Star Wars video games have been a companion to the iconic Star Wars movies for nearly as long, allowing players to embark on journeys to a galaxy far, far away for decades. Some have aimed to faithfully recreate the movies, while others have woven new tales within the expansive canon of the Skywalker Saga. Still, others have ventured into uncharted territories in the Star Wars galaxy.
With a plethora of games to choose from, we’ve harnessed the Force and distilled the selection down to what we consider the top 10 Star Wars games of all time, especially with the recent arrival of Star Wars: Jedi Survivor.
These choices span various console generations, gaming genres, and narratives, each leaving its unique mark and captivating us in its own special way.
You should read this list.
10. Star Wars Dark Forces (1995, MS-DOS, MAC)
When reminiscing about ’90s first-person shooters, titles like Doom and Quake often take center stage, and for good reason. However, Star Wars: Dark Forces emerges as a standout among the best shooters of that era.
Despite the absence of a multiplayer component, Dark Forces compensated with impressive graphics for its time and intricate level design that presented a satisfying challenge. Additionally, it introduced gamers to Kyle Katarn, a prominent figure in the realm of Star Wars video games for years to follow.
9. Star Wars: Battlefront II (2005, PS2, Xbox, PC, PSP)
Released in 2005, Star Wars: Battlefront II built upon the foundation of its predecessor, the original Battlefront game, which drew inspiration from the Battlefield series and its multiplayer dynamics. However, Battlefront II took an unexpected but successful turn by introducing a compelling single-player story mode to complement its already solid multiplayer experience.
The game’s narrative unfolds through the eyes of a clone trooper (voiced by Temuera Morrison, known for his portrayal of Jango Fett), who serves in the Republic’s esteemed 501st Legion, engaged in battles against Separatist forces. While Battlefront II retained the core features of the original, it brought several noteworthy additions to the table:
- Playable Heroes such as Darth Vader and Prequel-era Obi-Wan Kenobi, along with the standout multiplayer mode, Space Assault.
- In Space Assault, two teams launch assaults on each other’s capital ships using starfighters, targeting key systems until they are disabled. It’s akin to Battlefield 2142’s Titan mode but set in the Star Wars universe, delivering an immensely enjoyable experience.
8. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2 (2004, Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox, PS4)
Knights of the Old Republic 2, in many aspects, belongs to Obsidian Entertainment as much as it does to the Star Wars universe. Undoubtedly, the game was released in an unfinished state, plagued by numerous bugs. Yet, it maintains a firm grip on its dedicated fan base, who have painstakingly restored a significant portion of its cut content while addressing its shortcomings. What truly sets it apart is its narrative, presenting a darker and more nuanced take on BioWare’s original Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR). The central character is the “Jedi Exile,” and the game’s intricately woven storyline aligns with Obsidian’s signature storytelling style, ensuring that fans still discuss KOTOR 2 to this day. If you haven’t experienced it yet, acquiring KOTOR 2 on Steam, installing the appropriate mods, and immersing yourself in one of the finest Star Wars games is an endeavor well worth undertaking.
7. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (2019, PC, PS4, Xbox One)
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order stands as one of the most exceptional single-player experiences within the Star Wars gaming universe in recent memory. Set five years after the events depicted in Revenge of the Sith, the game puts players in control of Padawan Cal Kestis, one of the few surviving Jedi following the devastating Order 66. Cal’s journey takes him across the galaxy as he strives to complete his training and resurrect the Jedi Order.
The game’s combat system, reminiscent of the Soulsborne series, offers a challenging yet deeply rewarding experience, especially with its fast-paced lightsaber and Force combat.
Furthermore, the game incorporates a Metroidvania-like influence, allowing players to explore a variety of planets while unlocking customization options for Cal, his lightsaber, and the endearing droid companion BD-1.
6. Star Wars Rogue Squadron 2: Rogue Leader (GameCube)
Rogue Leader emerged as a standout title for the GameCube upon its release, and the reasons are abundantly clear. Beyond its impressive visuals, the second installment in the Rogue Squadron series showcased one of the most spectacular renditions of the iconic Trench Run ever seen in a video game.
Unlike its more intricate counterpart, TIE Fighter, Rogue Leader embraced its arcade roots, immersing players in intense dogfights against hordes of TIE fighters across various iconic Star Wars settings. This robust package included bonus ships and missions, granting players the exhilarating opportunity to pilot vessels ranging from the Millennium Falcon to the Naboo N-1 Fighter.
It’s an immersive experience for die-hard Star Wars enthusiasts, standing as not only one of the finest Star Wars games but also as one of the most exceptional GameCube titles. A proper re-release would be most welcome.
5. Star Wars Jedi Knight 2: Jedi Outcast (2002, PC, OS X, GameCube, Xbox)
While Star Wars: Dark Forces introduced us to the gritty antihero Kyle Katarn, and Jedi Knight showcased his growing connection with the Force, it’s in Jedi Outcast that Katarn truly shines.
Jedi Outcast retained the series’ trademark offering of an array of weapons and expansive levels to explore. However, what truly set it apart was its lightsaber combat, which was a revelation at the time. The game introduced formidable Sith adversaries infused with the Force, determined to thwart your quest.
The ability to seamlessly chain force powers with three distinct lightsaber stances elevated every encounter to a pulse-pounding intensity. There was nothing quite as gratifying as witnessing the slowed-down, 360-degree camera spin after disarming an opponent.
Even facing off against ordinary stormtroopers remained endlessly enjoyable, thanks to the freedom to effortlessly employ force choke and send enemy troopers plummeting off cliffs at your discretion.
Kyle Katarn, we eagerly await your return!
4. Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga (2022, PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch)
As the most recent installment and a triumphant return to its roots, The Skywalker Saga stands out as a definitive Star Wars gaming experience. It not only captures the essence of the entire Star Wars universe but also allows players to assume the role of nearly any character while embarking on journeys through all nine mainline movies’ narratives. Additionally, it introduces subtle narrative tweaks in some instances, providing valuable context and bridging gaps between episodes.
The game’s revamped combat mechanics and incorporation of voice acting may initially surprise old-school Lego Star Wars fans, but these changes breathe fresh life into the formula, enhancing the overall experience. Furthermore, on next-gen hardware, the updated graphics are breathtaking, while the game retains the beloved Lego art style and humor. In essence, it stands as one of the finest LEGO games available, offering an enthralling gaming adventure.
3. Star Wars: TIE Fighter (1994, Microsoft Windows, DOS, Macintosh, Classic Mac OS)
TIE Fighter remains the pinnacle of Empire-centric gaming experiences. As the sequel to X-Wing, it places you in the cockpit of a TIE fighter, embroiling you in Imperial intrigues while engaging in intense dogfights against countless X-wings, Y-wings, and Z-95 Headhunters.
Notably, TIE Fighter weaves a surprisingly compelling narrative that spans a significant portion of the original Star Wars trilogy. Few flight simulators manage to strike such a harmonious balance between intricate mechanics and accessible arcade-style gameplay as effectively as TIE Fighter does. Moreover, it introduced the TIE Defender, the high-performance gem within the TIE lineup.
Many Star Wars games tease players with the opportunity to embrace the Empire only to backtrack and lead their characters toward redemption. TIE Fighter, however, wholeheartedly immerses you in the Empire’s nefarious world, and it’s all the better for it.
2. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (2023, PC, Xbox, PlayStation)
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor continues the epic journey initiated by Fallen Order, reuniting players with one of the franchise’s standout modern-era protagonists, Cal Kestis. Staying true to the adage “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” Jedi: Survivor preserves the immensely satisfying exploration and combat mechanics introduced in Fallen Order while enhancing these elements for an even more immersive experience. Undoubtedly, it stands as the finest-playing Star Wars game in recent memory, offering players the ultimate taste of Jedi powers in the galaxy.
Moreover, with the groundwork laid for the story and characters, Survivor seamlessly integrates Cal and his companions into the broader tapestry of the Star Wars universe. The game’s narrative and character development make it feel like only a matter of time before Cal’s journey extends beyond gaming, potentially into a Star Wars show or movie, cementing his place in the iconic lore of the franchise.
1. Star Wars: Knights of The Old Republic (2003, Xbox, PC)
No list of the finest Star Wars games would be complete without the mention of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Set in an era thousands of years prior to the movie events, Knights of the Old Republic offered something truly extraordinary by providing fans of the franchise with a fresh and captivating perspective on the Star Wars universe.
While other games on this list undeniably contributed to the depth of Star Wars lore, Knights of the Old Republic stands as a masterclass in immersion, enriching our understanding of this fictional galaxy in ways that were unparalleled at the time.
Few gaming experiences have matched the thrill of becoming a Jedi embarking on an epic space adventure, brimming with unforgettable locations, intricate quests, and captivating characters, all as expertly realized as in KOTOR.
It’s no wonder that, two decades later, Knights of the Old Republic is celebrated not only as a benchmark in the RPG genre but also as a pinnacle in the realm of Star Wars video games. Its enduring excellence is so profound that a Knights of the Old Republic remake is currently in development, promising to reintroduce this beloved classic to a new generation of gamers.
Upcoming Star Wars Games
There’s certainly a lot to look forward to in the world of Star Wars gaming. Among the highly anticipated upcoming titles, Star Wars Outlaws takes the spotlight, having been showcased at both the Xbox Games Showcase and Ubisoft Forward events. As of now, Star Wars Outlaws is scheduled for release in the year 2024, promising an exciting addition to the franchise.
Additionally, fans can expect the arrival of Star Wars Hunters, a team-based multiplayer game designed for mobile devices, which is slated to hit the gaming scene sometime in 2023. These upcoming releases are sure to offer fresh and immersive experiences within the beloved Star Wars universe.
The Star Wars universe has been a fertile ground for video game developers, leading to the creation of numerous titles that let fans live out their intergalactic fantasies. From epic space battles to intricate lightsaber duels, the best 10 Star Wars video games offer a diverse range of experiences, capturing the essence of the saga’s thrilling narrative and iconic characters. For those who have a penchant for space exploration beyond the Star Wars galaxy, our review of “Starfield: Space Explorations New Horizon” Starfield Review: Is It Bethesda’s Masterpiece? offers a glimpse into Bethesda’s ambitious venture into the cosmos, potentially offering a new frontier for fans of space-themed video gaming to explore, reminiscent of the adventures found in the Star Wars games but with a unique twist.
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