Do not get temped into getting Rebellion for the PC, it is too dated to work straight out of the box.

It is a great game though.

Whilst I loved X-Wing, Tie-Fighter, XvT games .. The one I still play is X-Wing Alliance. Solely because of the graphics upgrade. Don't let needing a joystick stop you .. it really is worth it.

This graphics upgrade? Is that included/does it work with the Steam version?

The more I think about it the more I am tempted to buy me a joystick...

X-Wing Alliance has the best ship variety, a decent online presence and an updated set of models that fans have made. You need a ~$20 joystick, but it is totally worth it.

X-Wing Alliance has aged the least of the X-Wing series - in part due to the detailed story featuring some epic moments, non-midi musical score and voice acting - but also due the dedication of it's fans, who have been updating the graphics for use on modern technology for over a decade now.

It's designed for use with keyboard and joystick, but I use an X-Box style controller. Works well.

You have to download the graphics update from http://www.xwaupgrade.com/- it's an unofficial, fan made update, but there is a version available on the website designed for use with the Steam version. This will give you an idea of the difference the pack makes

...and the final version:

http://www.xwaupgrade.com/screenshots.php?image=a-wing_1_1.png

Wish they would put Force Commander on Steam...

I use GOG not steam, so can't comment on if XWU works. I think it does, it'll say on their site.

Gog certainly makes retro gaming less painful I never hesitate to recommend them.

Fair enough. Gonna buy me a joystick. (bought alliance just a sec ago)

Any recommendations for joysticks? (do's/don'ts)

You don't the shiniest Joystick in the store.

I'd go for a mid range unit.

You don't the shiniest Joystick in the store.

I'd go for a mid range unit.

That's what she said.

Fair enough. Gonna buy me a joystick. (bought alliance just a sec ago)

Any recommendations for joysticks? (do's/don'ts)

Logitech wingman extreme is budget and does the job. Thrustmasters are always good.

I intend to at some point drop half a K on a really fancy flight yoke.

My problem with XWA is the cockpits. Instead of having the ELS and radar incorporated into the cockpit, they are separate, and the cockpit is just there for aesthetics. That always drove me nuts.

My problem with XWA is the huge amount of bugs in the missions.

My problem with XWA is the cockpits. Instead of having the ELS and radar incorporated into the cockpit, they are separate, and the cockpit is just there for aesthetics. That always drove me nuts.

Not if you slave your view to the target though, if I recall correctly?

My problem with XWA is the huge amount of bugs in the missions.

I haven't encountered many bugs with the steam or GOG versions.

Had a couple of issues getting it to run with XWAU on my old, old wooden PC, but the missions themselves have been fine. I had to quit and redo one of the early Azzameen family missions, but that was my own fault for not actually picking up the cargo pod I was supposed to pick up.

Republic Commando is fantastic.

The X-wing series of games are a MUST HAVE but you REQUIRE a joystick for most of them. Literally, as a hardware requirement.

Not all of them. X-Wing itself should be fine with a mouse, alliance and xvt should do need a joystick iirc, either way imho all the space sims, especially the classic ones are a lot more fun with a decent $50 and up joystick. That Thrustmaster T16000m usually does already an excellent job and if you are interested in a full hotas there is always that CH Products combo of pro throttle with fight or combat stick + pedals, but then we are in the $300 to $450 range.

Honestly, a sub-$20 joypad will do the trick. I use an Xbox style USB controller for X-Wing Alliance, and it's fine. Left stick for movement, various keyboard commands mapped to the buttons and d-pad, triggers for targetting and firing. Simples.

Honestly, a sub-$20 joypad will do the trick. I use an Xbox style USB controller for X-Wing Alliance, and it's fine. Left stick for movement, various keyboard commands mapped to the buttons and d-pad, triggers for targetting and firing. Simples.

Gecko, you are really the type for heresy, aren't you? Though technical correct I would say the minimum would be still that T1600M for maximum fun.

How are you getting on Elkerlyc?

How are you getting on Elkerlyc?

Wasting time on kotor atm. 14+ hours in and enjoying it immensely!

Yup, KOTOR is a great game.

Yup, KOTOR is a great game.

I knew it was a great game.

What i didn't know is how great it would be for me...

Running around as a lvl 10 Scout/Consular atm. Beastly. >_> (light side ofc)

Looking forward to eventually trying the whole thing all over again and pursuing a dark path.

Republic Commando is fantastic.

The X-wing series of games are a MUST HAVE but you REQUIRE a joystick for most of them. Literally, as a hardware requirement.

Not all of them. X-Wing itself should be fine with a mouse, alliance and xvt should do need a joystick iirc, either way imho all the space sims, especially the classic ones are a lot more fun with a decent $50 and up joystick. That Thrustmaster T16000m usually does already an excellent job and if you are interested in a full hotas there is always that CH Products combo of pro throttle with fight or combat stick + pedals, but then we are in the $300 to $450 range.

True, TIE Fighter, Xwing, and their 1995 CD rom collectors versions can be done with mouse. I've beaten both with the mouse.

X-wing Vs Tie Fighter, X-wing 98, TIE Fighter 98 and X-wing Alliance all as a hardware requirement require a joystick. Given that X-wing Alliance is the one that may be updated to relatively modern graphics, it's why I set the benchmark.

Ideally you should use a joystick, not a joypad for all.

Adding to that, Alliance even supports rudder pedals without any extra fiddling, which is totally awesome