Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Republic Heroes Turns 15!

Fifteen years ago, Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Republic Heroes hit the shelves, giving fans an interactive bridge between the first and second seasons of the beloved animated TV series. Developed by Krome Studios and published by LucasArts, the game allowed players to take control of iconic Jedi like Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi, as well as clone troopers, as they battled through droids, explored new worlds, and uncovered new villains like Kul Teska.

Filling the Gap Between Clone Wars Seasons

Republic Heroes was more than just a fun action-adventure game; it was a canonical piece of Star Wars storytelling. The game connects seasons one and two of the Star Wars: The Clone Wars TV show, offering additional context and expanding on storylines. Fans were treated to a deeper dive into characters like Ahsoka Tano and Anakin, alongside introducing the ruthless bounty hunter Cad Bane.

Cad Bane Takes Center Stage

One of the biggest highlights of Republic Heroes is Cad Bane. Fans of The Clone Wars series already know Bane as a cold, calculating mercenary who often outsmarts the Jedi. The game offers even more of Bane’s thrilling antics, making him a major player in the story and a force to be reckoned with. His presence adds an extra layer of excitement, as you never know what Bane has up his sleeve.

Introducing Kul Teska: A Menacing New Villain

While Cad Bane was the familiar bad guy, Republic Heroes introduced a new antagonist: Kul Teska. This hulking, battle-armored villain brought a fresh challenge to our Jedi heroes. Designed specifically for the game, Kul Teska’s massive frame and advanced tech made for intense boss battles, adding a level of complexity to the game’s missions. He might not have the long legacy of Star Wars villains like Darth Vader, but he certainly left a mark on those who played Republic Heroes.

Fun Gameplay for Fans of All Ages

Republic Heroes offered a mix of lightsaber combat, puzzle-solving, and action-packed platforming. Whether you were a Jedi slashing through battle droids or a clone trooper shooting down enemies, the gameplay was fun and engaging—especially for younger fans. It also had a co-op mode, allowing friends to team up and take on the Separatist forces together, adding a social element to the experience.

Jedi vs. Clones: Two Different Styles

Playing as a Jedi gave you access to all the Force abilities and lightsaber attacks that make Star Wars games so enjoyable. You could deflect blaster shots, perform acrobatic maneuvers, and use Force Push to send enemies flying. Meanwhile, playing as a clone trooper offered a more tactical approach, with players focusing on precision shooting and teamwork to overcome obstacles.

The Not-So-Great Parts: Platforming Woes

While Republic Heroes was undoubtedly fun, it wasn’t without its flaws. The platforming elements, in particular, were often criticized for being a little clunky. Jumping between platforms didn’t always feel smooth, and the camera angles sometimes made it tricky to navigate. But for many, these issues didn’t overshadow the fun of playing through new Star Wars stories.

Why Republic Heroes Still Matters

Now, 15 years later, Republic Heroes holds a special place in the hearts of many Star Wars fans. It may not have been a groundbreaking title, but it was an important piece of the Star Wars expanded universe at the time. It gave fans more content from The Clone Wars and provided an interactive way to experience the galaxy far, far away.

In an era where Star Wars games are more cinematic and expansive than ever (cough Jedi: Fallen Order), Republic Heroes reminds us of a simpler time when Star Wars games were all about fun, fast-paced action, and filling in the gaps of the universe’s lore.

Final Thoughts

If you were lucky enough to play Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Republic Heroes when it first came out, you’ll remember the excitement of jumping into the shoes of your favorite Jedi and clones. And for those who haven’t, it’s worth dusting off an old console or finding a copy to relive the nostalgia.

Though it may not have been the most polished game in the Star Wars franchise, Republic Heroes deserves its place in the galaxy’s gaming legacy. After all, what’s better than battling battle droids, outsmarting Cad Bane, and facing off against a massive new villain? Happy 15th anniversary, Republic Heroes! Here’s to another 15 years of Star Wars gaming magic.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Republic Heroes is available from Amazon