Obi-Wan Kenobi is an iconic character in the Star Wars universe, known for his wisdom, courage, and unwavering commitment to the Jedi Order. Throughout the years, Obi-Wan has been featured in various video games, providing players with the opportunity to step into the shoes of the legendary Jedi Master. In this article, we will delve into these games and examine how they were received by fans and critics alike.
- Star Wars: The Arcade Game (1983) (Buy here)
The first game to feature Obi-Wan Kenobi was Star Wars: The Arcade Game, released in 1983. This vector graphics-based game allowed players to pilot an X-Wing fighter and battle against the Death Star, with Obi-Wan’s voice guiding them throughout the mission. While the graphics were primitive by today’s standards, the game was well-received for its time, offering a thrilling experience for Star Wars fans.
- Star Wars: Jedi Arena (1983) (Buy here)
In the same year, Star Wars: Jedi Arena was released for the Atari 2600. This game featured lightsaber duels between players, with Obi-Wan acting as a mentor, instructing players on the art of lightsaber combat. Although the game’s graphics were limited, it was an early example of a competitive multiplayer Star Wars game.
- Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire (1996) (Buy here)
Fast forward to 1996, and Obi-Wan made an appearance in Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire for the Nintendo 64. While not a central character, he was a guiding force, providing advice and support to the game’s protagonist, Dash Rendar. Shadows of the Empire was well-received for its diverse gameplay and engaging story.
- Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles (2000) (Buy here)
In 2000, Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles was released for the PlayStation, allowing players to control Obi-Wan as a young Padawan alongside other Jedi characters. The game featured cooperative play and fast-paced lightsaber combat. While it was criticized for its camera and control issues, it was praised for its multiplayer mode and faithful representation of the Star Wars universe.
- Star Wars: Obi-Wan (2001) (Buy here)
Star Wars: Obi-Wan, released for the Xbox in 2001, was the first game solely dedicated to the character of Obi-Wan Kenobi. Players controlled a young Obi-Wan through various missions set during the events of Episode I. Unfortunately, the game was criticized for its poor controls and camera issues, leading to a mixed reception from fans and critics.
- Star Wars: Battlefront II (2005) (Buy here)
2005’s Star Wars: Battlefront II featured Obi-Wan as a playable hero in various battles throughout the game. With improved graphics and gameplay, Battlefront II was highly praised for its engaging multiplayer mode and large-scale battles, becoming a fan favorite in the Star Wars gaming community.
- LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game (2005) (Buy here)
LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game, released in 2005, offered a lighthearted and humorous take on the Star Wars universe. Obi-Wan was a central character, appearing in various levels and cutscenes. The game was well-received for its charming visuals, accessible gameplay, and engaging story, which covered Episodes I-III of the Star Wars saga. This success led to the creation of several sequels and spin-offs, solidifying LEGO Star Wars as a beloved franchise in the gaming world.
- Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (2008) (Buy here)
In 2008, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed introduced a new storyline and protagonist, Starkiller, Darth Vader’s secret apprentice. Although Obi-Wan didn’t play a central role in the game, players could face off against his Force Ghost in a bonus mission. The game was praised for its compelling story and innovative Force powers, providing a fresh experience for fans.
- Star Wars Battlefront (2015) and Star Wars Battlefront II (2017) (Buy here)
Obi-Wan returned as a playable hero in both the 2015 reboot of Star Wars Battlefront and its 2017 sequel, Star Wars Battlefront II. These games featured large-scale multiplayer battles and stunning visuals, offering players the opportunity to control various iconic Star Wars characters, including Obi-Wan. While the 2015 game faced criticism for its lack of content, the 2017 sequel improved upon its predecessor with a single-player campaign and an expanded roster of heroes and maps.
- Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (2019) (Buy here)
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, released in 2019, is an action-adventure game following the story of Cal Kestis, a young Jedi survivor of Order 66. While Obi-Wan does not appear directly in the game, players can discover audio logs featuring his message to surviving Jedi. Fallen Order was highly praised for its engaging story, challenging combat, and faithful representation of the Star Wars universe.
Conclusion:
The history of Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars video games showcases the character’s enduring popularity and the evolving nature of gaming technology. From the early days of vector graphics to the stunning visuals of modern gaming consoles, Obi-Wan has played a significant role in the Star Wars gaming universe. As the franchise continues to grow, fans can look forward to more appearances by the legendary Jedi Master, immersing themselves in the beloved galaxy far, far away.