Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection is a compilation of two highly acclaimed video games that have left an indelible mark on the Star Wars gaming franchise. This collection includes Star Wars: Battlefront (2004) and Star Wars: Battlefront II (2005), both developed by Pandemic Studios and published by LucasArts. These games offer players the opportunity to immerse themselves in iconic battles from the Star Wars universe, spanning multiple eras, including the Galactic Civil War and the Clone Wars.
Star Wars: Battlefront, released on September 21, 2004, for PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Windows platforms, is a first and third-person shooter game that puts players in the middle of epic Star Wars battles. The game features a variety of modes, including single-player campaigns, galactic conquest, and instant action, as well as online multiplayer for up to 32 players. Players can choose to fight for either the Galactic Empire, Rebel Alliance, Clone Army, or Separatist Droid Army across various iconic planets such as Bespin, Endor, Geonosis, Hoth, and Tatooine. The game also allows players to control a wide range of vehicles, including AT-ATs, X-wings, and TIE fighters, and choose from different character classes like soldiers, scouts, pilots, and heavy weapons specialists.
Upon release, Star Wars: Battlefront received generally positive reviews from critics, with praise directed towards its authentic Star Wars atmosphere, diverse range of vehicles and characters, and enjoyable multiplayer experience. However, some criticism was aimed at the single-player campaigns for their lack of depth. The game holds Metacritic scores of 82/100 for PlayStation 2, 80/100 for Xbox, and 76/100 for Windows.
Star Wars: Battlefront II, released on November 1, 2005, for PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Xbox, and Windows platforms, builds upon its predecessor by offering an improved single-player experience, new game modes, and the addition of playable Jedi characters and space combat. The single-player campaign follows the 501st Legion, an elite unit of clone troopers, from their inception during the Clone Wars through their transformation into Darth Vader's personal Stormtrooper legion. The campaign spans multiple planets and locations, including Geonosis, Coruscant, Kashyyyk, Mustafar, and the Death Star.
One of the most significant additions to Star Wars: Battlefront II is the inclusion of space battles, allowing players to engage in thrilling dogfights and capital ship invasions. The game also introduces playable Jedi characters, such as Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Mace Windu, and Count Dooku, adding a new layer of excitement to the battlefield. The Galactic Conquest mode has been expanded, featuring customizable fleets and bonuses, while the multiplayer component now supports up to 64 players online.
Star Wars: Battlefront II received critical acclaim upon release, with reviewers praising the improved single-player campaign, the addition of space combat and playable Jedi characters, and the expanded multiplayer options. The game was widely considered a significant improvement over its already well-received predecessor. It holds Metacritic scores of 84/100 for PlayStation 2, 83/100 for Xbox, 78/100 for Windows, and 70/100 for PlayStation Portable. The game also won several awards, including GameSpot's Best Shooter Game of 2005 and IGN's Best Online Multiplayer Game of 2005.
The Star Wars: Battlefront games have left a lasting impact on the Star Wars video game franchise and the gaming industry as a whole. The games' success showcased the potential for immersive, multiplayer-focused experiences set within the Star Wars universe, paving the way for future titles. The success of the original Battlefront games influenced the development of the rebooted Star Wars: Battlefront series by EA DICE, which launched in 2015 and 2017 respectively. The Battlefront series' emphasis on large-scale, multiplayer battles has become a staple of many moder