When Star Wars Battlefront first hit the scene in 2004, it marked a major shift for the franchise with its grand-scale battles and online multiplayer features. The sequel, Star Wars Battlefront 2, didn’t just follow in its footsteps—it elevated the gameplay across the board, becoming a beloved classic that fans still play nearly a decade on. Not long after, the franchise saw two PSP follow-ups, Renegade Squadron and Elite Squadron. Although these handheld versions couldn’t match the technical prowess of the console games, they offered up some innovative features like custom loadouts and seamless transitions from ground to space combat. And then EA jumped in with their Star Wars Battlefront reboot.
The Star Wars Battlefront games from EA and DICE have had a bit of a rocky ride. At launch, both games faced criticism—the first for its barebones content and the sequel for its hefty microtransactions. Yet over time, especially for Battlefront 2, updates and improvements have won back the fans, with many players sticking around. Its enduring popularity, despite initial bumps, highlights why Battlefront should always have a place in the franchise’s future. And there are other compelling reasons for that too.
### Exploring War From a Unique Perspective
War isn’t just in the name—it’s woven into the very fabric of the Star Wars universe. The original films revolve around the Galactic Civil War, the prequels feature the epic Clone Wars, and the sequels showcase the rise of the First Order. Even in the relatively peaceful era of the High Republic, stories often revolve around averting some new galactic crisis.
While numerous Star Wars games have touched on the themes of war, exploring what it means to survive the Clone Wars or resist against oppressive forces, none tackle the concept as directly as Star Wars Battlefront does. Every Battlefront installment puts players right in the thick of combat. While the films and series might give us snippets of epic battles, Battlefront lets us dive right into the chaos. The thunderous explosions, the menacing vehicles, and the awe-inspiring might of a Jedi or Sith entering the fray—all these experiences bring the battlefields of Star Wars to life, offering a perspective that truly warrants a permanent spot in the franchise’s gaming lineup.
### Evolving the Battlefront Experience
To maintain its relevance, future entries in the Star Wars Battlefront series need to continue building on this distinctive vantage point. The 2005 version of Star Wars Battlefront 2 is fondly remembered, partly due to its “Rise of the Empire” campaign.
In this campaign, players start as one of the 501st Clone Troopers, journeying through the Clone Wars and into the Galactic Civil War. As the game progresses, these Clones confront the Confederacy of Independent Systems (CIS), ultimately turning against the Jedi when Order 66 is triggered. Players witness the transformation of the 501st into loyal Imperial Stormtroopers, immersing themselves further into the Empire’s grip. Accompanied by a powerful voiceover in each briefing, this narrative delivers a profound and unflinching examination of war’s relentless cycle, showing how soldiers follow orders regardless of moral dilemmas.
EA’s attempt to flip this narrative in their Battlefront 2, starting players off as an Imperial who eventually joins the Resistance, didn’t quite resonate the same way. Its story was overshadowed by forced fan-favorite appearances, detracting from the core narrative. Any future Battlefront games should take a cue from the original Battlefront 2, delving into themes of being just another part of the never-ending war machine.
Engaging in these iconic battles on rich, dynamic multiplayer maps, players get to embody heroes, pilots, or troopers from all Star Wars eras—whether fighting in the jungles of Yavin 4 or speeding through space. Tailored abilities, massive Star Destroyers, and the chance to control legendary characters like Kylo Ren or Darth Maul, only enhance this unmatched Star Wars gaming experience.
As these games continue to captivate players, it’s clear that Battlefront’s combination of immersive storytelling and epic battles holds a valuable spot in the heart of the Star Wars gaming saga.
