Rogue Eclipse is a galactic aircraft shooter that’s unreasonably frenetic. It wants you to feel like you’re in a dogfight like a Star Wars movie, but what the developer doesn’t understand is what’s shown on the silver screen is exciting because we’re not the ones in that environment. Recreating that experience in a game isn’t fun. There’s a delicate balance between recreating feel and Rogue Eclipse shatters it.
You’re immediately thrust into a dogfight. You alternate chases between your ship and the enemy while exchanging laser fire, and while dodging missiles from larger spacecraft. If I were R2-D2 co-piloting, I’d be doing its signature scream constantly. You’re totally in control but it’s so fast it’s like a young child flying an aircraft with their hand. But even a child knows that flying needs reprieve and time to reset, and Rogue Eclipse gives you none of that.
No matter what I did, I always felt like my enemies were on me. There were no moments to reset and the enemies seemed like they never needed to reset; I couldn’t tell how far away I was from the mothership or other fighters; my shields are always in danger; arrows are constantly telling me I’m in proximity even though I boosted away. I feel fast, but maybe I’m not.
I can lock on to an enemy, but I have nothing to shoot with. I see a missile icon, but there are no buttons to shoot the missiles. I’m mashing everything, nothing happens. Braking only opens me up for immediate fire, but it’s the best way to take down the other fighters because the controls are so sensitive.
It’s annoying when flying games allow the enemies to easily get the jump on you, but there’s no way counter to their maneuvers. That’s Rogue Eclipse.
They say it’s a very early build. I’d say way too early.
Try Rogue Eclipse.