Author: online game | 
Soon after video games were created, Star Wars titles started hitting the shelves. Now, there is a near-endless supply of them – some that are really bad, but many that are quite good. Believe it or not, there are still people who have never played a Star Wars game. In celebration of the upcoming games Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, I am proud to present the best Star Wars games for those who have never dared to travel outside their own galaxy.
Star Wars: Battlefront series
If the developers stripped off the Star Wars coating and simply released a game called Battlefront where two different military factions fought, this game would still be awesome. However, the geek in me says that the Star Wars aspect makes it that much cooler. Needless to say, the SW: Battlefront games are some of the best war games to date.
The games span all six films and reenact classic battles like Naboo and Hoth. You choose your respective team for said era and select from a variety of soldiers, including engineers and snipers. Each class has particular skills and items, meaning you must adjust your strategy accordingly – the rest is just intense action as you try to conquer command posts and win the war. Even if you don’t like the Star Wars universe, these games are still worth checking out – especially for online multiplayer.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic I & II
SW: KotOR is one of the most immersive stories in the Star Wars gaming universe. It takes place thousands of years before the films, when the galaxy was ruled differently and there was an abundance of Jedi and Sith. The first game begins with you, an amnesiac, learning he has the talents of a Jedi and must use them to stop a Sith tyrant from overthrowing the Republic.
The game fuses western-style RPG elements (semi-real time battles, dialogue trees, dozens of side quests) with the signature Star Wars style and an excellent story in which the choices you make determine the fate of the galaxy. Walk the path of good, or fall into darkness; it’s your decision. Some criticized that there was almost too much to see and do, but regardless, KotOR is a masterpiece. If you have some time and a little patience, give it a try. The sequel also stands strong, even in the shadow of the ground-breaking original.
Star Wars: Jedi Knight series (and Dark Forces)
I hate telling people to skip pieces of a story, but in trying to appeal to the masses, I will let it slide here. Dark Forces is a pretty good game, and worth playing if just for the story, but Star Wars: Jedi Knight is where the series goes from good to great.
Many consider the Jedi Knight games to be the best work of free-range lightsaber wielding. They are essentially first-person shooters with a slew of items, weapons and Force powers to choose from. Expect to see some of your favorite characters, as the games take place shortly after the films. You play the role of fan favorite Kyle Katarn, completing various missions, namely slaying dark Jedi and anything else that stands in your way. The story is minimal, but interesting. One noticeable flaw is the use of live action cut scenes which attempts to make up for the poor graphics, but don’t let that dissuade you from playing these gems.
Other titles worth noting: the Super Star Wars trilogy, both LEGO Star Wars games, Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire, and a heap of RTS and sims like Star Wars: Rebellion and the Star Wars: X-Wing games. One last title that gets a sentence all to its self is Star Wars Trilogy Arcade. If you have never played this game and happen to see it at some lonely arcade - especially the giant seated unit (seen to the left) - you owe it to yourself to give it a whirl; it is one of the most entertaining arcade experiences ever. May the Force be with you.
