We all know the story that happened a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. Now developer Pandemic Studios and Lucas Arts is putting gamers back in the action with their new Xbox title Star Wars: Battlefront II. Despite a few small problems the previous title was a huge success. This project intends to improve upon the features of the original game while introducing a few new elements to the overall experience.

Just like its predecessor Battlefront II focus will be on team based multiplayer gameplay. This one will allow up to 32-players to battle it out on Xbox Live. In the multiplayer mode each team will start out at a base on each level. The objective of each side is to capture all of the bases on that map before the other team does. There are a number of vehicles available to each group to help accomplish their objectives. To prevent games from dragging on for too long each team will have a set limit of lives. If neither team is able to take control of all of the bases the winner will be determined by the last man standing.

Many fans were unhappy with the single player aspect of the previous version. So the developer has added a bit more substance to this game’s single player experience. The story will be set shortly after the Clone Wars as players take control of Darth Vader’s personal army. Their mission is to pacify any remaining resistance to the newly founded Galactic Empire. The storyline also explains how the left over clone troopers were slowly replaced with regular storm troopers. In addition the single player A.I. has been rebuilt so allies will be more useful to gamers and enemies will be more deadly.

Players will use familiar craft such as X-wings and TIE fighters to take their battles into space. For gamers who prefer to fight on foot you will also be able to board enemy ships and attempt to take control of them. On the ground players will battle it out in famous movie locations from both the classic Star Wars Trilogy and the prequels. Several fans were unhappy that they couldn’t control the Jedi characters in the last game. For this reason the developer has allowed for special instances where gamers will be able to take control of favorite characters such as Yoda and Darth Maul.

What's This Game All About Anyhow? from the developer.

Star Wars Battlefront II improves upon the original game’s single-player experience with open-ended, mission-based objectives inspired from all six Star Wars films. The compelling storyline spans more than 12 new locations, many from Episode III , including volcanic Mustafar and the space battle above Coruscant. All-new classic movie moments complete the Star Wars Battlefront II experience, as you battle within the interior of the Death Star and visit Princess Leia’s blockade runner, the Tantive IV, as seen at the beginning of Episode IV A New Hope. In addition, at certain key moments within the battles, you can feel the Force as a Jedi.

For the first time ever, Star Wars Battlefront II players can engage in space combat and, during the same battle, board enemy ships to attack from within. Starting on foot inside a capital ship, players can enter the spacecraft of their choice and travel into space to dogfight with the rival faction. From there, they can dock within the enemy’s capital ship, overtake the ship’s command posts, man its turrets to disable its shields and destroy it from within! Or, they can simply stay inside their own capital ship and defend it from attacks and enemy fire. The choice is theirs.

Gameplay Features - from the developer

  • Revamped single-player experience includes smarter AI enemies and allies, plus a greater emphasis on story told through open-ended mission-based objectives.

  • New space battles allow you to dogfight in X-wings, TIE fighters, Jedi starfighters and several other starcraft, or fight it out on foot aboard an enemy capital ship.

  • Special opportunities throughout the game for players to wield a lightsaber and use their favorite Force powers as a Jedi.

  • More than 16 new battlefronts on land and in space, including many from Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith such as Utapau, Mustafar and the space battle above Coruscant.

  • All-new classic trilogy locations including the Death Star interior, classic space battles and the fight aboard the Tantive IV, Princess Leia’s blockade runner seen at the beginning of Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope.

  • Online multiplayer action for up to 32 players on Xbox Live (plus AI units).

Game Media - Screenshots

Star Wars Battlefront II Xbox Screenshot

“No one goes over his helmet”

Star Wars Battlefront II Xbox Screenshot

Game Info and Resources

XBS Commentary - Our Thoughts

Star Wars is possibly the coolest thing ever created in my opinion. For as long as I can remember I’ve been a little Jedi in spirit. I’ve always become excited over a Star Wars game but the Battle Front series has really got my attention. No other game has put players in the middle of the epic battles from the movies. The first one was a bit disappointing due to some balance and control issues though. Hopefully the developer will address these issues in this new addition to the series.

One feature of the game that has got me excited is the space battles. This should really give players the freedom to have very intense aerial battles in their X-wings and TIE fighters. I’m also very happy that the players will have control of the Jedi characters in this game. The idea of tearing through Rebel Troops as Darth Vader should get any gamer excited. While this game sells itself to the die-hard Star Wars fans, I think it’ll be a great purchase for any fan of the shooter genre.

Written by XBS Previewer Pure Ego.

Filed under: Previews

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