Can Star Wars: Zero Company Succeed with Turn-Based Tactical Gameplay?

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Star Wars: Zero Company appears set to offer an engaging gaming experience, marking the first time fans get to delve into a turn-based tactical style reminiscent of games like XCOM or Marvel’s Midnight Suns. What makes this game intriguing is that the turn-based tactics genre has not been particularly successful in recent years.

Is there optimism that Zero Company could buck the trend, yet could it genuinely manage to do so, or might it become another overlooked strategy game that enthusiasts discover a year or two following its launch instead?

From a gamer’s perspective, playing through early previews suggests that Star Wars: Zero Company will essentially be an XCOM-style game, immersing us in The Clone Wars era with unique character classes and adversaries. There might not be much actual gameplay to see yet, but the enthusiasm among fans is high due to its development by Respawn Entertainment – a company known for their exceptional work on Jedi: Fallen Order and Survivor. With their proven track record in the Star Wars universe, I have no doubts that they’ll hit it out of the park once again.

It’s not always the case that great gameplay guarantees strong sales. This is evident from recent turn-based tactics games, which have received positive reviews for their gameplay but have struggled with sales.

In contrast to many JRPGs that favor turn-based combat, strategy games tend to appeal more to a specific audience. Unlike strategy enthusiasts who prefer titles such as Civilization, where management is key rather than just focusing on battles, turn-based battles are more common in JRPGs. It appears that strategy gamers enjoy the continuous action and quick thinking, instead of waiting for their turn to attack, which seems to be a preferred choice in this genre.

Indeed, as a devoted fan, I can say that the longing for something fresh within the Star Wars universe was palpable among us. Fortunately, this game has managed to cater to that desire, offering an innovative take on the beloved franchise.

Marvel’s Midnight Suns attempted to innovate within its genre by implementing a card-driven action system, allowing each character in your team to perform different actions based on their cards. However, the developers at Firaxis found it challenging to make card-based tactical combat engaging for less experienced players, resulting in lower-than-expected sales. Additionally, while the game has received mixed reviews due to its semi-realistic visual style, it’s worth mentioning that it boasts high-quality gameplay.

Star Wars: Zero Company appears to be executing things perfectly thus far, as the game doesn’t seem overly complex and seems rather straightforward. Although turn-based tactics games may not initially appear appealing, staying close to the genre can lead to positive outcomes. Take Baldur’s Gate 3 for example, a game that utilizes a similar battle system and has gained global success, although its triumph is more attributed to exceptional character writing than anything else.

I’m really hoping that the Zero Company fares better than the Midnight Suns. Ideally, if Zero Company achieves success, it might encourage fans to explore the less recognized Marvel title as well. For now, all we can do is be patient and wish for a successful launch.

Star Wars: Zero Company is coming to PS5, Xbox Series, and PC in 2026.

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2025-04-20 13:13