Summary
Star Warshas been involved in some of the best games that the industry has seen. From revolutionary RPGs likeKnights of the Old Republictobrilliant shooters likeDark ForcesandJedi Outcast, as well as contemporary hits like theJedi Fallen Orderfranchise. This ongoing space fantasy franchise has conquered every genre, but one that it feels right at home in is strategy.Star Warsfeels like it was made for this type of game.
The large-scale battles from the films and television shows can be simulated in some spectacular ways. Over time, the franchise has come to create not only some of the bestStar Warsgames in this genre, but some of the best strategy games full stop. TheStar Warstrappings only help to elevate these games, which are often great strategy games first and foremost, but then add all the elements of the iconic series to create some of the best ways to experience it.
By the time ofStar Wars Rebellion’s launch in 1998, the prequel trilogy was imminent, and the franchise was in a massive upswing of hype. It was one of the firstStar Warsgames to truly tap into the broader scope of the series, by offering a beautiful UI and allowing the player to either be part of the Rebels or the Empire.
Assisted either by C-3POor SD-7, depending on the campaign chosen, the player is tasked with managing their respective side of the war and building units. It also includes a handy database, one that at the time was as rich a resource forStar Warsas one could get.
LucasArts' first effort to bring the franchise into the RTS genre wasStar Wars: Force Commander, a frequently delayed game that was rebooted to make it 3D, but its eventual release was worth the wait. What makesForce Commanderso much fun is the wayit structures its story, as the game begins with players commanding an Imperial officer who slowly defects and joins the Rebel Alliance.
RTS games tend to focus more directly on gameplay, butForce Commanderhas a fantastic narrative and is one of the better RTS games released during this time. Taking place over the course of the original trilogy,Force Commanderwas one of the first ways for players to take part in the spectacle of Star Wars that is still worth checking out today.
The Phantom Menacewas one of the biggest movie events of the 1990s, one that culminated in a deluge oftie-in video games. But three years after it was released, LucasArts put outStar Wars: Galactic Battlegroundsfor the PC and allowed some of that film’s greatest battles to shine.
Galactic Battlegroundsfeatures multiple encounters from the 1999 prequel, including the Battle of Theed and the Battle of Naboo. But the original trilogy is also represented, with skirmishes available for the Battle of Hoth and Endor. It’s one ofStar Wars’best transitions from film to game, one that is still being updated and modded to this day.
It’s difficult to imagine an RTS that more accurately captures the vibe and energy ofStar WarsthanEmpire At War. Developed by a group of former Westwood Studios employees who had formed Petroglyph Games,Empire At Warfeatures campaignsfor both the Galactic Empire and the Rebels, once again pitting these two iconic warring factions against each other. The graphics are still quite a sight to behold, as many ofStar Wars’most popular vehicles and units are represented in beautiful detail.
But ground battles aren’t the end of the story, as many of the skirmishes take to the stars, and these are some of the best seen in the industry at that time. The amount of variety, content and brilliantly designed maps add up to a pretty amazing package. The PC modding community has also kept the game alive, as numerous high-end fan campaigns have been produced over the years to great success. It’s not just one of the best Star Wars games ever made; it’s easily one of the finest RTS games ever produced.
