Wing Commander

Game review

In the vast expanse of space, set against a backdrop of interstellar conflict, Wing Commander (WC), released in 1990 for DOS, emerged as a monumental achievement in the space combat simulation genre. This pioneering game not only defined the genre but also captured the imaginations of an entire generation of gamers. Players are thrust into a science-fiction universe filled with galactic warfare, assuming the role of a fighter pilot in an epic conflict against the Kilrathi, a warlike alien race.

Nowadays, graphics often take center stage in game reviews, so let's address them first. The graphics, though hopelessly outdated by today's standards, possess their own unique charm. In 1990, they were a significant draw, and the game boasted its 3D capabilities, which wasn't entirely accurate, but the illusion of 3D space was convincingly executed. Considering that games like Wolfenstein 3D, Doom, and Duke Nukem were still on the horizon, it's no surprise that WC attracted a lot of attention at the time. I dare say the graphics still hold some appeal today, as long as you don't expect the hyper-modern visuals of games like Crysis.

For those accustomed to modern games, the difficulty of Wing Commander might come as a surprise, potentially leading to frustration. After the first mission, you might not want to continue playing, but giving up would be a mistake. The game doesn't coddle players with tutorials, and the difficulty level is high from the start. However, WC is a fair game that clearly establishes its rules and sticks to them. The challenge arises because the enemies are tactically savvy, attempting to outmaneuver you with rapid dodges and twists. Your fighter isn't invincible; beyond shields and thin armor, only your skills and experience keep you alive. The game maintains consistency in enemy behavior, avoiding artificial difficulty spikes. Enemy aces present a tougher challenge but defeating them is immensely satisfying. While the game maintains a consistent difficulty level, it adjusts the challenge by varying the intensity and number of enemy waves. WC is undoubtedly challenging, and completing a particularly tough mission offers a profound sense of achievement, a feeling rarely replicated in today's mainstream games.

The story is delivered minimally through mission briefings and bar conversations with the crew, yet it remains compelling. Interestingly, failing missions doesn't end the game but leads you down alternative story paths, potentially resulting in a negative outcome. This feature allows for a full-fledged alternative playthrough, a remarkable feature for a game from 1990! The diverse personalities of your fellow pilots, encountered during bar chats, add depth to the game, although they don't assist in combat. In missions, you're assigned a wingman, to whom you can issue orders, but their effectiveness is limited.