Battle of Utapau
EA’s Star Wars Battlefront games have only just scratched the surface of their potential, namely when discussing each game’s inclusion of pivotal battles in Star Wars history. Though the titles have done well in capturing the warring sci-fi atmosphere of the movies, the expanded universe of the franchise found in television and other video games have yet to be touched upon. The following is a list of planetary battles that EA and DICE should take the Battlefront series next.
The Battle of Utapau was the last decisive large-scale battle against the Galactic Republic in the Clone Wars and was fought between the Separatist Droid Army and Grand Army of the Republic. It saw Obi-Wan Kenobi follow General Grievous after the Battle of Coruscant to an undisclosed location within the desert planet of Utapau. The Jedi lead the 212 Attack Battalion in a surprise attack that winds up largely successful, though ultimately Order 66 is executed and Kenobi is forced to escape using Grievous’ very own ship.
This battle could be thrilling given how well known this betrayal is among Star Wars fans. Aside from its narrative weight, Grievous’ Utapau base could make for an interesting gameplay environment seeing as the edifice is built upon layers. The large gap in the middle of the arena could serve as either an obstacle or strategic weapon to be used against the enemy, too.
Battle of Coruscant
Now that EA’s Battlefront series has space battles, the Battle of Coruscant should be something that Star Wars fans are able to play during the inevitable Star Wars Battlefront 3. The Battle of Coruscant takes place in Coruscant’s orbit during the final days of the Clone Wars between the Galactic Republic and the Confederacy of Independent Systems and is, at its core, a massive trick orchestrated by Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, or Darth Sidious, in order to have Anakin Skywalker join him as his new dark apprentice.
Seeing as how Coruscant served as the capital of the galaxy during the first Star Wars film era, both General Grievous and Count Dooku had dispatched a massive fleet to overtake the Republic Navy vessels defending the planet. This premise can be a real treat for Star Wars Battlefront players, seeing as how they’ll be no shortage of fighter ships to shot at and the objective of each side is already made quite clear from the outset. Who knows, EA and DICE may even be able to convince Disney to allow players the freedom of shooting enemy ships as Anakin Skywalker or Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Battle of Geonosis
The Battle of Geonosis marks the beginning of the Clone Wars and serves as the first major combat operation undertaken by the Grand Army of the Republic and the first major battle the Jedi fought in years. It was initiated after Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi, along with Anakain Skywalker and Padmé Amidala, were captured by the Separatists after investigating the possibility of there being warmongering activities taking place on Geonosis.
As the Jedi came into view to save Kenobi from a variety of violent creatures unleashed upon him and his friends, Count Dooku let loose the Separatist’s new battle droid army. The resulting battle diminished the Jedi’s numbers down significantly, though Jango Fett was eliminated at the hands of Mace Windu.
Needless to say, the Battle of Geonosis could work very well in a Star Wars Battlefront game, especially if it’s set outside the arena in which the Jedi infiltrate. The introduction of hostile creatures could help keep players on their toes as they seek to reduce the real enemy’s numbers, plus there’s possibility for players to mount these creatures should they want them to aid in battle, too.
Battle of Aldeeran
The Battle of Aldeeran is set during the Old Republic era and sees a massive fight take place between the Galactic Republic and the reconstituted Sith Empire. The verdant planet of Aldeeran was a founding member of the Republic and served as a true embodiment of the ideals in which the new galactic government was founded upon. This made it a prime target for the Sith, whose main purpose in capturing the city was to crush Republic morale.
The Sith had managed to burn entire cities to the ground and execute major royal families before heading their way to Aldeeran’s capital city under direction of Darth Malgus. Republic troopers stationed across the surface of the planet had heard news of Malgus’ intentions just in time and rushed down to stage a guerrilla war among the Juran Mountains. Both belligerents suffered great causalities, though ultimately Malgus and his forces were forced to retreat first.
Aldeeran later plays a role in Star Wars movies as the planet in which the Death Star infamously annihilates, so it could serve as a fantastic backdrop should fans of the films be interested in learning more about Star Wars’ expanded universe. Aside from lore, the Battle of Aldeeran introduces two factions the Battlefront games have yet to explore, all set within a landscape reminiscent of Endor yet varied with enough environmental contours thanks to the Juran Mountains to make it a unique entry on its own right.
Battle of Onderon
The Battle of Onderon took place for control of the entire planet and saw a native rebel alliance fight against the Confederacy of Independent Systems in order to restore Onderon as part of Galactic Republic’s control. It’s interesting in that the Republic’s hands were tied in being able to assist the uprising more directly lest it disrespect galactic law regarding smaller planet’s sovereignty and freedom to choose which benefactor to align with. Rather than sending troops in, then, the Republic had Kenobi, Skywalker, and Ahsoka train the rebels so that they may be ready to defeat the CIS on their own.
The inclusion of the Battle of Onderon in a Star Wars Battlefront game is exciting in that players can more readily grasp the power disparity an army of machines has with an army of flesh and bone. Like the Battle of Geonosis, EA and DICE could incorporate the dinosaur-like creatures found on the planet for use by the player, complete with the ability for users to ride pterodactyl-like creatures towards enemy gunships in an attempt to hurl grenades at them.
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