Star Wars video games have been released at a relatively consistent rate over the past few years, but these titles have largely been set within some proximity to the original timeline of the series. Whether it’s the recent Star Wars Jedi titles taking place in the wake of the rise of the Galactic Empire, or Outlaws literally being set between Episode 5 and 6, there’s clearly been a successful pattern of returning to the original era. Given that the High Republic period is one of the most unique aspects introduced as a part of the “new” Star Wars, more focus on this time in the realm of games has begun to feel increasingly overdue.
Ever since the shift away from Star Wars‘ Legends continuity and into the current canon, the time before the period of the prequel films has been dubbed the somewhat nebulous High Republic age. It’s been intended to represent a thriving era of Jedi prosperity, but its actual content has mostly been limited to print media so far. In the wake of what could potentially be one of the series’ largest missed opportunities that could have brought this period to a mainstream level, another attempt at diving into this part of the timeline could be ideal for future games.
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Star Wars’ High Republic Era Hasn’t Made the Most of Its Fresh Take on Canon
Media Set in the Recently Established Period Needs More Representation to Live Up to the Legacy of Legends
There were decades of releases across mediums that fleshed out the world in the Legends canon, but the High Republic hasn’t been granted that same level of detail just yet. The prematurely canceled Star Wars: The Acolyte series could have sparked genuine interest regarding the end of the High Republic Era, but the lack of renewal has left this area underserved outside books and comics once again.
Star Wars Games Have Provided Some of the Strongest Expansions of the Franchise
The Old Republic age has remained one of the most beloved parts of what could be considered superfluous continuity in the series, with desires for a Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic remake persisting among fans over two decades since its launch. That rich, fresh take on the IP was brought to the forefront through the BioWare RPG above all, and the profile of video games in the mainstream has only grown since.
A Video Game Set in the High Republic Era Could Redeem the Missed Potential of The Acolyte
The Foundation of a Stronger Future for the Canceled Series Doesn’t Need to Be Left Behind
It might not have received a unanimously positive reception from audiences, but it’s reasonable to assume that Star Wars: The Acolyte would have had a chance of redeeming its missteps in subsequent seasons if it hadn’t come to an early end. Set at the tail-end of the High Republic, older characters like Sol and Indara featured in the show could still make appearances in a narrative set during the years prior. Whether a new game similar takes place during the end of the era or allows its more triumphant times of the past to shine, a satisfying gameplay experience could present less risk than committing to an entire show or film.
While it’s easy to see that stepping into the shoes of a Jedi during one of their greatest periods could be engaging, the importance of politics seems to have been just as key during the High Republic. Depending on when Quantic Dream’s Star Wars Eclipse arrives, the landscape around the expectations of gameplay associated with the IP could be shifted away from high-octane battles and toward having a more subtle impact on the galaxy.
Star Wars
Star Wars is a multimedia franchise originally created by George Lucas and Lucasfilm Ltd with the 1977 motion picture. The science fiction franchise follows the adventures of characters (both humanoid and alien) in outer space including those who can wield a mystical power known as the Force. Since the release of the original trilogy of movies, the franchise has expanded to include multiple films and branched out to other media like comics, video games, tv shows, theme park attractions, and more. The IP and Lucasfilm were sold to Disney in 2012.