Details have surfaced about Respawn's canceled Star Wars video game, which would have offered players an action-packed linear experience in the shoes of a Mandalorian bounty hunter. Respawn, known for titles like Jedi: Fallen Order and Survivor, gained fame through the popular Titanfall franchise published by Electronic Arts. Given their success in the first-person shooter genre, it was surprising when the Star Wars project was suddenly scrapped, leaving fans in disbelief.
Amidst a wave of layoffs and cutbacks, Electronic Arts announced the cancellation of Respawn's Star Wars first-person shooter on February 28. The remaining team members are set to work on Apex Legends and the upcoming Star Wars: Jedi game. While this news may excite fans of Cal Kestis and the Mantis crew, it marks the loss of another potential Star Wars title.
Respawn's Star Wars Shooter Would Have Starred a Mandalorian
According to a report by Tom Henderson from Insider Gaming, Respawn's shelved Star Wars game was set to have a Mandalorian protagonist. The game would have focused on linear gameplay centered around hunting bounties, outsmarting the Galactic Empire, and working as a mercenary of the Mandalorian clan. Given the popularity of The Mandalorian series and the upcoming movie, having a protagonist from the same warrior culture as Din Djarin would have likely intrigued many Star Wars fans. Additionally, Respawn planned to incorporate gameplay elements involving the iconic Mandalorian jetpack. This would have allowed players to perform vertical dashes, horizontal boosts, and even play a role in taking down enemies.
Star Wars Jedi Survivor Korej Lim - As a Mandalorian, the players would have had access to The Den, their own hub in-between missions that would have allowed them to choose their weapon loadout, upgrade their armor, and interact with the galaxy map
As a Mandalorian, players would have had access to The Den, their own hub in-between missions. Here, they could choose their weapon loadout, upgrade their armor, and interact with the galaxy map. Unlike the more open world in Jedi: Survivor, the canceled Star Wars title from Respawn would have focused on linear missions. The main enemies in the game were expected to be Imperial stormtroopers of various types. In addition to the regular foes, players would also face boss enemies like AT-STs and rival bounty hunters going after the same target.
Respawn's canceled Star Wars project was still in early development, but a polished vertical slice of the game had already been created. It was planned for release on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PS5. However, it seems that the game's concepts may not see the light of day for a while. Many Star Wars fans believe that the third installment in the Star Wars: Jedi saga could be Respawn's final adventure in the Star Wars universe. Electronic Arts, the publisher, seems more focused on strengthening its current franchises rather than pursuing new licensing opportunities.
Editor's P/S:
The cancellation of Respawn's Star Wars project is a disappointing blow to fans of the franchise. The game's linear gameplay and focus on a Mandalorian protagonist had the potential to offer a unique and immersive Star Wars experience. The planned inclusion of the Mandalorian jetpack and The Den hub further enhanced the appeal of the project. While it is understandable that Electronic Arts may be prioritizing its existing franchises, the loss of this promising Star Wars title is still a significant setback.
It is particularly intriguing to speculate what the game's story and gameplay would have entailed. A linear narrative centered around hunting bounties and outsmarting the Galactic Empire could have provided a thrilling adventure. The inclusion of boss fights against Imperial stormtroopers and rival bounty hunters would have added an extra layer of challenge and excitement. It is unfortunate that players may never get to experience the full potential of this canceled Star Wars project.
