You can now pre-order Star Wars Zero Company for consoles and PC

At Summer Games Fest, EA and Bit Reactor have confirmed when players can get their hands on the XCOM-like Star Wars Zero Company, with the new entry into the Star Wars galaxy dropping on August 27th for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Alongside the confirmation of the date, a brand new trailer was unleashed showing what to expect. General Skywalker, for one!

Star Wars Zero Company is a turn based tactics game set during the twilight of The Clone Wars, and it follows Hawks, a former Republic Officer, and his group known as Zero Company. All of the Zero Company members are essentially mercenaries for hire from across the galaxy, with each of them having their own skills. You have a droid that will be to able to hack systems, a Jedi that has Force abilities, a Mandalorian armed with all the gadgets, and a Clone Trooper.

That isn’t all as these characters are fully customisable, and you will be able to create your own squad members to create a team that adheres to your playstyle. Each of the main characters has their own story which you may learn about if your bonds deepen, and the ties between characters can also make themselves felt on the battlefield with support abilities and cross-training benefits.

Between missions, you’ll return to The Den, which is Zero Company’s base of operations where you can recruit new Operators, progress skills, upgrade facilities, buy new equipment and select the next mission that you want to take on. The galactic map will be constantly changing up the missions on offer with more than 150 planets where the campaign can take you.

“Our team has poured everything we love about Star Wars into Zero Company,” said Greg Foertsch, CEO and Creative Director at Bit Reactor. “The bold characters, powerful storytelling, striking settings and the sense of heart beneath the battles in Star Wars has helped us create an experience that pushes the tactics genre forward by combining deep gameplay with cinematic elegance. We’ve worked hand-in-hand with Lucasfilm Games to create an authentic Star Wars story packed with unique new characters, robust character customization, a new ship, Separatist Droids and much more, all rooted in the conflict of The Clone Wars.”

Bit Reactor, the team behind Star Wars Zero Company could be well be creating a spiritual successor to XCOM and that is no light conclusion. Bit Reactor is made up of developers that have worked on the XCOM games, so we would expect to see some of that influence and learning to be present within Star Wars Zero Company.

Source: Summer Game Fest

Mighty Cuphead Adventure, A Wolf Among Us 2, Stellar Blade: Blood Rain and many more games saw new trailers at this year’s Summer Game Fest, but which were the real must-sees?

Even when you know most things have already been leaked (or officially teased) you still can’t help but hope for the unexpected at major preview showcases like Summer Game Fest. And at a number of points, in the show on Friday night, it did deliver, even if the most unlikely reveal was that Tupac is in Sega’s Stranger Than Heaven game, set in early 20th century Japan.

There were other more traditional surprises though, including Resident Evil Veronica, two new announcements from Cuphead creators Studio MDHR, a first glimpse at Alien: Isolation 2, genATLAS from ICO and Shadow Of The Colossus creator Fumito Ueda, and trilogy topper Final Fantasy 7 Revelation.

The whole event went on for two hours, so if you want to see absolutely everything you can just rewatch the livestream but below are the most important and interesting games that caught our eye. Although before you get too excited we should warn that, unlike the State of Play on Tuesday, most of the games were due out 2027 or later.

Mighty Cuphead Adventure

Believe it or not but Cuphead will be a decade old next year, and developer Studio MDHR hasn’t made anything else but DLC since. But at Summer Game Fest they announced they are making a new hand-animated Cuphead game, although they admitted it’s ‘still in the early stages’, aka years away.

That didn’t have a name, so it may not technically be Cuphead 2, but they did announce Mighty Cuphead Adventure instead, which features 8-bit style graphics – which are a little quicker to create. It still seems similar in style to Cuphead though, but more specifically influenced by 80s games such as Mega Man and Contra, to the point where it’s being released on an actual Master System cartridge.

Unfortunately, Mighty Cuphead Adventure doesn’t have a release date and while MDHR implied it was out relatively soon they work at such a slow pace it’s hard to know what exactly that might mean.

Alien: Isolation 2

Before Summer Game Fest, Sega dropped a teaser for both Alien: Isolation 2 and Crazy Taxi. But while the latter, and other retro reboots like Jet Set Radio, were mentioned in passing it was only the new Alien game that was actually shown. It was pre-alpha footage, so the final game probably won’t be released until at least 2028, but it looks intriguing, with the game set on a colony world with a somewhat Earth-like environment.

The original Isolation had its failings but not in terms of its atmosphere and some of the most terrifying thrills in all of survival horror. If this new game has a more compelling story then it could become some truly special. Despite the original’s abrupt ending, we don’t think there was anything to confirm you are still playing as Ellen Ripley’s daughter, but it would be strange if you weren’t.

gen ATLAS

We’re not sure it was intentional, but the most interesting games of the show all came right at the beginning. Maybe the idea was to reel people in early, because a new game by Fumito Ueda will certainly do that, for those that know his previous work. Especially as he’s now head of his own studio, with no attachment to Sony anymore.

As such, gen ATLAS (formerly known as Project Robot) is being released on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. It doesn’t have a release date yet but the Epic Game Store lists it as ‘coming soon’ and it already has a PEGI age rating, which suggests it could actually be this year.

The trailer confirms that Ueda has a thing about giant monsters but although some of the visuals are reminiscent of Shadow Of The Colossus the gameplay seems to be quite different, since it appears to let you control various giant robots by controlling a flying head that can dock with different bodies.

Stranger Than Heaven

We really can’t offer an explanation for Tupac’s involvement here, except that it apparently came about because Snoop Dogg was already in the game and he arranged it with his son and Tupac’s estate. As already known, the game takes place across a number of periods in Japan’s early 20th century history, including 1915, 1929, 1943, 1951, and 1965 – which seems to be as close to the modern era as it gets.

Although the game shares many similarities with the Yakuza/Like A Dragon franchise, and is by the same developer, it’s not formally part of the series, so there’s not expected to be any cameos from that. Although Tupac was the biggest reveal, a release date for the game was also announced, of January 15 next year.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin

Bayonetta and Ninja Gaiden 4 developer PlatinumGames seems like the last studio you’d ask to make a new Turtles games, not because they’re not one of the best action game developers in the world but because they’ve already made one Turtles game – 2016’s Mutants In Manhattan – and it was rubbish. It was also very low budget, so hopefully this new one, which was technically announced back in 2023, will be better.

There was greater significance to the annoucement than was apparent at the time, as it represents the first game to be published following a merger of Skydance Media and Paramount. That immediately makes them a major force, with games such as Marvel 1943: Rise Of Hydra and an untitled Star Wars game by Amy Hennig, and at least two new Avatar The Last Airbender games.

Crossfire

Although quite a bit of time was spent on this debut game from new studio That’s no Moon, we’re not sure we entirely got the gist of it from what was shown. It certainly looks very good and is pretty much exactly what you’d expect from a developer set up by a bunch of ex-Naughty Dog and Infinity Ward veterans. We also liked how they emphasised it as a ‘high agency, single-player, story driven game’ and seemed very proud of the fact.

The story revolves around two special forces soldiers from opposing sides having to team up, although it wasn’t entirely clear against what. Some kind of science gone mad experimentation was going on, seemingly involving instant healing, but it wasn’t entirely clear. We’re intrigued to know more but at the moment there’s no release date.

Virtua Fighter CrossRoads

Crazy Taxi might not have been at Summer Game Fest but another of Sega’s classic franchises was. This is essentially Virtua Fighter 6 (Sega highlight the VI in the name) although you’d never guess that unless you happen to know who Pai Chan is, and even that only comes at the end of the trailer.

Virtua Fighter’s problem is that while the 3D combat has always been best in class, and superior to any contemporary Tekken, it’s generally less accessible for newcomers and the storytelling and characterisation is extremely basic. It’s impossible to tell whether the former problem is still an issue but the emphasis on narrative is clearly an attempt to address some of the series’ traditional shortcomings. It doesn’t have a release date yet, but it is due out next year.

1666 Amsterdam

Patrice Désilets served as the creative director on the first three Assassin’s Creed games but since leaving Ubisoft he’s struggled to find the same level of success. 2019’s Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey was a major flop and he’s been trying to get 1666 Amsterdam off the ground for years – 16 years in fact, according to what was said at Summer Game Fest.

The project originally began at Ubisoft but he gained the rights for himself and it is now nearing completion. It seems to involve witches of some sort, and certainly has an air of Assassin’s Creed about it, but it was hard to tell exactly what was going on from the brief trailer. That’s no doubt why he made sure a free 30 minute prologue is now available on PC, to explain more of the plot, with the game entering early access next year.

Saw: Genesis

Bloober Team remain an enigma, as until the Silent Hill 2 remake we would’ve said they were very much overrated. That proved to be an incredible game, that’s arguably even better than the original, and yet immediately afterwards they were right back to their usual mediocrity with Cronos: The New Dawn.

Perhaps it’s working with pre-existing properties which brings the best out of them, so maybe Saw: Genesis will be one of their good ones. We won’t pretend to know anything much about the series’ lore, so we’re not sure if the stuff from the First World War is new to the series, but the most surprising thing about the game is that it’s an asymmetric multiplayer game – which the trailer doesn’t at all make clear.

That puts it in direct competition with Dead By Daylight, and all those 80s movie licences like Friday The 13th and Killer Klowns From Outer Space, that only ever seem to last a year or two before the licence runs out.

Star Wars Zero Company

As diehard XCOM fans, and sometimes Star Wars fans, we’re really looking forward to this one, although it’s still hard to gauge exactly how it works, as trying to make a turn-based strategy look sexy and exciting in a short trailer isn’t the easiest thing.

We do wish it had been set during the original trilogy, rather than the Clone Wars, although there are a lot of Rogue One and Andor references throughout, including the Ring of Kafrene in this latest trailer. However, the big draw at the end was the presence of Anakin Skywalker, making it clear that while this is set towards the end of the conflict it is still firmly in prequel territory, in terms of the timeline. The August 27 release date leaked out before Summer Game Fest, which is pleasingly soon.

007 First Light

This was only a blink and you’ll miss it trailer but it did confirm that the first story DLC for the game will feature Lenny Kravitz’s character Bawma. Kravitz was a lot of fun in the role but his exit from the story was fairly abrupt, with a story thread left to unravel, so his involvement in the first expansion makes perfect sense.

Other small updates before that will include new Tacsim missions, a new gadget, a New Game+ mode, and a photo mode.

Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendence

Capcom has been on the run of their lifetime lately but nobody’s perfect and technical issues and problems with the post-game support for Monster Hunter Wilds has caused them a lot of trouble. Ascendence is clearly meant to be the answer to that, with Capcom describing it as a ‘massive expansion.’

It certainly looks attractive, with an archipelago of islands in the sky and some very colourful monsters, with a number of new and returning creatures. Whether that’s going to be enough to placate fans remains to be seen, especially as the main problems with the parent game weren’t obvious at first, but we’ll see next year when it’s released.

Clutch

A new arcade racer by some of the creators of Forza Horizon certainly sounds appealing, and the graphics looked great in this first trailer for Clutch. As they threatened though, there’s a major focus on storytelling in the game and… we already don’t care. Other racing games have tried this before and it never works but perhaps playing it will make you more invested, and they’ll finally crack the formula.

The game’s out in spring 2027, so there’s plenty of time for it to convince people it’s on the right track.

A Wolf Among Us 2

We’re not sure what the mention of eight years was when this game was introduced, but presumably that’s how long this sequel has been in development, because it’s actually 13 years since the first one came out. The original form of Telltale Games has been and gone in that time and the whole concept of the puzzle-less graphic adventure has since been perfected by AdHoc Studio’s Dispatch.

That puts A Wolf Among Us 2 in a difficult position because it still looks the same as the old game did, although Telltale are remastering the original for this year, to try and show that there has been some improvement. What matters most is the writing and voice-acting and from what little was shown in the trailer that did seem good, but this is no longer the sure fire hit it would’ve been if it had released on time.

Stellar Blade: Blood Rain

It wasn’t at all clear what this was for the majority of the trailer, even if its top notch graphics made it clear it was something with some serious talent, and money, behind it. The skintight clothing and gratuitous shots of female posteriors should’ve been a clue though, that this is a sequel to 2024’s Stellar Blade.

The leering attitude towards women is still icky but we can’t deny that the original wasn’t the best 3D beat ‘em-up this side of Bayonetta. Exactly what the connection is to the original game isn’t yet clear, as this is a new protagonist, but in hindsight they are the same sort of The Thing inspired monsters. There’s no release date though and it doesn’t sound like it’s going to be out anytime soon.

Email gamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter.

To submit Inbox letters and Reader’s Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here.

For more stories like this, check our Gaming page.

Comments Add as preferred source

A new trailer for Star Wars Zero Company is confirmed for Summer Game Fest, ahead of an earlier than expected launch this summer.

We have been fervently waiting for more news on Star Wars Zero Company, a new XCOM style strategy game, since its reveal last year.

Fortunately, that wait is nearly over, as publisher EA has confirmed a new trailer will debut during Summer Game Fest this Friday, while also sharing new artwork of some of its characters.

It was already safe to assume the trailer will include a release date, as the game’s only ever had a vague 2026 window, but that date has leaked ahead of time and it’s mercifully not another September release.

What is the release date for Star Wars Zero Company?

According to the consistently accurate billbil-kun at Dealabs, Star Wars Zero Company will launch on August 27.

It willretail at $49.99 on PC and $59.99 on consoles. While that translates to approximately £37 and £45 respectively, EA will likely price it at £49.99 and £59.99 here in the UK.

Unsurprisingly, there’ll be a more expensive deluxe edition that costs $59.99 on PC and $69.99 on consoles, though while its contents are unknown, billbil-kun adds that it won’t include any sort of early access.

Early access has become increasingly common for new releases, but it’s not yet a standard. Last month, the likes of Forza Horizon 6, the new Lego Batman game, and 007 First Light all offered early access as a pre-order bonus.

Whether or not EA is deliberately avoiding September, it’s a relief as that month is chock-a-block with new games, including but not limited to Sony’s Wolverine game, Capcom’s new Onimusha, and Silent Hill: Townfall.

No doubt this is a result of GTA 6’s November launch as many publishers are eager not to launch too closely to that game and risk being completely overshadowed.

What is Star Wars Zero Company about?

Star Wars Zero Company is set during the prequel era of the franchise, specifically the Clone Wars, and sees you leading a band of mercenaries (the titular Zero Company) as a fully customisable character named Hawks.

Like XCOM, it’s a turn-based tactics game and while you can recruit a myriad of characters, they can permanently die during missions if you’re not careful.

The new key art gives an indication of what sort of characters will appear, including a member of the Lasat; the same alien race as Zeb, one of the main characters from the Star Wars Rebels cartoon and, most recently, The Mandalorian And Grogu.

The guy in the spacesuit seems to be an Umbaran from a memorable arc from the The Clone Wars CGI series (the one with the four-armed Jedi Pong Krell) and the horned alien looks to be a Togruta, the same species as Ahsoka.

The alien in the top left corner seems to be the same species as Tubes, who was affiliated with Saw Gerrera from Rogue One and Andor. Saw’s character originated in The Clone Wars series, so it’s quite possible he’s in the game too.

Considering it’s set towards the end of the Clone Wars, we could even see the game adapt the events of Order 66 and the early rise of the Empire, which could also incorporate elements from Andor.

Zero Company isn’t the only Star Wars game launching this year either as racing game Star Wars: Galactic Racer is scheduled to follow on October 2.

Email gamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter.

To submit Inbox letters and Reader’s Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here.

For more stories like this, check our Gaming page.

Comments Add as preferred source

Lando’s friendliness and hospitality towards Han Solo and Leia in “The Empire Strikes Back” hid a dark secret… Lando had made a “deal with the devil” to turn them over to Darth Vader and the Empire in exchange for his continuing freedom and the promised safe release of some of his friends. But Lando was in over his head, and as he came to the painful realization that “this deal is getting worse all the time”, he had a choice to make. Instead of continuing to walk down a path that promised pleasure while demanding an increasing price he couldn’t continue to pay, he chose to make a better deal and was reborn as the heroic General he was always meant to be.

The little compromises that we make with sinful temptations in our lives always contain hidden costs, and as people from the Bible like Samson found out these “deals with the devil” only get worse over time until they eventually take everything away from us. Rather than enjoy the poisonous fruits of sin for a season, let’s slam the door closed on every tempting thought that makes promises that it won’t honor and always ends up costing more than the price tag shows. The best deal we can ever make for ourselves is to give up what we can’t keep in exchange for the priceless gift of salvation from our Heavenly Father that we could never afford.

Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. Hebrews 11:25-26

“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18

• Like us?  Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Spotify, TikTok, or YouTube for our articles, podcasts, and videos!
• Facebook: Finding God in Video Games
• Twitter: @FindingGodIn_VG
• Instagram: Finding God in Video Games
• Podcasts on Spotify/Apple/Google: Finding God in Video Games
• TikTok: @FindingGodInVideoGames
• YouTube: Finding God in Video Games

The journey of Anakin Skywalker may be a little hard to accept from some of us… and perhaps that’s because we don’t believe he deserved his final redemptive arc. Anakin’s fall from grace wasn’t simply a matter of having an alternate viewpoint on the Jedi order… he betrayed them and all who loved him to become a heartless, cold-blooded monster who embodied the very evil he had spent his life fighting against. But maybe that’s why his story resonates with us… if there was still a flicker of hope for such a bitter and undeserving villain like Darth Vader to see the light and fulfill his destiny, perhaps there’s still hope for all of us who’ve lost our way, too.

Christ didn’t come down to earth to find the souls He considered the worthiest and offer them salvation… He came to seek out and save all who are willing to receive Him, which includes the very worst of us. All of us are fallen sinners undeserving of His grace, but through His mercy every repentant heart can receive redemption from our selfish and sinful decisions, turn away from our past mistakes, and enjoy a “new hope” in Him. No matter how far we have fallen or how “hopeless” we may seem, He still offers forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration to all who fall at His feet… I know this to be true because He did it for me, and He’ll do it for you.

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. 1 Timothy 1:15-16

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:16-17

• Like us?  Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Spotify, TikTok, or YouTube for our articles, podcasts, and videos!
• Facebook: Finding God in Video Games
• Twitter: @FindingGodIn_VG
• Instagram: Finding God in Video Games
• Podcasts on Spotify/Apple/Google: Finding God in Video Games
• TikTok: @FindingGodInVideoGames
• YouTube: Finding God in Video Games

To be honest, I had given up any hope that there could be a redemptive arc for “Crosshair” from the Bad Batch series… after he revealed that his merciless actions in service to the Empire did not came from an inhibitor chip but were from his own self-righteous beliefs, it seemed like he was lost for good. But his cold heart shifted the day that he chose to sacrificially pick up and carry an injured fellow trooper through dangerous and freezing conditions for miles… a soldier who was as hopelessly broken and damaged externally as Crosshair was internally. But in that moment, Crosshair didn’t judge his fallen brother for how he got into that position or leave him behind because he was a hopeless case… he simply picked him up and carried him back to base.

Our relationship with the Lord is an incredible, unearned gift, but if receiving His grace makes us think we’re better than those who’ve fallen or are on the outside of our faith, we’ve completely missed the point. All His children are fellow brothers and sisters that we’ve been instructed to pick up and carry back to base… regardless of how they got there in the first place. We were given His gift of love and mercy so we can carry it to others who are in need, and that includes those we may consider to be hopeless cases… because we were once a hopeless case, too.

Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Galatians 6:1-3

For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 1 Corinthians 15:9-10

• Like us?  Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Spotify, TikTok, or YouTube for our articles, podcasts, and videos!
• Facebook: Finding God in Video Games
• Twitter: @FindingGodIn_VG
• Instagram: Finding God in Video Games
• Podcasts on Spotify/Apple/Google: Finding God in Video Games
• TikTok: @FindingGodInVideoGames
• YouTube: Finding God in Video Games

Star Wars characters giving their lives in a final act of sacrifice is nothing new but losing Tech in Star Wars: The Bad Batch hit me pretty hard. I could never personally relate to the incredible athleticism of Anakin or the heroism and wisdom of Obi-Wan, but in the unique squad of misfits collectively known as “Clone Force 99” I finally found the one Star Wars character that I could personally identify with… the nerdy, slightly awkward one with the glasses and the receding hairline. Tech was my favorite, and I thought he was headed towards a happy ending… until the situation called for Plan 99 and he gave his life to save his teammates. He might not have been very good at articulating his feelings, but through his actions he demonstrated the greatest love of all.

In a world that is quick to execute “Order 66” when we disagree with each other, we are called to be the living, breathing embodiment of “Plan 99” and show Christ’s self-sacrificial love to everyone we meet and in everything we do. His love is not some bubbly, magical feeling inside of us… it is a choice we make to do the right thing, the hard thing, and the self-sacrificial thing in those moments when we would prefer not to. This world will only know as much about the love of Christ as we show in our actions, so to quote Tech’s final words, “There is no time. Plan 99.”

This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. John 15:12-13

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

• Like us?  Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Spotify, TikTok, or YouTube for our articles, podcasts, and videos!
• Facebook: Finding God in Video Games
• Twitter: @FindingGodIn_VG
• Instagram: Finding God in Video Games
• Podcasts on Spotify/Apple/Google: Finding God in Video Games
• TikTok: @FindingGodInVideoGames
• YouTube: Finding God in Video Games

The doomed relationship between Padmé and Anakin in the Star Wars prequels is one of the most heartbreaking parts of the entire saga… two star-crossed lovers torn apart by past pains and unresolved issues that ultimately led to the most tragic outcome possible. Anakin never took the time to fully process the grief he carried from his past or deal with his frustrations to the point of resolution, and his inability to reach a place of inner peace completely undermined his efforts to bring peace to both his home as well as his galaxy. The old adage that “people who are hurting hurt other people” was proven to be true… it’s only when we allow our private pain to be healed that we can be a conduit for peace.

We all endure times of testing, trials, and pain on this planet, but if we hold onto these pockets of hurt and grief instead of submitting them fully to Christ for healing, we will only end up hurting the people that we love the most. The Lord sees and understands our pain, He can relate to every heartache we will ever experience, and He is as near to our broken hearts as we allow Him to be. Let’s lay down the burdens that our past and present traumas have inflicted on us, call out to Him for healing, and surrender our pain into His loving arms. The first step to helping others is to allow the Great Physician to heal our hearts first.

As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me. Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:16-17, 22

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. Psalm 34:17-19

• Like us?  Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Spotify, TikTok, or YouTube for our articles, podcasts, and videos!
• Facebook: Finding God in Video Games
• Twitter: @FindingGodIn_VG
• Instagram: Finding God in Video Games
• Podcasts on Spotify/Apple/Google: Finding God in Video Games
• TikTok: @FindingGodInVideoGames
• YouTube: Finding God in Video Games

In Star Wars: A New Hope, there was a defining moment during the infamous “trench run” on the Death Star when Obi-Wan Kenobi instructed Luke to let go of what he thought he needed to fulfill his mission (the onboard targeting system) and reach out through the force instead. While these tools were intended to help him, Luke’s reliance on them was hindering him from achieving his goals because they restricted his sight to what was visible in the physical realm. It was only when Luke shut them down and placed his faith in what he couldn’t physically see that his path to victory finally became possible.

Walking by faith is more than simply trusting in the Lord to do His part… it means consciously letting go of all our perceived limitations and closing down anything in our lives that tempts us to lean on our own understanding instead of His. The Lord has promised to supply every one of our needs, but many times His provision isn’t fully revealed to us until we’ve removed all those distractions and stopped depending on our own capabilities for the answers to our prayers. Let’s allow the Lord to guide us in all we do today, even if we can’t see how it will all work out from our vantage point. Belief doesn’t transform into faith until we choose to close our eyes, let go of what we see, and follow His voice.

We do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. Hebrews 11:1-3

• Like us?  Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Spotify, TikTok, or YouTube for our articles, podcasts, and videos!
• Facebook: Finding God in Video Games
• Twitter: @FindingGodIn_VG
• Instagram: Finding God in Video Games
• Podcasts on Spotify/Apple/Google: Finding God in Video Games
• TikTok: @FindingGodInVideoGames
• YouTube: Finding God in Video Games

In the first six Star Wars movies, Obi-Wan Kenobi was presented as a consistent beacon of light who shined brightly in even the most hopeless of situations, but in the time period between the “Revenge of the Sith” and “A New Hope” his entire world was flipped upside down. Obi-Wan’s beloved Jedi Order had fallen, his best friend had betrayed him, and his faith had ebbed to its lowest point. Haunted by all the pain and losses he’d endured, Obi-Wan felt like he had become disconnected from the force… the very source of his strength. But Obi-Wan hadn’t been forgotten or forsaken, and his most critical mission had just begun. What looked like defeat was just a season of trials and tribulations that he had to endure before a new hope could dawn.

We will all face periods of time in life when it feels like the darkness has surrounded us, but we can’t permit the difficulty level of the trials that we’re facing to disconnect us from our faith in Christ, no matter how challenging they are. The Lord’s strength wasn’t revealed by how He AVOIDED His struggles, but by how He faithfully ENDURED His times of pain and suffering. Our light is most necessary when the darkness is the most prevalent, so let’s hold fast to our faith through our storm… we WILL experience the joy of a new hope on the other side of this battle.

But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated. Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise. Hebrews 10:32-33, 35-36

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 1 Peter 4:12-13

• Like us?  Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Spotify, TikTok, or YouTube for our articles, podcasts, and videos!
• Facebook: Finding God in Video Games
• Twitter: @FindingGodIn_VG
• Instagram: Finding God in Video Games
• Podcasts on Spotify/Apple/Google: Finding God in Video Games
• TikTok: @FindingGodInVideoGames
• YouTube: Finding God in Video Games

While there were many contributing factors that led to the downfall of Anakin Skywalker, one of the largest is how he took the special gifts that he had been given for granted. From an early age Anakin demonstrated skills far beyond his years, but even when he was given opportunities that others would never receive, he still wanted more and was never satisfied. His incredible gifts never seemed to be quite enough for him… Anakin was a talented and respected Jedi knight who needed the position of master to validate him, an unparalleled force user who was so completely consumed with his need for “more” that he failed to recognize and appreciate all of the things that he had already been given.

When we are in a position of either want or need, it can be easy to take all of the gifts that we’ve already been given for granted… and when we fail to see and appreciate the blessings and favor that the Lord has already given to us, our lack of gratitude becomes a poison that slowly chokes all of the joy from our lives and replaces it with bitterness and resentment. Let’s take a moment to be truly thankful for the unmerited grace and love we’ve received from the Father… the only path to having peace and joy at ALL times is to never permit what we lack to steal our joy from the blessings that we already possess.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Colossians 3:15

• Like us?  Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Spotify, TikTok, or YouTube for our articles, podcasts, and videos!
• Facebook: Finding God in Video Games
• Twitter: @FindingGodIn_VG
• Instagram: Finding God in Video Games
• Podcasts on Spotify/Apple/Google: Finding God in Video Games
• TikTok: @FindingGodInVideoGames
• YouTube: Finding God in Video Games

One of the reasons I believe the original Star Wars has stood the test of time is because the original “rebels” we fell in love with weren’t the traditional “hero squad” we’d expect to take on and defeat the larger, better organized Empire. Our heroes were a pair of orphans, a wanted smuggler and his partner in crime, a couple of eccentric droids, and a bizarre old hermit… a crew that on the surface would have been deemed unqualified or unfit for service by most people when assembling a “dream team”. But these ragtag rebels with their complicated backstories and their unique skills were exactly what this story called for… misfits who happened to be the perfect fit for this specific mission.

The Lord doesn’t look at our past issues or our even our present status in life the same way we do when choosing who He will use… He looks at our heart. Jesus selected some unqualified fishermen, an unpopular tax collector, a woman with a history of demonic possession, and a few other “scoundrels” and He commissioned them to go out and change the world… and they did. Let’s not be discouraged by who we once were or even what we are now… no matter what our past or present holds, He knew it all before He ever selected us to follow Him. And He still chose us as the perfectly cast “misfits” for our missions, too!

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29

• Like us?  Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Spotify, TikTok, or YouTube for our articles, podcasts, and videos!
• Facebook: Finding God in Video Games
• Twitter: @FindingGodIn_VG
• Instagram: Finding God in Video Games
• Podcasts on Spotify/Apple/Google: Finding God in Video Games
• TikTok: @FindingGodInVideoGames
• YouTube: Finding God in Video Games

Many of the most memorable characters in the Star Wars franchise are introduced to us with a problematic background painted in shades of gray… characters such as Bo-Katan Kryze, a Mandalorian warrior who errantly joined a rogue faction known as the “Death Watch” to pursue her goals of a stronger, united Mandalore. While she had positive intentions, she had chosen the wrong allies that led her down a very dark and compromising path to achieve them. Possessing a few similar goals didn’t mean they shared her core values or convictions, and they ultimately betrayed both her and their cause. Following her own way only led to the very outcome she was trying to prevent… fulfilling her destiny meant she had to find and follow the one true “way”.

Even our most noble and well-intended actions are doomed to failure when they aren’t aligned with the Lord’s will and His “way” … there aren’t any shortcuts He will accept to achieve His purposes and His plans are non-negotiable, leaving no room for compromise. Our efforts to accomplish His will without following His way will only result in frustration and failure, so let’s yield full control of our minds and the temptation to do things our own way. The Lord never asked us to understand His directions… He simply told us to trust and obey them. His way isn’t just the best way… it’s the only way.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Proverbs 14:12

Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left. Isaiah 30:21

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6

• Like us?  Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Spotify, TikTok, or YouTube for our articles, podcasts, and videos!
• Facebook: Finding God in Video Games
• Twitter: @FindingGodIn_VG
• Instagram: Finding God in Video Games
• Podcasts on Spotify/Apple/Google: Finding God in Video Games
• TikTok: @FindingGodInVideoGames
• YouTube: Finding God in Video Games

Star Wars Zero Company dropped a new gameplay trailer, and release date, at Summer Game Fest.

The new trailer showcases plenty of new footage of the tactical title. Coming from Bit Reactor, a new development studio that includes ex-XCOM developers, Star Wars Zero Company looks to make every move matter. It looks very much inspired by the past work of the developers, with tense turn-based tactical battles set during the heyday of the Clone Wars. The trailer even brings back a fan favourite Jedi in Anakin Skywalker, rocking his iconic black fit from his Jedi days.

Every battle and choice matters, as you can lose squad mates as fast as you recruit them. You’ll need to command your motley crew in tactical operations and missions across the galaxy far, far away. It’s a brand new, original story set during the Clone Wars, centred around a crew doing their best to survive. Your squad can completely change one minute to the next, including the likes of robots, Mandalorians, and even Jedi.

Their bonds are just as important as their ability on the battlefield, as new combat synergies can turn the tide when it matters most. You can completely customize Hawks, the main character, along with the rest of the crew to truly make a squad all your own. The trailer ends showing Anakin Skywalker for the first time, though how he fits into the story remains to be seen. Will he be a friend that can join the team, or a boss battle that will test your squad’s mettle? Only time will tell, but here’s hoping he gets to hang out with my jolly band of miscreants.

Thankfully, the wait won’t be long to start your adventure, with Star Wars Zero Company launching on August 27, 2026, on PC, PS5, and XBOX Series X|S. Pre-orders open up on June 5th.

At Summer Games Fest, EA and Bit Reactor have confirmed when players can get their hands on the XCOM-like Star Wars Zero Company, with the new entry into the Star Wars galaxy dropping on August 27th for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Alongside the confirmation of the date, a brand new trailer was unleashed showing what to expect. General Skywalker, for one!

Star Wars Zero Company is a turn based tactics game set during the twilight of The Clone Wars, and it follows Hawks, a former Republic Officer, and his group known as Zero Company. All of the Zero Company members are essentially mercenaries for hire from across the galaxy, with each of them having their own skills. You have a droid that will be to able to hack systems, a Jedi that has Force abilities, a Mandalorian armed with all the gadgets, and a Clone Trooper.

That isn’t all as these characters are fully customisable, and you will be able to create your own squad members to create a team that adheres to your playstyle. Each of the main characters has their own story which you may learn about if your bonds deepen, and the ties between characters can also make themselves felt on the battlefield with support abilities and cross-training benefits.

Between missions, you’ll return to The Den, which is Zero Company’s base of operations where you can recruit new Operators, progress skills, upgrade facilities, buy new equipment and select the next mission that you want to take on. The galactic map will be constantly changing up the missions on offer with more than 150 planets where the campaign can take you.

“Our team has poured everything we love about Star Wars into Zero Company,” said Greg Foertsch, CEO and Creative Director at Bit Reactor. “The bold characters, powerful storytelling, striking settings and the sense of heart beneath the battles in Star Wars has helped us create an experience that pushes the tactics genre forward by combining deep gameplay with cinematic elegance. We’ve worked hand-in-hand with Lucasfilm Games to create an authentic Star Wars story packed with unique new characters, robust character customization, a new ship, Separatist Droids and much more, all rooted in the conflict of The Clone Wars.”

Bit Reactor, the team behind Star Wars Zero Company could be well be creating a spiritual successor to XCOM and that is no light conclusion. Bit Reactor is made up of developers that have worked on the XCOM games, so we would expect to see some of that influence and learning to be present within Star Wars Zero Company.

Source: Summer Game Fest

In the wake of Destiny 2’s imminent collapse, MOP’s Chris and I were musing on which games would benefit most from the exodus of players who will eventually leave when given no fresh content or even seasons on a loop (a bizarre choice, but Sony clearly enjoys leaving money on the table or we wouldn’t […]

Yes, we’ve got news from a Star Wars Galaxies emulator that isn’t SWGL for you all today. This time we’re highlighting Star Wars Galaxies Restoration III, the mashup CU/NGE variant that had a 1.0 release in 2022, which is preparing to launch its new Shatterpoint major content update for the classsic sandbox. “Shatterpoint introduces unique content and mechanics, turning […]

This week’s Massively Overthinking is inspired by a tweet I saw from SMITE, of all games, where the Hi-Rez devs asked players to propose one god to delete from the game. Obviously, this is not a serious proposition, but in the aggregate, the answers can kinda show a trend in what people are tired of, […]

Developer: LucasArts   Publisher: LucasArts    Release: 10/00    Genre: Action With the release of the Phantom Menace in theaters it presented an opportunity for a slew of new Star Wars games in a whole new setting. The dozens of novels...

The post Star Wars: Jedi Power Battles appeared first on Classic-Games.net.