The 10 Best Star Wars Games Worth Revisiting

Matthew Hadick
Games Star Wars
Games Star Wars

May the Fourth be with you! And on this very special day there’s never been a better time to play a Star Wars game. But with Star Wars Battlefront II still a ways off, what should you be playing instead?

Before it shut down in 2013, LucasArts spent years providing gamers with countless opportunities to live out their fantasies in that galaxy far, far away. Whether it’s managing a Gungan ecosystem or choosing the dark side of the Force, there seems to be a Star Wars-tinged take on every genre imaginable. And that history of Star Wars games continued with 2015’s Star Wars BattlefrontAnd now folks are more excited for the series’ than ever with the launch of Rogue One.

With so many titles in the vast catalogue of Star Wars games, it can be hard to separate the good from the forgettable. While there are a number of titles that stand out as obvious classics — Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader, for example — here are 10 other classics that aren’t mentioned as often. Though now’s absolutely a great time to track them down and start playing.

Star Wars: TIE Fighter

Star Wars TIE Fighter game

A true classic. Star Wars: TIE Fighter allows players to step into the shoes of an Imperial fighter pilot taking to the skies to do battle against Rebel forces. The sequel to nearly as great Star Wars: X-Wing, the game is notable for its attention to detail and focus on providing an accurate TIE Fighter simulation, complete with in-flight information and targeting systems.

Super Star Wars Series

Super Star Wars series

The Super Star Wars series, which includes three 16-bit games based on the original trilogy, features side-scrolling run-and-gun gameplay in iconic Star Wars settings. Players can choose between a number of characters from the original trilogy, including Luke, Han, and Chewbacca, each outfitted with their own set of special abilities. You even played as Wicket the Ewok. Retronauts looking to get their hands on the first Super Star Wars don’t need to scour the bins at their local thrift store — it was recently released on Playstation 4.

Star Wars: Dark Forces

Star Wars Dark Forces

Though rarely given any credit, Star Wars: Dark Forces was an early first-person shooter that made a number of advancements to the genre. Back in the days of the original Doom, few FPS titles included the ability to jump or look up and down. The game stars Rebel operative (and eventual Jedi of the New Jedi Order) Kyle Katarn as he combats a variety of adversaries from across the galaxy.

Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire

Star War Shadow of the Empire

Though often criticized for mediocre controls, Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire is notable for providing players with a planet-hopping adventure, a precursor to epics like Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Taking control of mercenary Dash Rendar, players fight alongside Luke Skywalker, track Boba Fett, and rescue Princess Leia from Prince Xizor. It also features a groundbreaking battle on Hoth that would be seen in many future Star Wars games.

Star Wars: Episode I Racer

Star Wars Racer

If we could salvage one thing from Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, it would be the gripping action of pod racing. The rest of the film aside, blazing through the canyons of Tatooine is a thrilling experience. In Star Wars: Episode I Racer, LucasArts manages to distil everything that made that scene so exciting into a full-fledged video game for Dreamcast, N64, and PC, featuring fast-paced racing along the likes of Wipeout and F-Zero. Now this is pod racing.

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter

Star Wars Bounty Hunter game

In Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, players assume the role of Boba Fett’s father, the bounty hunter Jango Fett, as he hunts down Dark Jedi Komari Vosa. This third-person action game manages to integrate dynamic gunplay with jetpack-based platforming and provides gamers with a solid bounty hunting experience. Sure, you don’t get to play as fan-favorite Boba, but… hey, playing as his pops is a fine alternative.

Star Wars: Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy

Star Wars Jedi Academy

If you’re looking for top of the line lightsaber combat, look no further than the Star Wars: Jedi Knight series. Players are armed with a custom lightsaber with a hilt and blade color of their choice. You can also tailor the Jedi’s fighting style by choosing from a number of stances and special moves.

Star Wars: Republic Commando

Star Wars Republic Commando

If you’ve ever wanted to lead a squadron of elite Republic forces during the Clone Wars, Star Wars: Republic Commando is the game for you. This underrated shooter allows you to issue commands to your AI-controlled teammates to strategically take out the enemy, approaching the battlefield tactically. Players also travel to memorable locations in the Star Wars universe, including Kashyyyk, Geonosis and the derelict spacecraft Prosecutor.

Star Wars Battlefront/Star Wars Battlefront II

Star Wars Battlefront II

Fan favorites Star Wars Battlefront and Star Wars Battlefront II provide players with an online battleground for playing out their favorite intergalactic fantasies. Engage in massive iconic battles from the original and prequel trilogies, and even play as a Destroyer Droid. The Battlefront series was ahead of its time with its class system, too. Now DICE continues this tradition with 2015’s Star Wars: Battlefront.

Star Wars Galaxies

Star Wars Galaxies

This enormous MMO, the first in the Star Wars universe, earned critical acclaim when it launched in 2003. Star Wars Galaxies features over 10 planets, countless characters, and thousands of references to Star Wars lore. It also allows players to customize their character and career to their liking, letting them explore the galaxy as a powerful Jedi or a lowly trader. While the game’s servers were turned off in 2011, fans keep the game alive with several private emulator projects available even now.


A version of this article originally ran Dec. 14, 2015. 

Matthew Hadick