Star Wars Zero Company Blends XCOM Tactics With Prequel Era Grit
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Bit Reactor and EA's Star Wars Zero Company brings XCOM-style tactical combat to the Clone Wars, offering a character-driven story and deep strategic gameplay.
For a franchise named after galactic conflict, the lack of a proper Star Wars tactical game has always felt like a strange gap in the lineup. Developer Bit Reactor, a studio founded by former Firaxis developers and working in partnership with Electronic Arts, is stepping in to fill that space with Star Wars Zero Company. Following a recent hands-on preview by Polygon, the upcoming squad-based tactical game is shaping up to deliver the strategic depth of the XCOM series while leaning heavily into the atmospheric grit of the Clone Wars.
Set during the Clone Wars, the story follows a ragtag group of misfits known as Zero Company, led by a character named Hawks. Instead of fighting on the front lines of the grand galactic war, the crew takes on odd jobs across obscure planets for cash, eventually getting entangled in covert work for the Galactic Republic. The narrative sidesteps constant fan service to focus on a diverse cast of characters, including a diehard Separatist manager, a loyal decommissioned clone trooper, and a genuinely endearing roster of recruitable units. It is a character-driven approach that makes the stakes feel personal, ensuring players will want to keep their squad alive during intense engagements.
Structurally, the gameplay loop follows the familiar formula of games like XCOM 2 and Marvel's Midnight Suns, balancing high-stakes tactical combat with base management and strategic operations between missions. While these non-combat phases can occasionally feel a bit routine, the strength of the writing, sharp character banter, and distinct tactical encounters point toward a compelling release. For players across console and PC who love deep strategic gameplay and rich lore, Zero Company offers a fresh angle on a familiar universe. You can read the original preview over at Polygon.
Tags: Star Wars Zero Company, Bit Reactor, XCOM, Tactical Games, Polygon
Original article: Polygon