There are dozens of games set in theStar Warsuniverse, but many of them adhere to the lore or"canon"of the movies they’re based on. While fans ofStar Warsmay love what the movies created, the rehashing of plot points from the films can become tedious. Instead, some of the best experiences are games removed from the canon, or titles that alter it entirely.
When you’ve seen the movies as many times as I have, you almost have an aversion to seeing the same events play out. Although some games just reuse events, story beats, and locations fromStar Wars, others go a step further to show you a new perspective.Original experiences in theStar Warsuniverse can feel fresh, and sometimes make you appreciate the vast galaxy’s lore again.
5Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast
Different Sequel Series From A Bygone Age
Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcastis a game that takes place 10 years afterReturn of the Jedi, but far before Rey Skywalker and any of the"modern"sequels. For those who were frustrated by Disney’s continuation of the series,theJedi Outcastgames follow the original Legends universeset in novels that came about before George Lucas had even started filmingThe Phantom Menace.
This title blends first and third-person action, featuring freestyle lightsaber combat that is still enjoyable even decades later. Itfollows the story of Kyle Katarn, an agent of the New Republic, learning to fight a new evil and discover their own connection to the Force. With many different weapon types, various multiplayer modes, and 24 unique single-player missions, this game offers a lot to explore.
While the admittedly dated gameplay makesJedi Knight IIadifficultStar Warsgame to complete, its engaging storyoffers the first real insight fans ever had into a time pastEpisode VI. This game serves as a glimpse into an era before prequels and sequels, offering a"What If?“tale of what could have happened after the 1983 movie seemed to end the series for a time.
4Star Wars Outlaws
Multiple Factions Form A Deeper Look Into The Underworld
Oftentimes, the movies offer glimpses into the many criminal organizations that are present inStar Wars, but rarely focus on them entirely.Star Wars Outlawsis a game where you canfully explore the different factions that make up the galaxy’s underbelly, and navigate affinity with each of them.
This game takes place during the time betweenThe Empire Strikes BackandReturn of the Jedi, but doesn’t focus too heavily on known figures from either side. Instead,you play as scoundrel Kay Vess, an original character who juggles jobs from different underworld groups, earning favor from some while inevitably antagonizing others.
Fans of Lando Calrissian will be happy to see the character explored inStar Wars Outlaws' main DLC content, perhaps more than he was in theHan Solomovie or original films.
While the Empire does have a heavy hand present in the game, the main draw here is how you avoid them.Stealth mechanics are a key component to gameplay, with the reputation of the game’s four factions taken into accountas you continue your adventures. It is a big departure from otherStar Warsgames, which sometimes only give you the power fantasy of a Jedi or Sith.
The various rewards you get from siding with factions make your character choices feel smaller than decisions seen in the movies, but they are just as impactful.The focus on individual consequences for your character instead of following the galactic canon creates a lot of twists and turnsfor Kay’s journey.
3Star Wars: Republic Commando
Boots On the Ground For The Clone Wars
The period of the Clone Wars inStar Warsis short in the movies, albeit with many seasons of TV shows showing what takes place during that tumultuous conflict.Star Wars: Republic Commandooffers aunique look at the Clone Wars from the perspective of a Clone Commando, the leader of an elite squad of Clone Troopers who find themselves at the forefront of battle.
The originalcharacters that make up Delta SquadinRepublic Commandoare all diverse Clones with distinct personalities. This game came out before shows likeThe Clone WarsandThe Bad Batchfleshed out clones as characters, marking it as the first time clones were really explored in such a way.
The first-person FPS action on display here combines with a genuine challenge of commanding your squad to overcome drastic odds. The coordination you form with your team is unlike any otherStar Warsgame, withmission levels testing how good of a tactician you may be during a firefight.
The tight battles ofRepublic Commandoare a far cry from the large, bombastic warfare seen in the movies, creating a higher level of intensity.Fighting through darker environments against a variety of lethal enemies makes you feel like a soldier in a war, fighting tooth and nail to survive gritty missions with your squad.
2Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
Break The Established Story With Unrestrained Might
Star Wars: The Force Unleashedis perhaps theStar Warsgame that breaks the canon of the series the most, mainly through its main character. In this game, you play as Darth Vader’s hidden apprentice Starkiller, a rage-filled warrior who was taken by Vader after the dark lord killed his Jedi father.
This story explores how Starkiller is used to doing Vader’s bidding, but eventually breaks away from him after being betrayed.The power fantasy is unlike any otherStar Warsgame, with Starkiller able to defeat armies single-handed and use the Force to pull Star Destroyersout of orbit.
BeforeAndoror other officialStar Warscontent showcased the rise of the Rebellion,The Force Unleashedshowed how many characters, such as Bail Organa, were crucial to the group’s formation.
The overwhelming strength of Starkiller is manifested through over-the-top force powers and brutal lightsaber combat you wouldn’t see in any movie or show. Starkiller wields his power like a sledgehammer, tearing through enemies with skills that grow over time.The pure action gameplay adds a depth to combat that culminates into events that reshapeStar Warscanonas you know it.
The most infamous part ofThe Force Unleashedis how you can change theevents ofStar Warsthrough Starkiller’s actions.Starkiller can kill Darth Vader, becoming a new cyborg apprentice of The Emperorin the process. In an extra mission past the main story, the evil Starkiller can destroy all the protagonists of the original trilogy, striking down Luke, Leia, Han, Chewbacca, and even the force ghost of Obi-Wan.
Obviously, this content is not canon, but it is a fun"What If?“scenario for those who are used to seeing the heroes ofStar Warsalways come out on top. Most games don’t let you fully give in to the Dark Side like this, so it provides something different from other titles that keep you in the light.
1Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic
Leave A Known Universe For Tales Of The Past
AllStar Warsmovies and shows seem to linger in the era of the original films, prequels, or sequels, butStar Wars: Knights of the Old Republicleaves that universe entirely. Set thousands of years beforeThe Phantom Menace, theKotORseries of games is set in the distant past, creating a new galaxy completely unaffected by any of the events fans are used to.
This RPG made by developer BioWare allows you tobuild a custom character in a setting devoid of anything canon, leaving a blank slate to explorefrom scratch. While some things are similar, like the existence of Jedi and Sith, the state of the galaxy is extremely different, with new conflicts to investigate and experience.
For lore buffs,Knights of the Old Republictakes place during the Jedi Civil War, where the infamous Darth Revan of the Mandalorian Wars turned many Jedi into Sith and fought back against the established Republic.
The story follows your character as they learn to use the Force, with their actions determining their path to the Light or Dark Side. The freedom in your choices affects how you’re able to recruit party members, battle against enemies, and affect the outcomes of various quests.Every choice matters, and isn’t bogged down by what needs to happen to keep the timelineofStar Warsintact.
The Old Republic is a celebrated setting that feels fresh, offering interesting new characters, a twisting story with many surprises, and multiple endings depending on your decisions. Anyone who finds themselves stuck in the same people and events from the mainStar Warsmovies should give this game a try, as well as its direct sequel and MMO spin-off.
