REVIEW: ‘Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection’ Brings Classics To A New Generation (PC)

The original Star Wars: Battlefront games have always held a special place in the hearts of Star Wars fans. The Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection combines both classic action shooters in one package. Aspyr and Lucasfilm Games have only made minor updates, making this the most complete package for Battlefront fans.

Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection contains both Star Wars: Battlefront (2004) and Star Wars: Battlefront II (2005). The series takes players across the galaxy fighting as the Republic, Confederacy of Independent Systems, Rebel Alliance, or the Galactic Empire. Players will put boots on the ground to lead their side to glory or die trying.

Both games in the Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection remain relatively untouched from their original releases. Minor tweaks beneath the surface make them playable on modern systems, but graphically and mechanically they are the same. There are a few new maps and characters added like Jabba’s Palace, Bespin: Cloud City, and Rhen Var. Asajj Ventress and Kit Fisto also make their way to the wider population for the first time. But the biggest change is the fact that the Hero Assault game mode can be played on every ground map.

Hero Assault is exclusive to Star Wars: Battlefront II and pits different eras of heroes and villains against each other. The mode was originally limited to just the Mos Eisley map, but now, players can take control of their favorite Jedi, Sith, or even bounty hunters on maps all across the galaxy. Killing the other team earns points and the first team to reach the point limit wins. Teams can have up to 32 players choosing from different classes with one hero character made available per team as the match progresses. It is straightforward, but the increase in available maps is an essential update.

The most popular game mode across the two games is Conquest. Conquest gives multiple objectives to capture across the map. These locations are used as spawn poinys for player’s armies and capturing them stops enemies from respawning. The way to win is either by capturing and holding every command post or by wiping out enemy reinforcements. This is the mode that Star Wars: Battlefront became known for and remains incredibly fun to play 20 years later.

While Conquest is available in both games, Star Wars: Battlefront II does feature a handful of exclusive game modes. The Hunt game mode pits indigenous creatures against their invading foes. The highlights of this mode include fighting as the Ewoks against Imperial Scout Troopers on Endor or slaughtering Rebel scum as a Wampa on Hoth. It is a funny mode that is a blast to play solo or with a team.

There is also a Capture The Flag mode, which can be quite fun to play with others either online or in split-screen co-op. Simply capture the enemy’s flag and return it to your base to earn points and win the game. It is easier said than done, however, with blaster bolts raining down on you from all directions. This mode is significantly less fun against the CPU since they are not very strategic. It limits the challenge.

But the best mode of all is the Space Battles. Space Battles pit fleets of enemy flagships and support cruisers against each other. Players can pilot famous fighters, bombers, and transport ships from across the Star Wars eras. For a 20-year-old game, it is amazing how well the space combat still holds up. There is nothing quite like flying an X-Wing straight at a group of TIE Fighters while your bombers make an attacking run. Coordinating with friends online or in split-screen takes the fun up a notch too, making this the most enjoyable game mode.

All of those modes can be found in Instant Action, Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection’s way of putting players straight into battle. There are other options though, with each game containing campaigns to play through. Star Wars: Battlefront lets players play through mini-campaigns as any of the main four armies. These campaigns feature some of the most historic Star Wars battles and are a great way to relive the series’ best moments.

Star Wars: Battlefront II changes things up in the campaign by putting players in the role of Anakin Skywalker’s 501st Legion. This takes place right around his turn to Darth Vader and follows his clone units as they transition into new life under the Empire. It is a neat way to explore the events of Order 66 and beyond. It was the primary way to spend more time in this era before the Clone Wars and Bad Batch shows dove deeper.

And then there is the fascinating Galactic Conquest mode. Galactic Conquest is an attempt at turning Star Wars: Battlefront into a strategy game. It works quite well. Players choose which faction to play as across a whole galactic map. Moving flagships allows players to invade enemy or neutral planets to conquer them. The more planets you capture, the more firepower you obtain. New units and support upgrades can be unlocked with credits earned by conquering and holding on to planets.

This mode features both space and ground battles, making it the most interesting of all the game modes. It is also the best to play when playing with a friend. It requires a lot of strategy and the games can take a long time. This is perfect for long gaming sessions with others. The strategic battle can bring out the competitive best by combining general battle game modes with a need to plan ahead.

The only real downside of Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection is that it feels old. This can make it slightly less appealing to those without a prior love for the franchise. The more modern Star Wars: Battlefront games look exponentially better but failed to capture the same spirit as the originals in their gameplay. Combat is less refined in these older titles and more basic. The graphic textures show their age quite often. Still, the inescapable draw of the beautiful Star Wars universe is on display. Even if it isn’t with the highest fidelity.

Limited gameplay mechanics are not much of a drawback either, considering how old the games are. It was surprising that they were as fun to play as they are. The combat and movement mechanics may be simple. but that doesn’t mean they are not fun.

Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection is the perfect way to relive one of the best Star Wars video game franchises. These games may be old, but that shouldn’t stop new and old players alike from jumping into a galaxy far, far away for the time of their lives.

Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection releases March 14th on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC.