Star Wars: Old Games Strike Back

Hokey titles and ancient video games are no match for a good shooter these days. But if you’re like me and you want to relive some good Star Wars games before Star Wars Battlefront’s release, then here’s a list of 10 Star Wars games you can enjoy on the PC. 

10. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

Gameplay:

Developer: Bioware
Genre: Action/RPG
Theme: Ever wanted to live out your part in the Star Wars universe? Here’s your chance!

Man this character creation screen brings back memories.

This was the game that brought Bioware into the spotlight and showed fans just how good a Star Wars game could be.

KOTOR takes place long before Episode 1 and plays like a “choose your own adventure” book. This game has players create and play as their own character to in the Star Wars universe. Each choice has incredible repercussions that can be seen throughout the universe and can even change the ending based upon whether you’ve been good or bad. The gameplay may not have aged well, but if you have never played through this story I highly recommend this game for its plot twist alone.

Players can choose between being on the dark side or staying on the light side. I don’t think Bastila here gets a choice though.

Besides, I’m sure every fan has always wanted to try building their own lightsaber. While KOTOR only allows you to pick your crystal and the type of handle you want, it still helps players feel like they’ve had a hand in creating their own personalized lightsaber.

But if lightsaber combat is what you’re interested in, then the next game on this list is going to be right up your alley.

9. Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy

Gameplay:

Developer: Raven Software
Genre: Action
Theme:Learn how to be a Jedi Knight and beat up your fellow classmates!

Oh you crazy kids and your “dark side temptations.” Back in our day it was just called “saving the galaxy.”

Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy is the third installment of the Jedi Knight series. What made this game so popular, beyond its stellar storytelling, was its intricate lightsaber combat. Players could choose between using one lightsaber, a staff, or dual lightsabers. Single lightsabers can also be broken down into three different styles- normal, heavy and fast. Raven Software spared no expense in creating a deep and intricate system for each style and went out of their way to make each animation look phenomenal. This was most apparent during intense games of Team Death Match or Capture the Flag.

But a Jedi (or Sith) would just be a normal swordsman if it weren’t for the Force, and Jedi Academy has one of the most fun Force systems in any game. Players are allowed to choose between light side and dark side powers, and are able to customize their abilities to how they see fit. Have you ever wanted to be a Jedi Healer? what about a carbon copy of Emperor “Ride the Lightning” Palpatine? Jedi Academy’s force system allows players to fulfill any role they want to whatever degree they please while still providing an intricate and immersive experience for fans. Using these powers in game also feels like an an intricate and fluid system that, once mastered, makes you feel as though you’ve become a true Jedi Knight.

If you end up falling in love with this combat system, then you should probably hop onto the next game on our list to find out more of its lore.

8. Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast

Gameplay:

Developer: Raven Software
Genre: Action
Theme: Follow Kyle Katarn as he tries to get his life back together.

This is back in the day with Luke and Kyle trying to save the galaxy.

If you played the previous game on this list, then you’ve already met Kyle Katarn. But if you’re still unclear on who he is, this game is the perfect introduction to him. It takes place after the first Jedi Knight game and follows Kyle after he’s given up on being a Jedi and becomes a mercenary. After a disaster in the beginning of the game, Kyle must relearn the ways of being a Jedi Knight.

The story in this game is amazing, and is supplemented well with a combat system that would eventually evolve into the more refined mechanics of Jedi Academy. Kyle offers players a unique perspective from the point of view of a man walking down the razor’s edge that separates the light and dark sides of the force. In game, this is reflected in his ability to use both light and dark side abilities.

The next game on the list is a follow-up to an amazing single player game.  

7. Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic 2: Sith Lords

Gameplay:

Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
Genre: Action/RPG
Theme: A follow up to the amazing story of Knights of the Old Republic

Combat didn't change too much, but it did get better

The first thing to note about this is that it was not developed by Bioware. Instead, Obsidian Entertainment took over for KOTOR 2 since Bioware wanted to work on other games. As a result, while the core of what made KOTOR so great is still there, the storytelling, gameplay and the way characters are portrayed are a bit different.

Regardless, this game is still a fun follow up to the first game and includes several welcome improvements to the combat system such as the addition of styles and an easy way to switch between ranged combat and melee combat.

6. Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

Gameplay:

Developer: LucasArts
Genre: Action
Theme: Play as Vader’s apprentice! Oh and destroy everything around you with the force.

Starkiller: The Ultimate Rave Master

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed puts players into the shoes of Starkiller, Vader’s apprentice, as he travels across the galaxy doing his master’s bidding. This story takes place during the time between Episode III and A New Hope.

But what makes this game unique isn’t the story alone, in fact, it was the unabashed, unapologetic abuse of the force that had players so excited to play this game. One of the first cinematics players were treated to featured Starkiller using the force to blast away hordes of Stormtroopers and cause unparalleled amounts of destruction. Prior to this game, most actions involving the force were controlled and on a far smaller scale. Here, Starkiller unleashes gigantic waves of the force that can slam numerous enemies into walls, pick them up and toss them around like rag dolls, or cook them in a furious lightning storm.

5. Star Wars: The Old Republic

Gameplay:

Developer: Bioware
Genre: MMORPG
Theme: Explore the universe of Star Wars

Lots of money and easy targets? Gotta love being a bounty hunter

The last and most recent game in the Old Republic universe, The Old Republic allows players to join hundreds of other people in exploring and carving out a home in Star Wars’ universe. Despite the MMO aspect to the game, Bioware has ensured that the amazing storytelling and impactful decisions remain a key point to the game.   

The game’s story has players either joining the side of the Republic or the Sith Empire. Each side has different classes, abilities and ships for players to use. Each class also has a long and intricate storyline filled with multiple outcomes and characters that all depend on what choices you make.

Bioware has currently made the game free to play, but in order to have full access to the game’s content, players must pay a monthly subscription.

4. Star Wars: Empire at War

Gameplay:

Developer: Petroglyph Games
Genre: Real Time Strategy
Theme: Control the armies of the Star Wars Universe!

Those poor rebels never stood a chance

One of the few Star Wars RTS games to exist and do well, Empire at War allowed players to take control of the armies of either the Rebellion or the Empire. The game plays similarly to Starcraft in that players must amass resources to build units, then send those units out to wreak havoc on your opponents. Both factions have different units and different late game strategies. For example, The Empire ideally wants to smother its opponents in cheap units, while the Rebellion would rather send out its powerful hero units to win them the war (you know, like in the movies).

What made this game great was just seeing iconic units from Star Wars come to life and obey your commands. Seeing a fleet of snowspeeders barrel toward your friend’s AT-AT is always a fun experience. The game covers a wide range of battles such as massive ground battles like the battle of Hoth, or enormous space battles like the battle above Endor, allowing any Star Wars fan to live out their fantasies of being a commander in these iconic battles.

But if you prefer being in the front lines instead, then the next game on the list is perfect for you.

3. Star Wars: Battlefront

Gameplay:

Developer: Pandemic Studios
Genre: Action/Shooter
Theme: Join the front lines of Star Wars’ most iconic battles!

If I recall correctly, the battle for Hoth doesn’t end well for the Rebels

Star Wars: Battlefront has players take control of one of the hundreds of soldiers in the Star Wars universe as they wage war across the galaxy. Primarily, players pick a side in one of two wars- the galactic rebellion or the clone wars. Each army in either of these wars possess unique classes, abilities and vehicles.

But what drew players to this game was how it allowed fans to play against their friends in the most iconic battlefields in the Star Wars universe. Your friend could the pilot of an AT-AT attacking Echo base while you have to stop him in a snow speeder, or your friend could be a clone sent to help protect the gungans against the trade federation- the possibilities are limitless.

Each battle takes place on maps crowded with hordes of AI controlled soldiers on both sides. Once a game began, it really felt like you were in the middle of a warzone. The addition of vehicles such as TIE fighters and tanks alongside hero units such as Luke Skywalker further added to the enormous scale of these battles.

2. Star Wars: Republic Commando

Gameplay:

Developer: LucasArts
Genre: Action/Shooter
Theme: Join your brothers and become hunters for the Republic

Die you dirty clanker!

Republic Commando is my personal favorite Star Wars game to date. You played as the leader of an elite team of Clones as they perform black-op missions for the Republic. The story takes place between Episodes 2 and 3 and introduces fans to what the culture among the clone army is like. This was one of the first time fans could see how each clone is a unique human being despite their similar appearances- this point is further exemplified in your squad’s vibrant personalities.

This game was a glorious romp through the unexplored grittier areas of both the Clone Wars and Star Wars itself. It doesn’t shy away from showing the inevitable casualties of war and lets players experience a world away from the Jedi.

Gameplay wise, it plays out similar to Halo in that you have a shield bar and a health bar. When your shields are used up, you can wait behind cover to allow it to come back, but health bars need to be replenished at any of the bacta stations littered across the map. What made this game unique was how you can give orders to your squad of commandos to help compliment the way you’re playing.

If you’re looking for a good first person shooter in the Star Wars universe, then look no further than Republic Commando.  

1. Star Wars: Battlefront II

Gameplay:

Developer: Pandemic Studios
Genre: Action/Shooter
Theme: A bigger and better Battlefront

Space battles were a very welcome addition to the series

Battlefront 2 took everything its predecessor did and expanded on it. Ground combat was made more fluid and had each of the classes given new tools and new roles to fulfill. An on field upgrade system rewarded skilled players with better weapons for performing their class’ role on the battlefield well.

Best of all, players could now wage war above planets in giant ship to ship combat.During these battles the objective is to destroy the enemy’s capital ship. In order to accomplish this, players could choose between piloting a starfighter and knocking out key locations on the ship from the outside, or hopping onto a gunship and boarding the enemy capital ship to destroy it from within.

Battlefront 2 also adds a unique storyline that allows players to take control of the legendary 501st and play through their story beginning at the end of Episode 2 to the end of Episode 6.

This game was easily one of the most enjoyable Star Wars games for the PC.

May the force be with you

That’s all for this top 10 list. The majority of these games can be bought off Steam, so if you’re looking for a place to download and play the games I’ve mentioned, then that’s the place to go to.

If you would like to see a list of the Top 10 Star Wars games of all time, then please head over here.

Or if you agree or disagree with some of these points, please feel free to drop a review on these games here.