Storyline:

Very good storyline adapting the Vong and having them facing the EH. Loved all the expanded narrative on the commander briefings. You get a lot of immersion with the in-game messages and enough information about what is going on. Each mission led well to the next one in terms of story. The story itself made you feel the fear of dealing with an invasion of an unknown yet powerful enemy even if it is using known ships, as their intentions made it clear they would not stop until they destroy the EH. That makes you react. I mean, the fear , being intimidated and expecting an invincible enemy...loved it.

Technical aspects:
It had some design flaws , while it was balanced most of the time, and with enough variety and , sometimes you had no way to beat a mission unless you failed first, then read the hints. In other cases, the flaws weren't "intentional". A VSD with little time to be saved for example,

Tactical:
Indeed, the design flaws would take you into unorthodox tactics. Sometimes it was more on the side of making good use of game mechanics rather than military tactics. Still, it had room for some dogfighting and you could use your piloting skills.

Briefings:
Good briefings, good grammar. Sadly, sometimes they did not give full information on what to expect. Awesome commander briefings with lots of context; you are left wanting for more. This is the best aspect along with storyline itself.

Interesting missions, good briefings, good context but some technical details... 3/5

Storyline:

Despite not being enough room for story on the game engine, they managed to build an interesting, consistent, original storyline that caught my interest and delivered a lot of immersion. More than enough information was given on the briefings with the help of the on-screen text tags. A consistent story across all missions.


Technical aspects:
Very well designed , balanced and with variety. It was challenging enough. Liked as I said, the detail of the text tags providing extra info on the briefing. I like how they use XvT limited resources to suggest the existence of new objects like the ring.

Tactical:
With all the information, it was pretty straightforward to figure out what to do. Doesn't mean there is no challenge, it only means you've got a clear view on what is going on. In general terms, the tactics aren't hard. The focus here is on the story itself and on dogfighting.

Briefings:
Good briefings, good grammar. You're told all you need and even more.

All missions are pretty fun. Recommend this battle 5/5. The kind of battle that makes the EH compendium interesting.

Storyline:
Decent premise but it felt somehow ...unfinished. Needs to be elaborated more. There were attempts when the rebel frigate arrived for example.

Technical:
I cant complain. I liked the use of multiple OPTs to build a base. I think the yellow messages should be from Kuati rather than rebel.

Operational:
If you take the initiative and go ahead, you'll have enemy FGs all chasing you. Other than that, you're the one taking it to the offensive and the base won't go anywhere. No real risk here just try to kill as much as you can before your wingmates do.

Briefings/messages/characters:
There was an effort on this briefing, liked the animation and the colored text but there could be a lot more context for the premise to make you feel involved.

Fun factor:
I admit it was fun. Yes, quite entertaining and felt like something different to be against that destroyable scenario.

3/5

Storyline:

Pretty interesting storyline. You get a lot of narrative and context and I find it exquisite to do it on TIE as you have to imagine how this is all happening. You get a lot of immersion and enough information about what is going on. Each mission led well to the next one in terms of story.

Technical aspects:
Pretty well designed , balanced and with enough variety and challenge even if you're flying a MIS you don't feel you're invincible. You have to fight your way out.

Tactical:
Oh yes, I had to be careful and had a challenge here. In some missions I had to bring my A-game for SP. Your situational awareness will serve you well here. Plan to focus on inspection. You wouldn't want to accidentally die without inspecting crafts , eh?

Briefings:
Good briefings, good grammar. Commander briefings provided A LOT of context and you are left wanting for more.

All missions are pretty fun. Recommend this battle 5/5. I'm left wanting to know more of this virus and the creator left that window open. If I could, I'd give it more points. Loved it!!

Ok so I'll review storyline, technical aspects, tactics, briefing and fun factor per mission.

Storyline:
#1: If you dont read the description, you wont have idea what was going on. We were meant to escort some high ranking officers but we have to wait on a prototype as well . Messages just randomly mentioned the names of the officers. I admit there was an attempt to bring comments on the battle but they came out rather cold and bland imho although that could be a thing for we are imperials and we are meant to be cold. hmmm ok, point here.
#2: Ok, good plot here.
#3: Yea, liking the additional attempt from the rebels to get our tech. The Interloper is clearly a plot device and thats fine, in fact I like the concept of seeing what happens when a new prototype is built...will existing fighters be enough to stop it? is it too late? Again messages to give some sense of presence are awfully addded err...lets give it a point anyways.
#4: Oh, liked the plot twist and the feeling of revenge you get when dealing with the rebel fleet. Liked more the messages this time as they added immersion.


Technical:
#1: I think mission was ok in general terms. Nothing special but nothing wrong about it. Have a point.
#2: I think I got the general idea. If somebody shoots down something, there will be a comment. Yea, that works. Have a point.
#3: I'm ok with the mission, had some cool details like the shielded T/I. Nice to fly a shielded T/I. I love it as much as the T/A
#4: Again, technically it was ok. Nice touch when the ISDs arrive.

Operational:
#1: No, no real challenge, just shoot them down. Go for the TRNs
#2: Really, keep an eye on the gunboat and the ATRs. Careful with the B-Ws...in general terms GUNz arent meant to dogfight. Point here
#3: Well, no real danger ... if you know how to handle an interceptor.
#4: Again, no real danger. The MUTR was destroyed but I didnt lose the mission...the point about bringing a huge force is that it wont be enough to win the mission, it actually would require tactics, bravery...

Briefings:
#1: Briefing was ok save for not reminding us the corvette was critical and...you could see the briefing hinted at opposition #1 but didint mention it. Rather odd. Could use a revamp here.
#2: Briefing worked this time. Another point here. I mean, gives enough information.
#3: A few glitches. however, I had an idea what was going on. Point.
#4: This time briefing was ok, if the intention as to capture the MUTR. Either the mission plotline was wrong or the briefing was wrong...either you capture or destroy.

Fun factor:
#1: Well, it was fun but waiting on the ISD to jump away wasnt that fun.
#2: I know it is fun, just not my kind of fun with GUNz.
#3: Yea, it was fun!
#4: won't deny it: I had fun with this one.

Now, points...

#1:2/5
#2:4/5
#3:5/5
#4:3/5

In average, to me, it gets 3.5...but lets make it 4. Nice job. Can be improved but nice job nevertheless!

Its been so long since I last flew regularly but Im slowly coming back to action. I say this because I might have a bias towards difficulty as Im still rusty. So, here we go:

Reasonable story, interesting enough as well and you had as much info as you could have. Messages added immersion so point here.

Yea, placement was quite particular and made distance part of the tactical problem. No bugs so far or glitches and good timing of events. Point

I understood the tactical offer here but I didnt quite feel mission was at stakes . I did this one on first run.

Briefing was done well enough and just enough storybuilding as you could get on a XvT mission.

In general terms, it was fun to fly.

4/5

So for this once we have a standard storyline that does the job pretty well A bit interesting to have pirates running into trouble with us. We had enough info to run the escort job and we had enough messages to feel the immersion. Have your point!

Technically, it was well done. Ships on easy-med-hard settings, well placed FGs on the map, good event timing. Another point.

It was challenging on hard. I tried it a couple times and the B-Ws got the station...however Im still rusty as we speak so Ill give it a try later but for now , suffice to say it challenged me with those A Ws pinning me down. I need to figure out how to prevent the BWs from killing the station before the AWs gets me. Another point here!

Well polished briefing, good grammar, the few messages hinted a bit of backstory. No voice acting tho. Yet, another point for how well addressed these points were.

It wasnt too easy , Id say it was rather hard but I might have a bias since its been years since I last flew regularly. It didnt stress me tho.

5/5, I want to do this one again!!

The plot was quite reasonable and realistic. I found it interesting. You had information on the briefing and you were aware there could be trouble ahead (you know there will be trouble , otherwise there won't be a mission but you know, it felt as if you were being warned against the unknown, immersion). There were messages to feel the immersion and we had a plot twist that was pretty interesting and had me curious about it, almost wanting more missions about this. Exquisite introduction of characters, unexpected, positive, yet mysterious. Messages gave info about what was going on so have your point good creator.

However, on the technical side , the timing of the messages was a bit off. Yes, you would have a hard time defending the modular conveyor on your own so actually help is appreciated. Even so you have to take care of your 6'o clock so it is well done. Event timing was a bit off with messages as I said. No extra tricks or custom ships. The use of the booster is a surprise, a welcome one. But the tactics were so challenging w/o help that I'm tempted to give it this point.

Pretty interesting to solve the bombing on your own, perhaps a goal to pursue ? Situational awareness was needed here. Have your point.

Briefing was extensive enough but had a technical detail at the end. Good grammar and good attempt to build a dialogue. Loved how it remained unsolved so the creator did a lot with so little. You're left with curiosity...who were those guys?

Oh it was fun. I won't even argue.

Know what? 4/5. Would recommend it!

Well, well, well. Yea, ships could be caught trying to leave an area so it makes sense. Didn't make much sense the low amount of fighters involved on our side but, TIE Defenders. We almost got enough information about hostile FGs and certainly we got help on the mission tips (yes, had to read them and it was cool to find help)

Good technical level, good placement of enemies and good timing for their arrival, no custom stuff , we could use the Sovereign OPT there.

Good challenge and took me a few attempts to decipher the mission. As a matter of fact, loved the challenge there when you have to identify the threat before it manages to destroy the critical craft. I mean, which fighters were hitting the ship? you could focus on intercepting them as the help text said or...you could disable at least one of them to prevent the next wave of attackers from coming, buying your allies time to escape which was my tactic here. I had to plan it ahead.

Good briefings, just enough messages, overall good grammar, no voice acting.

A bit stressing yet still fun.

5/5

Yes, one of those missions where you have a good premise, decent information on what is going on, a bit of messages for immersion and information.

No bugs, good placement of hostile FGs. Maybe a bit off one of the arrival timings but that is debatable, no extra tricks other than multi-region no custom stuff.

Yes, a challenge to handle an interceptor against overwhelming odds. I had to actually keep dodging and eventually decided to let them chase me straight into the ISD for a tactic to save my 6 o'clock. You're the one at risk actually so let the ISD help you by gunning the extra load of hostile fighters.

Good mission and commander briefings. A few grammatic details, a bit more of character development, just above none hehe but there was an attempt. No VA.

Very fun to fly, not too long and I enjoyed it.

5/5

Alright. Here we have a very reasonable storyline, pretty straightforward tho. You are provided enough information but could've made a better use of inflight messages for immersion and information.

No bugs, pretty simple yet effective format (platform assault). Good enough to count on reinforcements, no special tricks aside from the animated briefing, no extra custom ships, etc.

It was challenging when I had several X-Ws on me as I did not participate on the initial skirmish. Then I realized I have to stay with the squadron. Use your missiles on the X-Ws as soon as possible and deal with the A-Ws. The MIS will handle the B-Ws but you'll be able to go for them if so you wish. Then all survivors would converge on the PLT itself.

We had commander briefings and animated briefings, I'd say it was extensive enough, grammar was almost good - could use some corrections however. As for commander briefings, they didn't add much information but there wasn't much to say: here's a platform, kill it with fire. No character development and that could be appreciated.

It was easy. yet, I had to take care with the X-wings or else I'd be toasted.It wasn't long but I didn't feel any surge in adrenaline.

Storyline: I actually liked the bit of intrigue and of course, chaos and action came when the admiral wanted to directly assess the situation right in the moment he received it and took the decision to get part of the job done ahead by knocking out the ISD shields; you can do it the hard way or you can do it the smart way ;). Didn't made sense the rebels just shows up and nobody says a word about it when the meeting was meant to be secret...spies? a transponder? traitors? doesn't matter it seems :P Anyways, while I'd argue there's enough information on the briefing given the mission profile, I'd appreciate a bit more of context for immersion. Messages gave just enough to know you were doing what you were expected to do but not much more so here's a deserved point.

Technical: Good use of multiregion, FGs could've been positioned on a more challenging location but that's fine. Timing was a bit off with one of the admiral's messages. No extra tricks or custom ships, etc.

Operational/Tactical/Strategic: adequate level of challenge, ensuring the survival of the critical craft wasn't a problem because enemy FGs will be aiming for you. As mentioned, you have the option to be smart and knock the ISD's shields. Doesn't hurt to keep an eye on the critical craft tho. There was no further need for planning or anything.

Briefing/inflight messages/characters: No commander briefing, need to check a few of the icon tags, and need more text tags for the ISDs. The RA is present there with a few messages so there is a character. No debriefing. No VA. Needs more in-flight messages even if they risk getting lost in the myriad of kill messages.

Overall, it was fun.

The general idea isn't that crazy but was poorly elaborated. I mean, just one CRS to engage a SSD? TRNs with little escort against an ISD? There wasn't much need for information but details on who would be the bombers would be nice IF the critical ships were in danger- would give you some valuable seconds to track the attackers and chase them sooner. There were almost no messages to expand on what was going on and lets say just enough immersion. The only real critical moment is when you have to chase the rebel shuttles but that's no biggie if you're in good flying shape.

Liked the detail of the micro jump. They could've used the Sovereign OPT instead of just using the vanilla SSD. No bugs either but the name of the mission is a bit misleading: you're actually defending the Collie AND the Sov.

I think it did not represent a real challenge even with the #%@$% flares present. No need for any plan or strategy, just shoot down rebels. Maybe when engaging the CRS you'd do it with the rest of the fighters or you'd follow a plan of your own.

The briefing could've used a lot more work and needs to be fixed to match the mission title or just change the title. You're told to defend the Sov mainly. No voice acting at all.

In general terms, it was, however, fun.

3/5 is my final evaluation.

While this one had a more "realistic" plot - as realistic as SW can be ;) - there are a few funny points: why would I send a fighter squadron to check whether a working satellite is there? if it works and is sending a signal, no need to send a patrol... that could've been better worded oh well.

Briefing texts are ok, same for in flight messages. Of course they could've used more dialogue . The takedown of the platform while optional, could be more eventful with more opposition.

Action with the pirates, while expected to be easier, was a bit too bland in general terms, not just the platform.

I had quite a few seconds to notice it was mandatory to inspect the transports. I won't blame briefings here as you werent expected to jump away . I did a last second inspection before they entered hangar. The suspense was actually exciting! I think I did what the creator might have wanted: be entertained with the fighters and almost ignore the transports.

So the fun and technical factors are there, storyline is decent. A bit on the easy side but a fun experience.

Make sure you also inspect the containers as well ;)

So, a power fantasy where you aim to eliminate two main characters. The briefing texts could expand a bit more on why Ronin would want specifically Ackbar and Solo, give some more context during the in flight messages tho Solo's arrival is made a bit noticeable.

A lot of fighters to blast. People often doesnt like that but I enjoy the numerous waves of fighters at times. Dealing with the CRS is possible since there's just enough fighter support to cover you but still allows you to blow up stuff.

Main issue here lies in what happens with your mothership: you jump back and there's ...none? not ure if this is a technical issue or was made on purpose to add mystery.

So the fun factor is there

Storyline doesn't make much sense

Technical factor is ok

Ah, aiming for HS here seems like a particular task.

Ok, so I decided to review each material I fly. I'm aware this is the first XWA Free so I'll leave this as a reference, for future mission builders.

Plot: A bit bland. Not the worst, but certainly not the most compelling. It works tho. Could use a bit more context for immersion. I agree Rogue Squadron for the umpteenth time as a warmup on this case did not make sense. As a matter of fact, any enemy on that moment did not make sense.

Fun Factor (gameplay): It was a fun idea to hit the platform. Lots of fighters, yes but somehow it still felt artificial, as if you knew you're being thrown a lot of fighters because there is no better tactical threat to offer.

Briefing: Texts were too short, squares not synched, could've used animation better, more info on the commander briefing as well.

Character development (messages): lacking, sadly. A lost opportunity, not to mention you're not told what's going on. Are your fellow pilots running away?

Technical aspect: I'd do away with the jamming, let the player know on the goals.

I think this mission has potential for being rebuilt on TFTC.

Ok it was pretty easy to accomplish and fun. Just remember not to shoot at point blank as containers' explosion will damage your fighter.

Didn't go beyond the primary goals so I can't further comment.

Actually after looking for a decent score, I enjoyed this. Pretty simple briefing , no much background story...just shooting down waves of different crafts. The use of the T/D became pretty standard on the battles but w/e, you're not in danger here...starships doesn't shoot back as much as expected which is good if you're looking to kill them. The ISD Avenger could have been put under risk by having more craft attacking it. I noticed those MIS deployed, actually focused on the fighters rather than the CRS itself. It was a race to kill as many craft as fast as possible before your comrades gets to them. I liked it.

Easygoing battle, no real risks there, could be done without problems even on hard. Somehow fun...again making use of numerous dogfighting waves of fighters. There are moments where you are waiting for a condition to take place and until it triggers up you have nothing better to do than deal with the enemy fighters ...while somehow the enemies should be 'connected' to the plotline so it is missing that part. Briefings are ok and the goals are clear...overall, 4/5. Quick FCHG points.

On the fun factor, well there is some of it. You can even find some decent challenges up to the use of a T/D. However, some of the storyline aspects doesn't make sense. Some of the briefings gave the right information but some others didn't help much with the mission goals which takes me to the next point... a bonus objective needed for a primary goal isn't a bonus goal, it is a primary objective on its own right. Someone could have ended up doing a number of trial and error when it could be hinted what to do. I'll give this one a 3/5

Alright. A flyable and relatively easy battle with some decent challenges to keep you awake. I see an attempt to create something analog to those pre Endor missions of the late TIE original storyline somehow. Again it could have more dialog, better briefings and hints for the novice pilots. I like how the capital ships were used here and overall... almost an ok battle.

Well... TIE TC 9. What could we say? let's do it step by step, shall we? Technically, it was flyable, it had decent moments tho you weren't really at risk of losing the mission save for a rare glitch at last mission where your wingmen tried to bring down the E/S ' shields when you already did so, ending on its destruction. Now, there are some messages that doesn't fit, some others have typos here and there. While I understand one could be inspired on original TG missions, we'd have at least try to make our innovations mingle well with the original structure and make it flawlessly so it becomes an enjoyable experience, even more for the mature player. As for the storyline, it doesn't make sense, even for science fiction: Zaarin did not manage to get MIS, The Glory was destroyed shortly before Zaarin died, and Vader was somewhere else busy betraying the Emperor. Also, Zaarin would never turn to the rebels- possibly a second in command would do so in a desperate turn of events but certainly not Zaarin...so its unlikely he'd have left orders to do so. Anyways 1/5 for being flyable, quick FCHG points. Briefing, messages, events needs work and the story should be redone as well.

Well, the use of the V-Wing was a nice touch. We usually get stories of new imperial tech being robbed by the rebels, it is fun to see inverted roles for a change. On the technical department the mission is 100% flyable so no complains there at all. Mission design was decent, ofc it can be improved a bit but overall I liked it. As for the dialog I loved how it is handled between pilots. Developing characters is a wonderful way to get players into the storyline and should be further explored, could use some work on developing the interaction with the briefing officer's questions tho. The gameplay itself is decent although it tends to fall a bit into the endless dogfight for a moment...which is good for HS but when you want to process the battle as quick as possible, becomes somewhat tiresome. Overall, 4/5

This was a routine mission, easy on the side of combat as the CRKCs did not put up a real fight. It offered an interesting storyline that needs to be worked on the technical details. Could've used a bit more of dialog to develop characters somehow to make the player more involved on the story. I agree it was pretty much on the easy side -oh and my two wingmen did absolutely nothing but follow me... this was an easy FCHG point that could be modified and heavily improved upon its original proposal.

Lots of capturing. Again, a number of battles that could have been reduced to just one. As for the storyline, it was somehow interesting but could have used more elements of surprise and make the player feel he was actually punishing the pirates. One could expect to hit bases with lots of supply craft, containers, etc but there wasn't much of them here. Nice try tho.