Page 2: Welcome to the dark side

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One of the areas that received one of the largest portions of expansion in "TIE Fighter" was the storyline. In "X-Wing" it basically consisted of "You're not Luke Skywalker, but you're just going to do everything he did!" framed by some pretty pictures. In "TIE Fighter", what is shown is still a few galaxies away from the standards of "Wing Commander 2" - but in comparison to its quasi-storyless predecessor, the really big epics are told here. The long, beautifully staged intro alone sets the mood perfectly for what's about to happen.

The role reversal is a lot of fun: the unwashed rebels are branded as the terrorists they are from the Empire's point of view right from the start. Which of course also has an effect on the gameplay: Because whereas in "X-Wing" you were still traveling in a junk fighter held together by used chewing gum, outgunned at all times, always on the run and, above all, constantly outnumbered, now you are part of the gigantic imperial machinery.

Which means that you are no longer the hunted, but the hunter, the superior black knight who shows the rebels who wears the dark pants. You are part of the empire that has set itself the task of bringing order to a chaotic universe.

One day I want to be a bad guy

You soon realize that the empire, with its size and power, endless resources and tendency to interfere everywhere without being asked, is not as dark as it was portrayed in the films at the time. Sure, the change of perspective doesn't spontaneously turn the darkness into sunshine - but you quickly learn that even the big bad has to deal with everyday problems, with betrayal and defections, with industrial espionage and sabotage.

A large part of your flight time here is not spent destroying the rebel alliance, but on humanitarian missions, aid missions, keeping the peace and preventing conflicts. We can and should be very grateful to "TIE Fighter" for this interesting new perspective - even if one could, of course, argue that this is exactly how good propaganda works. Evil usually always sees itself in the right.

Everyday imperial life

In terms of content, "TIE Fighter" doesn't even bother to follow the continuity known from the films. Instead, the game is part of the expanded universe and consequently presents a kind of subplot based on the novels by Timothy Zahn, focusing primarily on Grand Admiral Thrawn, who was designed by him. This also explains why you are part of the Imperial Navy, although such a construct did not originally exist in the universe designed by George Lucas.

Training missions, historical missions and the actual campaign await the young Imperial cadet. There are 36 missions in total, spread over seven combat missions. The basic structure is not particularly varied: there are still various escort missions and you often have to inspect unknown ships. Things get more interesting when it comes to weakening the defenses of a rebel base until the cavalry arrives in the form of a TIE bomber squadron to incinerate it completely. Defend a Star Destroyer, destroy pirate bases, prevent the outbreak of an unauthorized war, or even rescue the Emperor kidnapped by a traitorous Admiral. The only important thing is to bring peace and order back to the galaxy.

Which isn't so easy when you're surrounded by traitors, as you discover in the legendary fifth campaign at the latest: there's a mission in which you're given the thankless task of clearing a minefield. And suddenly, you realize that not only has a rebel squadron appeared, but you are also under fire from your own escorts, on the orders of the vile Admiral Harkov, who has defected to the rebels. A sensational mission that ends in a gigantic battle, a wild escape and sweaty joystick hands.

Dark conversations in dark corners

The mission structure in "TIE Fighter" is much better and more flexible than in "X-Wing", as most missions consist of three levels: Firstly, there are the main missions that you have to complete. Then there are the side missions, which you can complete and which earn you fame, honor, medals and points. And then there are the bonus missions, which you don't have to complete, but definitely should - at least if you want to be accepted into the Order of the Emperor. Because there's this guy in the shadows who stands behind the actual flight officer from the second mission onwards, and you never have to talk to him, but you can.

It soon turns out that he is a direct emissary of Emperor Palpatine and offers extra missions. These missions are generally more challenging than the regular ones, but not only give the player more prestige and additional plot elements, but sooner or later also introduce him to the Emperor's inner circle - which is primarily reflected in increasingly elaborate tattoos on the player's arm, which can be admired in the pause menu alongside his general medals and badges.