(Note: This review is based on the current version of the game available as of this writing. Some features and performance may vary depending on the version you’re playing.)
Twenty years have passed since the first “Star Wars Battlefront” title was released on PC, Playstation 2 and the original Xbox. The game presented a simple, yet effective hook- a shooter set against the backdrop of the “Star Wars” saga. Followed by the even more beloved sequel in 2005, the fittingly-named “Star Wars Battlefront II” built on the first game’s success while also becoming a fan-favorite title on its own merit. Now, both games have finally seen a re-release on modern systems in the “Star Wars Battlefront Classic Collection.”
Originally developed by Pandemic Studios, both games have been compiled by Aspyr Media; who have worked on a variety of past “Star Wars” game remasters as well as the recent “Tomb Raider Remastered” Trilogy. While not as substantial an overhaul as the excellent “Star Wars Dark Forces Remaster” from Nightdive, the games do include audio and visual features not present in the original versions. On top of supporting 60 frames per second and HD resolution up to 1080p; options for online streaming and colorblindness are also present for players with those accessibility needs.
Through a wide variety of maps and game modes, players engage in combat on a variety of planets from the “Star Wars” saga. The story mode of the second game, which chronicles the fall of the Old Republic and Rise of the Galactic Empire through journal entries of the 501st Legion is every bit as compelling now as it was upon the game’s initial release.
The control scheme translates moderately well to the landscape of more recent shooters (including a pair of reboot games from EA and DICE released in the 2010s). To win most matches, you must eliminate your opponents and/or capture the majority of “command posts” on each battlefield. The wide variety of weapons and characters can allow players to recreate their favorite battles from the saga as well as wreak utter canonical chaos with maps and hero characters like a youngster playing with “Star Wars” merchandise in their yard.
That’s not to say the collection is without issues. While the single player content and local multiplayer modes are as fun as ever, the online multiplayer has a litany of server problems. Most infamously, the servers held a capacity of less than 200 players during the night of the game’s launch on March 14; and ended up being overwhelmed by 10,000 people trying to sign in at once. Though fixes are on their way as of this writing, it’s easily the most noticeable problem currently faced by this release.
In spite of issues faced by the online components, the “Star Wars Battlefront Classic Collection” is still a worthwhile addition to the vast back catalog of remastered games in the saga. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the classic titles or trying them for the first time, the core content will give you an experience “just like the simulations.”
Publisher: Lucas Arts (Original)/Aspyr Media (Remaster)
Developer: Pandemic Studios (Original)/Aspyr Media (Remaster)
Platform: PS4 (Also Available on PS5, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series and Nintendo Switch)
ESRB Rating: T
My Rating: ****1/2:5
