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==Plot==
==Plot==
The game's plot begins soon after the Empire's victory on [[Hoth]] in ''The Empire Strikes Back''. As with ''X-Wing'', the player's character is unnamed in the game; however, an included novella and [[Prima Publishing]]'s strategy guide name the character ''Maarek Stele'' and provide a background narrative. In addition to fighting [[Rebel Alliance]] forces, the player flies against pirates, combatants in a civil war, and traitorous Imperial forces. The original game ends with the player preventing a coup against Emperor [[Palpatine]] and being personally rewarded during a large ceremony. Subsequent expansions focus on Admiral [[Thrawn]]'s efforts to stop an Imperial traitor; the final mission of the second expansion concludes just before the climactic battle at the end of ''Return of the Jedi''. Though playing on the side of the ''Star Wars'' saga's villain, the game presents Imperial forces as maintainers of peace and order in a tumultuous galaxy, which was reinforced as the player character mostly serves under the tactical genius Thrawn rather than the terrifying [[Darth Vader]].
The game's plot begins soon after the Empire's victory on [[Hoth]] in ''The Empire Strikes Back''. As with ''X-Wing'', the player's character is unnamed in the game; however, an included novella and [[Prima Publishing]]'s strategy guide name the character ''Maarek Stele'' and provide a background to the pilot in question, plus tells what pilots do in their downtime. The Prima Strategy Guide told the story in between, and use Maarek's POV to tell what you should do in each mission. In addition to fighting [[Rebel Alliance]] forces, the player flies against pirates, combatants in a civil war, and traitorous Imperial forces. The original game ends with the player preventing a coup against Emperor [[Palpatine]] and being personally rewarded during a large ceremony. Subsequent expansions focus on Admiral [[Thrawn]]'s efforts to stop an Imperial traitor; the final mission of the second expansion concludes just before the climactic battle at the end of ''Return of the Jedi''. Though playing on the side of the ''Star Wars'' saga's villain, the game presents Imperial forces as maintainers of peace and order in a tumultuous galaxy, which was reinforced as the player character mostly serves under the tactical genius Thrawn rather than the terrifying [[Darth Vader]].


The storyline is divided across thirteen tours of duty, seven in the original, and three in each of the expansion packs, each of which has four to eight missions. Although some of the tours can be played out of order, individual missions within each battle are played linearly. Mission briefings and debriefings, [[cutscene]]s, and in-flight communication advance the story.
The storyline is divided across thirteen tours of duty, seven in the original, and three in each of the expansion packs, each of which has four to eight missions. Although some of the tours can be played out of order, individual missions within each battle are played linearly. Mission briefings and debriefings, [[cutscene]]s, and in-flight communication advance the story.

The Vanilla TIE Fighter Story:

Battle 1 is called the Aftermath of Hoth. It is told in a series of 6 missions. The first mission sees the player flying around Platform D-34, which is adjacent to the Hoth System. The player is to keep a lookout for Rebels that are fleeing from Imperial forces following the Battle of Hoth. Some Rebel forces enter the area to defend a freighter carrying some of their comrades, but the player dispatches them easily. Since the Rebels lost some of their people, they decide to mount a rescue and assault Platform D-34. At the beginning of this mission, the player learns of the "Inner Circle," a secretive group within the Empire that show absolute loyalty to the Emperor. They have secret missions that you embark on during the regular missions. Should the player complete these missions, he/she will be rewarded with a secret ceremony where they will be inducted into the Inner Circle. (Side Note: Mara Jade was an "Emperor's Hand," someone who proved their loyalty to the Emperor and are assassins. Maarek Stele is listed as one of these during the Legends EU timeline, as he had saved the Emperor per the game's plot, more on that later). The Imperials send ISD ''Hammer'' to assist, and the player must hold out until the Hammer arrives. After capturing some Rebel leaders attempting to flee Platform D-34 and blowing up the opposition, the Hammer arrives and the player is transferred to that vessel. The Imperials trace the ships and weapons used to a Mugarri Pirate gang in the Tungra sector of space. The Hammer waits just outside of the rendez-vous point, and the player and his squad mates are sent into battle aboard TIE Bombers. After disrupting the meeting and destroying the weapons, the player finds out that Platform D-34 was taken by the Rebels while the Hammer was out of the system. The Inner Circle suspect that someone within the Empire has turned traitor, because the Rebels knew how and when to attack. Ergo, the Inner Circle want the player to capture some of the rebels attempting to flee the platform when the Imperials attack. After the battle, the player learns that the Rebels and Mugaari pirates are working together. So, since the first meeting of the Pirates and Rebels was disrupted, a second meeting is underway to resupply the Lulsla, a Mon Calamari Cruiser that is posted in the Bruanii sector. The player is asked by the Inner Circle to inspect the various cargo containers, because some of the weapons used in the taking of Platform D-34 (and some were still there after it was recaptured as well) came from someone within the Empire. The Inner Circle want to identify this individual, and make an example of him. The supplies to the Lulsla are disrupted, and the player identifies several crates containing Imperial supplies. This confirms that someone within the Empire plans on betraying their brothers in arms and go over to the Rebellion. Meanwhile, the player helps the Empire destroy the Lulsla in the last mission of Battle 1. The player flies an Assault Gunboat and helps destroy the Rebels in the sector. In the meantime, the ending cinematic shows Admiral Harkov going to meet with Mon Mothma. He is willing to bring his whole fleet to the Rebellion, for a price...

Battle 2 is The Sepan Civil War. You have to help quash a long-standing civil war in a certain sector of space. The first mission has the pilot helping a convoy of the Ripoblus, and driving off their mortal enemies, the Dimoks. The player is assigned to the command of Admiral Harkov. During the briefing, the Inner Circle member tells the player that Admiral Harkov hasn't been performing up to standards, and that something is amiss in the civil war. He asks that the player should inspect the cargo containers of the Ripoblus convoy. Upon finding Imperial arms in the Repoblus convoys, they are confiscated by the Imperials. This concerns the member of the Inner Circle. Mission two sees the player protecting a deep space science platform belonging to the Dimoks from a reprisal attack by the Repoblus. The player has to destroy one of the Repoblus modified Corellian Corvettes. Secondary in nature, the Inner Circle wants to know what the Dimok station is actually doing. As the player enters the fight, the Repoblus will not break off their attack, claiming that the platform is actually a weapons development center. Upon inspecting the platform and the cargo containers, the player finds that the platform was indeed was a weapons development center. Troops are dispatch to reclaim weapons and take over the platform. The Repoblus withdraw under the might of the Imperial and Dimok assaults. Even though the Dimok attempt to stop the Imperials, they are unsuccessful in preventing the Imperials from taking over the platform. The player then finds out that some Ripoblus refugees (who are sick of the war) are on the run after stealing a patrol craft. The Ripoblus government are after them with a vengeance, and it is up to the player to escort them to safety. Once this is done, the player is congratulated on bringing the war to an end for some of the war-weary populations. The fourth mission sees the player escorting some transports to attempt to capture the leaders of the Repoblus and Dimok peoples. Presumably, this meeting was set up because of the Imperial interference. Both sides wanting to put their differences aside in favor of pushing back against the Imperials. Similar to Battle 1, the Dimok and Ripoblus forces seem too well equipped to fight the war this long. The Inner Circle are concerned that someone inside of the Empire is arming both sides. After inspecting to transports and a Corellian Corvette that do contain goods comes as a shock to the Empire. A traitor within the ranks is indeed selling weapons to both sides. Mission 5 sees the new TIE Advanced (code named: Avenger) being delivered to the Victory-Class Star Destroyer ''Protector'', which is Admiral Harkov's flagship. The Repoblus and Dimok decide to team up and attempt to catch the Protector off-guard while receiving new equipment. The player is tasked with making sure the TIE Advanced the delivered to the ''Protector''. The Inner Circle is also worried that there might be an interested third party showing up during the mission, and want the player to stay alert and inspect the craft if it arrives. When the player does inspect the shuttle that shows up during the battle, they are rewarded with Harkov telling the player off for their "curiosity," saying, "it will get you killed one day." Plus, they get a reprimand from their flight leader telling them to stick to planned objectives in the future. In the ending cinematic, Harkov meets with leaders from both planets, and tells them that the civil war is over and that the Empire is repairing their planets in the wake of the civil war. During the debrief, the player is told by the member of the Inner Circle that they are alarmed that a Rebel passenger has been meeting with Admiral Harkov since the shuttle docked. Several bases in the sector have come up with shortfalls and missing materiel, which means that Harkov has been selling weapons to anyone who would buy them, including the Rebels.

Battle Three is entitled Battle on the Frontier. In the first mission, the Empire wants to construct a facility in the Outer Rim Territories, and will need supplies. Upon arriving in the system, it is abandoned. The reason is that Rebels have driven off anyone who might be in the area, because the rebels signified their intention to attack and destroy the base. The player starts out alone, and finds out which of the containers have the base parts in them. Once that is completed, the Rebels come in to attack while the Mule loaders are attempting to bring the base parts back to the VSD Stalwart. The player finds out that they are under the command of Vice Admiral [[Thrawn]], who is establishing a base of operations in the Pakunii Sector, and driving out the pirates that make trade dangerous in the region. In mission two, the pilot has to clear out a pirate base of operations around the Pakunii. The Inner Circle would like the player to inspect any containers they come across, as their might be contraband the Empire could use. Instead, the player finds Rebel advisors who were helping the pirates destabilize this region and make it harder for the Empire to gain a foothold. Mission three has the player hold the position around the planet Pakunii. Because the Rebels lost a huge base in this sector, they don't want the Empire to actually construct a base of operations. After fending off fighters and a Nebulon-B Frigate, the convoy arrives and the player escorts it to the rendezvous point. Mission 4 has the player guarding the new platform. The Inner Circle is concerned by the Rebel presence, and asks you to disable any craft with rebel leadership on board. This is so they can question the leaders. Mission 5 sees the player escort Thrawn to the new station NL-1 to conduct a formal survey. The player encounters heavy resistance in the form of three attacking waves of A-Wings, X-Wings and the like. After escorting Thrawn successfully to the station, the player receives praise from Thrawn. Mission six is another waiting mission, as relief forces are on their way, and it is up to the player to keep the station intact until the Stalwart arrives with the main convoy that will be the main force in this sector. The Inner Circle tells the pilot to be alert for any Rebel Leaders aboard the transports. The player can capture the rebel leaders if they disable the shuttle in the mission. The Inner Circle is pleased with these developments. The ending cinematic shows Thrawn overseeing the final repairs and installations to the new platform NL-1.

Battle Four is The Conflict of Mylock IV. This is where the Empire is pacifying pirates in a region of space. Mission one introduces us to Admiral Zaarin, one of the primary antagonists of the game alongside Harkov. Instead of defecting, Zaarin has something else planned for the Empire. Keep reading to find out. Anyway, the mission is to escort a convoy of Habeen freighters delivering hyperdrive technology to be installed on TIE Advanced. The Nharwaak (rivals of the Habeen) decide to disrupt the technology and attack the convoy. Secondary objectives find the player inspecting the freighters to make sure they are carrying what they are supposed to be carrying. Once verified, the player then keeps the cargo convoy safe until they can dock. Mission two sees the player attacking a Nharwaak outpost, where they carry vital hyperspace technology as well. The Nharwaak are planning on selling the technology to the Rebels. Obviously, this cannot happen, so the Empire smashes the entire area, destroying any chance of the Nharwaak selling their technology. Mission three is defending a Habeen deep space tech center, where the development of the hyperdrive technology continues. By rescuing the Habeen techs, the Empire solidifies their relationship with the Habeen. Mission four sees the player preventing the Rebellion from obtaining the same hyperdrive technology as the Empire just attained.


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==

Revision as of 03:33, 22 April 2019

Star Wars: TIE Fighter
Star Wars: Tie Fighter box art
Developer(s)Totally Games
Publisher(s)LucasArts
Designer(s)Lawrence Holland
Edward Kilham
Composer(s)Peter McConnell
Platform(s)DOS, Macintosh, Microsoft Windows, Linux
ReleaseJuly 1994
Genre(s)Space simulation
Mode(s)Single-player

Star Wars: TIE Fighter is a 1994 Star Wars space flight simulator and space combat video game, a sequel in the Star Wars: X-Wing series. It places the player in the role of an Imperial starfighter pilot during events that occur between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.

The game was produced by Lawrence Holland and Edward Kilham's Totally Games studio. Based on X-Wing's game engine, TIE Fighter supports Gouraud shading and adds gameplay features and craft not available in X-Wing. TIE Fighter was updated and re-released several times, and it was a critical success. It is considered by some critics to be among the greatest video games of all time.

Plot

The game's plot begins soon after the Empire's victory on Hoth in The Empire Strikes Back. As with X-Wing, the player's character is unnamed in the game; however, an included novella and Prima Publishing's strategy guide name the character Maarek Stele and provide a background to the pilot in question, plus tells what pilots do in their downtime. The Prima Strategy Guide told the story in between, and use Maarek's POV to tell what you should do in each mission. In addition to fighting Rebel Alliance forces, the player flies against pirates, combatants in a civil war, and traitorous Imperial forces. The original game ends with the player preventing a coup against Emperor Palpatine and being personally rewarded during a large ceremony. Subsequent expansions focus on Admiral Thrawn's efforts to stop an Imperial traitor; the final mission of the second expansion concludes just before the climactic battle at the end of Return of the Jedi. Though playing on the side of the Star Wars saga's villain, the game presents Imperial forces as maintainers of peace and order in a tumultuous galaxy, which was reinforced as the player character mostly serves under the tactical genius Thrawn rather than the terrifying Darth Vader.

The storyline is divided across thirteen tours of duty, seven in the original, and three in each of the expansion packs, each of which has four to eight missions. Although some of the tours can be played out of order, individual missions within each battle are played linearly. Mission briefings and debriefings, cutscenes, and in-flight communication advance the story.

The Vanilla TIE Fighter Story:

Battle 1 is called the Aftermath of Hoth. It is told in a series of 6 missions. The first mission sees the player flying around Platform D-34, which is adjacent to the Hoth System. The player is to keep a lookout for Rebels that are fleeing from Imperial forces following the Battle of Hoth. Some Rebel forces enter the area to defend a freighter carrying some of their comrades, but the player dispatches them easily. Since the Rebels lost some of their people, they decide to mount a rescue and assault Platform D-34. At the beginning of this mission, the player learns of the "Inner Circle," a secretive group within the Empire that show absolute loyalty to the Emperor. They have secret missions that you embark on during the regular missions. Should the player complete these missions, he/she will be rewarded with a secret ceremony where they will be inducted into the Inner Circle. (Side Note: Mara Jade was an "Emperor's Hand," someone who proved their loyalty to the Emperor and are assassins. Maarek Stele is listed as one of these during the Legends EU timeline, as he had saved the Emperor per the game's plot, more on that later). The Imperials send ISD Hammer to assist, and the player must hold out until the Hammer arrives. After capturing some Rebel leaders attempting to flee Platform D-34 and blowing up the opposition, the Hammer arrives and the player is transferred to that vessel. The Imperials trace the ships and weapons used to a Mugarri Pirate gang in the Tungra sector of space. The Hammer waits just outside of the rendez-vous point, and the player and his squad mates are sent into battle aboard TIE Bombers. After disrupting the meeting and destroying the weapons, the player finds out that Platform D-34 was taken by the Rebels while the Hammer was out of the system. The Inner Circle suspect that someone within the Empire has turned traitor, because the Rebels knew how and when to attack. Ergo, the Inner Circle want the player to capture some of the rebels attempting to flee the platform when the Imperials attack. After the battle, the player learns that the Rebels and Mugaari pirates are working together. So, since the first meeting of the Pirates and Rebels was disrupted, a second meeting is underway to resupply the Lulsla, a Mon Calamari Cruiser that is posted in the Bruanii sector. The player is asked by the Inner Circle to inspect the various cargo containers, because some of the weapons used in the taking of Platform D-34 (and some were still there after it was recaptured as well) came from someone within the Empire. The Inner Circle want to identify this individual, and make an example of him. The supplies to the Lulsla are disrupted, and the player identifies several crates containing Imperial supplies. This confirms that someone within the Empire plans on betraying their brothers in arms and go over to the Rebellion. Meanwhile, the player helps the Empire destroy the Lulsla in the last mission of Battle 1. The player flies an Assault Gunboat and helps destroy the Rebels in the sector. In the meantime, the ending cinematic shows Admiral Harkov going to meet with Mon Mothma. He is willing to bring his whole fleet to the Rebellion, for a price...

Battle 2 is The Sepan Civil War. You have to help quash a long-standing civil war in a certain sector of space. The first mission has the pilot helping a convoy of the Ripoblus, and driving off their mortal enemies, the Dimoks. The player is assigned to the command of Admiral Harkov. During the briefing, the Inner Circle member tells the player that Admiral Harkov hasn't been performing up to standards, and that something is amiss in the civil war. He asks that the player should inspect the cargo containers of the Ripoblus convoy. Upon finding Imperial arms in the Repoblus convoys, they are confiscated by the Imperials. This concerns the member of the Inner Circle. Mission two sees the player protecting a deep space science platform belonging to the Dimoks from a reprisal attack by the Repoblus. The player has to destroy one of the Repoblus modified Corellian Corvettes. Secondary in nature, the Inner Circle wants to know what the Dimok station is actually doing. As the player enters the fight, the Repoblus will not break off their attack, claiming that the platform is actually a weapons development center. Upon inspecting the platform and the cargo containers, the player finds that the platform was indeed was a weapons development center. Troops are dispatch to reclaim weapons and take over the platform. The Repoblus withdraw under the might of the Imperial and Dimok assaults. Even though the Dimok attempt to stop the Imperials, they are unsuccessful in preventing the Imperials from taking over the platform. The player then finds out that some Ripoblus refugees (who are sick of the war) are on the run after stealing a patrol craft. The Ripoblus government are after them with a vengeance, and it is up to the player to escort them to safety. Once this is done, the player is congratulated on bringing the war to an end for some of the war-weary populations. The fourth mission sees the player escorting some transports to attempt to capture the leaders of the Repoblus and Dimok peoples. Presumably, this meeting was set up because of the Imperial interference. Both sides wanting to put their differences aside in favor of pushing back against the Imperials. Similar to Battle 1, the Dimok and Ripoblus forces seem too well equipped to fight the war this long. The Inner Circle are concerned that someone inside of the Empire is arming both sides. After inspecting to transports and a Corellian Corvette that do contain goods comes as a shock to the Empire. A traitor within the ranks is indeed selling weapons to both sides. Mission 5 sees the new TIE Advanced (code named: Avenger) being delivered to the Victory-Class Star Destroyer Protector, which is Admiral Harkov's flagship. The Repoblus and Dimok decide to team up and attempt to catch the Protector off-guard while receiving new equipment. The player is tasked with making sure the TIE Advanced the delivered to the Protector. The Inner Circle is also worried that there might be an interested third party showing up during the mission, and want the player to stay alert and inspect the craft if it arrives. When the player does inspect the shuttle that shows up during the battle, they are rewarded with Harkov telling the player off for their "curiosity," saying, "it will get you killed one day." Plus, they get a reprimand from their flight leader telling them to stick to planned objectives in the future. In the ending cinematic, Harkov meets with leaders from both planets, and tells them that the civil war is over and that the Empire is repairing their planets in the wake of the civil war. During the debrief, the player is told by the member of the Inner Circle that they are alarmed that a Rebel passenger has been meeting with Admiral Harkov since the shuttle docked. Several bases in the sector have come up with shortfalls and missing materiel, which means that Harkov has been selling weapons to anyone who would buy them, including the Rebels.

Battle Three is entitled Battle on the Frontier. In the first mission, the Empire wants to construct a facility in the Outer Rim Territories, and will need supplies. Upon arriving in the system, it is abandoned. The reason is that Rebels have driven off anyone who might be in the area, because the rebels signified their intention to attack and destroy the base. The player starts out alone, and finds out which of the containers have the base parts in them. Once that is completed, the Rebels come in to attack while the Mule loaders are attempting to bring the base parts back to the VSD Stalwart. The player finds out that they are under the command of Vice Admiral Thrawn, who is establishing a base of operations in the Pakunii Sector, and driving out the pirates that make trade dangerous in the region. In mission two, the pilot has to clear out a pirate base of operations around the Pakunii. The Inner Circle would like the player to inspect any containers they come across, as their might be contraband the Empire could use. Instead, the player finds Rebel advisors who were helping the pirates destabilize this region and make it harder for the Empire to gain a foothold. Mission three has the player hold the position around the planet Pakunii. Because the Rebels lost a huge base in this sector, they don't want the Empire to actually construct a base of operations. After fending off fighters and a Nebulon-B Frigate, the convoy arrives and the player escorts it to the rendezvous point. Mission 4 has the player guarding the new platform. The Inner Circle is concerned by the Rebel presence, and asks you to disable any craft with rebel leadership on board. This is so they can question the leaders. Mission 5 sees the player escort Thrawn to the new station NL-1 to conduct a formal survey. The player encounters heavy resistance in the form of three attacking waves of A-Wings, X-Wings and the like. After escorting Thrawn successfully to the station, the player receives praise from Thrawn. Mission six is another waiting mission, as relief forces are on their way, and it is up to the player to keep the station intact until the Stalwart arrives with the main convoy that will be the main force in this sector. The Inner Circle tells the pilot to be alert for any Rebel Leaders aboard the transports. The player can capture the rebel leaders if they disable the shuttle in the mission. The Inner Circle is pleased with these developments. The ending cinematic shows Thrawn overseeing the final repairs and installations to the new platform NL-1.

Battle Four is The Conflict of Mylock IV. This is where the Empire is pacifying pirates in a region of space. Mission one introduces us to Admiral Zaarin, one of the primary antagonists of the game alongside Harkov. Instead of defecting, Zaarin has something else planned for the Empire. Keep reading to find out. Anyway, the mission is to escort a convoy of Habeen freighters delivering hyperdrive technology to be installed on TIE Advanced. The Nharwaak (rivals of the Habeen) decide to disrupt the technology and attack the convoy. Secondary objectives find the player inspecting the freighters to make sure they are carrying what they are supposed to be carrying. Once verified, the player then keeps the cargo convoy safe until they can dock. Mission two sees the player attacking a Nharwaak outpost, where they carry vital hyperspace technology as well. The Nharwaak are planning on selling the technology to the Rebels. Obviously, this cannot happen, so the Empire smashes the entire area, destroying any chance of the Nharwaak selling their technology. Mission three is defending a Habeen deep space tech center, where the development of the hyperdrive technology continues. By rescuing the Habeen techs, the Empire solidifies their relationship with the Habeen. Mission four sees the player preventing the Rebellion from obtaining the same hyperdrive technology as the Empire just attained.

Gameplay

After selecting a pilot file, the player views the "concourse", a hub with doors to different features of the game. While the main focus of gameplay is completing battles, the concourse also offers several other areas. The training simulator lets the player fly each of the pilotable Imperial craft through a complex obstacle course. The combat chamber offers four extra missions for each craft, ranging from training scenarios to historical reenactments of important missions. There is also a room to view mission recordings, and a tech room to view information about every spacecraft that appears in the game.[1] When the player selects a mission, he or she is given a briefing, consisting of a dialog describing the mission and an animated map illustrating vessel positions and basic flight patterns. The player may optionally read a list questions and answers about the mission.[1]

In addition to the standard mission briefing covering primary objectives, there is often another briefing given by a mysterious figure who belongs to the Emperor's Inner Circle. This person informs the pilot of optional secondary objectives and provides additional plot information. Completing the primary objectives allows the player to progress to the next mission and earn Imperial military promotion; completing secondary and secret objectives garners additional medals and promotions within the inner circle.[2]

Combat

The player pilots a TIE fighter inspecting freighters in the game's first story-related mission. Gouraud shading and a 3D view in the target information window are enhancements over the X-Wing game engine.

In-flight gameplay is similar to X-Wing, played primarily in first-person but with the option to switch to third-person. All flight takes place in space; the player does not encounter gravity or atmospheric effects. Mission roles including dogfighting, escorting or disabling other craft, inspecting vehicles, and attacking capital ships and space stations. Initial missions place the player in unshielded TIE fighter variants; as the game progresses, the player gains access to advanced fighters with shields and better armaments.[3]

Laser cannons and ion cannons serve as short range weapons, damaging or disabling targets respectively. Some starfighters carry limited number of missiles or torpedoes for additional range/firepower. As with X-Wing, the player needs to balance power allocation between weapons, engines, and shields (when available); some craft also require the player to further balance power for a beam weapon (a tractor beam which can prevent enemy fighters from maneuvering temporarily, or a jamming beam which can dispute the defensive fire of enemy capital ships). The player can also change the firing modes of his or her fighter's weapons (for example, having a pair of laser cannons fire together or alternately). If the ship possesses shields, the player chooses the shield balance between front and rear.

Shields are rechargeable; they protect from damage but are depleted when absorbing damage. When the player's craft is unshielded, enemy fire will damage the player's hull. Hull damage can disable systems, such as the engines or targeting computer. Disabled systems will slowly be repaired; TIE Fighter allows the player to choose the order in which systems are repaired. Hull damage may also cause cockpit displays to break, rendering them useless for the remainder of the mission. Heavy hull damage will destroy the player's spacecraft. When the player's craft is destroyed before completing a mission, or the mission is otherwise a failure, the player can attempt the mission again. However, the mission is still successful if the player's craft is destroyed after all primary mission objectives are completed.

While based upon X-Wing, TIE Fighter does introduce several gameplay additions that made it less difficult than its predecessor.[4] The targeting system allows players to target capital ships' and space stations' components, such as shield generators and weapons. Additionally, the targeting display shows a 3D model and relative orientation of the player's target. Mission objective status is accessible in-game, as is a log of in-flight messages.

Music

The music for Star Wars: TIE Fighter was composed by Clint Bajakian and contains many of John Williams' themes from the original trilogy. However, many motifs (such as "The Imperial March" motifs) which were originally composed as dark motifs are used as heroic motifs. This is consistent with the theme of the game where the player plays as an Imperial TIE Fighter pilot working for the Galactic Empire, which is portrayed as maintainers of peace and order in a tumultuous galaxy, in contrast to their traditional role as villains of the saga.

The in-game music played during flight sequences (missions) uses the iMuse game engine. The soundtrack uses leitmotifs to vary the music played during missions in reaction to the actions of the player or other mission events. For example, a special motif is played when player achieves a victory, when the mission is failed, when secondary or bonus goals or completed, when an Imperial or Rebel capital ship exits hyperspace, etc. This mirrors the use of leitmotifs in the original film music, while also varying the music sequence every mission.

Release

A Mon Calamari Star Cruiser (foreground) and Victory-class Star Destroyer (background) viewed from a TIE Avenger cockpit in the 1998 X-Wing Collector Series version of TIE Fighter. This edition adds texture-mapped graphics.

LucasArts offered a pre-release demo on two floppy disks bundled with Computer Gaming World. The single-mission demo, sponsored by Dodge and featuring an ad for the Dodge Neon, advertises a spring 1994 TIE Fighter release. However, TIE Fighter was not released until July 1994, 17 months after X-Wing's debut. The Defender of the Empire expansion, which adds three battles, came out soon thereafter. Later that year, LucasArts released a Collector’s CD-ROM version of X-Wing using TIE Fighter's updated graphics engine.

In 1995, TIE Fighter also received a Collector's CD-ROM. The CD-ROM version offered optional enhanced SVGA graphics, increasing the game's resolution from 320x200 to 640x480.[2] The cinematic cutscenes were also enhanced, and the game received numerous voiceovers. The CD-ROM includes the previously released Defender of the Empire expansion and an additional Enemies of the Empire expansion. This CD-ROM also added support for gameplay under Mac OS 8 and Mac OS 9.

TIE Fighter is part of the 1998 X-Wing Collector Series, which also includes updated versions of X-Wing and a pared-down version of X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter. This version drops DOS support, installing only under Windows 9x. TIE Fighter and X-Wing use the X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter flight engine, which adds 3D-accelerated graphics and texture mapping. The MIDI-based interactive soundtrack used in previous versions is replaced by looped Red Book audio recordings of John Williams' Star Wars score.[2] This version also requires a joystick; previously, players could use a mouse and keyboard. This version was later bundled with the X-Wing Trilogy, which includes X-Wing and X-Wing Alliance.

On October 28, 2014, TIE Fighter along with X-Wing were released digitally for the first time on GOG.com. Both the original DOS and Windows editions were included, with updates to run on modern PCs.[5]

Reception

Gamebytes Magazine gave the original release its "very highest recommendation", citing numerous improvements over X-Wing. The reviewer called the graphics "astonishing" and noted improved artificial intelligence and in-flight information systems. The review's "single complaint" was the lackluster ending.[1] Edge praised many of the graphic and gameplay enhancements and new features over X-Wing, but described the missions as repetitive and complained the game loses appeal when the player isn't fighting for the underdog Rebellion.[3] GameSpot's review of the Collector's CD-ROM Edition called TIE Fighter "the best space combat game ever made" and praised the updated graphics.[4]

Macworld's Michael Gowan summarized TIE Fighter as a "great game" that offers the "action of a World War II dogfight".[14]

Next Generation reviewed the Macintosh version of the game, rating it three stars out of five, and stated that "TIE Fighter, like the movies, isn't really at the cutting edge, but both still offer more depth and considered design than many young razzle-dazzlers."[15]

Awards and legacy

TIE Fighter was named the best "Fantasy Simulation" and best overall computer game of 1994 by Computer Games Strategy Plus,[16] while the editors of PC Gamer US declared it the year's top action game and "the best space-combat simulation ever created." It was a runner-up for the latter magazine's overall "Game of the Year" award, which went to Doom.[17] Similarly, Computer Gaming World nominated TIE Fighter in its "Action Game of the Year" and "Game of the Year" categories, but gave these prizes to Wing Commander III: Heart of the Tiger and UFO: Enemy Unknown, respectively.[18]

In 1996, Computer Gaming World declared TIE Fighter the 56th-best computer game ever released.[19] TIE Fighter became the second Lawrence Holland game to be inducted into Computer Gaming World's "Hall of Fame"[8] and was inducted into GameSpot's "Greatest Games of All Time" in July 2004[9] and IGN's "Hall of Fame" in 2007.[11]

PC Gamer US named Tie Fighter Collector's CD-ROM the "Best CD-ROM Enhancement" of 1995. The editors called it "an enhanced CD-ROM version that comes close to being a whole new game, and is well worth having even if you've already got the original TIE Fighter."[20] The magazine ranked the Collector's CD-ROM Edition #1 in its "Top 50 Greatest Games of All Time" list in May 1997.[13] It was ranked #3 on IGN's list of the top 25 PC games of all time in 2007 and #2 in 2009.[10][12] The game was recognized again by IGN in 2010 when it was named the "best Star Wars game ever made".[21]

In 1998, PC Gamer declared the TIE Fighter Collector's CD-ROM the 4th-best computer game ever released, and the editors called it "Now updated and looking better than ever [...] TIE Fighter is still an untarnished classic".[22]

In 1996 Next Generation ranked TIE Fighter and Star Wars: X-Wing collectively as number 23 on their "Top 100 Games of All Time", citing the graphics, sound effects, flight engine, and the sense of accomplishment after finishing a mission.[23]

Maarek Stele from the Prima Publishing strategy guide later appears as a TIE Advanced [24] and TIE Defender [25] pilot in the Star Wars: X-Wing miniatures game produced by Fantasy Flight Games.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Sandler, Phil (1994). "TIE FIGHTER from LucasArts".
  2. ^ a b c "GameSpot Presents The Greatest Games Of All Time". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on April 24, 2006. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ a b "TIE Fighter Review". Edge. Matthew Pierce. July 28, 1994. Archived from the original on June 18, 2014. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ a b c McDonald, T. Liam (May 1, 1996). "Star Wars TIE Fighter: Collector's CD-ROM Review". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on October 7, 2013.
  5. ^ "New Publisher: Disney Interactive / Lucasfilm - GOG.com". October 28, 2014. Retrieved October 28, 2014.
  6. ^ a b "Fact Sheet". Totally Games.
  7. ^ Cite error: The named reference NG was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  8. ^ a b "CGW's Hall of Fame". 1UP.com. Archived from the original on October 17, 2012. Retrieved November 17, 2010. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  9. ^ a b "The Greatest Games of all Time". Archived from the original on August 19, 2006. Retrieved November 17, 2010.
  10. ^ a b Adams, Dan; Butts, Steve; Onyett, Charles (March 16, 2007). "Top 25 PC Games of All Time". IGN. Retrieved March 20, 2009.
  11. ^ a b "IGN Videogame Hall Of Fame: Star Wars: TIE Fighter". IGN. 2007. Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved November 17, 2010. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  12. ^ a b "Top 25 PC Games of All Time". IGN. August 6, 2009. Archived from the original on August 9, 2009. Retrieved July 22, 2016. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  13. ^ a b "PC Gamer". May 1997. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  14. ^ a b Gowan, Michael (February 1999). "Name Your Game; From Goofy to Gory, Macworld Reviews 48 Ways to Play". Macworld. Archived from the original on August 10, 2001. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  15. ^ "Finals". Next Generation. No. 36. Imagine Media. December 1997. p. 176.
  16. ^ Staff (November 2000). "A Decade of Gaming; Award Winners of 1994". Computer Games Magazine (120): 56–58, 60, 62, 66, 68, 70–76.
  17. ^ Staff (March 1995). "The First Annual PC Gamer Awards". PC Gamer. 2 (3): 44, 45, 47, 48, 51.
  18. ^ Staff (May 1995). "The Computer Gaming World 1995 Premier Awards". Computer Gaming World (130): 35, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44.
  19. ^ Staff (November 1996). "150 Best (and 50 Worst) Games of All Time". Computer Gaming World (148): 63–65, 68, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 84, 88, 90, 94, 98.
  20. ^ Editors of PC Gamer (March 1996). "The Year's Best Games". PC Gamer US. 3 (3): 64, 65, 67, 68, 71, 73–75. {{cite journal}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  21. ^ "Best Star Wars Games Ever Made". IGN. J2 Global. May 20, 2010.
  22. ^ The PC Gamer Editors (October 1998). "The 50 Best Games Ever". PC Gamer US. 5 (10): 86, 87, 89, 90, 92, 98, 101, 102, 109, 110, 113, 114, 117, 118, 125, 126, 129, 130. {{cite journal}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  23. ^ "Top 100 Games of All Time". Next Generation. No. 21. Imagine Media. September 1996. p. 63.
  24. ^ Elite Pilots and Advanced Tactics: Preview the Upcoming TIE Advanced Expansion Pack for X-Wing by Fantasy Flight Games
  25. ^ Defend the Empire: A Preview of the Imperial Veterans Expansion Pack for X-Wing by Fantasy Flight Games
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