Like the really bad modern Star Wars movies, people often lament the state of Star Wars gaming as well. When people speak of a diamond in the rough they say…

Tie Fighter.

I remember living in North Uxbridge, MA and playing Tie Fighter for hours in my dad’s office downstairs. I was in full view of two windows and the front door, but still, I would prepare for Tie Fighter in true geek form. I had my joystick that was the control stick in my cockpit. I had over sized headphones that were my communications gear to tell my wingmen how they might further assist the Empire. My bike helmet was never going to be used for crash landings as I was never going to fail the Dark Side alive. I even simulated a seat belt harness and everything.

This game was not just a flight simulator. As a matter of fact, I don’t really like flight simulators. What I do like are games that can make you suspend disbelief. I felt like I was a soldier of an Empire. I really was communicating with my fellow pilots, completing missions, and controlling the outcomes of battles as much as any one pilot could. This game had elements of RTS and sunk you into a story. I can’t think of any other flight simulators that ever did that.

Tie Fighter.

Maybe it’s time I again jump into my Missile Boat and kick some rebellious but.