Star Wars has been a cultural phenomenon since its inception in 1977, and its popularity has continued to grow with each passing year. Along with the movies and other media, Star Wars has had a significant impact on the video game industry. Since the release of the first Star Wars game, “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back,” in 1982, there have been numerous Star Wars games released across multiple platforms. Some of these games have aged well and still hold up today, while others have not stood the test of time. In this article, we will look at the top ten Star Wars games that still hold up today.
- Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003)
Released in 2003, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR) is widely regarded as one of the best Star Wars games ever made. Developed by BioWare, the game takes place thousands of years before the events of the movies and follows the player character as they discover their true identity and unravel a conspiracy threatening the entire galaxy. The game’s story, characters, and gameplay mechanics are all top-notch and have aged well over the years. KOTOR is a must-play for any Star Wars fan, and it is available on multiple platforms, including PC, Xbox, and mobile devices.
- Star Wars: Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader (2001)
Released as a launch title for the Nintendo GameCube, Star Wars: Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader is a follow-up to the popular Star Wars: Rogue Squadron game on the Nintendo 64. The game puts the player in control of various starfighters from the Star Wars universe, including X-Wings, Y-Wings, and A-Wings, and tasks them with completing missions in space and on the ground. The game’s graphics were stunning at the time of its release, and they still hold up well today. The gameplay is challenging but rewarding, and the game’s soundtrack is excellent, featuring classic Star Wars themes. Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader is available on the GameCube and Wii consoles.
- Star Wars: Jedi Knight II – Jedi Outcast (2002)
Star Wars: Jedi Knight II – Jedi Outcast is a first-person shooter and action game developed by Raven Software and published by LucasArts. The game takes place several years after the events of Return of the Jedi and follows Kyle Katarn, a former Jedi turned mercenary, as he battles against the remnants of the Empire. The game’s combat system is satisfying, and players can choose between using a lightsaber or a variety of blasters to take down their enemies. The game also features a multiplayer mode that is still active today, allowing players to battle it out in various Star Wars-themed maps. Jedi Knight II – Jedi Outcast is available on PC, Xbox, and Nintendo GameCube.
- Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds (2001)
Developed by Ensemble Studios, the same studio behind the popular Age of Empires series, Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds is a real-time strategy game set in the Star Wars universe. The game allows players to choose from six different factions, including the Galactic Empire, the Rebel Alliance, and the Gungans, and battle it out on various planets. The game’s graphics may not be up to par with modern games, but the gameplay is still enjoyable and challenging. Galactic Battlegrounds also features a scenario editor, allowing players to create their own custom campaigns. The game is available on PC.
- Star Wars: TIE Fighter (1994)
Released in 1994, Star Wars: TIE Fighter is a space combat simulation game that puts the player in the role of an Imperial pilot. The game’s graphics may look dated by today’s standards, but the gameplay is still
incredibly engaging and challenging. TIE Fighter was praised for its realistic space combat mechanics, which required players to manage power between their shields, weapons, and engines while also avoiding incoming fire from enemy ships. The game also had a strong storyline, which added to the overall immersion of the game.
TIE Fighter was one of the first games to feature fully orchestrated music, which added to the cinematic feel of the game. The game’s success led to the release of two expansions, which added new missions, ships, and storylines to the game. TIE Fighter is available on PC.
- Star Wars: Republic Commando (2005)
Released in 2005, Star Wars: Republic Commando is a first-person shooter developed by LucasArts. The game takes place during the Clone Wars and follows a squad of elite clone troopers known as Delta Squad. Players control the squad leader, RC-1138, as they complete missions across various planets. The game’s AI system is noteworthy, as players can issue commands to their squadmates, who will then carry out those commands in a strategic manner. The game’s graphics still hold up well today, and the gameplay is fast-paced and action-packed. Republic Commando is available on PC and Xbox.
- Star Wars: Dark Forces (1995)
Released in 1995, Star Wars: Dark Forces is a first-person shooter developed by LucasArts. The game takes place before the events of A New Hope and follows the character Kyle Katarn, who is tasked with stealing the plans for the Death Star. The game’s graphics may look dated by today’s standards, but the gameplay is still enjoyable, and the game was praised for its level design and atmospheric music.
Dark Forces also introduced the concept of “Jedi Knight” games, which would go on to become a popular series of Star Wars games. The game’s success led to the release of two sequels, Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II and Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast, both of which are also on this list. Dark Forces is available on PC.
- Star Wars: X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter (1997)
Released in 1997, Star Wars: X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter is a space combat simulation game developed by Totally Games. The game allows players to choose between flying for the Rebel Alliance or the Galactic Empire and complete missions in space. The game’s graphics may look dated by today’s standards, but the gameplay is still enjoyable, and the game’s multiplayer mode is still active today. The game also introduced the concept of cooperative play, allowing players to complete missions with friends. X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter is available on PC.
- Star Wars: Episode I Racer (1999)
Released in 1999, Star Wars: Episode I Racer is a racing game based on the pod-racing scene from Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. The game features a variety of tracks from the movie, as well as tracks exclusive to the game. The game’s graphics may look dated by today’s standards, but the gameplay is still enjoyable, and the game’s soundtrack features remixes of classic Star Wars themes. The game also features a multiplayer mode, allowing players to race against each other. Episode I Racer is available on PC, Nintendo 64, and Dreamcast.
- Star Wars: Lethal Alliance (2006)
Released in 2006, Star Wars: Lethal Alliance is an action game developed by Ubisoft. The game follows the characters Rianna Saren and Zeeo as they work together to uncover a conspiracy involving the Empire and the criminal underworld. The game’s graphics still hold up well today, and the gameplay is a mix of stealth
and action, allowing players to switch between the two as they progress through the game. The game also features co-op play, allowing players to complete the game with a friend. While not the most well-known Star Wars game, Lethal Alliance is still worth checking out for fans of the franchise. The game is available on PSP and Nintendo DS.
In conclusion, Star Wars has had a long and storied history in the world of video games, with countless titles spanning multiple genres and platforms. While not all of these games have aged well, the 10 games on this list have stood the test of time and are still worth playing today. From classic arcade games to modern console releases, there is something for everyone on this list.
Whether you’re a die-hard Star Wars fan or just looking for a fun game to play, these 10 titles are sure to provide hours of entertainment. So grab your lightsaber, jump in your X-wing, and get ready to explore a galaxy far, far away. May the Force be with you!