Star Wars into newcomers diving: Battlefront Classic Collection, consider it a time capsule.
Sure, some aspects might feel dated compared to modern shooters. But that’s where the collection’s true value lies. It’s a portal to a bygone era of gaming where pure, unadulterated fun reigned supreme. Back then, studios prioritized offline content, offering a wealth of experiences to enjoy without the need for constant internet connections.
It’s 2024, and the flickering glow of a CRT monitor pulls me back in. The familiar hum of a PlayStation 2 soundtracks my return to a simpler time: blasting droids on Hoth in Battlefront 1 with my brother by my side. Those late-night sessions, fueled by childhood wonder and competitive spirit, echo through the years as we relive those epic Star Wars battles together, the thrill of victory and agony of defeat as fresh as ever.
This year, Aspyr unearthed two gems from the past, bringing the Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection to a whole new generation. It’s a time warp in a box, offering veterans a chance to relive cherished memories – the adrenaline rush of those late-night battles with friends is perfectly preserved. Newcomers, however, might find the experience a tad…unfamiliar. Compared to today’s shooters, these classics march to a different beat. Yet, therein lies the collection’s charm. It’s a window into a simpler era of gaming, where unbridled fun was the ultimate goal. Whether you’re a diehard Star Wars fan or a gaming history buff, the Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection offers a journey worth taking.
Two decades on, even “vintage” doesn’t quite capture the feel of these classic Battlefronts. Despite a recent resurgence, jumping back in – especially the first game – is a bit of a culture shock. Modern shooter sensibilities are left at the door. Forget a unified control scheme across both titles – the originals were a different breed. Battlefront 1 throws heavy aim assist and a sluggish reticle your way, making precise aiming a challenge. Hit detection can be a gamble too, with Force abilities and lightsaber swings seemingly defying physics. And buckle up for those marathon matches – some modes stretch far longer than the quick bursts you’d expect from a Call of Duty or Halo session.
It’s no surprise these games feel like relics from a bygone era. Back then, Call of Duty hadn’t yet morphed into the genre-defining behemoth it is today. Multiplayer shooters like Halo and Battlefield were still in their formative stages, experimenting with styles and mechanics to capture the sweet spot for online competition. Battlefront is no exception. The developers were themselves pioneers, blazing a trail for what a fun and competitive Star Wars shooter could be.
The true gems of these collections lie in their surprising depth, especially Battlefront II. Both games boast a wealth of single-player content that holds up surprisingly well. The crown jewel is undoubtedly “Galactic Conquest,” a sprawling campaign that lets you conquer the galaxy as your favorite faction.
But that’s not all. Released just a year later, Battlefront II introduced a smorgasbord of improvements – hero versus villain showdowns, epic space battles, and a refined shooting model that ditched sticky reticles for smoother combat. It’s a veritable content buffet! For those who prefer offline play, these games offer a treasure trove of single-player and co-op experiences, perfect for solo adventures or couch co-op sessions with a friend.
And yes, praising couch co-op in 2024 feels a bit like hailing the return of dial-up internet. It highlights the shift in development focus. Today’s studios meticulously polish online experiences for maximum competitiveness. Back then, single-player reigned supreme, offering modes that could devour hours of playtime. Modern shooters certainly deliver stellar narratives, but the sheer volume of offline content in these Battlefronts is a refreshing blast from the past.
The Classic Collection isn’t a strictly purist affair. A sprinkle of modern touches has been added, like playable characters Asajj Ventress and Kit Fisto, who weren’t part of the original rosters. However, one addition might be a double-edged lightsaber for PS5 players: trigger resistance. This feature simulates the feel of firing a real gun by adding pressure to the right trigger. While aiming for immersion, it can leave your index finger feeling like it just finished a hand grenade pull-up competition.
The Classic Collection isn’t a strictly purist affair. A sprinkle of modern touches has been added, like playable characters Asajj Ventress and Kit Fisto, who weren’t part of the original rosters. However, one addition might be a double-edged lightsaber for PS5 players: trigger resistance. This feature simulates the feel of firing a real gun by adding pressure to the right trigger. While aiming for immersion, it can leave your index finger feeling like it just finished a hand grenade pull-up competition. The jury’s still out on the online experience, but stay tuned for a future verdict on those epic multiplayer battles!