There are at least three versions of TIE Fighter available: original DOS version from ’94, Windows version from ’95 and a remake from ’98. Yes, they were doing remakes back in ’98.
The remake is a DirectX 9 game, has better graphics, but also interface is slightly more confusing due to CG that was popular at the time. ’94 game is more “pixel art”.
Also, remake puts boxes around your target, while the original makes your target blink yellow.
Remake doesn’t work without a joystick or a gamepad. Surprisingly, gamepad controls work very well. Maybe because the game was optimised for joysticks, and those are a bit similar.
Everything is very “hardcore”. Your TIE Fighter doesn’t fire indefinitely, unless you boost your weapon recharge power. And it doesn’t have a shield, so a few hits, and you’re done. Luckily, your enemies aren’t much sturdier. But at least they have shields.
Didn’t manage to complete even the first mission yet, and I’m not sure I will.
