Back in 2004, Star Wars Battlefront made a big splash by introducing fans to massive battles and online play, setting the stage for future entries. Fast forward to Star Wars Battlefront 2, which took what the original did and turned it up to eleven, becoming a classic that players fondly remember even now, over a decade later. Following those were a couple of PSP spin-offs, Renegade Squadron and Elite Squadron. Though they didn’t quite match their console counterparts technically, they brought some cool ideas to the table, like letting players customize their loadouts and experience seamless transitions from ground combat to space battles. Enter EA’s fresh take on Star Wars Battlefront.
The legacy of EA and DICE’s take on Battlefront is a bit of a rollercoaster. Both games had their fair share of launch-day hiccups—the first suffering from a dearth of content and the second getting slammed for its rampant microtransactions. Despite these rough spots, Star Wars Battlefront 2, in particular, has managed to regain favor with players, thanks to a steady stream of updates that kept fans coming back for more. The highs and lows of its journey highlight why Battlefront shouldn’t be sidelined, amid other compelling reasons.
One standout aspect of the Battlefront series is how it embodies the “war” in Star Wars like no other. The very roots of the Star Wars saga are entrenched in epic wars—the original trilogy rides on the back of the Galactic Civil War, the prequels delve into the Clone Wars, and the sequels showcase the rise of the First Order. Even stories set in the relatively peaceful High Republic era can’t seem to escape the looming shadow of galactic conflict.
Many Star Wars games have toyed with war-related themes, exploring what it means to survive the Clone Wars, face off against the Empire, or rise against impossible odds as a Rebel. Yet, none focus on the actual warfare quite like Star Wars Battlefront. It’s this franchise that brings players into the heat of sprawling battles—a sight rarely given airtime in movies or shows, but central to Battlefront’s gameplay. The immersive experience of commanding forces in these chaotic fronts makes it a cornerstone in the Star Wars gaming universe.
To continue this legacy, the next Battlefront needs to build on its strengths, especially its unique vantage point. The 2005 Battlefront 2 is cherished for several reasons, not least because of its compelling “Rise of the Empire” campaign. It invites players to step into the boots of a 501st Clone Trooper, navigating through the Clone Wars and into the era of the Galactic Civil War. From battling the CIS and executing Order 66 to becoming steadfast Imperial Stormtroopers—it’s a captivating tale underscored by reflective narration. This approach not only highlights the repetitive cycle of war but also casts soldiers as mere pawns, raising moral questions about orders and ethics.
EA’s newer Battlefront 2 pursued a narrative from the opposite side, starting players as warriors of the Empire, later rebelling against it. However, the impact was somewhat dulled by awkwardly inserted cameo-driven missions that detracted from the core storyline. Should a new installment see the light of day, it would be wise to take a leaf out of the original’s book, emphasizing the relentless nature of warfare and the individual’s small role in the bigger picture.
In Star Wars Battlefront, players are thrust into the heart of galactic skirmishes. They can wield lightsabers to slash through foes on Starkiller Base, charge through the dense jungles of Yavin 4 with fellow soldiers in tow, deliver punishing blows from AT-STs, or fly X-wings in dramatic battles against First Order Star Destroyers. The game’s sprawling multiplayer scenes span the prequel, classic, and new trilogies, allowing players to customize their hero or vehicle’s abilities and even engage in duels against legendary characters like Kylo Ren or Darth Maul.
Released on November 17, 2017, by Electronic Arts and powered by the Frostbite engine, this game supports online multiplayer. With a file size of 79 GB on Xbox as of June 2023 and rated T for Teen, it’s an adventure many have enjoyed, though opinions on it vary. Its immersive stage, drawn from four decades of Star Wars lore, continues to offer fans new realms of possibility to explore.
