Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Star Wars: X-Wing – B-Wing builds upon the solid foundation of the original X-Wing simulator, introducing the eponymous B-Wing assault fighter to your Rebel Alliance roster. The B-Wing’s unique gyroscopic cockpit and heavy armament offer a fresh playstyle: you can switch between forward- and rear-facing guns, unleashing a barrage of ion cannons and concussion missiles on capital ships and starfighters alike. Piloting the B-Wing feels weighty compared to the nimble X-Wing, giving every strafing run and power-management decision a satisfying heft.

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The add-on also delivers a brand-new Tour of Duty campaign, taking you deeper into Rebel operations against the Empire. Missions range from high-stakes escort runs and deep-strike raids on Imperial installations to thrilling dogfights in asteroid fields. Each assignment emphasizes the B-Wing’s firepower and shielding, encouraging you to experiment with loadouts and tactical positioning. The AI opponents put up a commendable fight, coordinating wingmen attacks and deploying turret defenses that keep you on your toes.

Beyond the flagship ship and campaign, small refinements elevate the overall experience. Targeting crosshairs are more precise, letting you pick off fighter squadrons at longer ranges. Damage modeling has been tweaked so that shield and hull impacts feel more authentic, with sparks and debris streaming from your cockpit view as systems wear down. For veterans of the original X-Wing, these enhancements offer both a smooth learning curve and ample challenge without reinventing the wheel.

Graphics

Although aging by modern standards, the graphics in X-Wing – B-Wing remain a testament to the classic mid-’90s flight-sim era. The polygonal models for capital ships and starfighters are crisp, with clear color differentiation to help you instantly identify friend from foe. The B-Wing itself boasts a distinctive silhouette that cuts an impressive figure against the starfield backdrop. Laser bolts and concussion warheads light up the void with vivid streaks of red and orange, punctuated by small explosion sprites that recall the resourceful artistry of the time.

Space environments are varied and atmospheric. Whether you’re weaving through space station girders or skimming the surface of a desert planet, the static bitmaps and texture-mapped structures lend each mission a unique visual flavor. Lens flare effects on solar arrays, occasional nebulae wisps, and distant star glows contribute to a sense of scale that still holds up for enthusiastic new players discovering the franchise’s roots.

The cockpit views are particularly noteworthy. Each fighter’s dash indicators, switch panels, and status readouts are drawn in fine detail, giving you an authentic sense of being strapped into an interstellar warship. When your shields fail or your engines sputter, critical alarms flash in the HUD, making damage management an immersive tactile experience that ties directly into your on-screen glances.

Story

Set during the escalating conflict between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire, the B-Wing expansion deepens the narrative through mission briefings and in-flight objectives that feel integral to the larger Star Wars saga. General Dodonna and Mon Mothma deliver crisp, purposeful instructions via mission brief videos. Their palpable urgency underscores the stakes as the Rebellion mounts critical strikes against Imperial shipyards and supply convoys.

Characterization is largely functional rather than theatrical, which suits the simulator’s style. You play a skilled pilot assigned to Rogue Squadron’s newer flight group, entrusted with prototypes and specialized ordnance. Occasional voiceovers hint at camaraderie among squadmates, framed by quick transmissions warning of enemy trap setups or cheering you after a successful strike run. The focus remains squarely on the tactical mission, but these touches lend momentary human moments to your solitary cockpit duties.

The final missions in the Tour of Duty campaign culminate in an assault on a heavily defended Imperial stronghold. The narrative pace quickens as field reports indicate mounting Imperial reinforcements. This crescendo builds tension effectively, making the climactic run on enemy capital ships feel like the culmination of all your previous sorties. While the story text and briefings aren’t cinematic blockbusters, they provide enough context to satisfy lore enthusiasts and casual fans alike.

Overall Experience

Star Wars: X-Wing – B-Wing is an outstanding add-on that respects the legacy of its predecessor while boldly introducing new hardware, new challenges, and refined systems. For long-time fans of the X-Wing series, the B-Wing expansion offers dozens of hours of additional gameplay without feeling like recycled content. The Tour of Duty missions are thoughtfully designed to highlight the B-Wing’s heavy firepower and unique handling, rewarding pilot persistence and tactical creativity.

Newcomers to the franchise may need a brief acclimation period to master the B-Wing’s flight characteristics, but the learning curve is well supported by intuitive controls and in-game tutorials. The overall package remains accessible: you can jump in, experiment with power distribution between shields, weapons, and engines, and quickly find a loadout that suits your preferred playstyle. Replay value is high, thanks to optional mission targets and the inherent challenge of achieving flawless runs with limited lives.

Ultimately, B-Wing stands as a valuable extension of the X-Wing universe. It balances nostalgia with innovation, delivering an immersive Star Wars space-combat experience that still resonates decades after its release. Whether you’re hunting TIE fighters in asteroid belts or unleashing missile salvos on Star Destroyers, you’ll find that this add-on enriches the classic title’s scope and depth, making it a must-have for any Rebel pilot’s collection.

Retro Replay Score

8/10