In the realm of classic space combat games, X-Wing holds a special place in the hearts of many, especially for those who dreamt of soaring through the stars in a sleek starfighter. While our preference may lean towards TIE Fighter when curating the best Star Wars games for PC, X-Wing earns commendation for one undeniable feature: it allows players to pilot an X-Wing. For those who grew up watching the iconic saga, the thrill of responding to a call from a pilot with a codename like Red Two is a nostalgic fantasy that X-Wing brings to life.
However, this beloved title does face challenges on contemporary systems. The Special Edition version requires a joystick to launch, while both the Classic and Collector’s CD-ROM editions can be played with a mouse and keyboard but struggle with performance issues. Despite being a 32-year-old game, even high-end PCs can experience inconsistent framerates, and the graphics, reminiscent of 1993, appear flat and blocky by today’s standards.
The Solution: X-Wing Virtual Machine (XWVM)
Enter the X-Wing Virtual Machine (XWVM), a remarkable mod that revitalizes this classic. At its core, XWVM serves as a wrapper that enables players to experience X-Wing within the Unity engine, ensuring smooth gameplay at modern resolutions and adjustable settings. Notably, it eliminates the need for a joystick, making it accessible to a broader audience.
When combined with the HD asset pack, players are treated to enhanced 3D models not only for the iconic spaceships but also for the cockpits and even the once-2D planets that served as backdrops. A fully realized 3D model of the Death Star adds an extra layer of immersion to the experience.
To embark on this nostalgic journey, players can easily acquire X-Wing via platforms like Steam or GOG. After downloading the core mod for either Windows or Linux, users simply need to unzip the files and run the executable to install XWVM. The HD assets can be unpacked into the xwvm_Data directory, and with a quick launch of xwvm.exe, the mod will automatically locate the X-Wing installation directory. Players can then immerse themselves in the high-resolution 3D universe of X-Wing, provided they remember the keyboard controls—was it Alt-E to eject?
