In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Star Wars Battlefront series, Aspyr and Lucasfilm Games are re-releasing the original Star Wars Battlefront and Star Wars Battlefront II games as part of a new collection. Star Wars Battlefront Collection will arrive next month on March 14 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam.
Revealed during today's Nintendo Direct, the Star Wars Battlefront Collection features restored online play for up to 64 players, expansions to Hero Assault mode, and all previously released bonus content for both titles.
Not only is all of the original content from 2004's Star Wars Battlefront and 2005's Star Wars Battlefront II included, but also the previously console-exclusive extras, which will now be playable on all platforms. For Battlefront, you'll now be able to play on the Jabba's Palace bonus map, and for Battlefront II, you'll get the Bespin: Cloud City, Rhen Var: Harbor, Rhen Var: Citadel, and Yavin 4: Arena maps as well as the Asajj Ventress and Kit Fisto bonus heroes.
Star Wars Battlefront Classic Collection features content inspired by the original and prequel trilogies. In the Battlefront campaign, you'll experience iconic battles from Star Wars Episodes I-VI. The Battlefront II campaign sees you join Darth Vader’s elite 501st Legion of Stormtroopers.
Of course, the highlight of the Battlefront games was always the multiplayer. This collection will offer up to 64-player online support featuring ground troop/vehicle and starship combat. And for the first time ever, Hero Assault is playable on all ground maps, including Death Star, Kashyyyk, Kamino, and Naboo. If you prefer offline, two-player split-screen is supported.
Star Wars Battlefront and Star Wars Battlefront II were originally developed by Lucasfilm Games and are among the most beloved Star Wars games of all time.
In 2015, when EA acquired the licensing rights to create Star Wars games, they published a new Star Wars Battlefront. Developed by DICE, the 2015 game was considered a reboot of the previous titles. While the game was praised for its gameplay and visuals, it lacked content at launch in both single and multiplayer modes.
EA published Star Wars Battlefront II in 2015. Also developed by DICE in collaboration with Criterion Games and Motive Studios, the game was also praised for its multiplayer and gameplay, but was criticized for its single-player modes and microtransations.
In general, EA's take on the franchise couldn't quite live up to the original games, so for them to get re-released on modern platforms as part of this Star Wars Battlefront Classic Collection will surely make fans happy. The game will be released on March 14 for $35.01.