The Best Star Wars Games
By Dalton Cooper 26 December 2015
In celebration of Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens finally releasing in theaters worldwide, Game Rant looks back at the best Star Wars video games in history.
After years of waiting, Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens is finally in theaters. Some may be looking to celebrate the release of the film by playing video games based on the franchise, but with decades of Star Wars video games available, it’s hard to know where to start.
For those looking to dive into the best of what Star Wars has given gaming over the years, look no further, as we have compiled a list of the 7 best Star Wars video games ever made. These games are spread across a variety of systems, genres, and more, so there should be something for every type of gamer on this list.
Now come with us to a galaxy far, far away.
LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga
Before there was LEGO Avengers or LEGO Batman, there was LEGO Star Wars. The original LEGO Star Wars introduced gamers to the style of gameplay that is still used in LEGO games to this day, tasking players with puzzle solving, collecting studs, and building LEGO structures to complete levels.
LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga combines the original game with the critically-acclaimed sequel, while also adding new levels and content to give veteran players an excuse to return. Of course, it’s not necessarily the “complete saga” anymore with LEGO Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars now available, but it still holds up as one of the best LEGO and Star Wars games released to date.
Star Wars: Battlefront 2
Those upset that the new Star Wars Battlefront doesn’t have space battles should consider checking out Star Wars: Battlefront 2. The most fully-featured Battlefront game to date, Battlefront 2 has space battles aplenty, in addition to a campaign and numerous multiplayer modes, which gives Star Wars fans a lot to sink their teeth into. Hopefully the inevitable sequel to DICE’s Star Wars Battlefront takes its cues from Battlefront 2, so players can look forward to a more complete Battlefront experience on current-gen consoles.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Over a decade ago, BioWare was entrusted with the Star Wars license and tasked with creating an RPG set within that universe. At the time the move might have been considered risky, but considering the game’s continued popularity to this day, it’s safe to say that BioWare did right by fans with Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.
An award-winning, sprawling adventure with one of the most jaw-dropping twists since Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back, Knights of the Old Republic is often hailed as one of the best games in its genre. There’s a reason why there’s so much demand for a third entry in the series, and with the addition of a mobile version of Knights of the Old Republic, gamers that missed out on KOTOR 10 years ago have numerous ways to see what all the fuss is about.
Star Wars: Rogue Squadron 2 – Rogue Leader
One of the most critically-acclaimed Star Wars games ever, Star Wars: Rogue Squadron 2 – Rogue Leader remains a classic to this day. A GameCube exclusive, Rogue Squadron 2 features fast-paced gameplay and allows gamers to discover what it feels like to pilot some of the franchise’s most iconic ships, including the X-Wing and the Millennium Falcon. While future Rogue Squadron games have been cancelled, EA and Disney would be wise to revisit the series, as it probably has many fans that would jump at the opportunity to relive the best space battles in Star Wars history.
Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire
One of the first games available for the Nintendo 64 that wasn’t Super Mario, Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire is an example of how to do a licensed game right. Taking place between the events of Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back and Episode VI – Return of the Jedi, Shadows of the Empire tells an original story filled with appearances by some of the most beloved characters in the Star Wars franchise. The game was one of the best-selling Nintendo 64 titles at the time of its release, and is still worth checking out, either on the 64 or PC.
Star Wars: TIE Fighter
Whereas Star Wars: Rogue Squadron 2 has a focus on action-packed gameplay, Star Wars: TIE Fighter is more of a simulation game. Utilizing a first-person view that attempts to make players feel as though they are truly piloting a TIE fighter, the game earned critical acclaim and won numerous awards. Its predecessor, Star Wars: X-Wing, is also a great game, and both X-Wing and TIE Fighter are currently available on GoG.com.
Super Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
Building on the foundation set by the previous Super Star Wars game, Super Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back is a side-scroller that is punishingly difficult, but is overall one of the most celebrated licensed games on the SNES. With the original Super Star Wars released on PS4, hopefully Super Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back as well as Super Star Wars: Return of the Jedi make their way to current-gen systems.
With Disney and EA now in charge, the Star Wars video game library will only continue to grow. There are numerous Star Wars projects being developed by several studios, and there’s even talk of a Star Wars 1313 revival.While Disney Infinity will continue to receive Star Wars content and figures as well, with the latest playset based on The Force Awakens.
Now that the film franchise back on track, merchandise spreading far as the eye can see, TV shows being produced, new novels being written, and a multitude of video game projects in development, Star Wars is bigger than ever. It will be exciting to see what the next Star Wars video game adventures have in store, and hopefully we learn about them soon.
Which Star Wars games are your favorites? Are you playing any games in celebration of The Force Awakens? Let’s talk Star Wars in the comments below.
