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{{short description|2004 action shooter video game}} | {{short description|2004 action shooter video game}} | ||
{{distinguish|Star Wars Battlefront (2015 video game)}} | {{distinguish|Star Wars Battlefront (2015 video game)}} | ||
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{{pp-move}} | ||
{{Infobox video game | {{Infobox video game | ||
| title = Star Wars: Battlefront | | title = Star Wars: Battlefront | ||
| caption = | | caption = | ||
| image = Star wars battlefront cover art.jpg | | image = Star wars battlefront cover art.jpg | ||
| developer = ] |
| developer = ]{{efn|Ported to ] by ].<ref>{{cite web |date=July 19, 2005 |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20050719005088/en/Aspyr-Media-Ships-Star-Wars-Battlefront-TM |title=Aspyr Media, Inc. Ships Star Wars Battlefront(TM) For Macintosh |publisher=] |access-date=July 19, 2005 |archive-date=June 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627070208/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20050719005088/en/Aspyr-Media-Ships-Star-Wars-Battlefront-TM |url-status=live }}</ref> Mobile version developed by Mikoishi. ''Classic Collection'' developed by ].}} | ||
| publisher = ] |
| publisher = ]{{efn|Published to ] by ]. Mobile version published by ]. ''Classic Collection'' published by Aspyr.}} | ||
| director = Eric Gewirtz | | director = Eric Gewirtz | ||
| producer = Christopher Williams | | producer = Christopher Williams | ||
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| engine = ] | | engine = ] | ||
| series = '']'' | | series = '']'' | ||
| released = '''Windows, PlayStation 2, Xbox'''< |
| released = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|September 17, 2004}}|'''Windows, PlayStation 2, Xbox'''|{{vgrelease|AU|September 17, 2004<small> (PS2)</small>|NA|September 21, 2004|AU|September 22, 2004<small> (PC, Xbox)</small>|NZ|September 23, 2004|EU|September 24, 2004}}|'''Mac OS X'''|July 18, 2005|'''Mobile'''|November 1, 2005|'''''Classic Collection'''''<br>'''Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S'''|{{vgrelease|WW|March 14, 2024}}}} | ||
| genre = ], ] | | genre = ], ] | ||
| modes = ], ] | | modes = ], ] | ||
| platforms = ], ], ], ], ] | | platforms = ], ], ], ], ] <br> | ||
'''''Classic Collection'''''<br>], ], ], ], ], ] | |||
}} | }} | ||
'''''Star Wars: Battlefront''''' is a 2004 ] and ] ] based on the '']'' film franchise. Developed by ] and published by ], it is the first |
'''''Star Wars: Battlefront''''' is a 2004 ] and ] ] based on the '']'' film franchise. Developed by ] and published by ], it is the first installment in the '']'' series. It was released in September 2004 for ], ] and ] to coincide the release of the ''Star Wars Trilogy'' DVD set. ] released a ] ] in July 2005, and a cellular phone version, '''''Star Wars Battlefront Mobile''''', was released on November 1, 2005. | ||
''Battlefront'' is primarily played as a conquest game, however other modes such as Galactic Conquest bring strategy elements to the title. The game features several locales from major Star Wars battles, and includes voice acting from veteran voice actors ], ], and ]. | |||
⚫ | ''Battlefront'' |
||
⚫ | ''Battlefront'' received generally favorable reviews from critics, averaging approximately an 80% approval rating across all platforms at aggregate websites ] and ]. Critics praised the multiplayer component and the ability to play a part in major Star Wars battles, however the lacking ] and poor ] were points of concern. The game sold in excess of 4 million units in sales. A sequel, entitled '']'', was released on November 1, 2005, for Windows, Xbox, PlayStation 2 and ]. A compilation featuring both titles titled '''''Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection''''' was released for Windows, ], ], ], ], and ] in March 2024. | ||
==Gameplay== | ==Gameplay== | ||
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Gameplay in ''Battlefront'' is conquest-based. Each faction has a finite amount of reinforcements, and each is given control of a set number of command posts in a given level.<ref name="1up interview">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/features/star-wars-battlefront-interview |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130116082302/http://www.1up.com/features/star-wars-battlefront-interview |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 16, 2013 |website=] |title=Star Wars Battlefront Interview |access-date=May 15, 2012}}</ref> The object is to either eliminate enemy forces or capture and hold all command posts simultaneously for 20 seconds. Several ground and air vehicles are available on the battlefield. These range from the hulking ] to the fast ] and vary based on the level. There are more than 25 vehicles in-game. Some larger vehicles also function as mobile command posts, which cannot be captured, but are lost if the vehicle is destroyed. In addition, some maps have indigenous forces. These can be neutral to both factions, such as ], hostile to one faction, such as Wookiees, or hostile to both factions, such as ]. Command posts belonging to hostile natives can also be captured to minimize their presence.<ref name="manual" /> | Gameplay in ''Battlefront'' is conquest-based. Each faction has a finite amount of reinforcements, and each is given control of a set number of command posts in a given level.<ref name="1up interview">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/features/star-wars-battlefront-interview |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130116082302/http://www.1up.com/features/star-wars-battlefront-interview |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 16, 2013 |website=] |title=Star Wars Battlefront Interview |access-date=May 15, 2012}}</ref> The object is to either eliminate enemy forces or capture and hold all command posts simultaneously for 20 seconds. Several ground and air vehicles are available on the battlefield. These range from the hulking ] to the fast ] and vary based on the level. There are more than 25 vehicles in-game. Some larger vehicles also function as mobile command posts, which cannot be captured, but are lost if the vehicle is destroyed. In addition, some maps have indigenous forces. These can be neutral to both factions, such as ], hostile to one faction, such as Wookiees, or hostile to both factions, such as ]. Command posts belonging to hostile natives can also be captured to minimize their presence.<ref name="manual" /> | ||
The Microsoft Windows and Macintosh versions of ''Star Wars: Battlefront'' can be played ] with up to 64 players via ] (LAN) or over the internet via ].<ref name="gamespot interview">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/star-wars-battlefront/videos/star-wars-battlefront-developer-interview-6098917/ |website=] |title=Star Wars Battlefront Developer Interview |access-date=May 15, 2012 |date=May 20, 2004 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108224243/http://www.gamespot.com/star-wars-battlefront/videos/star-wars-battlefront-developer-interview-6098917/ |archive-date=November 8, 2012 }}</ref> The Xbox version can accommodate up to 32 players whilst the PlayStation 2 version only supports 16 players |
The Microsoft Windows and Macintosh versions of ''Star Wars: Battlefront'' can be played ] with up to 64 players via ] (LAN) or over the internet via ].<ref name="gamespot interview">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/star-wars-battlefront/videos/star-wars-battlefront-developer-interview-6098917/ |website=] |title=Star Wars Battlefront Developer Interview |access-date=May 15, 2012 |date=May 20, 2004 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108224243/http://www.gamespot.com/star-wars-battlefront/videos/star-wars-battlefront-developer-interview-6098917/ |archive-date=November 8, 2012 }}</ref> The Xbox version can accommodate up to 32 players whilst the PlayStation 2 version only supports 16 players, or it can be played in split screen mode with two players. The PlayStation 2 version utilizes specialized GameSpy servers, while the Xbox utilized Microsoft's ] network.<ref name="gamespot interview" /> Xbox online play is no longer available as the original ] servers were shut down on April 15, 2010.<ref name="xboxlive shutdown">{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5516616/today-the-original-xbox-live-dies |title=Today, The Original Xbox Live Dies |first=Luke |last=Plunkett |publisher=] |date=April 14, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100417055556/http://kotaku.com/5516616/today-the-original-xbox-live-dies |archive-date=April 17, 2010 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 20, 2014}}</ref> | ||
{{clear|left}} | {{clear|left}} | ||
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While the game is played similarly in every mode, each is a unique scenario which utilizes mode-specific features to further extend gameplay. Three modes are presented to the player: Campaign, which serves as the game's story mode, Galactic Conquest, in which the player must conquer planets, and Instant Action, which allows the player to select the battle they wish to play and adjust settings such as reinforcements to their liking.<ref name="gamespot interview" /> | While the game is played similarly in every mode, each is a unique scenario which utilizes mode-specific features to further extend gameplay. Three modes are presented to the player: Campaign, which serves as the game's story mode, Galactic Conquest, in which the player must conquer planets, and Instant Action, which allows the player to select the battle they wish to play and adjust settings such as reinforcements to their liking.<ref name="gamespot interview" /> | ||
Campaign groups several battles together in a set order loosely based on the historical campaign of either the ] or the Galactic Civil War. As '']'' had not been released at the time, the Clone Wars campaign ends with the Battle of ]. Footage from the five films then released are used as cutscenes between battles.<ref name="official site">{{cite web |url=http://www.lucasarts.com/games/swbattlefront/ |publisher=] |access-date=May 15, 2012 |title=Star Wars: Battlefront official website |archive-date=May 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510092421/http://www.lucasarts.com/games/swbattlefront/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The player starts the campaign as either a member of the Separatist army or an ]. Around halfway through the chosen campaign the perspective switches to the Clone Troopers or Rebels. To maintain continuity, missions prior to the |
Campaign groups several battles together in a set order loosely based on the historical campaign of either the ] or the Galactic Civil War. As '']'' had not been released at the time, the Clone Wars campaign ends with the Battle of ]. Footage from the five films then released are used as cutscenes between battles.<ref name="official site">{{cite web |url=http://www.lucasarts.com/games/swbattlefront/ |publisher=] |access-date=May 15, 2012 |title=Star Wars: Battlefront official website |archive-date=May 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510092421/http://www.lucasarts.com/games/swbattlefront/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The player starts the campaign as either a member of the Separatist army or an ]. Around halfway through the chosen campaign the perspective switches to the Clone Troopers or Rebels. To maintain continuity, missions prior to the Battle of Geonosis pit the Separatists against native forces only, and for the first two missions the ] is unavailable, replaced with a standard battle droid.<ref name="official site" /> | ||
In Galactic Conquest, the player uses strategy to take control of planets and dominate an area of the galaxy. First the player chooses a map configuration based on conflicts from both eras of ''Star Wars'' history.<ref name="1up interview" /> Some maps start both sides evenly while others favor one faction. Next, the player chooses which faction to play as. The game is played in turns, with the player starting first. The player can select an enemy-controlled or neutral planet to attack. After selecting what planet to attack, the player is able to activate a bonus from one of his already owned planets (if any). Each planet provides its own unique bonus, but must be captured before the player can use it. Bonuses help the player in battle by impeding the enemy or assisting the player's team. If one side manages to win four battles (not necessarily in a row), they gain access to their faction's Secret Base bonus. Secret Base bonuses are very powerful and can change the course of a game. They can be used on any enemy planet, except for the enemy's Secret Base. The game is completed when one faction controls all planets on the map.<ref name="manual" /> | In Galactic Conquest, the player uses strategy to take control of planets and dominate an area of the galaxy. First the player chooses a map configuration based on conflicts from both eras of ''Star Wars'' history.<ref name="1up interview" /> Some maps start both sides evenly while others favor one faction. Next, the player chooses which faction to play as. The game is played in turns, with the player starting first. The player can select an enemy-controlled or neutral planet to attack. After selecting what planet to attack, the player is able to activate a bonus from one of his already owned planets (if any). Each planet provides its own unique bonus, but must be captured before the player can use it. Bonuses help the player in battle by impeding the enemy or assisting the player's team. If one side manages to win four battles (not necessarily in a row), they gain access to their faction's Secret Base bonus. Secret Base bonuses are very powerful and can change the course of a game. They can be used on any enemy planet, except for the enemy's Secret Base. The game is completed when one faction controls all planets on the map.<ref name="manual" /> | ||
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Development for ''Star Wars Battlefront'' began at ] in 2002. Greg Burrod, executive producer on ''Battlefront'' stated "We wanted to create an online shooter title for the Xbox, PS2, and PC which would allow for team strategy and would feature battles and worlds from every one of the six Star Wars films."<ref name="dev diary1">{{cite web |url=http://archive.gamespy.com/devdiary/february04/swbattlefront1/ |title=Star Wars Battlefront - Designer Diary #1 |publisher=] |access-date=August 20, 2014 |date=February 27, 2004 |author=GameSpy staff |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050208231323/http://archive.gamespy.com/devdiary/february04/swbattlefront1/ |archive-date=February 8, 2005 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Models and animations for the game were created in ], a 3D development application. Most characters used a common animation set and the minimal number of bones were used due to concerns with hardware limitations at that time.<ref name="dev diary2">{{cite web |url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/star-wars-battlefront/502733p1.html |title=Star Wars Battlefront - Designer Diary #2 |publisher=GameSpy |access-date=May 15, 2012 |date=April 1, 2004 |first=Juan |last=Sanchez |archive-date=October 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002025848/http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/star-wars-battlefront/502733p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> World environments were created with the developer's proprietary editor, ]. The terrain-based landscape was formed using the editor's brushes to adjust height, texture application, and color shading.<ref name="dev diary4">{{cite web |url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/star-wars-battlefront/520183p1.html |title=Star Wars Battlefront - Designer Diary #4 |publisher=GameSpy |access-date=May 15, 2012 |date=June 3, 2004 |first=Dean |last=Betton |archive-date=October 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002030015/http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/star-wars-battlefront/520183p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ] were then laid on this foundation along with general objective pathing for the artificial intelligence (AI).<ref name="dev diary4" /> The AI used two main systems, again to ensure a minimal load on the hardware. A higher, overall objective, such as which command post to head towards, would only be calculated every few seconds per unit. Lower level objectives such as which enemy to fire on or what defensive strategy to take against incoming fire, are calculated continuously.<ref name="dev diary3">{{cite web |url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/star-wars-battlefront/511736p1.html |publisher=GameSpy |access-date=May 15, 2012 |date=May 8, 2004 |first=John |last=Northan |title=Star Wars Battlefront - Designer Diary #3 |archive-date=October 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002025939/http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/star-wars-battlefront/511736p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | Development for ''Star Wars Battlefront'' began at ] in 2002. Greg Burrod, executive producer on ''Battlefront'' stated "We wanted to create an online shooter title for the Xbox, PS2, and PC which would allow for team strategy and would feature battles and worlds from every one of the six Star Wars films."<ref name="dev diary1">{{cite web |url=http://archive.gamespy.com/devdiary/february04/swbattlefront1/ |title=Star Wars Battlefront - Designer Diary #1 |publisher=] |access-date=August 20, 2014 |date=February 27, 2004 |author=GameSpy staff |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050208231323/http://archive.gamespy.com/devdiary/february04/swbattlefront1/ |archive-date=February 8, 2005 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Models and animations for the game were created in ], a 3D development application. Most characters used a common animation set and the minimal number of bones were used due to concerns with hardware limitations at that time.<ref name="dev diary2">{{cite web |url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/star-wars-battlefront/502733p1.html |title=Star Wars Battlefront - Designer Diary #2 |publisher=GameSpy |access-date=May 15, 2012 |date=April 1, 2004 |first=Juan |last=Sanchez |archive-date=October 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002025848/http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/star-wars-battlefront/502733p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> World environments were created with the developer's proprietary editor, ]. The terrain-based landscape was formed using the editor's brushes to adjust height, texture application, and color shading.<ref name="dev diary4">{{cite web |url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/star-wars-battlefront/520183p1.html |title=Star Wars Battlefront - Designer Diary #4 |publisher=GameSpy |access-date=May 15, 2012 |date=June 3, 2004 |first=Dean |last=Betton |archive-date=October 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002030015/http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/star-wars-battlefront/520183p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ] were then laid on this foundation along with general objective pathing for the artificial intelligence (AI).<ref name="dev diary4" /> The AI used two main systems, again to ensure a minimal load on the hardware. A higher, overall objective, such as which command post to head towards, would only be calculated every few seconds per unit. Lower level objectives such as which enemy to fire on or what defensive strategy to take against incoming fire, are calculated continuously.<ref name="dev diary3">{{cite web |url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/star-wars-battlefront/511736p1.html |publisher=GameSpy |access-date=May 15, 2012 |date=May 8, 2004 |first=John |last=Northan |title=Star Wars Battlefront - Designer Diary #3 |archive-date=October 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002025939/http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/star-wars-battlefront/511736p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
Some sounds and ] for the game were taken from ''Star Wars'' reference material, while others were recorded during a two-day visit to ], near ]. The game has approximately 1,200 |
Some sounds and ] for the game were taken from ''Star Wars'' reference material, while others were recorded during a two-day visit to ], near ]. The game has approximately 1,200 Foley sounds that are used to convey the impression of such aspects as interaction with flora and fauna, water, and metals.<ref name="dev diary 5">{{cite web |url=http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/star-wars-battlefront/528501p1.html |publisher=GameSpy |access-date=May 15, 2012 |date=July 6, 2004 |first=Nick |last=Peck |title=Star Wars Battlefront - Designer Diary #5 |archive-date=March 20, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320031810/http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/star-wars-battlefront/528501p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Actor ] voiced the Clone Troopers, reprising his role from the '']'' film. ] voiced the character Admiral Ackbar and Yoda. ] voiced ]. Both Kane and Jameson have voiced multiple characters in the Star Wars universe, including the 2008 series '']''.<ref name="manual" /> | ||
LucasArts released an Xbox-exclusive playable demo on the Star Wars Trilogy DVD set. The demo included one level, the Battle of Endor.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/5697/Battlefront-Demo-On-Star-Wars-Trilogy-DVD/ |publisher=] |access-date=August 20, 2014 |date=April 20, 2004 |first=César A. |last=Berardini |title=Battlefront Demo On Star Wars Trilogy DVD |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080102003450/http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/5697/Battlefront-Demo-On-Star-Wars-Trilogy-DVD/ |archive-date=January 2, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The game released on September 21, 2004, the same day as the Trilogy DVD set.<ref name="gamespot interview" /> In late 2004, Pandemic Studios released unsupported ] tools for |
LucasArts released an Xbox-exclusive playable demo on the Star Wars Trilogy DVD set. The demo included one level, the Battle of Endor.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/5697/Battlefront-Demo-On-Star-Wars-Trilogy-DVD/ |publisher=] |access-date=August 20, 2014 |date=April 20, 2004 |first=César A. |last=Berardini |title=Battlefront Demo On Star Wars Trilogy DVD |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080102003450/http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/5697/Battlefront-Demo-On-Star-Wars-Trilogy-DVD/ |archive-date=January 2, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The game released in North America on September 21, 2004, the same day as the Trilogy DVD set.<ref name="gamespot interview" /> In Australia, the PlayStation 2 version was released on September 17, 2004,<ref>{{Cite web |title=''Star Wars: Battlefront'' |url=http://www.gamesmarket.com.au/resultlist.cfm?name=battlefront |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041019135205/http://www.gamesmarket.com.au/resultlist.cfm?name=battlefront |archive-date=October 19, 2004 |access-date=July 13, 2024 |website=Games Market}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=''Star Wars Battlefront'' |url=http://www.gpstore.com.au/Games/1465768.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041024180525/http://www.gpstore.com.au/Games/1465768.html |archive-date=October 24, 2004 |access-date=July 13, 2024 |website=Release date: 17th September, 2004}}</ref> and for Windows and Xbox on September 22, 2004. The game was also released in New Zealand and Europe on September 23 and September 24, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Infiltrator |date=September 4, 2004 |title=''Star Wars Battlefront'' Goes Gold |url=http://old.gameplanet.co.nz/mag.dyn/News/Archives.200409/#article8250 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081017184616/http://old.gameplanet.co.nz/mag.dyn/News/Archives.200409/#article8250 |archive-date=October 17, 2008 |access-date=July 13, 2024 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=''Star Wars Battlefront'' |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/games/star-wars-battlefront |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426001405/https://www.eurogamer.net/games/star-wars-battlefront |archive-date=April 26, 2014 |access-date=July 13, 2024 |website=]}}</ref> In late 2004, Pandemic Studios released unsupported ] tools for Windows, allowing players to create their own maps, as well as edit the weapons and characters for all sides in the game. This release is not supported by LucasArts. A number of communities now exist solely based around creating maps and characters using these tools, and uploading them for others to download. Aspyr was contracted to port the game to Macintosh systems; it was released on July 18, 2005 for Mac OS X.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aspyr ships ''Star Wars Battlefront'' |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/176338/battlefront-4.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404142722/https://www.macworld.com/article/176338/battlefront-4.html |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |access-date=April 4, 2023 |website=Macworld |language=en}}</ref> On November 1, 2005, mobile developer Mikoishi and publisher ] released ''Star Wars Battlefront Mobile'' for cellular phones.<ref name="mobile">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/11/01/star-wars-battlefront-mobile |website=] |title=Star Wars Battlefront Mobile |date=November 1, 2005 |first=Levi |last=Buchanan |access-date=August 20, 2014 |archive-date=January 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127135358/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/11/01/star-wars-battlefront-mobile |url-status=live }}</ref> After eight years the '']'' matchmaking servers were shut down on November 7, 2012. A GameSpy representative stated the service agreement between LucasArts and GameSpy had been terminated as LucasArts chose to end support on the title.<ref name="shutdown">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/12/10/gamespy-shuts-down-multiplayer-support-for-swat-4-neverwinter-nights-and-other-classics/ |magazine=] |date=December 10, 2012 |access-date=March 26, 2013 |first=Phil |last=Savage |title=GameSpy shuts down multiplayer support for Swat 4, Neverwinter Nights and other classics}}</ref> | ||
The game was made available through GOG and Steam on May 2, 2019 and multiplayer support was announced on May 1, 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/2019/05/02/original-star-wars-battlefront-steam/|title=Original Star Wars Battlefront Now Available on Steam|website=comicbook.com|date=May 2, 2019|access-date=June 12, 2019|archive-date=June 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606094039/https://comicbook.com/gaming/2019/05/02/original-star-wars-battlefront-steam/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=The original Star Wars: Battlefront now has multiplayer on Steam|url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/5/1/21244134/original-star-wars-battlefront-multiplayer-steam|last=Goslin|first=Austen|date=2020-05-01|website=Polygon|language=en|access-date=2020-05-15|archive-date=2020-05-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200514045750/https://www.polygon.com/2020/5/1/21244134/original-star-wars-battlefront-multiplayer-steam|url-status=live}}</ref>{{clear}} | The game was made available through GOG and Steam on May 2, 2019 and multiplayer support was announced on May 1, 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/2019/05/02/original-star-wars-battlefront-steam/|title=Original Star Wars Battlefront Now Available on Steam|website=comicbook.com|date=May 2, 2019|access-date=June 12, 2019|archive-date=June 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606094039/https://comicbook.com/gaming/2019/05/02/original-star-wars-battlefront-steam/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=The original Star Wars: Battlefront now has multiplayer on Steam|url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/5/1/21244134/original-star-wars-battlefront-multiplayer-steam|last=Goslin|first=Austen|date=2020-05-01|website=Polygon|language=en|access-date=2020-05-15|archive-date=2020-05-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200514045750/https://www.polygon.com/2020/5/1/21244134/original-star-wars-battlefront-multiplayer-steam|url-status=live}}</ref> A remastered compilation consisting of the title and ] including bonus content, titled ''Star Wars Battlefront Classic Collection'', was released for Windows, ], ], ], ], and ] on March 14, 2024. Developed and published by ], it features cross-generation play for up to 64 players and a bonus map, Jabba's Palace.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dinsdale |first=Ryan |date=February 21, 2024 |title=''Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection'' Coming to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/star-wars-battlefront-classic-collection-coming-to-nintendo-switch |access-date=February 21, 2024 |website=] |language=en}}</ref>{{clear}} | ||
==Reception== | ==Reception== | ||
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| GR = (PS2) 83%<ref name="gr ps2">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/919278-star-wars-battlefront-2004/index.html |title=Star Wars: Battlefront for PlayStation 2 |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=August 20, 2014 |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808135818/http://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/919278-star-wars-battlefront-2004/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(XBOX) 80%<ref name="gr xbox">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/919278-star-wars-battlefront-2004/index.html |title=Star Wars: Battlefront for Xbox |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=August 20, 2014 |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808135818/http://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/919278-star-wars-battlefront-2004/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(PC) 78%<ref name="gr pc">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/pc/919277-star-wars-battlefront-2004/index.html |title=Star Wars: Battlefront (2004) for PC |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=August 20, 2014 |archive-date=October 15, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015161249/http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/919277-star-wars-battlefront-2004/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | | GR = (PS2) 83%<ref name="gr ps2">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/919278-star-wars-battlefront-2004/index.html |title=Star Wars: Battlefront for PlayStation 2 |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=August 20, 2014 |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808135818/http://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/919278-star-wars-battlefront-2004/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(XBOX) 80%<ref name="gr xbox">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/919278-star-wars-battlefront-2004/index.html |title=Star Wars: Battlefront for Xbox |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=August 20, 2014 |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808135818/http://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/919278-star-wars-battlefront-2004/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(PC) 78%<ref name="gr pc">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/pc/919277-star-wars-battlefront-2004/index.html |title=Star Wars: Battlefront (2004) for PC |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=August 20, 2014 |archive-date=October 15, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015161249/http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/919277-star-wars-battlefront-2004/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
| MC = (PS2) 82/100<ref name="mc ps2">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/star-wars-battlefront/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=Star Wars: Battlefront for PlayStation 2 Reviews |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=August 20, 2014 |archive-date=January 18, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140118121558/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/star-wars-battlefront |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(XBOX) 80/100<ref name="mc xbox">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/star-wars-battlefront/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox |title=Star Wars: Battlefront for Xbox Reviews |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=March 27, 2012 |archive-date=December 22, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111222221001/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox/star-wars-battlefront |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(PC) 76/100<ref name="mc pc">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/star-wars-battlefront-2004/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Star Wars: Battlefront (2004) for PC Reviews |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=August 20, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130131182506/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/star-wars-battlefront |archive-date=January 31, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> | | MC = (PS2) 82/100<ref name="mc ps2">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/star-wars-battlefront/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=Star Wars: Battlefront for PlayStation 2 Reviews |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=August 20, 2014 |archive-date=January 18, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140118121558/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/star-wars-battlefront |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(XBOX) 80/100<ref name="mc xbox">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/star-wars-battlefront/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox |title=Star Wars: Battlefront for Xbox Reviews |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=March 27, 2012 |archive-date=December 22, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111222221001/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox/star-wars-battlefront |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(PC) 76/100<ref name="mc pc">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/star-wars-battlefront-2004/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Star Wars: Battlefront (2004) for PC Reviews |website=] |publisher=] |access-date=August 20, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130131182506/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/star-wars-battlefront |archive-date=January 31, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
| Allgame = {{Rating|3.5|5}} (PC)<ref>{{cite web |last=Gray |first=William |title=Star Wars: Battlefront - Review (Windows) |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=44471&tab=review |publisher=AllGame |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114115129/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=44471&tab=review|archive-date=November 14, 2014 |access-date=December 1, 2023}}</ref> | | Allgame = {{Rating|3.5|5}} (PC)<ref name="Gray">{{cite web |last=Gray |first=William |title=Star Wars: Battlefront - Review (Windows) |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=44471&tab=review |publisher=AllGame |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114115129/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=44471&tab=review|archive-date=November 14, 2014 |access-date=December 1, 2023}}</ref> | ||
| Edge = 8/10<ref name="edge review">{{cite magazine |author=Edge staff |title=Star Wars: Battlefront (PS2, Xbox) |magazine=] |issue=142 |date=November 2004 |page=102}}</ref> | | Edge = 8/10<ref name="edge review">{{cite magazine |author=Edge staff |title=Star Wars: Battlefront (PS2, Xbox) |magazine=] |issue=142 |date=November 2004 |page=102}}</ref> | ||
| EGM = 8.33/10<ref name="egm review">{{cite magazine |author=EGM staff |title=Star Wars: Battlefront (PS2, Xbox) |magazine=] |issue=185 |date=November 2004 |page=124}}</ref> | | EGM = 8.33/10<ref name="egm review">{{cite magazine |author=EGM staff |title=Star Wars: Battlefront (PS2, Xbox) |magazine=] |issue=185 |date=November 2004 |page=124}}</ref> | ||
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}} | }} | ||
In the United States, ''Battlefront''{{'}}s computer version sold 290,000 copies and earned $2.6 million by August 2006, after its release in September 2004. It was the country's 65th best-selling computer game between January 2000 and August 2006. Combined sales of all ''Battlefront'' computer games released between January 2000 and August 2006 had reached 460,000 units in the United States by the latter date.<ref name=edgesales>{{cite magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017165955/http://www.edge-online.com/features/top-100-pc-games-21st-century/ |url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/top-100-pc-games-21st-century/ |title=The Top 100 PC Games of the 21st Century| author=''Edge'' Staff | date=August 25, 2006 |magazine=] |archive-date=October 17, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> By July 2006, its PlayStation 2 had sold 1.5 million copies and earned $53 million in the United States. '']'' ranked it as the 31st highest-selling game launched for the ], ] or ] between January 2000 and July 2006 in that country. Combined sales of ''Battlefront'' console releases reached 3.8 million units in the United States by July 2006.<ref name=nextgensales2>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028115051/http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3537&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=1 |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3537&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=1 |title=The Top 100 Games of the 21st Century|author1=Campbell, Colin |author2=Keiser, Joe | date=July 29, 2006 |work=] |archive-date=October 28, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''Battlefront'' ultimately sold 4 million copies by 2007.<ref name=latimessales>{{cite news | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081004230656/http://articles.latimes.com/2007/oct/12/business/fi-games12 | url= |
In the United States, ''Battlefront''{{'}}s computer version sold 290,000 copies and earned $2.6 million by August 2006, after its release in September 2004. It was the country's 65th best-selling computer game between January 2000 and August 2006. Combined sales of all ''Battlefront'' computer games released between January 2000 and August 2006 had reached 460,000 units in the United States by the latter date.<ref name=edgesales>{{cite magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017165955/http://www.edge-online.com/features/top-100-pc-games-21st-century/ |url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/top-100-pc-games-21st-century/ |title=The Top 100 PC Games of the 21st Century| author=''Edge'' Staff | date=August 25, 2006 |magazine=] |archive-date=October 17, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> By July 2006, its PlayStation 2 had sold 1.5 million copies and earned $53 million in the United States. '']'' ranked it as the 31st highest-selling game launched for the ], ] or ] between January 2000 and July 2006 in that country. Combined sales of ''Battlefront'' console releases reached 3.8 million units in the United States by July 2006.<ref name=nextgensales2>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028115051/http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3537&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=1 |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3537&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=1 |title=The Top 100 Games of the 21st Century|author1=Campbell, Colin |author2=Keiser, Joe | date=July 29, 2006 |work=] |archive-date=October 28, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''Battlefront'' ultimately sold 4 million copies by 2007.<ref name=latimessales>{{cite news | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081004230656/http://articles.latimes.com/2007/oct/12/business/fi-games12 | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-oct-12-fi-games12-story.html | title=EA buys strength in new genres | newspaper=] | date=October 12, 2007 | author=Pham, Alex | archive-date=October 4, 2008 | url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
Upon its release, ''Star Wars: Battlefront'' received generally favorable reviews from the media. It currently holds aggregate scores at ] of 76/100, 82/100, and 80/100 for the PC, PlayStation 2, and Xbox versions, respectively.<ref name="mc ps2"/><ref name="mc xbox" /><ref name="mc pc" /> Fellow aggregate website ] reports similar scores of 78% for the PC,<ref name="gr pc" /> 83% for the PlayStation 2,<ref name="gr ps2" /> and 80% for the Xbox version.<ref name="gr xbox" /> Review scores varied from a 50% approval rating to a 94% approval across the three platforms.<ref name="mc ps2"/><ref name="mc xbox" /><ref name="mc pc" /> | Upon its release, ''Star Wars: Battlefront'' received generally favorable reviews from the media. It currently holds aggregate scores at ] of 76/100, 82/100, and 80/100 for the PC, PlayStation 2, and Xbox versions, respectively.<ref name="mc ps2"/><ref name="mc xbox" /><ref name="mc pc" /> Fellow aggregate website ] reports similar scores of 78% for the PC,<ref name="gr pc" /> 83% for the PlayStation 2,<ref name="gr ps2" /> and 80% for the Xbox version.<ref name="gr xbox" /> Review scores varied from a 50% approval rating to a 94% approval across the three platforms.<ref name="mc ps2"/><ref name="mc xbox" /><ref name="mc pc" /> | ||
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]'s Will Tuttle and Sal Accardo also praised the graphics and online mode, but they too criticized the single player campaign.<ref name="gamespy review pc">{{cite web |url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/star-wars-battlefront/551084p1.html |title=GameSpy: Star Wars: Battlefront |publisher=GameSpy |access-date=March 27, 2014 |first=Sal |last=Accardo |date=September 24, 2004 |archive-date=October 29, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081029222311/http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/star-wars-battlefront/551084p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> "Historical Campaign gets very confusing because you frequently switch sides from battle to battle", stated Tuttle.<ref name="gamespy review ps2">{{cite web |url=http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/star-wars-battlefront/549930p1.html |title=GameSpy: Star Wars Battlefront |publisher=GameSpy |access-date=March 27, 2012 |first=Will |last=Tuttle |date=September 20, 2004 |archive-date=April 28, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120428173901/http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/star-wars-battlefront/549930p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He added that it felt like the game's campaign was "tacked on to allow people without PS2 online to have fun."<ref name="gamespy review ps2" /> ]'s Andrew Pfister followed suit, also praising the graphics. "Visually, ''Battlefront'' is exceptional. Never before have the ''Star Wars'' battles been so well recreated and detailed".<ref name="1up review">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/star-wars-battlefront_2 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130116083200/http://www.1up.com/reviews/star-wars-battlefront_2 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 16, 2013 |title=Star Wars Battlefront |website=1UP.com |access-date=March 27, 2012 |first=Andrew |last=Pfister |date=October 29, 2004}}</ref> He criticized the game's AI, however. He felt that it was too easy to defeat them, and that they often did not follow commands issued by the player. As with other reviewers, Pfister felt the single player mode was the weak point of the game, citing the PlayStation 2 version specifically for players without online access. Overall, he felt the problems with the game were outweighed by its qualities. "''Battlefront'' manages to stand tall as a great game that does the best job we've yet seen of playing out the battles of the ''Star Wars'' movies."<ref name="1up review" /> | ]'s Will Tuttle and Sal Accardo also praised the graphics and online mode, but they too criticized the single player campaign.<ref name="gamespy review pc">{{cite web |url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/star-wars-battlefront/551084p1.html |title=GameSpy: Star Wars: Battlefront |publisher=GameSpy |access-date=March 27, 2014 |first=Sal |last=Accardo |date=September 24, 2004 |archive-date=October 29, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081029222311/http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/star-wars-battlefront/551084p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> "Historical Campaign gets very confusing because you frequently switch sides from battle to battle", stated Tuttle.<ref name="gamespy review ps2">{{cite web |url=http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/star-wars-battlefront/549930p1.html |title=GameSpy: Star Wars Battlefront |publisher=GameSpy |access-date=March 27, 2012 |first=Will |last=Tuttle |date=September 20, 2004 |archive-date=April 28, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120428173901/http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/star-wars-battlefront/549930p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He added that it felt like the game's campaign was "tacked on to allow people without PS2 online to have fun."<ref name="gamespy review ps2" /> ]'s Andrew Pfister followed suit, also praising the graphics. "Visually, ''Battlefront'' is exceptional. Never before have the ''Star Wars'' battles been so well recreated and detailed".<ref name="1up review">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/star-wars-battlefront_2 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130116083200/http://www.1up.com/reviews/star-wars-battlefront_2 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 16, 2013 |title=Star Wars Battlefront |website=1UP.com |access-date=March 27, 2012 |first=Andrew |last=Pfister |date=October 29, 2004}}</ref> He criticized the game's AI, however. He felt that it was too easy to defeat them, and that they often did not follow commands issued by the player. As with other reviewers, Pfister felt the single player mode was the weak point of the game, citing the PlayStation 2 version specifically for players without online access. Overall, he felt the problems with the game were outweighed by its qualities. "''Battlefront'' manages to stand tall as a great game that does the best job we've yet seen of playing out the battles of the ''Star Wars'' movies."<ref name="1up review" /> | ||
] editor William Gray gave the game a positive review, praising the control, however, mild criticism was noted for the repetitive nature of the gameplay.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gray |first=William |title=Star Wars: Battlefront - Review (Windows) |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=44471&tab=review |publisher=AllGame |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114115129/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=44471&tab=review|archive-date=November 14, 2014 |access-date=December 1, 2023}}</ref> | ] editor William Gray gave the game a positive review, praising the control, however, mild criticism was noted for the repetitive nature of the gameplay.<ref name="Gray">{{cite web |last=Gray |first=William |title=Star Wars: Battlefront - Review (Windows) |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=44471&tab=review |publisher=AllGame |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114115129/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=44471&tab=review|archive-date=November 14, 2014 |access-date=December 1, 2023}}</ref> | ||
'']'' nominated ''Battlefront'' for its 2004 "Best Soundtrack" award, which ultimately went to '']''.<ref name=cgm14th>{{cite journal | author=Staff | journal=] | title=The Best of 2004; The 14th Annual ''Computer Games'' Awards |date=March 2005 | issue=172 | pages=48–56 }}</ref>{{clear}} | '']'' nominated ''Battlefront'' for its 2004 "Best Soundtrack" award, which ultimately went to '']''.<ref name=cgm14th>{{cite journal | author=Staff | journal=] | title=The Best of 2004; The 14th Annual ''Computer Games'' Awards |date=March 2005 | issue=172 | pages=48–56 }}</ref>{{clear}} | ||
==Notes== | |||
{{notelist}} | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist|30em}} | {{Reflist|30em}} | ||
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Latest revision as of 07:31, 6 September 2024
2004 action shooter video game Not to be confused with Star Wars Battlefront (2015 video game). 2004 video gameStar Wars: Battlefront | |
---|---|
Developer(s) | Pandemic Studios |
Publisher(s) | LucasArts |
Director(s) | Eric Gewirtz |
Producer(s) | Christopher Williams |
Designer(s) | Jens Hartvig Andersen |
Artist(s) | Dean Betton Matthew Palmer Juan L. Sanchez |
Series | Star Wars: Battlefront |
Engine | Zero |
Platform(s) | Windows, PlayStation 2, Xbox, Mac OS X, Mobile phone Classic Collection Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S |
Release |
September 17, 2004
|
Genre(s) | Third-person shooter, first-person shooter |
Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
Star Wars: Battlefront is a 2004 first and third-person shooter video game based on the Star Wars film franchise. Developed by Pandemic Studios and published by LucasArts, it is the first installment in the Star Wars: Battlefront series. It was released in September 2004 for PlayStation 2, Xbox and Windows to coincide the release of the Star Wars Trilogy DVD set. Aspyr released a Mac OS X port in July 2005, and a cellular phone version, Star Wars Battlefront Mobile, was released on November 1, 2005.
Battlefront is primarily played as a conquest game, however other modes such as Galactic Conquest bring strategy elements to the title. The game features several locales from major Star Wars battles, and includes voice acting from veteran voice actors Temuera Morrison, Tom Kane, and Nick Jameson.
Battlefront received generally favorable reviews from critics, averaging approximately an 80% approval rating across all platforms at aggregate websites GameRankings and Metacritic. Critics praised the multiplayer component and the ability to play a part in major Star Wars battles, however the lacking single player component and poor AI were points of concern. The game sold in excess of 4 million units in sales. A sequel, entitled Star Wars: Battlefront II, was released on November 1, 2005, for Windows, Xbox, PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable. A compilation featuring both titles titled Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection was released for Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S in March 2024.
Gameplay
Star Wars: Battlefront encompasses battles between four main factions from both the original and prequel trilogies: the Galactic Republic and the Confederacy of Independent Systems (CIS) from the prequel era, and the Rebel Alliance and Galactic Empire from the original trilogy. In each faction, five different classes of character become available. Four main classes are similar for each faction, infantry, heavy weapons, pilot and sniper, while the fifth is unique. Each faction also has a non-playable hero character that participates in battle for a limited amount of time: Count Dooku (CIS), Mace Windu (Republic), Luke Skywalker (Rebels), and Darth Vader (Empire).
Gameplay in Battlefront is conquest-based. Each faction has a finite amount of reinforcements, and each is given control of a set number of command posts in a given level. The object is to either eliminate enemy forces or capture and hold all command posts simultaneously for 20 seconds. Several ground and air vehicles are available on the battlefield. These range from the hulking AT-AT to the fast speeder bike and vary based on the level. There are more than 25 vehicles in-game. Some larger vehicles also function as mobile command posts, which cannot be captured, but are lost if the vehicle is destroyed. In addition, some maps have indigenous forces. These can be neutral to both factions, such as Jawas, hostile to one faction, such as Wookiees, or hostile to both factions, such as Tusken Raiders. Command posts belonging to hostile natives can also be captured to minimize their presence.
The Microsoft Windows and Macintosh versions of Star Wars: Battlefront can be played online with up to 64 players via local area network (LAN) or over the internet via GameSpy. The Xbox version can accommodate up to 32 players whilst the PlayStation 2 version only supports 16 players, or it can be played in split screen mode with two players. The PlayStation 2 version utilizes specialized GameSpy servers, while the Xbox utilized Microsoft's Xbox Live network. Xbox online play is no longer available as the original Xbox Live servers were shut down on April 15, 2010.
Single-player modes
While the game is played similarly in every mode, each is a unique scenario which utilizes mode-specific features to further extend gameplay. Three modes are presented to the player: Campaign, which serves as the game's story mode, Galactic Conquest, in which the player must conquer planets, and Instant Action, which allows the player to select the battle they wish to play and adjust settings such as reinforcements to their liking.
Campaign groups several battles together in a set order loosely based on the historical campaign of either the Clone Wars or the Galactic Civil War. As Episode III had not been released at the time, the Clone Wars campaign ends with the Battle of Kashyyyk. Footage from the five films then released are used as cutscenes between battles. The player starts the campaign as either a member of the Separatist army or an Imperial Stormtrooper. Around halfway through the chosen campaign the perspective switches to the Clone Troopers or Rebels. To maintain continuity, missions prior to the Battle of Geonosis pit the Separatists against native forces only, and for the first two missions the super battle droid is unavailable, replaced with a standard battle droid.
In Galactic Conquest, the player uses strategy to take control of planets and dominate an area of the galaxy. First the player chooses a map configuration based on conflicts from both eras of Star Wars history. Some maps start both sides evenly while others favor one faction. Next, the player chooses which faction to play as. The game is played in turns, with the player starting first. The player can select an enemy-controlled or neutral planet to attack. After selecting what planet to attack, the player is able to activate a bonus from one of his already owned planets (if any). Each planet provides its own unique bonus, but must be captured before the player can use it. Bonuses help the player in battle by impeding the enemy or assisting the player's team. If one side manages to win four battles (not necessarily in a row), they gain access to their faction's Secret Base bonus. Secret Base bonuses are very powerful and can change the course of a game. They can be used on any enemy planet, except for the enemy's Secret Base. The game is completed when one faction controls all planets on the map.
Instant Action mode allows the players to jump right into a battle of their choice. The player can also customize a list of battles, which then can be played through in the order they have chosen, or in a random order. Players can choose between playing as the Republic, the CIS, the Empire, or the Rebels on each of the maps, except Kamino, Geonosis, Endor and Hoth, which do not allow the player to select their battle era, as these follow their canonical settings. Players can also choose whether or not they would like to have heroes fight for each side.
Development
Development for Star Wars Battlefront began at Pandemic Studios in 2002. Greg Burrod, executive producer on Battlefront stated "We wanted to create an online shooter title for the Xbox, PS2, and PC which would allow for team strategy and would feature battles and worlds from every one of the six Star Wars films." Models and animations for the game were created in Softimage XSI, a 3D development application. Most characters used a common animation set and the minimal number of bones were used due to concerns with hardware limitations at that time. World environments were created with the developer's proprietary editor, ZeroEditor. The terrain-based landscape was formed using the editor's brushes to adjust height, texture application, and color shading. 3D models were then laid on this foundation along with general objective pathing for the artificial intelligence (AI). The AI used two main systems, again to ensure a minimal load on the hardware. A higher, overall objective, such as which command post to head towards, would only be calculated every few seconds per unit. Lower level objectives such as which enemy to fire on or what defensive strategy to take against incoming fire, are calculated continuously.
Some sounds and Foley for the game were taken from Star Wars reference material, while others were recorded during a two-day visit to Skywalker Ranch, near Nicasio, California. The game has approximately 1,200 Foley sounds that are used to convey the impression of such aspects as interaction with flora and fauna, water, and metals. Actor Temuera Morrison voiced the Clone Troopers, reprising his role from the Attack of the Clones film. Tom Kane voiced the character Admiral Ackbar and Yoda. Nick Jameson voiced Darth Sidious / Emperor Palpatine. Both Kane and Jameson have voiced multiple characters in the Star Wars universe, including the 2008 series Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
LucasArts released an Xbox-exclusive playable demo on the Star Wars Trilogy DVD set. The demo included one level, the Battle of Endor. The game released in North America on September 21, 2004, the same day as the Trilogy DVD set. In Australia, the PlayStation 2 version was released on September 17, 2004, and for Windows and Xbox on September 22, 2004. The game was also released in New Zealand and Europe on September 23 and September 24, respectively. In late 2004, Pandemic Studios released unsupported mod tools for Windows, allowing players to create their own maps, as well as edit the weapons and characters for all sides in the game. This release is not supported by LucasArts. A number of communities now exist solely based around creating maps and characters using these tools, and uploading them for others to download. Aspyr was contracted to port the game to Macintosh systems; it was released on July 18, 2005 for Mac OS X. On November 1, 2005, mobile developer Mikoishi and publisher THQ released Star Wars Battlefront Mobile for cellular phones. After eight years the GameSpy matchmaking servers were shut down on November 7, 2012. A GameSpy representative stated the service agreement between LucasArts and GameSpy had been terminated as LucasArts chose to end support on the title.
The game was made available through GOG and Steam on May 2, 2019 and multiplayer support was announced on May 1, 2020. A remastered compilation consisting of the title and its sequel including bonus content, titled Star Wars Battlefront Classic Collection, was released for Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on March 14, 2024. Developed and published by Aspyr, it features cross-generation play for up to 64 players and a bonus map, Jabba's Palace.
Reception
ReceptionAggregator | Score |
---|---|
GameRankings | (PS2) 83% (XBOX) 80% (PC) 78% |
Metacritic | (PS2) 82/100 (XBOX) 80/100 (PC) 76/100 |
Publication | Score |
---|---|
AllGame | (PC) |
Edge | 8/10 |
Electronic Gaming Monthly | 8.33/10 |
Eurogamer | 8/10 |
Game Informer | 8/10 |
GamePro | |
GameRevolution | B |
GameSpot | (Xbox) 8.2/10 7.9/10 |
GameSpy | (PC) |
GameZone | 8.5/10 |
IGN | (Mobile) 9/10 (Xbox) 8.5/10 (PS2) 8.4/10 (PC) 7.5/10 |
Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine | |
Official Xbox Magazine (US) | 8.2/10 |
PC Gamer (US) | 80% |
The Sydney Morning Herald |
In the United States, Battlefront's computer version sold 290,000 copies and earned $2.6 million by August 2006, after its release in September 2004. It was the country's 65th best-selling computer game between January 2000 and August 2006. Combined sales of all Battlefront computer games released between January 2000 and August 2006 had reached 460,000 units in the United States by the latter date. By July 2006, its PlayStation 2 had sold 1.5 million copies and earned $53 million in the United States. Next Generation ranked it as the 31st highest-selling game launched for the PlayStation 2, Xbox or GameCube between January 2000 and July 2006 in that country. Combined sales of Battlefront console releases reached 3.8 million units in the United States by July 2006. Battlefront ultimately sold 4 million copies by 2007.
Upon its release, Star Wars: Battlefront received generally favorable reviews from the media. It currently holds aggregate scores at Metacritic of 76/100, 82/100, and 80/100 for the PC, PlayStation 2, and Xbox versions, respectively. Fellow aggregate website GameRankings reports similar scores of 78% for the PC, 83% for the PlayStation 2, and 80% for the Xbox version. Review scores varied from a 50% approval rating to a 94% approval across the three platforms.
GameSpot Editor Bob Colayco praised the gameplay in general, which he compared favorably with Battlefield 1942. He gave high marks to the versatility of playing modes, such as vehicle control and foot battle. He also praised the PC version for its extensive online play. Ivan Sulic of IGN praised the graphics, sound, general Star Wars setting, and online mode, but was very critical of both the AI and the single-player mode. "This is a multiplayer-centric third and first-person shooter, means players who opt to stick to single player will have something to do, but won't be thrilled enough to desire extended play." He cited three major issues with the game's single player element: its easy difficulty, its lack of cohesion, and poor AI teammates and enemies. Of the AI, Sulic stated "Everyone is an idiot. The game appears to use a sort of context sensitive AI, meaning bots in the right positions will do stuff (like use turrets and vehicles and lay down cover fire), but those not immediately engaged in combat will idly stand around helping themselves to an endless breather."
GameSpy's Will Tuttle and Sal Accardo also praised the graphics and online mode, but they too criticized the single player campaign. "Historical Campaign gets very confusing because you frequently switch sides from battle to battle", stated Tuttle. He added that it felt like the game's campaign was "tacked on to allow people without PS2 online to have fun." 1UP.com's Andrew Pfister followed suit, also praising the graphics. "Visually, Battlefront is exceptional. Never before have the Star Wars battles been so well recreated and detailed". He criticized the game's AI, however. He felt that it was too easy to defeat them, and that they often did not follow commands issued by the player. As with other reviewers, Pfister felt the single player mode was the weak point of the game, citing the PlayStation 2 version specifically for players without online access. Overall, he felt the problems with the game were outweighed by its qualities. "Battlefront manages to stand tall as a great game that does the best job we've yet seen of playing out the battles of the Star Wars movies."
AllGame editor William Gray gave the game a positive review, praising the control, however, mild criticism was noted for the repetitive nature of the gameplay.
Computer Games Magazine nominated Battlefront for its 2004 "Best Soundtrack" award, which ultimately went to Battlefield Vietnam.
Notes
- Ported to Mac OS X by Beenox. Mobile version developed by Mikoishi. Classic Collection developed by Aspyr.
- Published to Mac OS X by Aspyr. Mobile version published by THQ Wireless. Classic Collection published by Aspyr.
References
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