The Star Wars franchise has been a staple in the gaming world for decades, with a vast catalog of games that have captured the hearts of fans. From the early days of Star Wars games in the 80s and 90s to the modern era of immersive RPGs and action-packed shooters, there’s no shortage of great Star Wars games to choose from.
This article will explore the 7 best Star Wars games of all time, highlighting their unique features and why they stand out in the crowded gaming market. These games have been selected based on their popularity, critical acclaim, and impact on the Star Wars universe. Whether you’re a fan of the original trilogy or the prequels, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Best Star Wars Games
Explore the galaxy of gaming with our roundup of the Best Star Wars Games. Immerse yourself in epic adventures and iconic battles that have defined a generation of interactive entertainment. Here are the best 7 Star Wars games.
Star Wars: Dark Forces
- Platform(s): PC, PlayStation (Original)
- Released: February 15, 1995
- Developer(s): LucasArts
- Genre(s): Shooter
The game is set in the Star Wars universe, featuring appearances from iconic characters like Emperor Palpatine, Darth Vader, Mon Mothma, and Vice Admiral Thrawn, which adds depth to its storyline. Dark Forces is notable for exploring an unexplored narrative between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, focusing on the criminal underworld during this period.
This era provides a unique setting for Star Wars Outlaws, a game set in the same timeframe, offering a fresh perspective on the galaxy far, far away. Additionally, Dark Forces has been remastered in 2024 for various platforms, allowing new and old fans to experience this classic game once again.
Star Wars: Shadows Of The Empire
- Platform(s): Nintendo 64 , PC
- Released: December 3, 1996
- Developer(s): LucasArts
- Genre(s): Action , Adventure , Third-Person Shoote
Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire is a notable third-person shooter game that effectively integrates original characters with familiar faces from the Star Wars films, such as Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, and Lando Calrissian. The game’s soundtrack, composed by Joel McNeely and performed by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Chorus, includes themes from the Star Wars movies, enhancing the immersive experience for players.
Overall, Shadows of the Empire stands out for its unique storyline, engaging gameplay, and memorable Battle of Hoth level, making it a significant addition to the Star Wars gaming universe.
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
- Platform(s): Nintendo Switch , PlayStation 4 , Wii , PC , Xbox One , Xbox 360 , PlayStation 3
- Released: September 16, 2008
- Developer(s): Lucasfilm Games, Aspyr
- Genre(s): Action
“Star Wars: The Force Unleashed” is a game that adds new stories to the main Star Wars movies. It’s about Starkiller, Darth Vader’s hidden student, who goes on a mission to find Jedi who escaped a big Jedi hunt. The game takes players to different planets and has a lot of lightsaber fights. It’s also known for telling the story of how the Rebel Alliance began, showing Darth Vader’s secret plan to beat the Emperor.
The latest version of the game is for the Nintendo Switch, but it was originally made for the Wii, which had different controls. Because of this, the game doesn’t work as well on the Switch. People who want to play the game might have a better experience on a computer or by using the original game console it was made for.
Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces 2
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: October 10, 1997
- Developer(s): LucasArts
- Genre(s): Action, First-Person Shooter
“Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces 2” is a follow-up to the original “Dark Forces” game. In this sequel, the main character, Kyle Katarn, learns about his Force abilities. The game begins with first-person shooter action, similar to the first game, but soon gives the player a lightsaber and various Force powers to use.
Set just after “Return of the Jedi,” the story follows Katarn on a personal quest to face the Dark Jedi responsible for his father’s death. This game marks a significant development in both the gameplay mechanics and the narrative, and it also introduces the option for players to compete against each other online.
Star Wars Battlefront 2
- Franchise: Star Wars
- Platform(s): PlayStation 4 , Xbox One , PC
- Released: November 17, 2017
- Genre(s): Adventure , Action , First-Person Shooter , Third-Person Shooter
The game had a tumultuous start with significant backlash, including a highly criticized Reddit comment from EA. Despite this, the developers at DICE worked diligently to improve the game over the years. Now, Star Wars Battlefront 2 is regarded as a robust FPS with a wealth of content.
It stands out for its engaging single-player campaign, which is considered an important part of the Star Wars timeline. The game’s transformation from a rocky launch to a commendable state is a testament to the dedication of its development team.
Star Wars: Squadrons
- Platform(s): PlayStation 4 , Xbox One , PC , PlayStation 5
- Released: October 1, 2020
- Developer(s): Motive Studios
- Genre(s): Action, Shooter, First-Person Shooter
“Star Wars: Squadrons” stands out as a remarkable representation of the iconic space battles from the Star Wars films. The game features a comprehensive single-player campaign, focusing on protagonists who are starfighter pilots for both the New Republic and Galactic Empire. However, it’s the multiplayer aspect where “Squadrons” truly excels.
The first-person dogfighting gameplay is complex, offering a steep learning curve and a high skill ceiling, which may challenge new players in 2023 due to a dwindling player base and the proficiency of remaining players. Despite some technical issues reported by Steam users, “Star Wars: Squadrons” remains a testament to the thrilling aerial combat that Star Wars fans have always cherished.
Star Wars: The Old Republic
- Franchise: Star Wars
- Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Xbox Series X/S
- Released: November 20, 1985
- Genre(s): Free-to-Play
Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR) is a free-to-play MMORPG set 300 years after Knights of the Old Republic, offering a story-driven saga where players can embody iconic Star Wars roles. With a dynamic plot, ongoing war between the Galactic Republic and Sith Empire, and a level cap increase to 80 in “Legacy of the Sith,” players can explore new missions and collaborative content, enhancing the game’s immersive experience.
Conclusion
As we conclude our epic voyage through the best Star Wars games of all time, it’s clear that the Force is strong with these titles. Each game has contributed uniquely to the expansive Star Wars lore, providing unforgettable experiences and allowing fans to live out their galactic fantasies.
Whether you’re a seasoned Jedi or a newcomer to the series, these games offer a diverse range of adventures that continue to influence and inspire generations of gamers. May the Force be with you as you explore these timeless classics and discover your own path in the Star Wars gaming universe.