The Ultimate Showdown: Respawn's Star Wars FPS vs Halo's Master Chief - Who Will Conquer the Battlefront?

Highlights

Developer Respawn has the potential to create an exciting Star Wars FPS game that breaks new ground within the IP.

Having a faceless protagonist, like Halo's Master Chief, would enhance the storytelling and the player's sense of being fully immersed in the game. It is vital to strike a balance between gameplay and character development, whether it is a clone trooper, stormtrooper, or a protagonist with a unique identity.

Star Wars' entry into the FPS genre is not groundbreaking or innovative for the franchise. However, developer Respawn holds great potential to create a remarkable FPS experience. Recent Star Wars games have managed to provide creative freedom while staying true to the established lore. While Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order emphasized gameplay centered around lightsaber-wielding protagonist Cal, a Star Wars FPS from Respawn will offer a refreshing change of pace.

Based solely on the genre of the game, we can make a few assumptions. It is likely that the protagonist will possess some skills in using a blaster. Additionally, it is probable that the protagonist's face will not be prominently featured. Cutscenes could potentially address this and fully represent the characters that fans play as. However, having a "faceless" protagonist, similar to Master Chief in the Halo series, could contribute to a more immersive storytelling experience. For instance, players may have the opportunity to portray an otherwise nameless clone trooper or stormtrooper.

Halo’s Master Chief is Perfect for the FPS Franchise

Halo, a beloved military science-fiction FPS, has captivated fans since its inception with Combat Evolved. Despite the setbacks of Infinite, the franchise remains a defining force in the genre. With its rich lore involving the UNSC, Covenant, Flood, and Banished, each installment offers a deep and immersive experience, providing consistent entertainment in both single-player and multiplayer modes.

One enduring aspect of Halo is its protagonist, Master Chief. As a stoic figure, players can easily immerse themselves in his character, projecting their own experiences through his first-person perspective. His lack of dialogue or expressive emotions serves as a blank canvas for players to reflect on their own thoughts and feelings. This is a common feature in FPS games where the protagonist's muteness is meant to symbolize the player, particularly when there is a custom character creator available.

Many video games feature protagonists who remain silent, yet they play a crucial role in driving the narrative forward. The same applies to Chief; although he does speak, he excels as a protagonist because the franchise does not heavily rely on him or his character development. Despite the mystery surrounding Chief's appearance beneath the helmet, fans have always wondered about it. However, this question does not necessarily require an answer as it adds to his intrigue and adaptability within a first-person shooter game.

Respawn’s Star Wars FPS Could Make Players a Clone Trooper or a Stormtrooper

The same can be said for Doom's Doomguy and also for Respawn's Star Wars first-person shooter if it featured a protagonist already known as an anonymous icon, such as a clone trooper or a stormtrooper. While a clone trooper would naturally side with the Galactic Republic during the Clone Wars, and a stormtrooper would align with the Galactic Empire following the Jedi Purge in 19 BBY, Respawn could introduce a twist to these predetermined affiliations in order to create a much more engaging protagonist.

Clone troopers and stormtroopers would be ideal protagonists for a Star Wars FPS game. Their constant use of helmets and armor, similar to characters like Master Chief and Doomguy, would allow for a seamless perspective. Players wouldn't necessarily need to see their character throughout the game if they were fully clothed in white as a stormtrooper or genetically identical to their fellow clone troopers.

However, Respawn might still opt for a unique protagonist for their upcoming untitled game. It is important to note that even well-liked FPS protagonists, such as Booker DeWitt from BioShock: Infinite, can easily become forgettable if they are not shown frequently or at all. Therefore, if this Star Wars FPS includes a customized or scripted protagonist, it must allocate enough time to properly develop them within the story.

Respawn reportedly has a Star Wars FPS in development.