Star Wars Zero Company, the upcoming tactics RPG from developer Bit Reactor, will not feature branching narrative paths or romance options, according to a recent Discord Q&A. The studio aims to deliver a character-focused experience with cinematic cutscenes and squad customization, but the main story will unfold in a set manner.
Narrative director Aaron Contreras previously stated that while the game's cast will experience friction, Star Wars Zero Company is "not a personal fantasy game." This sentiment was reiterated in the Q&A, with the developer plainly stating, "No, there aren’t any romance systems or branching paths." The focus remains on delivering a turn-based tactics experience that requires skill and strategy, albeit with a more cinematic approach.
While the overarching narrative remains linear, Bit Reactor has indicated that certain story moments may adapt based on the player's squad composition. The game will also feature permadeath for squad members, though this can be toggled off. The developers stated that the story's conclusion will be largely consistent for all players, suggesting that any narrative variations will be minor, perhaps limited to dialogue changes or specific squad-related events.
Despite the absence of player agency in shaping the story's direction, Star Wars Zero Company's commitment to a strong narrative, supported by a significant budget, remains a promising aspect. The developers are keen on pushing the genre forward with their cinematic ambitions. Players will assemble a squad of up to four operators, including characters like the Mandalorian mercenary Cly Kullervo and Jedi padawan Tel-Rea Vokoss, to face tactical combat challenges. The inclusion of permadeath, if embraced, could add significant stakes to the gameplay, provided the plot effectively integrates this mechanic.