Initial release date: March 14, 2024
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S
Developer: Aspyr
Genres: Shooter game, Fighting game, Adventure game
Publisher: Aspyr
I recall taking my PS2 controller, hopping into Galactic Conquest, entering those cheat codes (which I still remember), and ensuring that the CIS did not spread throughout the Galaxy. Now, thanks to our pals at Aspyr, we can return to this nostalgia-fueled cosmic battleground with some exciting new additions! Let’s fly in and discover what the Star Wars Galaxy has in store this time!
Here’s where the fun starts: new material! The re-release of these games provided an opportunity to include content that was not included in the original version. This features the map Jabba’s Palace for Battlefront, as well as a Bantha-Load of goodies in Battlefront II, including new characters Kit Fisto and Asajj Ventress, both of whom have new skills, the maps Cloud City, Rhen Var: Harbor and Citadel, and Yavin 4: Arena. While I understand why they were not included in the initial release for a variety of reasons, they are nonetheless enjoyable to play through. The major issue with these maps is their size in comparison to the game you’re playing. Then Var’s ice tunnels are incredibly enjoyable to explore, but the most of the action takes place outside of the caves, so you’re primarily in a large open region. Cloud City is entertaining, but the placement of the Command Points makes it unlikely that it will appear in rotations. These new maps do not appear in either Republic or Empire, the two Galactic Conquest games I have played.
Speaking of Galactic Conquest, this was my favorite mode when I was small, and it is still my favorite mode in the Classic Collection. Building your army, protecting your planets, liberating enemy-controlled planets, receiving bonuses, and adding more troops; it’s all there and waiting for you to try again. This is not a game mode that supports online multiplayer, but it can be played on splitscreen during couch co-op, which is a compelling reason to purchase this collection on its own.
So far, multiplayer has been a lot of fun. While I was reviewing this, there were few people playing online. I played with a few folks on Mustafar and other maps and won every time. (As a side note, cheat codes do not work online for multiplayer.) During my time online, the connections were reliable, and I never felt let down by a death. The main fear I’ll have once there are more people online is how the servers will hold up. The good thing is that you can create your own server if you only want to play with certain persons or organizations. This will make things much more simple, and I can see Twitch/YouTube streamers loving the ability to form groups with fans and friends. David Budette and I were able to play on a private server without any troubles! We’ll see how it goes upon launch, but for now, it’s working nicely and I had a good time.
There are several bugs, which I hope will be resolved after the debut. Some of the bridges on Mustafar in the middle-left of the map do not spawn frequently at the start of the game and can disappear randomly throughout the map. I’ve also been caught inside terrain on maps with a more detailed environment, like as Kashyyyk and Endor. I also encountered a little crash in the game. I experienced three crashes: one during Galactic Conquest, one during Hero Showdown on Instant Action, and one when queuing for online play. While none of these prevented me from fully enjoying the game, I would want to see these issues resolved.
Battlefront II has a lot more to offer than Battlefront, yet Battlefront still boasts several excellent maps, such as Tatooine’s Dune Sea and the new Jabba’s Palace. However, the mechanics are not nearly as fantastic as those in Battlefront II, therefore I believe the majority of the player base will prefer to spend their time in that game. However, those who want to go back to the beginning might do so.
Splitscreen also returns for those wishing for couch co-op in both games! You will have access to Instant Action, Galactic Conquest, and Rise of the Empire.
The story mode for Battlefront II: Rise of the Empire, while not canon, has a special place in my heart. Playing through from before Order 66 to the Empire is a lot of fun and reveals how the clones felt about the transition from the Republic to the Empire, and beyond. While this is not the same as The Clone Wars or The Bad Batch, it is a fantastic story from beginning to end.
Conquest, Capture the Flag, Hunt (fighting Ewoks, Wampas, and so on), XL (humongous fights only available on specific maps), Space fights, and Hero Assault, which has been added to all ground warfare maps, are among the new modes available in Instant Action! The inclusion of all of these features in Battlefront II, in particular, allows for a lot of fun and multiple ways to play each map. I definitely recommend XL on Hoth; playing as Pilot Luke, swinging the Lightsaber over waves of Snowtroopers, is immensely enjoyable. I would also recommend Hero Assault to be able to play any hero you wish, as heroes are still locked to the map for other modes (i.e., Yoda on Kashyyyk, Obi-Wan on Mustafar, Princess Leia on Tantive IV). Playing through these maps were extremely nostalgic, but many of the maps still hold up in terms of design, such as the Death Star and Mustafar maps.
Battlefront iconic Collection may have a few flaws, but it’s a good version of both of these iconic Star Wars titles. Each has something unique to offer, and with the inclusion of the new maps and two new characters, I believe most Star Wars fans will be eager to get their hands on them. May the Force be with you all.
Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection is now available on Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.
Review Overview
Gameplay – 90%
Controls – 85%
Aesthetics – 80%
Content – 88%
Accessibility – 83%
Value – 90%
Overall Rating – 87%
VERY GOOD!
Summary: Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection offers a nostalgic journey back to the original Battlefront games, capturing the essence of large-scale Star Wars battles that many fans fell in love with. The gameplay remains engaging, with a mix of ground and space combat that is as fun today as it was at launch. While the graphics may show their age, the collection’s value lies in its content-rich package and faithful recreation of the classic experience. Whether you’re revisiting these games or playing them for the first time, this collection is a worthy addition to any Star Wars fan’s library, delivering a blast from the past that still shines brightly.
