Sci-fi is arguably the most important literary genre in human history. It has allowed us to envision the future from countless angles using the curious lens of the scientific process – dipped in the limitless well of fantasy. As a result, science fiction has inspired the creation the most prominent emerging technologies today, and has allowed us to look beyond what we already know, including exploring domains outside our own galaxy.
In a galaxy far, far away, one sci-fi franchise has revealed an expansive universe that has since grown too big for its original movie format. In terms of influence and raw popularity, nothing’s bigger than Star Wars. As any aspiring Jedi can tell you, there’s not enough cartoons, comic books, online games, or Comic Con events in the world that can contain this dynamic and ever-expanding space epic.
And though we’ve seen disappointing titles such as Star Wars Battlefront, the franchise has still managed to produce some of the best online games on the market. Here are some of the games that have allowed fans everywhere to virtually live their fantasies of being part of the Star Wars story.
The Old Republic
This Star Wars title from 2011 is the definition of a classic MMORPG – a massive multiplayer online role-playing game that can be played simultaneously with other live players. Several microtransactions are needed to access basic-level content, but its satisfying narrative, flexible character builds, and fast-paced reward system makes it all worth it. Combined with puzzle-like combats, player-driven choices, and consistent expansion updates, The Old Republic continues to be one of the best games in the franchise.
Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga
As the original Traveller’s Tales Lego game, Lego Star Wars is proof that a great idea can live forever. The Complete Saga retells episodes I to VI (which at one point needed to be bought as separate games) in fun, blocky, Lego graphics. Its challenging puzzles and good-natured humor makes it one of the best local co-op games for the whole family to enjoy.
Battlestar Galactica Online Slot
No list of Star Wars-inspired games would be complete without recognizing how the success of the franchise has inspired many other sci-fi franchises to follow in its footsteps to increase their online presence. Other film franchises such as Star Trek and The Matrix have developed their own online games to expand their universes, appease fans, and gain new ones through the ever-expanding reach of the web. The influence of Star Wars is so massive that it has paved the way for more unconventional games that cater to other fans of the genre. The Battlestar Galactica slot game on Sandlot Games uses characters from the cult 2003-2009 TV show, and reinvents them for fans of online gaming. Its mechanics are similar to that of many other online slot games, but makes heavy use of visuals and narrative elements from the cult classic, which has seen its fair share of comparisons with the Star Wars franchise in the past.
Galaxy of Heroes
This title has received some of the best reviews of any Star Wars game on mobile. Galaxy of Heroes (GoH) is a 5v5 game in which players can form battle teams with the most diverse cast to date. The game’s PvP mode – Arena (5v5) and Galactic War (full army dungeon crawl) – is highly competitive, and has encouraged many players to spend money to stay on top. Though GoH doesn’t add much to the lore, it makes use of original Star Wars soundtracks and stunning visuals to make its players feel as if they’re truly part of the Jedi universe.
Later this year, the Star Wars community will see its first non-Battlefront game in years. Jedi: Fallen Order is the story of a surviving padawan, set between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope. The game will feature open world exploration and a slash combat system similar to RPGs like Breath of the Wild and Final Fantasy. Many fans are looking forward to knowing more about the “dark ages”, or the missing years between the birth of Darth Vader and the coming of Luke Skywalker.