The Best Games Set During The Original Star Wars Trilogy

If you’re a Star Wars fan, you’re never short of games to play that feed into your interests. Star Wars games are as plentiful as Star Wars fans who hate Star Wars. But even with that market saturation, there are some limits.

There is a shockingly low number of Star Wars games set during the original trilogy, at least compared to those set during the prequels and other eras. So for those of you looking to keep that classic vibe alive, which of the games in that period scratch that galactic itch better than the others?

10

Star Wars: Battlefront 2 (Classic)

It’s hard to beat the classics and for those willing to move past the fact that the PlayStation 2 is now considered retro, the original Star Wars: Battlefront games are as classic as you can get. The first one sets the bar super high, letting you take part in iconic battles throughout the whole (at the time) cinematic run of Star Wars. Naturally, that included the original trilogy.

But then, Star Wars: Battlefront 2 cleared that hurdle with room to spare. Not only could you still play as the rebels, stormtroopers, droids, or clone troopers, but now you could unlock actual heroes like Luke Skywalker. It may not be canon that Luke jumped on top of the AT-AT walkers on Hoth and hacked them apart single-handedly, but you can still do it, and that’s pretty special.

9

Star Wars: TIE Fighter

Space combat simulator Star Wars: TIE Fighter raised the bar in ways that games since have struggled (or flat-out refused) to match; sure, you can play as a hero in countless Star Wars games. But what about playing as an unapologetic baddie? This is different from Star Wars games that let you join the dark side, as you’re there from the very beginning.

TIE Fighter sees you serving as a fighter pilot for the Galactic Empire during the original trilogy, and you stay on that side the whole time. Are the optics of playing as a straight-up fascist a bit less ideal nowadays? Absolutely. But back then, it was truly novel, and the intricate controls kept the more hardcore players coming back for more.

8

LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga

It’s still fascinating to think about the paradigm shift that occurred when the first LEGO Star Wars games came out. They were such a simple yet astoundingly perfect idea that they launched a whole new genre. But those original two still stand the test of time, especially in their bundled version, LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga.

Of course, it may not be considered quite as “complete” nowadays if you want to be cool about it at parties. But the game’s intuitive gameplay and charming sense of humor still work to this day. The first six Star Wars movies retold in LEGO style never get old, and anybody of any skill level can have a great time.

7

Super Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

If you want pretty much the exact opposite of LEGO Star Wars in terms of difficulty, check out the Super Star Wars games for the SNES. Remember the term “Nintendo hard” being used to describe certain games? Welcome to the Star Wars take on it. But despite inspiring many a rage quit over the decades, players kept coming back.

Super Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back might be arguably the best of the bunch, though they’ve all got that same jaw-clenching quality. They’re 2D sidescrollers with lots of action, plus you can play as multiple characters and take on some delicious Mode 7 3D vehicle segments. If you play Empire Strikes Back, input the code VHRDHL, and feel free to give thanks or curses later.

6

Star Wars Battlefront 2 (2017)

Fans of the original Star Wars: Battlefront games were understandably wary when they found out a new developer was bringing the series back. When Star Wars Battlefront was released in 2015, they were arguably proven right. When Star Wars Battlefront 2 came out in 2017, they were proven right.

But don’t worry, there’s a happy ending. The controversy behind Battlefront 2’s loot boxes and other fascinating choices seemed to be a wake-up call. Today, it provides an experience much like the classic Battlefront games with those same types of battles set during all three film trilogies. As a bonus, it also has a shockingly well-made single-player campaign with original characters.

5

Star Wars Rogue Squadron 2: Rogue Leader

The original Star Wars: Rogue Squadron blew players away on the Nintendo 64, offering the always-wanted experience of flying a starfighter in the Star Wars universe. Where it truly succeeded was in simplifying its controls compared to previous PC flight simulators like TIE Fighter, ensuring everyone could have a crack at such an invigorating prospect.

But don’t take that to mean the game is easy; the game not only kept its strategic elements but expanded upon them in the beloved GameCube sequel Star Wars Rogue Squadron 2: Rogue Leader. This follow-up will kick your butt across the galaxy, but it’s just so dang fun, and the graphics hold up impressively well to this day.

4

Star Wars: Shadows Of The Empire

Have you ever wanted to play as Han Solo? Well too bad, here’s Dash Rendar. Depending on your viewpoint, Dash might give off some strong “we have Han Solo at home” energy. But despite basically serving as a stand-in for the more beloved character, his debut in Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire on the Nintendo 64 remains a series highlight.

Set during and after The Empire Strikes Back, this game did a lot of things and succeeded far more than you might expect. From third-person shooter to various ship combat segments, you couldn’t find a better representation of being a cool bad-boy scoundrel in the Star Wars universe at the time. Its controls and graphics may be a bit dated, but there’s a reason the nostalgia is strong with this one.

3

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

LEGO wasn’t about to just let a whole new Star Wars trilogy pass without comment. There could have just been another game covering the sequel trilogy in the same style as the first two, but why do that when you can just be super extra? Thus, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga was born.

Gone are the fixed camera angles and relatively stiff animations of the originals (don’t worry, we still love you). In this new comprehensive title, all nine mainline films are covered and include much more dynamic gameplay, with even third-person shooting mechanics and a combo system for lightsaber users. Now if only Weird Al Yankovic would revamp his interest in the series too.

2

Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster

You might just remember Kyle Katarn as the hero of Star Wars: Jedi Knight 2: Jedi Outcast and its sequel, but his first foray into the gaming world is still worth exploring. Star Wars: Dark Forces sees you playing as mercenary and future Jedi (spoilers) Kyle as he uncovers dangerous new plans by the Galactic Empire.

This game is heavily inspired by Doom, so it’s got that same crunchy and satisfying first-person shooter combat, but with more of a story focus. It naturally takes some story liberties, but you’re here for the gameplay after all. Don’t worry about trying to get an old copy running, Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster is available on consoles and PC for your retro pleasure.

1

Star Wars Outlaws

Why did it take so long for a game like Star Wars Outlaws to be made? This planet-hopping open-zone epic feels like pretty much everything that Shadows of the Empire would have been if not for hardware limitations. It even takes place around the same time, as evidenced by the presence of a chilly carbonite-encased Han Solo.

You play Kay Vess, an original character trying to make her way as a thief while navigating a cutthroat criminal underworld. Stealth, blasting, and exploring the vast reaches of the Star Wars galaxy are the vibe here, and really, isn’t that what this series is all about (along with battling fascism and hanging out with funny little guys)?