In 2004, Star Wars Battlefront made its grand entrance, elevating the franchise to new heights through immense battles and online multiplayer features. Its successor, Star Wars Battlefront 2, refined this formula and quickly earned its legendary status, maintaining a devoted player base nearly a decade later. Following these landmark releases, the series expanded onto the PSP with Renegade Squadron and Elite Squadron. Although these handheld versions couldn’t match their console counterparts in technical prowess, they brought fresh ideas to the table, including a customizable loadout system and transitions between ground and space battles. This innovation set the stage for EA’s Star Wars Battlefront reboot.
The reboot’s two-part offering by EA and DICE has stirred mixed reviews. Initially, both games faced criticism—one for its scant content and the other plagued by microtransaction woes. However, over time, Battlefront 2, in particular, received updates that brought fans back, many remaining loyal to this day. The ongoing popularity of Star Wars Battlefront, regardless of its early hurdles, proves there’s still magic in this universe that should not be ignored. But that’s not the only reason the series remains crucial.
When it comes to capturing the essence of war in a galaxy far, far away, nothing does it better than Star Wars Battlefront. The central theme of war underpins every major event in the Star Wars saga, from the Galactic Civil War in the original trilogy to the rise of the First Order in the sequels. Even in the mostly peaceful High Republic era, the looming threat of war is ever-present.
Many Star Wars games have touched on war-related themes, exploring the aftermath of the Clone Wars and the struggle for freedom against impossible odds. But none delve into the heart of battle quite like Battlefront. Here, massive skirmishes steal the spotlight—a spectacle rarely lingered on in films or TV shows, but fully embraced in gameplay. With explosive action, powerful vehicles, and the devastating prowess of Jedi or Sith warriors, Battlefront offers a peerless view into Star Wars warfare, a perspective deserving a permanent spot in the series.
For the franchise to thrive, future Battlefront titles must build on its unique viewpoint. Taking cues from the 2005 Battlefront 2 with its “Rise of the Empire” campaign could be the key. This game guides players through the Clone Wars and Galactic Civil War as a 501st Clone Trooper, evolving into an Imperial Stormtrooper under the weight of war. The story, with its haunting narration, paints a vivid picture of war’s relentless cycle and the moral ambiguity of following orders.
While EA’s Battlefront 2 attempted a reverse narrative, starting as an Imperial who defects to the Resistance, it lacked emotional impact due to disjointed celebrity-driven moments. Any future installment should echo the narrative of the original Battlefront 2, exploring the theme of being another cog in the unending war machine.
Envision battling waves of foes on Starkiller Base, your lightsaber blazing. March through jungles at Yavin 4 with your squad, battling with AT-ST firepower. Or take to the stars in X-wings, assaulting a colossal First Order Star Destroyer. Step into the boots of new heroes like Iden, an elite Imperial soldier, and witness a gripping story spanning three decades.
Engage in dynamic Star Wars multiplayer arenas across eras, all teeming with opportunities for heroics and strategy. Whether you’re taking down massive Star Destroyers or squaring off against iconic foes like Kylo Ren and Darth Maul, the depths offered by these battlefields promise a gaming experience as timeless as the films themselves.
