Unleashing the Force: Top Star Wars Video Games Begging for Epic Remasters

Since the 1980s, when the first Star Wars video games made their way to arcades and home consoles, gamers have been immersing themselves in a thrilling journey through a distant galaxy. With a wide range of virtual Star Wars experiences available, from flight simulators to strategy games, players can easily find something that appeals to their interests within the rich history of these games.

However, it is important to acknowledge that some of these games are now considered relics of the past. Whether it is due to outdated graphics, clunky controls, or the difficulty of obtaining a copy, many of these titles are inaccessible to modern audiences. While Nightdive Studio's Dark Forces remaster is helping to address this issue, there are still other games in need of refinement and enhancement.

8 Star Wars: X-Wing Vs. TIE Fighter (1997)

Although some Star Wars video games fail due to prioritizing profit over storytelling, X-Wing Vs. TIE Fighter's relative lack of success can be attributed to its ambitious vision ahead of its time. Unlike its predecessors, X-Wing and TIE Fighter, which included single-player campaigns, X-Wing Vs. TIE Fighter focused solely on online multiplayer battles.

While this approach may seem commonplace in today's gaming industry, the necessary infrastructure was lacking in the late 1990s. However, the recent widespread adoption of high-speed internet has created an environment conducive to games like this, although there is always room for improved graphics and higher resolutions.

7 Star Wars: Rebellion (1998)

The late 1990s witnessed the presence of polarizing Star Wars content, particularly The Phantom Menace. This trend was also evident in gaming, as exemplified by the release of the strategy-focused Star Wars: Rebellion. Instead of providing gamers with lightsabers or immersing them in starfighter experiences, Rebellion challenged players to conquer the galaxy through strategic thinking.

Despite receiving mixed reviews initially, the game garnered a dedicated following and currently holds a "Very Positive" rating on Steam. However, the game's graphics, although possessing a nostalgic appeal, may deter new players. Additionally, some reviewers have mentioned bugs in the Steam version, indicating the need for a proper remaster to address these issues.

6 Rebel Assault 2: The Hidden Empire (1995)

Despite their decreased significance in recent times, FMV games like Night Trap 25th Anniversary Edition and Not For Broadcast still hold an important place in gaming history. It comes as no surprise then, that the Star Wars franchise turned to FMV to add depth to the Rebels versus Empire conflict.

In Rebel Assault 2: The Hidden Empire, the Rebel Alliance stumbles upon a wicked Imperial plan to create a new starfighter known as the TIE Phantom. Players are thrust into rail-shooting action as they strive to thwart the threat of this deadly vessel. Should a remaster be considered, Rebel Assault 2's rail-shooting gameplay could be transformed into a contemporary shooter, reviving this hidden aspect of the captivating Star Wars universe.

5 Star Wars: Battlefront 2 (2005)

Over a decade prior to EA's notorious scandal involving loot box-infused Star Wars: Battlefront 2 in 2017, Pandemic Games introduced the equally named and highly addictive Star Wars: Battlefront 2. This exhilarating shooter took inspiration from the previous year's Star Wars: Battlefront, offering players a unique perspective of the Star Wars universe as a seasoned clone soldier.

Even to this day, Battlefront 2's gameplay continues to captivate with its dynamic action sequences, ranging from intense ground warfare to thrilling space battles among soaring starfighters. Its enduring popularity is evident in the ease of finding online battles to partake in. While this game possesses the essential elements of a timeless classic, a fresh visual update could further enhance its appeal.

4 Star Wars: Masters of Teras Kasi (1997)

The premise of Masters of Teras Kasi being a Star Wars video game may seem silly, but considering the unusual combination of LEGO and Star Wars, it's worth noting that unexpected pairings can actually work. While it may not make logical sense for characters who primarily use blasters and lightsabers to resolve their conflicts through sci-fi kickboxing, even established fighting games like Mortal Kombat prioritize fun over realism.

The popularity of Nintendo's Super Smash Bros. series, along with other games that feature iconic characters engaging in humorous battles, demonstrates a demand for comical fisticuffs. Perhaps a remaster of Masters of Teras Kasi could fully embrace the game's inherent silliness, resulting in a chaotic and entertaining experience. At the very least, improvements should be made to the controls, which received significant criticism upon the game's initial release.

3 Star Wars: Empire At War (2006)

Some Star Wars games put players right into the action, but others have a different approach. Empire at War took a more strategic approach, allowing gamers to coordinate intense battles between the forces of good and evil. One notable feature of the game was the addition of space battles, which previous Star Wars strategy games didn't have.

Unlike games like Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds, which simply added a sci-fi theme to existing games, Empire at War was built from scratch with a new engine. The game still has a strong player base, especially since its release on Steam. However, many reviewers say that mods are a vital part of the game's ongoing appeal. A remaster that includes the best fan-made improvements would make the game more accessible to a new generation of aspiring Grand Admiral Thrawns.

2 Star Wars: Rogue Squadron (1998)

Industrial Light and Magic's pioneering work on Star Wars completely transformed the realm of science fiction filmmaking and forever changed the expectations of audiences. The pinnacle of their achievements can be witnessed in the enthralling space battle scenes throughout the original trilogy, and as a result, numerous Star Wars games have drawn inspiration from these iconic sequences.

Amongst fans, Star Wars: Rogue Squadron stands out as the ultimate space combat extravaganza. Regarded as a masterpiece, it epitomizes the genre, showcasing exhilarating starfighter-focused gameplay. Even in 2020, the release of Star Wars: Squadrons demonstrated the unwavering demand for this particular style of gameplay, though being limited to virtual reality technology somewhat hindered accessibility. For enthusiasts who prefer not to invest in costly VR equipment, a remastered version of Rogue Squadron would deliver a comparable surge of excitement, seamlessly blending modernized graphics and textures with the beloved classic gameplay.

1 Star Wars: Jedi Knight: Dark Forces 2 (1997)

If Nightdive's adaptation of Dark Forces proves successful, it would be logical for them to consider applying a similar approach to the upcoming adventures of Kyle Katarn, starting with Star Wars: Jedi Knight: Dark Forces 2. This sequel is noteworthy for incorporating the iconic element of the lightsaber into gameplay, expanding upon the Star Wars canon.

Despite its origami-like graphics, which reflect the game's early foray into 3D, Jedi Knight: Dark Forces 2 received more positive reviews than its predecessor and maintains an impressive average score of 91% on Metacritic. A remastered version of the game has the potential to not only expose new players to a lesser-known aspect of the Star Wars story but also allow them to experience one of the most memorable sci-fi gaming moments.

Star Wars: Dark Forces will be available on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.