Why Reviving Battlefront is Essential for Star Wars Video Games

Back in 2004, Star Wars Battlefront burst onto the scene, setting a new standard for the beloved franchise with its massive battles and online play capabilities. Its sequel, Star Wars Battlefront 2, elevated this formula significantly, securing its spot as a legendary title still enjoyed nearly a decade later. Following this success, two handheld spinoffs—Renegade Squadron and Elite Squadron—were released for the PSP. Though these iterations couldn’t match the technical prowess of their console counterparts, they introduced innovative features like custom loadouts and seamless transitions between ground and space battles. Then, EA launched its Star Wars Battlefront reboot.

The two-part series from EA and DICE left a mixed impression. Initially, both games had notable issues: the first lacked content, and the second was plagued by problematic microtransactions. Yet over time, updates breathed new life into Battlefront 2, winning back many fans who have continued to stick around. This resilience in popularity, despite past challenges, underscores why the Battlefront series deserves ongoing attention within the Star Wars universe, among other compelling reasons.

### Star Wars Battlefront Should Continue as a Franchise Mainstay

### No Other Star Wars Game Tackles Warfare Like Battlefront

Warfare is woven into the fabric of the Star Wars saga, central to its narrative across all eras—from the Galactic Civil War in the original trilogy to the Clone Wars in the prequels, and the First Order’s ascent in the sequels. Even the relatively peaceful High Republic era revolves around diplomatic efforts to stave off galactic conflict.

Star Wars video games have frequently touched on war-related themes, portraying the struggles of surviving Order 66 or the Rebel Alliance’s fight against oppression. However, none delve into the sheer experience of war itself quite like Battlefront does.

Each Battlefront installment places large-scale warfare at the core of its gameplay. While big battles are a fleeting spectacle in films and series, they are the centerpiece in Battlefront—offering players direct immersion in the chaos. Explosions, formidable vehicles, and the awe-inspiring arrival of Jedi and Sith on the battlefield are vividly captured, making Battlefront’s approach unique and essential to Star Wars gaming.

### The Next Star Wars Battlefront Must Enhance Its Distinctive Approach

For Battlefront to maintain its status in the Star Wars gaming realm, it must push its unique viewpoint further. The 2005 Star Wars Battlefront 2, for example, excelled with its “Rise of the Empire” campaign, beginning with players as a 501st Clone Trooper. This storyline spans the Clone Wars and the Galactic Civil War, seeing players battle the CIS, enforce Order 66, and transition into Imperial Stormtroopers, all accompanied by a poignant narrative that underscores the relentless cycle of war and duty.

Conversely, EA’s Battlefront 2 aimed to depict a narrative reversal—from Imperial allegiance to Resistance involvement—which, unfortunately, lacked emotional depth due to forced cameo appearances interrupting the campaign’s authentic storyline. A future Battlefront should take a cue from the classic Battlefront 2, focusing on the harsh realities of being a mere component in the endless war machine.