Since its announcement several years ago, Star Wars Eclipse has stood out as one of the most experimental projects ever tied to the greater franchise. The next game developed by Quantic Dream, it’s expected to follow the narrative-driven example set by the studio’s catalog of highly cinematic releases. With no further details available about the title since its initial teaser and its production status now in question, however, the stakes for a proper gameplay reveal are high.
While the visual spectacle associated with Star Wars Eclipse seems to be of some of the highest fidelity of any video game under the IP, the actual content of its gameplay interactivity will ultimately determine its reception. Given the developer’s track record for allowing players to step into the shoes of a compelling cast, it needs to deliver on this front in Eclipse in order to guarantee worthwhile fan anticipation.
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Hype Has Dissipated in the Time Since Star Wars Eclipse’s 2021 Reveal
Silence Has Led to Rumors of Development Hell
Buzz surrounding the title after Eclipse‘s announcement made it clear that its mysterious tone has the potential to captivate fans, but the absence of follow-ups has since led to skepticism. With rumors indicating that Star Wars Eclipse could be delayed as far as 2027, any who have already waited for over three years are likely to simply move on if they desire a political Star Wars experience. When working with an IP where most of its fans are interested in its epic action and adventuring, this has left the developer with significant mounting pressure to make its vision less relegated to purely niche appeal.
Earlier this year, the lead writer departed from the studio, seemingly in the midst of its next game’s development. Losing a key part of what made Detroit: Become Human considered Quantic Dream’s peak in the eyes of some only further casts doubt on how Eclipse is progressing. Despite these challenges, clearer communication concerning what strengths the gameplay of Eclipse is aiming for could do wonders for helping to regain excitement and draw new players into its world.
Star Wars Eclipse Next Trailer Needs to Sell Quantic Dream’s Vision for the Franchise
Locking In Engaging Characters Should Take Precedence Over Scale
Exploring and transforming iconic figures has been an integral driving force of Star Wars since its inception, and this fact could be at the heart of Eclipse‘s success if Quantic Dream plays into it. While the High Republic setting of Star Wars Eclipse might not be able to utilize the likes of Luke Skywalker or Ahsoka, it can feature its own, well-developed cast who get to grow around the player’s choices in pivotal moments. If a sequence as intense as parts of Detroit where Connor holds another life in his hands could be shown off sooner than later, it may even interest movie-only fans of Star Wars. The scope hinted at in Eclipse‘s only trailer so far leaves many routes open for a preview scene, but it needs to act as an important piece of an overarching narrative that invites speculation.
The biggest hurdle for the gameplay of Star Wars Eclipse to overcome is leveraging the weight of its consequences against the typical QTE-based mechanics of the developer’s catalog. It might not be reasonable to expect a lightsaber duel in its next trailer, but playing the role of a senator or commander with the fates of entire fleets or even planets in their hands could elevate simplistic controls into an intense simulation. Innovation on Quantic Dream’s part shouldn’t be ruled out, but its best bet lies in demonstrating that fans of its previous works should have faith in the moving drama of Eclipse.
FROM AWARD-WINNING INDEPENDENT STUDIO QUANTIC DREAM AND LUCASFILM GAMES
comes Star Wars Eclipse™, a new action-adventure, multiple-character branching narrative game set in the High Republic era of the iconic Star Wars™ galaxy, now early in development.
Weave a tapestry of interlaced destinies
See the galaxy through the eyes of an ensemble cast of multiple, charismatic playable characters, each with their own morality, personality, motivations, and impact upon each other and the story at large.
Compose an original Star Wars™ story
With all-new characters and environments, you have the power to make choices with consequences thanks to many outcomes in this deeply branching narrative.
Shape your fate in the Outer Rim
In an uncharted section of the galaxy with never-before-seen species and planets to discover, this part of the Outer Rim is rife with opportunity – and political tensions that could alter the fabric of peace. What will you do?
- Publisher(s)
- Lucasfilm Games