Cloud Imperium’s single-player counterpart to Star Citizen is debatably just as ambitious as the main game, resulting in a lengthy development. Fortunately, the developer is finally ready to showcase its star-studded epic, releasing a trailer at this year’s CitizenCon.

Squadron 42 is set to be a more linear, cinematic experience than the persistent-world of Star Citizen, inviting players to “join the brave men and women of the 2nd Fleet as they stand strong against the greatest threats the UEE has ever faced.” Starting off as a rookie combat pilot, players will initially face off against outlaws in the Odin Munitions Corporation (OMC), while the trailer quickly establishes that there is a much larger enemy on its way.

With more than $195 million under its belt, it’s not surprising that Cloud Imperium Games would opt for a cast full of celebrities. Throughout the trailer, viewers might notice the likeness and vocal talents of Mark Hamill, Gillian Anderson, Gary Oldman, Mark Strong, Henry Cavill, Liam Cunningham, John Rhys Davies and Ben Mendelsohn.

Elsewhere at CitizenCon, Cloud Imperium Games unveiled Star Citizen’s Alpha 3.3 Update. This introduces Face over IP, working in tandem with Voice over IP to craft a realistic social experience. To do this, the new technology scans a player’s face using their webcam, producing in-game character reactions and lip synchronisation. The update also adds in a variety of new items, character, ships and more.

There’s no sign as to when Squadron 42 or Star Citizen will officially release, so players are urged to remember that this will remain a work-in-progress for the foreseeable future.

KitGuru Says: While I can understand that the sheer ambition requires a lot of patience, the long development time has put me off from investing in the game. That being said, Squadron 42 is shaping up nicely and does have me intrigued. Could it be the most star-studded cast in a video game to date?

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