After nearly two decades in development, a Star Wars fan game titled Fate of the Galaxy has officially been released. This ambitious space combat simulator is a total conversion mod built using the open-source engine of Volition's 1999 title, FreeSpace 2. It is now available for free download on Linux, Mac, and PC.
The developers' stated goal for Fate of the Galaxy is to deliver starfighter combat that authentically captures the look and feel of the Star Wars films. The game offers a variety of modes, including interconnected story campaigns, customizable galactic campaigns, arcade and training scenarios, standalone missions, and multiplayer matches. Players can align themselves with the Rebel Alliance, the Galactic Empire, or choose to play as an independent adventurer.
The mod features over 64 distinct ships, each equipped with fully functional cockpits and customizable weapon loadouts. A mission editor is also included, allowing players to create and share their own custom battles. The game boasts a wide range of customizable settings, catering to various play styles from casual to more sim-like experiences. It also supports multiple input methods and includes VR compatibility. All assets used in the game were created by human developers.
Fate of the Galaxy builds upon the legacy of FreeSpace 2, which has long served as a foundation for fan projects due to its open-source nature. Previous notable total conversion mods using the engine include Beyond the Red Line (based on Battlestar Galactica) and The Babylon Project (based on Babylon 5).
This release arrives in a year that has seen several other Star Wars video game entries, including the tactical game Star Wars: Zero Company and the podracing title Star Wars: Galactic Racer.