Star Wars: Squadrons is what happens when a studio makes a game for players instead of shareholders. No battle passes, no microtransactions, no seasons—just a solid space combat sim that respects your time and wallet.

The flight mechanics are legit. You're managing power distribution, angling deflector shields, and coordinating with your squadron in real-time. It's more simulation than arcade, which means there's a learning curve, but also real satisfaction when you nail a tricky maneuver.

The campaign is serviceable—you alternate between New Republic and Imperial pilots, which is narratively interesting even if the characters aren't deeply memorable. The real draw is multiplayer dogfighting and fleet battles, which require actual teamwork and tactical thinking.

For Star Wars fans aged 10+, this is a solid pick. The fantasy violence is exactly what you'd expect (ships exploding, no bodies), and the lack of built-in voice chat means less exposure to online toxicity. It's not going to change your kid's life, but it's a well-crafted experience that doesn't try to manipulate them into spending more money—and in 2025, that alone deserves recognition.