Because it was a partner showcase, it seems fair to say many fans didn't necessarily expect too much from the latest Nintendo Direct. A few rumors surrounding a Shin Megami Tensei 5 spinoff and the high chance that Xbox was going to make its multi-platform debut were about the only expectations fans had going into the Nintendo Direct. This ultimately made the surprise announcement of Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection all the more sweet.
Seemingly out of nowhere, Aspyr is bringing more classic Star Wars game to modern consoles. Releasing on March 14, Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection brings the original two games together in one complete, modernized package. Along with some light visual and audio touch-ups, this collection brings together every bit of content from both Battlefront games, including all the Xbox-exclusive DLC released for Battlefront 2 back in the day. This includes two bonus playable characters, letting players take control of more iconic Star Wars heroes and villains.
Every Playable Hero and Villain in Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection Explained
The original 2004 Star Wars: Battlefront doesn't actually let players control any of the galaxy's most iconic heroes or villains. Instead, players take control of an average soldier of the Republic, Rebellion, Separatists, or Empire, and attempt to wipe out the enemy with simple blasters and detonators. Occasionally, players will receive support from iconic characters like Darth Vader and Mace Windu, though they're unable to play as them in the original Star Wars: Battlefront.
2005's Star Wars: Battlefront 2 leaned all the way into the heroes and villains concept, letting players take control of a total of 17 iconic characters on launch and another two via the Xbox-exclusive DLC. Bringing all editions of Star Wars: Battlefront 2 together, Aspyr's Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection will feature a total of 19 playable heroes and villains:
All Playable Star Wars: Battlefront 2 Heroes:
- Obi-Wan Kenobi
- Mace Windu
- Ki-Adi Mundi
- Aayla Secura
- Yoda
- Kit Fisto
- Luke Skywalker
- Han Solo
- Chewbacca
- Princess Leia
All Playable Star Wars: Battlefront 2 Villains:
- Darth Vader
- Darth Sidious
- Count Dooku
- General Grievous
- Anakin Skywalker
- Jango Fett
- Boba Fett
- Darth Maul
- Asajj Ventress
For anyone who has never played Star Wars: Battlefront 2 before - or anyone who forgot how its hero/villain system works - players will gain the ability to play as a hero or villain when they reach a certain number of points, either by defeating enemies or by completing objectives. Once the player has reached the required number of points, they'll receive a prompt at the bottom of the screen asking if they want to assume the role of the map-specific hero or villain. Once accepted, the player will respawn as the iconic character, where they're given a life bar that gradually decreases over time, encouraging them to get as many kills as possible in that short period.
The PSP spinoff Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron introduced hero and villain vehicles to the series, such as Boba Fett's Slave 1 and Han Solo's Millenium Falcon, but these unfortunately won't appear in the Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection.
Alternatively, players can hop into the Hero Assault game mode, which sees a team full of villains go up against a team full of heroes, with no time-limited health bars on display. While many fans will remember playing this mode solely on Battlefront 2's Mos Eisley map, Aspyr's Star Wars: Battlefront Collection will let players jump into a Hero Assault match on any ground map.
Star Wars: Battlefront 2 (2005)
- Released
- November 1, 2005
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Mild Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Pandemic Studios
With brand new space combat, playable Jedi characters, and over 16 all new battlefronts, Star Wars Battlefront II gives you more ways than ever before to play the classic Star Wars battles any way you want. Join the rise of Darth Vader’s elite 501st Legion of Stormtroopers as you fight through an all new story-based saga where every action you take impacts the battlefront and, ultimately, the fate of the Star Wars galaxy.
Fight inside the corridors of the second Death Star, in the marshy swamps of Dagobah, and even aboard the Tantive IV, Princess Leia’s Blockade Runner, as seen at the beginning of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.
Now choose from six distinct soldier classes, plus bonus hero characters for each of the four factions: Rebels, Imperials, CIS and the Republic. Then jump into more than 30 diverse ground and space vehicles, including the clone BARC speeder, AT-RT and new Jedi Starfighter and ARC 170.
Engage in massive online battles with multiplayer action for up to 64 players. Play five different online game modes including Conquest, Assault, one-and two-flag Capture the Flag, and Hunt.
