars: Rogue Squadron games that were released in the following years, they still hold up.
The Embers of the Empire expansion might as well be its own sequel though as it introduces an “all-new, original Imperial campaign set in the Star Wars Legends timeline.”
“As a conscript from Parshoone,” the mod’s description reads, “Janz Gaaland is thrust into the ranks of the battered Imperial Remnant, fighting not for conquest—but for survival—in a fractured, post-treaty galaxy.
“With the Empire weakened, divided, and surrounded, every battle matters. Every decision carries weight. And for the first time in years… the Empire may finally have a chance to rise again.”
Featuring 14 brand-new and fully voice-acted missions, and an overhaul to all of the game’s starfighters, it's a brilliant expansion from start to finish.
The mod even goes as far as to create new backdrops to fight in, so the missions themselves actually feel new and exciting.
A lot of work has been poured into this expansion and it shows. You could easily mistake it as one of the official releases from back in the day.
The mod is available for PC users now and will be compatible with the Steam version of the game in addition to the version found on GOG. The Embers of the Empire page also features instructions on how to download and install it to your game.
There’s arguably no better time to jump into it, either as The Mandalorian And Grogu film has ultimately failed to drum up excitement, fans will be treated to the Star Wars: Starfighter film next year, starring Ryan Gosling.
If you’re on the hunt for other Star Wars games, there are plenty to play, both in terms of official releases and fan-made projects such as Embers of the Empire.
Star Wars Battlefront fans might be interested to hear of the game’s imminent return as well, planned for later this month.
READ MORE: Star Wars Battlefront Return Planned for 23 May, Mark Your Calendars
