On this day in 1997, Star Wars: Jedi Knight – Dark Forces II hit store shelves, changing Star Wars gaming forever. Developed by LucasArts, the game marked the first time players could truly experience the thrill of wielding a lightsaber and using Force powers in first-person 3D — long before modern Jedi titles like Jedi: Survivor or Fallen Order came along. It was ambitious, cinematic, and way ahead of its time. And yes — it starred Kyle Katarn, everyone’s favorite mercenary-turned-Jedi, whose moral grayness and charm made him one of the most iconic characters in Star Wars Legends. A Revolution in Star Wars Gaming Dark Forces II built on the foundation of the original Dark Forces (1995), but added something fans had been dreaming about: Jedi combat. Players could choose between the light and dark sides, use Force powers like Push, Grip, and Lightning, and even engage in thrilling lightsaber…
Gaming history
Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron Released on This Day in 2007
Eighteen years ago, on October 9, 2007, Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron hit the shelves as a PlayStation Portable (PSP) exclusive — and while it might not have had the flashiest graphics or the biggest marketing budget, it became a cult favorite among Star Wars gamers who wanted something a little more personal in their galactic warfare. Developed by Rebellion Developments and published by LucasArts, Renegade Squadron was built on the legacy of the original Battlefront titles but dared to tweak the formula in bold ways. Its biggest innovation? Character customization. For the first time in the series, players could design their own Rebel or Imperial soldier — swapping weapons, grenades, gadgets, and even appearance. Instead of being stuck with fixed “classes,” you could be a sniper with a jetpack, a heavy gunner with stealth gear, or a support unit with auto-turrets. It was chaotic, unbalanced, and utterly brilliant. A…