Maybe you're not ready to shell out $60 or more for Star Wars Outlaws, especially when online rankings like IGN only give it a 7/10—and that's one of the more generous reviews. That's an investment in a game that you might not enjoy, even if it looks—and plays—great.
Thankfully, the catalog of Star Wars games runs deep, especially if you're willing to dig for them. Whether you wanted to be a Jedi, a clone trooper, a TIE pilot, or all of the above, Star Wars has given us some of the best gaming experiences.
But how do they hold up? From newer games that modern gamers are sure to enjoy to a few classics you might have never heard of, here are nine (plus a bonus) Star Wars games ranked by their replayability.
1. Knights of the Old Republic
An easy number 1. Even if you've never played the game, I'm sure you've heard plenty of us ranting about it.
The gameplay was smooth for its time, and the story holds up. I've replayed it a few times since, and it holds up pretty well.
2. The Jedi Knight/Dark Forces Series
Okay, I cheated. This is really 4-5 games, depending on how you classify them. The original Dark Forces is an FPS, though it's more than a little dated by now. They've remastered it, and it looks good for its time, but the real magic happens in Dark Forces II: Jedi Knight. You continue to play as Kyle Katarn, though now you're a Jedi. This was the first time I really felt like I was a Jedi, force pulling weapons out of helpless Stormtroopers' hands and then cutting them down.
And the games only get better from there: Mysteries of the Sith, Jedi Outcast, Jedi Academy. I know that's more than one game. I already admitted to cheating, but these are great. Go play them.
3. Jedi: Fallen Order and Survivor
Maybe there's some recency bias here, but these games are fantastic—also, I don't feel bad for lumping these together. Cal's incredibly likeable, all the Darth Vader scenes kick hard, and the combat is smooth and responsive. The open world of Survivor adds more playability, but both games are definitely worth the time.
4. Star Wars: Republic Commando
You may or may not have heard of this one. And if you're picky about your graphics, maybe you won't want to give it a shot. But you'll be missing out; trust me. Republic Commando is a tactical shooter that puts you in charge of a squad of incredibly likable clone troopers. The gameplay is smooth—even today—and the controls are intuitive.
Plus, you get to fight with a Wookiee at one point. Come on!
5. The Force Unleashed 1 & 2
If the Jedi Knight series was the first time I felt like a Jedi, then these games upped the ante. With Starkiller, you feel incredibly powerful, chaining together lightsaber combos and force abilities. It was a huge step up as far as playing as a Jedi went.
6. Star Wars Battlefront II
This one has come and gone and come back again. I'll admit to not really loving this game, but its following just won't die (despite EA's best efforts). Massive Star Wars battles, a huge roster of characters to play, and a diversity of eras (Clone Wars, Prequels, Sequels, etc.) have kept players coming back for more.
7. Any and All Lego Star Wars
Okay, I cheated again. But I couldn't decide on one, and I didn't want a list forty-eight games long. These are enjoyable, light, and surprisingly funny. And if your spouse is like mine—she's not a gamer—this is a good couch co-op to get them to try.
8. Star Wars TIE Fighter
Another oldie. This one doesn't hold up as far as graphics go, but of all the space simulators Star Wars tried (X-Wing, X-Wing Alliance, etc.), this was the most memorable. You flew a variety of Imperial fighters, all handling and playing a little differently, and the story wasn't so bad, either.
9. Empire at War
People STILL play this game, and this sucker is almost as old as I am (okay, not quite, but it's still pretty old). It's a fun RTS where you play as either the Rebellion or the Empire, but there are a ton of mods out there. Give this game a try if you're itching for some Star Wars RTS.
10. Star Wars Rebellion
I know, I know. I said nine. And I know few of you have ever heard of this game, and even fewer have played it. But this holds such a special place in my heart that I had to include it. Like Empire at War, this is an RTS, though it's set right after A New Hope. You can control characters (kind of), train Jedi, build enormous fleets of ships, and—if you're the Empire—even assassinate Chewbacca.
I played this game so much as a kid that the CD (yes, I said CD) literally exploded inside my computer. It just shattered into a hundred pieces.
I bought another one.
Now, a caveat: This thing is ugly. The game is ugly, the interface is ugly, and the controls are ugly—and the graphics do NOT hold up. But you know what? I don't care. Give it a shot, then come back here and yell at me because you didn't like it. And I won't blame you. This one is pure nostalgia for me.
And it's my list, so I make the rules.
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