Summary
- There are some interesting differences between the two Star Wars Battlefront games coming in the classic collection. For example, no sprinting in the original Battlefront adds unique gameplay challenge not found in modern shooters.
- Battlefront 2 introduced playable heroes like Obi-Wan and Darth Vader for a more immersive experience.
- Battlefront 2's award system offers diverse benefits, adding depth and strategy to gameplay experience.
With the announcement of the Star Wars Battlefront Classic Collection at the most recent Nintendo Direct, many Star Wars fans are counting down the days until they can look out for wrist rockets on modern consoles. While those with an Xbox or PC have been able to play the classic Battlefront games unencumbered for some time, Star Wars Battlefront Classic Collection will make the iconic third-person shooters available on PlayStation consoles for the first time in over a decade. Nintendo fans will also have access to Battlefront for the first time ever, bringing the series to more gamers than ever before.
For many Star Wars fans, this will be their first opportunity to play the original Battlefront games in many years, if not for the first time ever. The release of Battlefront Classic Collection marks the 20th anniversary of 2004's Star Wars Battlefront, with 2005's Battlefront 2 only a year behind. Considering only a year separates them, some might not expect there to be many differences between Battlefront and its successor. This couldn't be farther from the truth, however, as both minor alterations and major adjustments make the original Battlefront titles distinct experiences.
No Sprinting In Battlefront
In today's third-person and first-person shooters, a few game mechanics have been a standard feature for as long as many gamers can remember. When Star Wars Battlefront was released in 2004, however, a sprint mechanic wasn't quite the basic feature it is today. In an industry where movement abilities like those seen in Fortnite and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League are paramount, it can be jarring to shift back to a game where a player's options are just moving forward and strafing. Battlefront 2 fortunately brought sprinting into the series, which should feel more natural for many of today's gamers.
Playable Heroes In Battlefront 2
Much of Star Wars centers around its biggest heroes and villains, from the wise Obi-Wan Kenobi to the domineering Darth Vader. 2004's Battlefront featured these icons as NPCs in its large-scale battles, but Battlefront 2 finally gave players the chance to wield their tremendous power firsthand. Battlefront 2 also has no shortage of heroes and villains to choose from, especially when DLC characters Kit Fisto and Asajj Ventress are brought into the fold. While the combat with these big names may be simple by today's standards, it's nonetheless a thrilling way to feel the Force.
Battlefront 2's Award System
Similar to Call of Duty's killstreaks, Battlefront 2 featured a unique reward system known as awards. Players earned these awards by meeting certain criteria during one life, and they offered a wide range of benefits to help players get the upper hand in battle. From new weapons to increased damage output, these awards help diversify matches and give players a secondary goal to work towards while fulfilling their primary objectives. They are absent from the first Star Wars Battlefront, which could prove to be preferable for some players who prefer a more straightforward experience.
Star Wars Battlefront's impact on the Star Wars franchise and gaming as a whole is difficult to overstate. For many fans, the original two releases are the quintessential Star Wars gaming experiences, containing a mystique and charm that's difficult to replicate. Time will tell if Star Wars Battlefront Classic Collection will be able to translate that legacy to modern consoles, and if it does, it could create a considerable resurgence in Battlefront's overall popularity. It may not be enough to get a Star Wars Battlefront 3 into development, but it's certainly better than leaving classic titles inaccessible for those who want to play them.
Star Wars Battlefront
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 71 /100 Critics Rec: 33%
- Released
- September 24, 2004
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Violence
- Developer(s)
- Pandemic Studios, Beenox
WHERE TO PLAY
Star Wars Battlefront, produced by Pandemic Studios, is a 2004 first-and-third person shooting game that borrowed many of the same mechanics as the Battlefield franchise. The game focuses on large-scale battles and recreates various encounters from the movies.
- Genre(s)
- Third-Person Shooter, FPS
