Top Ten Video Games Based On The ‘Star Wars’ Universe
On top of all of the films, books and comics created to further expand upon the massive franchise that is Star Wars, we have also had a plethora of video games as well. Unfortunately, some of them are hit and miss. We have some extremely great games, some all right games, and some downright awful games. Some games hold a special place in fans’ hearts, depending on your age at the time of release, and a lot of them have introduced some amazing characters, new planets, and locations. In today's article we are going to look at the ten best games to have been released so far. It's worth mentioning, they are not in order of best, but rather just a list of the ten best so no fighting or falling out. Before we get started a SPOILER WARNING does have to be put in effect as some games are great because of cameos and their link to the main storyline, so if you have not played them, then some secrets may be given away.
Without further adieu, let's get started.
Number 10 - Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
Starting our list off today, is an underrated classic. Just before the release of the film Revenge of the Sith, Ubisoft and LucasArts produced the tie-in game, which allowed fans to take control of both Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi as they progressed through the events of the film. Obviously, the game took some liberties to allow for more detailed gameplay, but mostly stuck to the film. To avoid some major plot spoilers though, some parts, like the fight against Anakin and Mace Windu, were changed. This sequence was actually really enjoyable and, further making it a great game, players got to take part in the ultimate showdown between Anakin and Obi-Wan.
We all know how that fight ended, but after completing the main story mode, players could take control of Anakin. This led to an alternate ending where Anakin defeated Obi-Wan, eliminated Palpatine, and took control of the galaxy himself.
Like most tie-in games, though, the production was fairly rushed, and you could see it in some elements of the gameplay. For the time, the graphics were mediocre at best, but are still playable even today. The inclusion of scenes from the actual film were also a "fine addition."
Number 9 - LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game
While all of the LEGO Star Wars games were great and could feature on the list individually, I feel that would be cheating somewhat. So instead we are only discussing the first game that started it all.
The first game created by Traveller’s Tales (the same company who brought us Spyro the Dragon) was an absolute commercial success. I myself was about the right age for this game and I absolutely loved it (might have faked a sickness to stay home from school just to play it). It focused on the prequel films with a bonus level based on A New Hope, and featured a ton of characters from the film series, each with their own unique skills.
What made it so great, in my opinion, was not just the gameplay. It was the fact that there was always something to do. After completing the main game, you would unlock the “Free Play” option, which allowed you to go back through each level with interchangeable characters, allowing you to reach places or complete side missions you could not before.
LEGO would go on to create more games linked to other famous franchises such as Batman, Indiana Jones, and Jurassic Park, but most agree nothing compared to the Star Wars games.
Number 8 - Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
The most recent game on our list, but definitely a worthy addition, is Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. The game basically centered around Cal Kestis (controlled by the player) searching different planets for a lost Jedi Holocron containing a list of Force-sensitive children's names. As the game progressed we would learn more and more about his backstory and how he survived Order 66.
This had been about as close to an “open-world” Star Wars game thus far and it was beautiful. The combat and enemies could be a bit tedious at certain points throughout the game, but being able to Force-pull a stormtrooper into your saber or push them off a cliff just made you feel like you were there. We got to travel to well known planets such as Dathomir and Illum (the latter to find a new kyber crystal). The option to customize our saber's hilt and color was also a bonus. Throughout the game we also encountered some characters from the expanded universe, but the absolute highlight of the game would have to be the ending. A major character made an appearance in a truly incredible sequence. For those who have not yet played the game, don’t worry, we will not spoil you on this one.
Number 7 - Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
While a lot of fans did not like this game, it still definitely deserved a place on the list. Straight off the bat, you started as Darth Vader himself as he invaded Kashyyyk in search of a certain Jedi who survived Order 66. Just as Vader was about to finish the job, a young boy used the Force to take Vader’s saber. This gave us a taste of the child’s power. Not to worry, we would flash forward to several years later, and the player would be taking control of Starkiller, Vader's new apprentice. As Starkiller We would spend the first part of the game hunting down other Jedi survivors using the basic Force Push and Force Pull powers. Force Lightning would be added to our arsenal as the game progressed. Like other Star Wars games, we would get to customize the lightsaber color as well.
There were two main things that made this game stand out. Though. Firstly, after being betrayed by his master, Starkiller turned his back on the Dark Side and fought against the Empire, inadvertently sparking the Rebellion we would come to know from the original trilogy. Secondly, during one particular mission, as Starkiller, we were able to Force pull an actual Star Destroyer out of the sky. We have yet to see a feat of strength that matches this. Rounding out the game, we also got an alternate ending as well as bonus content allowing us to fight against Luke Skywalker himself.
The game did spawn a sequel, but it would not be part of our discussion
Number 6 - Star Wars Battlefront II (2017)
Before we go any further with, I just want to say the original Battlefront II from 2005 was still a great game. However the newer 2017 version just brought a bit more to the table. To begin with, it gave us a story mode set right after the events of Return of the Jedi. Although quite short, it featured some pretty good storytelling. Not only did we get to play as a new character, but we also had the option to play as the original three, Luke, Han, and Leia on specific missions as well.
Despite the backlash it received at first release, thanks to its inclusion of microtransactions, the game had become one of the most widely accessible titles for fans. Its multiplayer mode involving group and space battles is still amazing to take part in.
Sadly, there were some major characters missing from the game, but it made up for it with the ones that were included. Creators still continued to make mods for the game to this day, thus increasing its replayability.
Number 5 - Star Wars: The Old Republic
Set thousands of years before the rise of Palpatine and his dark empire, this MMO classic from BioWare had been a fan favorite since its release in 2011. Much like World of Warcraft, players got to choose a class to play. From Jedi Knight to Bounty Hunter, hero or villain, each class came with its own unique storyline. You also had a ton of side quests, allowing you to roam the galaxy at your own pleasure. One of the greatest things about the game was its setting. By putting the game in this time period, BioWare could tell a completely new story unhindered by the films. Although the game looked a bit dated now, the gameplay was pretty awesome at the time of release.
The game is currently free-to-play meaning just about anyone with access to a computer and internet could play it, although you could pay a subscription for access to extra content.
Number 4 - Star Wars: Dark Forces
Sadly, since its release in 1995, Dark Forces has fallen into the category of forgotten games. It was a popular first person shooter at the time. Think Doom but Star Wars where players controlled a character named Kyle Katarn. Our protagonist was a mix between Han Solo and Jedi. While the blaster was his main weapon, he could use the lightsaber and the Force. Interestingly, the character would go on to receive more attention in the Expanded Universe, at least until Disney relegated it to Legends.
The game ran on a custom engine created by LucasArts, allowing developers to create levels with more than one floor. The controlled character was also able to look up and down. While this meant nothing nowadays, these were groundbreaking at the time.
It was also worth mentioning that this game actually introduced us to the Dark Trooper program, characters we would see in live-action 25 years later in The Mandalorian season 2.
Number 3 - Star Wars Episode I: Racer
So this one might lose me some friends, but I grew up with Star Wars Episode I: Racer on the Nintendo 64. Based on the sport of podracing introduced in The Phantom Menace, players could choose from different vehicles and characters to race on a bunch of different tracks.
Compared with popular racing games like MarioKart64, Racer did not fare well against the competition. It was always aimed specifically towards fans of the film, which also did not help considering many fans really disliked Phantom Menace.
In spite of this, it was still a good game at the time and a worthy tie-in for the movie. Perhaps if it got an update with loads of new characters, vehicles and settings, it may get a second revival.
Number 2 - Star Wars: Republic Commando
Star Wars: Republic Commando was a great example of how you did not always need the Jedi, the Sith, or lightsabers in order to make a good Star Wars game.In this first person shooter, players would take control of a clone commando team, not quite unlike Battlefront. Players were sent on all sorts of missions as part of the elite Delta Squad to help the Republic, with the game being set between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. Whilst first person shooters do not really tend to fit into a Star Wars narrative, this game proves that rule wrong and is adored by many fans.
Number 1 - Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Now what Star Wars video game list would be complete without KOTOR? This was, by far, one of the greatest Star Wars games ever to be made.
Like The Old Republic, the game was set way before the events of the Skywalker Saga. Players controlled a mysterious Force-sensitive character as he (or she, depending on your choice) made his way through the main storyline. While the gameplay and style was not for everyone, the story was absolutely flawless. We got to meet a plethora of new characters, travel to various systems, and take part in a vast amount of side missions. Fans could get lost in the game for days at a time. The game was also responsible for one of the best twists ever seen in Star Wars or a game in general.
Rumors have been circulating for the past couple of years hinting at a possible remake. Considering its popularity, this would seem like a no brainer. It might even help Disney get some ideas for future films or shows.
Do you agree with the list above? Are there other games you loved that we have not mentioned? Be sure to let us know.
Until next time!