Squadron 42: Ports, Release, and some Early Details
A brief update on what's finally coming.
Despite finally seeing a substantial amount of Squadron 42 at Citizencon, there remains the question of when we’re actually going to see this game in our hands. These last few months have seen significant changes to the development structure of Cloud Imperium Games, changes significant enough that draw the question of how its currently doing. In addition to that, there’s also the question of what this game actually is. Sure, it’s a single-player version of Star Citizen, but how does that actually work out? With those two questions in mind, I’ve spent a significant portion of time chatting with a variety of sources to get a solid approximation of how the game is doing today, and whether or not we’ll actually see it. While no one exists who can say for sure how long the polishing road is going to be, I do know one thing for sure - I’ve talked to people who’ve actually played every level. Now with this context in mind, we plan to dive into the game’s release plans, a potential port, some gameplay details, and finally a bit about the state of the game today.
Release Plans & Ports
It would appear that Squadron 42 is going to be thrown back up for pre-order following this year’s Citizencon, alongside a release date for the first half of 2025. Several sources (internally & external partners) involved mentioned this “plan” as early as the end of last year, but as talks seem to indicate the windows are unchanged (albeit more pessimistic). One of these goals include a simultaneous release on Console (PS5 & Series X). According to a few people who’d be privy to such info, CIG has been courting a variety of publishers (large & small) to better facilitate this, with seemingly no deal having been made as of this moment. Sources involved (as well as some who have heard it “through the grapevine”) indicate that the studio Slipgate Ironworks was working on the ports, however it should be noted that since then the studio was hit by layoffs due to the Embracer debacle earlier in the year, so the current state of both the port and these previous dealings are unknown.
Gameplay Details
As for the game itself, having been described extensive gameplay sessions with an internal “demo” build, it appears to be operating as expected for a game likely a little less than a year from its release, if not a little undercooked for this stage. To give a brief on the game itself, it’s a cinematic heavy experience where 20-40% of your gameplay time is dedicated to various cutscenes and interruptions. Environments in this game are more visually detailed compared to Star Citizen, aided by a more linear design due to its single-player nature. Gameplay is in an objectively better state (Comparisons to mission structure, level design, and lack of server-side shenanigans were highlighted, as well as a few mechanics that are yet to be implemented such as Charge & Drain environmental mechanics and fire mechanics), but not too much better than the PU experience, with one tester stating the following about AI:
The AI in combat is a little bit better than SC and the social locations like the Idris feels more alive than SC, but it's still the same AI. They still stand on chairs, they bug out, etc.
More high-profile actors were teased as being apart of the game, mentioning Netflix productions having large crossover between the unseen cast. On its length, estimates pin this closer to 30~ hours, however it’s not entirely possible at this stage to get a proper guess due to a number of factors including game stability and certain placeholder sections. Some criticisms included large walking sections, and odd choices in where extensive effort was placed. One example of the latter was an elaborate hand washing animation that the player could activate on a bathroom sink.
State of the Game
To speak candidly on the current state of the game as of recent, a good chunk of the game is still unfinished. Massive portions of levels are still full of placeholder assets (voice lines, textures, models, animations, etc.) on top of the game yet having its proper polish phases, so it’s highly unstable. While some internally have doubted the quality on launch due to CIG’s past release standards, the current state of the game, and internal strife, most I’ve spoken to agree that the H1 2025 window is still possible. Doubts about this date primarily concern the restructure taking away focus on a game finally hitting the end of its runway, as well as CIG’s tendency to not meet goals, internal or public.
Will Squadron 42 be good? Who knows? Something I want to somewhat clarify in this ending blurb is the fact that this game, at least to myself, is sounding like it’s shaping up to be something quite special. Not diving too deep into specifics on an article like this, it should be noted that the story experience, at least in my opinion, seems a lot more “consistent” than a lot of the people who’ve dug into various datamines and leaks have made it out to seem. A lot of this has to do with tone, but if they do indeed throw out the initial section as a small demo for Citizencon as some have rumored, it should become obvious what they’ve been working towards. The intro credits are quite good.
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