RIANNA SEELIG
Staff Writer
Star Wars fans are in for an exciting holiday season. Not only does the new Star Wars film, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” debut in theaters this upcoming December, but “Star Wars Battlefront,” the newest game in the popular franchise, hit shelves Nov. 17.
“Star Wars Battlefront” has been the topic taking over the gaming world since the EA Games section of the 2015 E3 conference in June. There, both a demo and a gameplay trailer were revealed that left the audience speechless.
The reveal began with a five-minute gameplay demo taking place on planet Hoth, the famous ice planet. The trailer begins by stating the content is taken from actual multiplayer gaming footage. What follows is an intense battle sequence.
The trailer showcases a stand-off between the Rebel Alliance and the Imperial Stormtroopers. As the battle continues, an advanced display of graphics and gameplay are revealed. The classic Star Wars music begins to play, and the trailer ends as the famous father-son duo — spoiler alert — Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader clash lightsabers.
Normally, conferences reveal trailers that may not necessarily accurately reflect the quality of graphics during gameplay. Since most game trailers do not feature actual gameplay, the Star Wars trailers were quite well-received. So, points to EA for accurately representing their game.
Tish Albro, a senior English major, found new excitement for the franchise after viewing the trailer. She stated that “the animation looks amazing, and I can only hope the gameplay will be as smooth as the trailer implies.”
This trailer already excited the audience of E3 greatly, and it was apparent that everyone was caught by surprise when the game-developers announced they would be revealing yet another trailer of gameplay.
This set of footage took place on the planet Tatootine. The Empire is attacking, Stormtroopers are closing in and an outstanding battle sequence commences.
“Star Wars Battlefront” is the third major release in the gaming series, but is more of a “reboot” of past games than it is a sequel to its predecessors.
The game features FPS (first person shooter) or TPS (third person shooter) mode, giving players the ability to switch between the two during gameplay. There is a single-player setting and a multiplayer setting. Players also have the option of playing as one of the villains or one of the heroes from the films, with at least five options for both.
In solo-mode, players are given five training levels, six battles and four survival runs. In multiplayer, there are nine modes to choose from. The more assignments the player does, the greater the chance of unlocking cards. Cards give players the ability to upgrade things such as weapons and gear.
Players, according the the EQ site, have the ability to “fire blasters, drive speederbikes, snowspeeders, and command AT-ATs.” They can also pilot X-wings, TIE fighters and the Millennium Falcon.
Weapons vary between regular and heavy blasters with numerous upgrades available. Weapons such as the DH-17, the DLT-19, the E-11 and the A280C will be returning from previous games in the franchise.
The game also features “Hands.” These are a new set of perks and equipment players can choose from. The first contains a Barrage (a grenade launcher-style alternate fire), an Ion Shot and a Jump Pack. The second contains a Thermal Detonator, Personal Shield and an Ion Torpedo. Some items have usage limits and some must cool off in between uses.
With countless modes, upgrades and tasks, “Star Wars Battlefront” is sure to leave players entertained for quite some time. Furthermore, the advanced graphics and gameplay are sure to make it a classic.
“Star Wars Battlefront” is available for Xbox One, PS4 and Microsoft Windows. The game is rated T for violence and intense battle sequences.