In 2004, Star Wars Battlefront made its debut, revolutionizing the franchise by introducing epic battles on a large scale along with online features. Its sequel, Star Wars Battlefront 2, built on the original’s foundation to become a legend in its own right, continuing to captivate players even after nearly a decade. Following this success, the series extended into handheld territory with two PSP releases: Renegade Squadron and Elite Squadron. Although these versions couldn’t match the technical prowess of their console counterparts, they introduced some innovative elements, such as customizable loadouts and seamless transitions from ground to space combat. This journey then led to EA’s reboot of Star Wars Battlefront.
EA and DICE brought us a new chapter with their Star Wars Battlefront duology, characterized by its mixed reputation. The initial releases faced criticism due to limited content in the first game and significant microtransaction controversies in the second. However, over time, many updates have transformed Battlefront 2 into a title that fans have rallied around, and its popularity remains strong. This ongoing dedication to Battlefront underscores why it should never be set aside, despite its early challenges.
Star Wars Battlefront: A Eternal Element of the Franchise
Exploring the War Like No Other Star Wars Series
The essence of war, embedded in the name of the Star Wars series, underpins nearly every storyline in this iconic universe. The original trilogy is steeped in the Galactic Civil War, the prequels delve into the Clone Wars, and the sequels chart the rise of the First Order. Even during the High Republic era, ostensibly a time of peace, the narrative often circles back to preventing galaxy-wide conflicts.
Numerous Star Wars games have touched on themes related to war, such as the aftermath of the Clone Wars or a Rebel’s struggle for freedom. Yet, none delves into the sheer war experience like Star Wars Battlefront. Each installment of Battlefront immerses players in the heat of battle. Scenes that are fleeting in films or shows become the main spectacle here. The overwhelming sounds of warfare, iconic vehicles rolling into action, and the intense power of a Jedi or Sith taking the field can all be directly experienced, offering a unique angle that should firmly anchor Battlefront within Star Wars gaming lore.
Enhancing Battlefront’s Unique Perspective
Moving forward, if Battlefront is to remain a cornerstone of Star Wars video gaming, it must continue to evolve and deepen its unique narrative approach. For instance, 2005’s Star Wars Battlefront 2 offered a remarkable “Rise of the Empire” campaign that stood out.
Players began their journey as a 501st Clone Trooper, navigating both the Clone Wars and Galactic Civil War timelines. The clone’s role shifts from battling the CIS forces to targeting the Jedi after Order 66 is executed. The transition into Imperial Stormtroopers adds a compelling layer to the narrative, enriched by a poignant voiceover accompanying each mission briefing. This campaign reflected the perpetual cycle of war and the soldiers caught in its gears—regardless of moral consequences.
EA’s Star Wars Battlefront 2 attempted a contrasting narrative, following an Imperial who shifts allegiance to the Resistance. Yet, its impact was diluted by unnecessary celebrity cameo missions that overshadowed the intended storyline. If a new Battlefront installment emerges, it should recapture the focus found in the original Battlefront 2, emphasizing the theme of being just another part of the relentless engine of war.
The gameplay spectacles in the recent titles included battling through Starkiller Base, storming Yavin 4’s lush canopy, and leading space assaults on the First Order’s colossal Star Destroyers. Players could embody new heroes like Iden, an elite Imperial special forces officer, experiencing a gripping narrative that spans thirty years.
With multiplayer adventures on diverse battlegrounds across eras—from the prequels to the latest trilogy—players can customize their characters and engage in large-scale skirmishes. Whether it’s wielding a lightsaber as you charge through enemies or piloting an X-wing, Star Wars Battlefront offers a gaming experience enriched by decades of storytelling and the promise of more epic battles to come.
