X-Wing has made a triumphant return.

Though we previously favored TIE Fighter in our rankings of the best Star Wars games on PC, there was no denying X-Wing’s charm on a key factor: the ability to pilot a classic X-Wing. For those who watched Star Wars during their formative years, the desire to jump to the aid of a character like Red Two, who exclaims “I can’t shake him!”, is a nostalgic dream that many share. X-Wing fulfills this fantasy beautifully.

However, modern PC renditions faced numerous challenges. The Special Edition simply won’t launch without a joystick, while the Classic version suffers from sluggish performance even on top-tier machines, showcasing dated visuals typical of its 1993 origins.

Enter the X-Wing Virtual Machine (XWVM) mod, a fantastic solution that enables gameplay in Unity, enhancing performance and offering modern resolutions without the need for a joystick. A high-definition asset pack adds stunning new 3D models not only for spacecraft but also for cockpits and previously flat 2D planets. Not to mention, a fully realized 3D representation of the Death Star has been included!

Additional features comprise VR support and a remastered version of the classic dynamic iMuse soundtrack, along with upgraded in-flight mouse controls. Future updates are promised, including TIE Fighter compatibility, but this inaugural version is already a robust platform for enjoying X-Wing in gorgeous high-resolution 3D. Players will need to be familiar with the controls, though—was it Alt-E to eject?

For the X-Wing experience, a copy is needed, available via Steam or GOG. The core mod for both Windows and Linux can be downloaded here. Unpack the downloaded files and ensure the HD assets are in the correct directory; after running xwvm.exe, the mod should auto-detect your X-Wing installation to get you flying in high-res 3D soon.