Over the years, we’ve been seeing more and more Star Wars classic game re-releases. Dark Forces, Episode I Racer, The Force Unleashed and even Jedi Power Battles received this treatment, with fans showing great appreciation for them. Even the Battlefront games got their due, following what EA did with their revamped editions. But…what about Star Wars: Rogue Squadron?
For those unfamiliar, this particular trilogy of titles wowed games from 1998 through 2003. At the time, Factor 5 was truly on its game. It thrilled players on the N64 with the original Rogue Squadron. Then it went on to success on the GameCube with the captivating Rogue Leader: Rogue Squadron II and wrapped up everything nicely with a bow with Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike.
But after that, nothing. There was an attempt to release a Rogue Squadron Trilogy for Xbox 360 (as well as EA’s awesome Star Wars: Squadrons, motivated by the trilogy). But LucasArts’ ownership change scuttled it to the wind. It’s a shame, because this is a series that deserves a revisit on modern consoles. Let’s explain why.
Caption:
This is from the PC version, which ditches the N64’s endearing fog and fuzz so you can tell an X-Wing from a Vauxhall Zafira at this resolution.
The Rogue Squadron Games Are a Blast To Play
Let’s be honest, no one could get flight controls down in a game like Factor 5. After working its magic on the Turricanfranchise, it more than proved its worth with the first Rogue Squadron. Controlling an X-Wing, Y-Wing or other vehicles felt like second nature here, complete with the ability to target enemies on the ground and in the air. Not to mention that the game put the Expansion Pak on the N64 through its paces, with a breakthrough performance.
Things got even better with Rogue Leader, a game that became one of the bigger hits during the GameCube launch. It’s also a peak performer, with beautiful details and a solid frame rate (mostly 60 FPS, unheard of at the time). Plus it had squadron-like elements, as you could command fellow ships to do certain things for you, like attack enemies.
Rogue Leader was the most innovative, because it threw in different gameplay segments, including controlling land vehicles. You could also play as Luke Skywalker and Wedge Antilles, two key characters in the franchise. Oh, and it included the classic Atari Star Wars arcade games, including the rare Empire Strikes Back one.
All three games continue to play well to this very day. Factor 5 was set to work on a Rogue Squadron Trilogy for Xbox 360, complete with updated visuals and other gameplay perks. However, LucasArts’ ownership change to Disney scuttled that remaster to the wind, despite the game being half complete.
As for Factor 5 themselves, well, Sony doomed them with the poorly received Lair for PlayStation 3, which didn’t stand a chance due to its faulty motion controls. But the team is reportedly making a comeback, which makes us wonder…could Rogue Squadron come back? It definitely needs to.
What Can Star Wars: Rogue Squadron Trilogy Offer Today?
Well, along with thrilling missions across all three games and improved visuals, Rogue Squadron Trilogy could also offer up potential added features. We’re talking extra ships (maybe even the Mandalorian’s?), as well as the inclusion of those Atari arcade games that worked so well in Rebel Strike.
But there’s room for additional features as well. We’re talking behind-the-scenes stories on how the games came together, as well as potential tweaks for gameplay. And who knows, maybe even some multiplayer, if the developers are savvy enough.
Plus, on top of that, LucasArts could easily throw in Star Wars Episode I: Battle for Naboo. Though not as well received as the Rogue Squadron games, this was still a key release for Factor 5. Not only was it fun to play. But it rightfully promoted the movie it was based on, despite being released a year later.
So, yeah, in the right developmental hands (hey, Digital Eclipse, you busy?), Rogue Squadron Trilogy could easily shine again. And considering how well Aspyr Games works with LucasArts products as of late, they should easily acquire this collection and make it worth the while of gamers.
Hell, even a re-release of the Rogue GameCube games on Nintendo Switch Online (along with Rogue Squadron on N64) would be a treat. But, of course, there’s also the option to pull out classic consoles. Once you hunt down good condition copies of the games, of course. (If you don’t already own them.)
It’s Time For Rogue Squadron To Fly High Again
Whatever the case, the Rogue Squadron Trilogy needs to happen again. Star Wars is just about at its peak again, with the release of The Mandalorian and Grogu in theaters and Galactic Racer set to tear up the track this October. There’s no better time to give would-be pilots and returning veterans the chance to tear up the Empire in their own explosive way.
This is also a call to check out the original games if you haven’t already. They’re fairly easy to find, though you’ll need to also plunk down cash for the hardware they’re on. That’s the best way to discover them, though, again, a new release would hit the spot. Hell, would it be too much to ask for both?
Happy May the Fourth, everyone!
