Nintendo Switch has become a treasure trove of retro collections, and the Star Wars: Heritage Pack is no exception. This collection bundles some of the franchise’s most beloved classics, giving fans an excuse to revisit or discover for the first time the golden age of Star Wars gaming. With titles spanning from RPG masterpieces to high-speed racers, it’s a mixed bag of galactic goodies. Let’s make the jump to hyperspace and break it all down, game by game.
The Star Wars: Heritage Pack is a legacy worth revisiting for video game fans
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR)
Few games have captured the mythos of the Star Wars universe as perfectly as Knights of the Old Republic. Bioware’s epic RPG feels as fresh today as it did two decades ago. As you step into the boots of a customizable protagonist navigating galactic politics 4,000 years before the Skywalker Saga, you’re quickly reminded why this game became a benchmark for storytelling in gaming and one of the best RPGs to date.
The joy of KOTOR lies in its moral choices. Do you channel your inner Jedi, selflessly aiding those in need, or succumb to the temptations of the Dark Side with wicked acts of betrayal? For me, the most entertaining path was sprinkling in just enough Sith-like behavior to keep my companions on edge while still managing to save the galaxy. Who doesn’t love a redemption arc that’s just a bit messy?
On the Switch, the controls hold up surprisingly well, although the menus can feel slightly clunky without a keyboard and mouse. The visuals maintain a nostalgic charm. The best part? Taking this epic on the go makes those long intergalactic journeys — or your daily commute — infinitely more thrilling. Of course, I'm looking forward to the upcoming remake of the game, though an official release date has yet to be revealed.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords
If KOTOR was a love letter to the Star Wars universe, its sequel is the angsty, brooding response. Obsidian Entertainment’s KOTOR II dives deep into moral ambiguity, exploring the fragility of the Jedi Order and the personal toll of war. While not as polished as its predecessor — blame an infamously rushed development cycle — the story is arguably more compelling.
The Switch version faithfully recreates the experience, bugs and all. The inclusion of fan-patch-style fixes helps smooth out some of the original’s rough edges, but there’s no escaping the sense that this could’ve been a masterpiece with just a bit more time in the oven. Still, it’s impossible not to love the game’s willingness to challenge Star Wars conventions, asking questions like, “What if the Jedi aren’t always the good guys?”
Playing as the Exile, a character caught between duty and despair, you’ll make decisions that resonate far beyond the game’s final moments. And hey, if you’re tired of saving the galaxy, the dark side offers a delightfully chaotic alternative. Bonus points for Kreia, the ultimate “I’m not mad, just disappointed” mentor.
Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast and Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy
The Jedi Knight games represent some of the finest examples of Star Wars action gameplay. Jedi Outcast continues the saga of Kyle Katarn, a mercenary turned Jedi who somehow makes grizzled cynicism look cool in a galaxy filled with lightsaber-wielding monks. The story balances classic Star Wars melodrama with thrilling action, but the real star here is the lightsaber combat. Few games have captured the kinetic energy and strategy of wielding a lightsaber quite like this.
Jedi Academy shifts the focus slightly, putting you in the shoes of a customizable Jedi student at Luke Skywalker’s academy. The freedom to create your character and choose missions adds a layer of personalization while the combat system remains as satisfying as ever. On the Switch, these games are a joy to revisit, even if the graphics show their age. If nothing else, they serve as a reminder of why Kyle Katarn deserves to be canon again.
Star Wars: Republic Commando
For a change of pace, Republic Commando drops you into the boots of an elite Clone Trooper during the Clone Wars. This tactical first-person shooter stands out for its squad-based mechanics and gritty tone. Leading your team of highly skilled clones through tense missions feels like commanding the galaxy’s most efficient military unit. The camaraderie among your squadmates adds emotional depth, making it all the more gut-wrenching when the Clone Wars inevitably tear everything apart.
The Switch version handles admirably, with tight controls and a smooth frame rate. The game’s atmospheric design and clever AI still hold up, proving that this gem deserved more love when it originally launched.
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
Ah, The Force Unleashed. For those who’ve ever wondered what would happen if the Force had no leash, this is your answer. Playing as Starkiller, Darth Vader’s secret apprentice, you’re given license to wreak havoc on a level that would make even the most unhinged Sith blush.
The game’s combat system leans heavily into physics-based chaos, allowing you to hurl enemies, objects, and even yourself across the screen with reckless abandon. Is it subtle? Absolutely not. Is it fun? Oh, you bet it is. There’s a gleeful absurdity in Force-slamming an AT-ST into submission or hurling a TIE fighter at your enemies.
Narratively, the game strikes a decent balance between fan service and originality. Starkiller’s journey — from being Darth Vader’s pawn to a self-determined (and surprisingly introspective) warrior — is compelling enough to keep you invested, even when the story occasionally veers into melodrama. The Switch version holds up well, and the portable format makes those chaotic battles even more addictive. If you’ve ever dreamed of being an unhinged Jedi tornado, this one’s for you.
Star Wars Racer
Finally, we have Star Wars Racer, a high-speed love letter to The Phantom Menace's podracing sequence. Zooming through alien landscapes at breakneck speeds remains as thrilling as ever, even if the visuals feel a bit dated. The Switch’s portability makes this game perfect for quick bursts of adrenaline-fueled fun, whether you’re chasing first place or trying to avoid crashing into a canyon wall.
The Verdict
The Star Wars: Heritage Pack is a delightful celebration of the franchise’s gaming history, warts and all. While some titles have aged more gracefully than others, the collection’s diversity ensures there’s something for every fan. Whether you’re drawn to the deep role-playing of KOTOR, the chaotic energy of The Force Unleashed, or the nostalgic charm of podracing, this collection is a testament to Star Wars' enduring appeal.
Revisiting these classics is also a reminder of how the franchise has evolved over the decades. From the morally complex storytelling of KOTOR II to the bombastic spectacle of The Force Unleashed, each game reflects a different facet of the galaxy far, far away. And while we may joke about the franchise’s love of over-the-top Force powers and convoluted family trees, it’s hard not to appreciate its boundless creativity.
For newcomers and lifelong fans alike, the Star Wars: Heritage Pack is a must-play. Just make sure your knees are up for it if you’re considering another run as a Jedi.