Star Wars Battlefrontdebuted in 2004, breaking new ground for the franchise with its large-scale battles and online functionality.Star Wars Battlefront 2improved upon its precursor’s formula in just about every way, and became a legendary title that’s still being played almost a decade later. Soon after,Battlefrontreceived two PSP pseudo-sequels;Renegade SquadronandElite Squadron. While these handheld entries weren’t as technically impressive as their console predecessors, they introduced some surprisingly innovative mechanics, such as a custom loadout feature and ground-to-space transitions. Then along cameEA’sStar Wars Battlefrontreboot.
EA and DICE’sStar Wars Battlefrontduology has a mixed legacy. Both titles were objectively flawed at launch, with a lack of content in the first game and some severe microtransaction issues in the second. But history has been kind toBattlefront 2in particular, with its updates over the years convincing fans to hop back on board, where many have stayed.Star Wars Battlefront’s continued popularity in spite of quality issues is just one example of whyBattlefrontshould never be left in the dust, but there are some other big ones.
Star Wars Battlefront Should Remain a Staple of the Franchise
No Star Wars Series Explores War Like Battlefront
One half of the franchise’s title, war is the backdrop of practically everything that happens in theStar Warsuniverse. TheStar Warsoriginal trilogy has the Galactic Civil War fueling its story, the prequels had the Clone Wars, and the sequels have the First Order’s rise to power. Even inthe High Republic era, a time mostly filled with peace, stories often revolve around authorities trying to avoid a galactic conflict.
There have been plenty of greatStar Warsvideo games over the years that have explored war-adjacent themes, such as what it means to be a survivor ofthe Clone Wars and Order 66, or what it means to be a Rebel trying to fight for freedom against all odds. But none have explored the actual war aspect of the franchise quite likeStar Wars Battlefront.
EveryStar Wars Battlefrontentry has put war at the forefront of the experience. Large-scale battles are rarely shown for too long in the movies or shows, but inStar Wars Battlefrontthey’re the main event. Big explosions, terrifying vehicles, and the devastating power of a Jedi or Sith joining the battlefield are all seen first-hand inBattlefrontthrough its gameplay, and this unique perspective deserves to be a staple of the world ofStar Warsvideo games.
The Next Star Wars Battlefront Should Double Down on its Unique Perspective
But ifStar Wars Battlefrontremains a staple of theStar Warsvideo game space, it needs to keep evolving and exploring its unique perspective further. 2005’sStar Wars Battlefront 2had no shortage of qualities, but its “Rise of the Empire” campaign was one of its biggest highlights.
Beginning the game as a501st Clone Trooper,Battlefront 2’s story spans the Clone Wars and Galactic Civil War eras. As a Clone, players face off against the CIS, and then turn their attention towards the Jedi when Order 66 is enacted. Players then see the 501st turn into loyal Imperial Stormtroopers, and they continue to play as the Empire. Along with the somber voiceover that accompanies each mission briefing,Battlefront 2’s campaign is a surprisingly deep and harrowing story of war’s cyclical nature and soldiers following orders regardless of the ethics of a situation.
WhileEA’sStar Wars Battlefront 2tried to deliver the opposite narrative, where players begin as an Imperial and become a member of the Resistance, it didn’t pack quite as much of an emotional punch due to its forced cameo missions that obscured the campaign’s original story. If anotherBattlefronthappens, it should follow in the originalBattlefront 2’s footsteps, and focus on that theme of being just another cog in the never-ending machine of war.
Star Wars Battlefront 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Rush through waves of enemies on Starkiller Base with the power of your lightsaber in your hands. Storm through the jungle canopy of a hidden Rebel base on Yavin 4 with your fellow troopers, dispensing firepower from AT-STs. Line up your X-wing squadron from an attack on a mammoth First Order Star Destroyer in space. Or rise as a new STAR WARS hero - Iden, an elite Imperial special forces soldier - and discover an emotional and gripping single-player story spanning thirty years.Experience rich and living STAR WARS multiplayer battlegrounds across all three eras: prequel, classic, and new trilogy. Customize and upgrade your heroes, starfighters, or troopers, each with unique abilities to exploit in battle. Ride tauntauns or take control of tanks and speeders. Down Star Destroyers the size of cities, use the Force to prove your worth against iconic characters such as Kylo Ren, Darth Maul, or Han Solo, as you play a part in a gaming experience inspired by 40 years of timeless STAR WARS films.
