The Star Wars universe is arguably the most expansive in media history, with much of gaming pop culture stemming in one way or another from the legendary clashes between the Jedi and the dark forces of the Sith. As a result, several games have popped up with nods to the franchise, like The Sims 4's Journey to Batuu EP, as have officially licensed games like Star Wars Jedi. Bit Reactor's Star Wars Zero Company is the latest title to join the impressively assembled ranks, and it already has an advantage over many of its peers that have risen to prominence in the gaming industry despite its seemingly more linear basis. This strength lies in the diversity of its proposed cast, which could make it one of the most comprehensive Star Wars games out there.
While the vastness of Star Wars' galaxy means that there's no shortage of material to choose from for video game inspiration, there's also a real challenge of scope that developers will have to tackle. This rings particularly true in RPG titles that are entirely based on the Star Wars franchise; they often have to limit their offerings and gameplay focuses to a singular faction, whether that is the Jedi, Sith, or outlaws. Older multiplayer games such as Star Wars: The Old Republic came closest to a full-scale implementation through their character classes, but the graphical limitations hampered their efforts to a considerable degree. Thus, Star Wars Zero Company may be headed down a road where its versatility distinguishes it from the competition - and that's a good thing.
Star Wars Zero Company Could Get the Ball Rolling on Genre Experiments
Star Wars Zero Company represents a major genre shift for the franchise, which should be good news for fans of diverse gaming experiences.
Star Wars Zero Company's Casting Choices Could Be a Game Changer
Although Star Wars Zero Company won't be out for a while, its announcement drew attention from even casual enjoyers of the franchise. Set during the Clone Wars, players will presumably be thrust into a team of specialists (reminiscent of Marvel's S.H.I.E.L.D) to battle it out for the fate of the galaxy from behind the curtains. This premise sharply contrasts the traditional hero agenda that comes with RPG-styled gameplay, and the uniqueness is not only tied to the storytelling.
Bit Reactor is dividing its cast into five known characters so far, which encompasses just about every Star Wars character trope known to gaming. Star Wars Zero Company features an ex-captain in the Republic Army, a Clonetrooper, a Jedi, a Mandalorian, and an Umbaran sniper - each with unique motivations for joining this unlikely band of fellows. The secret agent-esque plot, coupled with the banding together of several iconic Star Wars species, is a unique separating factor that Bit Reactor is employing, and it could set the title apart from its peers in dramatic fashion.
Cast Diversity Provides a Solid Link to the Star Wars Franchise
Despite the turn-based combat focus, which some may argue reduces the depth of immersion, there's also an option for permadeath which adds an extra layer of character relatability. Loss is a constant in the Star Wars universe, and any member of the party can meet an unfortunate end in a battle. Upping the stakes to include permanent elimination from the Star Wars Zero Company storyline is one of the reasons the title is being called a "Star Wars XCOM" of sorts in some circles. Due to the diverse nature of the cast, losing any team member will likely feel even more impactful, as players will be losing a unique and memorable character.
Star Wars, at its core, is a mosaic of different cultures and races intertwined by the natural forces of Order and Chaos. Capturing these polar opposite emotions on such a large scale in gaming has not proven easy, as developers have had to streamline their storylines to one or two races. Star Wars Zero Company has decided to go a different route, and it's one that perhaps most closely resembles a full-fledged Star Wars movie - which is ultimately what could make it the most well-rounded Star Wars video game out there.
Star Wars Outlaws
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 75 /100 Critics Rec: 68%
- Released
- August 30, 2024
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Violence, Simulated Gambling, Mild Language
- Developer(s)
- Massive Entertainment
- Publisher(s)
- Ubisoft, Lucasfilm Games
- Engine
- Snowdrop
- Franchise
- Star Wars
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Action-Adventure
