Typically I neglect simply how far proficient modders can take older video games in VR till one thing just like the X-Wing Alliance Improve mission comes alongside and jolts that reminiscence again into focus. That’s precisely what occurred this week once I received the mod up and operating with my Quest 3 and Yaw 3 movement simulator. Learn on for my impressions.
For these unfamiliar, X-Wing Alliance first launched again in 1999 because the fruits of the traditional LucasArts X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter area fight sim collection. The sport gave us multi-stage missions, a full hangar bay to immerse ourselves in, and a narrative that appears like a real extension of the unique trilogy. What’s exceptional is how the XWAU Challenge, a devoted group mod effort, has not solely up to date the visuals with higher-resolution fashions and results but in addition added trendy VR assist that makes it price revisiting in 2025.
For gamers like me who’re lucky sufficient to personal a movement platform, I found that the mod additionally consists of native assist by an INI tweak, and uncovering that hidden gem was the cherry on high.
Gameplay footage captured by gamexplore
Making it work with Quest 3 takes a little bit of tinkering. However as soon as I carried out a couple of INI tweaks and adjusted some HOTAS settings within the added joystick configurator from the mod’s launch menu, I used to be staring out the long-lasting cockpit home windows of an upgraded YT-2000 transport. That is all achieved in full VR with excellent 3D, full 6-DOF motion enabled, and even fingers that might activate the controls of the ship.
It appears to be like similar to the Millennium Falcon cockpit, minus Han and Chewie, after all. However that sense of “you’re there” on this iconic setting is unmistakable. And as soon as I activate Yaw 3 and expertise the pitch, yaw, and roll synchronizing seamlessly with my yoke and pedals flight system, every little thing simply clicks in my thoughts. For a couple of moments, regardless of the sport’s up to date but nonetheless considerably dated graphics, I really feel totally immersed!
Up to date ship and cockpit fashions from X-Wing Alliance Improve Challenge’s graphics overhaul
I’ve vivid recollections of enjoying this on a 100′ projector display with stereoscopic shutter glasses again in 1999 after it first got here out. Nevertheless, the sense of scale you get once you enter a hangar bay or the fun you’re feeling whereas banking by the particles discipline of a downed capital ship is a lot extra impactful once you expertise it in VR.
Dogfights are chaotic and thrilling, not as a result of the sport’s enemies have abruptly gotten smarter, however as a result of your head motion and physique suggestions make all of it really feel extra actual. Now, I’m turning my neck to trace enemies, glancing down at my radar display, and even instinctively bracing my physique barely as my movement rig tilts into a decent banking flip. It’s immersive in a approach I couldn’t have ever imagined once I was enjoying this for the primary time all these years in the past.
Gameplay captured by UploadVR
The mod has admittedly been round for some time, and we initially reported on the added VR assist again in 2019, however I’m simply discovering out about it because of my current discovery of the movement simulator assist. Now that I’ve skilled this firsthand and have the mod on my radar, it’s great to see that the XWAU Challenge remains to be very energetic. New releases proceed to work on refining the textures and fashions and bettering VR efficiency. If you happen to’ve received the correct gear and even a little bit of nostalgia for this collection, it’s completely price setting apart a couple of hours to get every little thing arrange.
So there you may have it… as soon as once more proficient groups of community-driven modders have breathed new life and introduced full VR assist right into a 26-year-old sport that I had actually by no means anticipated to play once more. The digital actuality modding scene is alive and thriving, and I might be looking out for extra wonderful older video games like this to showcase sooner or later. Please inform us within the feedback which of your favourite older video games you’d like to see modded to get full VR assist, and preserve your eyes on UploadVR for protection of extra fascinating VR mods as we uncover them. Till then… Could the mods be with you… All the time.
To play the VR model of X-Wing Alliance Improve, you’ll need an official copy of the sport and the mod information, which might be discovered right here.
