Choosing the top Star Wars games is a contentious task, much like determining the best Star Wars movies. Despite taking you to the same distant galaxy, each game offers a distinct experience. This list includes the finest Star Wars games available, ranging from Lego Star Wars Skywalker Saga to BioWare's action-adventure games. Regardless of your lightsaber's color, we have you covered.
However, the list doesn't conclude here, as upcoming Star Wars games like Star Wars: Jedi Survivor will likely join the rankings. Presently, there's no better time to revisit the most popular titles in the franchise, spanning from classic games to contemporary additions. So, here are our top picks for the best Star Wars games. And may the force be with you always.
10. Star Wars: Battlefront II
In 2005, Star Wars: Battlefront II took inspiration from the first Battlefront game, which was multiplayer-focused and influenced by Battlefield. However, Battlefront II went a step further by introducing a captivating single-player campaign to the already solid multiplayer foundation. Despite not being a necessary addition, the game managed to deliver an excellent story mode.
The story mode follows a clone trooper (voiced by Temura Morrison, who also voiced Jango Fett) fighting alongside the Republic's 501st Legion against the Seperatist forces. The multiplayer mode in Battlefront II is similar to the first game, but with some noteworthy enhancements. For instance, players can choose to play as iconic characters like Darth Vader and Prequel-era Obi-Wan, and the Space Assault mode is considered by many to be the best among the multiplayer modes.
In Space Assault mode, two teams compete to destroy each other's capital ship using starfighters until critical systems are damaged. It's similar to Battlefield 2142's Titan mode, but with Star Wars spaceships. And it's an incredibly enjoyable mode to play.
9. Star Wars Galaxies
Unfortunately, the original version of Star Wars Galaxies is no longer available, but the game's legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of Star Wars fans worldwide. Unlike many other Star Wars games, which typically placed players in the role of Jedi, smugglers, and other action-packed roles that mirrored the films, Star Wars Galaxies gave players the chance to not only fight in the vast universe but to actually exist within it.
In this game, social interactions, server-wide roleplay, and collaboration were just as important to the gameplay as wielding lightsabers or firing an E-11 blaster rifle. Players had the freedom to pursue a wide range of professions, including piloting, entertainment, medicine, and numerous others. The game's player base was passionate and laid-back, and it's no surprise that Star Wars Galaxies has endured, albeit in an unofficial, community-driven capacity.
8. Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga
Although aimed at younger players, this action-adventure puzzle game also has plenty of references and humor that will appeal to adults. It's incredibly fun to swing our lightsaber around and break things, especially with the authentic sound effects and music from the movies, and the comedic action that ensues. It's also entertaining to accidentally hit our co-op partner and watch them explode into Lego pieces.
If you don't want to play as Luke Skywalker, there are over 50 other characters with their unique abilities to choose from. Lego Star Wars 2 satisfies our desire for exciting lightsaber battles and our love of building Lego creations at the same time. The Complete Saga covers all six movies, allowing us to relive iconic moments such as the duel of the fates and the destruction of the second Death Star. It's hard to imagine a more satisfying experience.
7. Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
Unlike some other Star Wars games that give players the choice between light and dark sides, usually from a neutral position, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed takes a deeper dive into the darker side. The game puts you in the shoes of Darth Vader’s hidden apprentice, who sets out to demonstrate his worth to his master.
Using a hack-and-slash combat system and a detailed physics system, the game allows you to utilize both your lightsaber and the force in innovative ways and explore numerous iconic Star Wars locations as you progress through the compelling story. With a Nintendo Switch version released just last year, there’s no better time to join in and unleash your own power.
6. Star Wars: The Old Republic
It's difficult to dispute that Star Wars: The Old Republic hasn't endured over its more than eleven years of existence. Although its graphics and art style are only average, it compensates with an extensive amount of narrative and gameplay material. Players can choose to play alone or team up with others in PVE missions or engage in PVP, or they can do it all in this game.
The regular addition of new expansions and updates has made it difficult to pass up Star Wars: The Old Republic.
5. Star Wars: Republic Commando
Star Wars: Republic Commando is a shooter game that was released in 2005 and is worth checking out. Unlike most Star Wars games that focus on Jedi and space combat, Republic Commando takes a different approach, offering military-style gameplay that features the troopers of the Clone Wars. While the multiplayer component may not be impressive, the single-player campaign is the game's highlight.
Players take on the role of a clone squad leader and use squad commands to direct their fellow troopers. The game's good squadmate AI adds a lot of fun and keeps the gameplay fresh as players progress through missions. The game provides an excellent example of how to incorporate the Clones' stories into a video game, and it remains relevant despite the Clone Wars and The Bad Batch animated series bringing the Clones to the forefront.
4. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is an exceptional single-player Star Wars game that has been released recently. The game is set five years after the events of Revenge of the Sith, and the player assumes the role of Padawan Cal Kestis, one of the few surviving Jedi after Order 66. The game takes the player across the galaxy as they attempt to complete Cal's training and rebuild the Jedi Order.
The combat system of the game, inspired by the Soulsborne genre, can be difficult, but it is highly gratifying once mastered, with intense and fast-paced lightsaber and Force combat. The game also features a Metroidvania style of gameplay that allows players to explore numerous planets and unlock customization options for Cal, the lightsaber, and the charming droid, BD-1.
3. Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast
The introduction of Kyle Katarn in Star Wars: Dark Forces and his journey towards embracing the Force in Jedi Knight was impressive, but it was in Jedi Outcast where his character truly shone. The game still retained the familiar elements of the series, such as a vast range of weapons and levels to explore, but its standout feature was the lightsaber combat, which was unmatched at the time.
With the inclusion of Force-infused Sith enemies, combat became even more intense, as players could chain together force powers with three different lightsaber stances. The thrill of seeing a slowed down 360 degree camera spin after dismembering an opponent was unmatched, and even battling regular stormtroopers never got dull, with the ability to force choke and fling enemies off cliffs on a whim.
2. Star Wars Rogue Leader: Rogue Squadron 2
The Gamecube's best launch title was a Star Wars game. That game was Rogue Leader, and it is genuinely impressive. Rogue Leader allows players to control a variety of spacecraft from the Star Wars universe during famous scenes from the films, as well as other battles. It's a complete air-combat experience that fans of Star Wars will love. Some examples of missions include the Death Star trench run, the battle above Endor from Return of the Jedi, and Hoth, which is arguably the best version of the icy planet in any Star Wars game to date.
Even today, the graphics hold up, and the game takes players to both familiar and new locations like the Cloud City of Bespin and secret Imperial bases. Rogue Leader is an exhilarating experience that allows players to engage in dangerous frontal attacks on massive Star Destroyers and take down countless enemy TIE fighters, making it the ultimate star fighter pilot game.
1. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Even after almost twenty years since its release, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is still considered the best single-player Star Wars game ever made. While there are many factors that contribute to this, one of the most important is the game's extensive dialogue system. This system is tied to a morality system where players are judged on their actions as good or evil. As a result, players must be mindful not only of what they say, but also to whom they say it.
Choosing the "good" path may not always lead to a positive relationship with an NPC. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic emphasizes that while the Jedi and Sith orders may traditionally deal in absolutes, players may find themselves walking a slightly greyer path. With its exceptional voice acting, sophisticated combat system, and outstanding worldbuilding, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic remains an exceptional RPG that should not be missed by any Star Wars fan.
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