Creative Assembly, the masterminds behind the acclaimed Total War series, are reportedly working on three new games, one of which is expected to be an officially licensed Star Wars-themed Total War game (Source: DualShockers). The blending of the expansive Star Wars universe with the deep strategic and real-time tactics of Total War has the potential to create a unique and captivating gaming experience. As we await official announcements and details, let’s explore how the Star Wars setting might translate into a Total War game.
The Eras of Star Wars: Infinite Possibilities
The Clone Wars: Epic Battles and Iconic Heroes
One potential era is The Clone Wars, a period of galactic turmoil and massive battles between the Galactic Republic and the Separatist Alliance. This era is characterized by large-scale battles featuring clone troopers, battle droids, Jedi, and Sith. Imagine commanding legions of clone troopers led by Jedi generals like Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, or orchestrating the sinister strategies of the Separatists with Count Dooku and General Grievous.
The Galactic Civil War: Classic Conflicts
Another era that could be explored is The Galactic Civil War, the iconic struggle between the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance. This era is marked by the epic confrontations seen in the original Star Wars trilogy, featuring stormtroopers, rebel soldiers, and legendary heroes like Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader. Envision leading the Rebel Alliance in a desperate fight for freedom or crushing the rebellion under the iron fist of the Empire.
The Old Republic: Ancient Legends
The Old Republic era, set in ancient times of the Star Wars galaxy, could also be a rich setting for a Total War game. This period features the Sith Empire, the Galactic Republic, and the Mandalorians, with epic conflicts and dramatic storylines that have been popularized in games like Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Commanding armies under the legendary Revan or waging war as the ruthless Darth Malak would bring a new depth to the game.
The Rise of the First Order: Modern Warfare
Lastly, the era of The Rise of the First Order, focusing on the resurgence of imperial forces and the conflict with the Resistance, could offer a modern take on the Star Wars saga. Players could lead the enigmatic Kylo Ren or the valiant Rey in battles that shape the fate of the galaxy.
Factions and Units: Diverse Forces at Your Command
Each of these eras would bring a variety of playable factions to the game, each with unique strengths, weaknesses, and units.
Clone Wars Era
In the Clone Wars era, players can choose from an extensive lineup of factions, including the Galactic Republic, the Separatist Alliance, and the Independent Systems. Additionally, the Hutt Cartel, Mandalorians, Zygerrian Slave Empire, Pyke Syndicate, Black Sun, Nightsisters of Dathomir, and Trandoshan Hunters add to the diverse options, each bringing unique tactical elements and compelling lore to the battlefield.
Galactic Civil War Era
The Galactic Civil War era offers a wide array of factions, headlined by the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance. Alongside these iconic groups, players can engage with the Hutts, various Criminal Organizations, and the Imperial Remnant. Neutral Planets, Black Sun, Mandalorians, the Zann Consortium, and the Corporate Sector Authority further expand the strategic possibilities, allowing for varied and complex gameplay experiences.
Old Republic Era
In the Old Republic era, the Sith Empire and the Galactic Republic stand as the primary factions, supported by the formidable Mandalorians. The Jedi Order, Hutt Cartel, Rakatan Empire, Eternal Empire, Chiss Ascendancy, Sith Eternal, and the Exchange offer additional layers of depth and strategic diversity. Each faction’s unique units and abilities provide players with numerous ways to approach galactic domination.
Rise of the First Order Era
The Rise of the First Order era features the First Order and the Resistance as the central factions, with the New Republic Remnants playing a significant role. Players can also command the enigmatic Knights of Ren and the influential Hutt Cartel. The Unknown Regions Factions and Chiss Ascendancy add an element of mystery and advanced technology, while the Acolytes of the Beyond introduce dark side elements that challenge conventional strategies.
Each era’s factions bring a rich variety of units, heroes, and tactical options, ensuring that the Star Wars-themed Total War game delivers a deeply engaging and varied strategic experience.
Unique Units and Heroes
The game would feature a mix of infantry, vehicles, and special units. Infantry units might include stormtroopers, rebel soldiers, clone troopers, and battle droids, while vehicles could range from AT-ATs and AT-STs to speeder bikes and tanks. Special units such as Jedi, Sith, bounty hunters, and special forces like the Imperial Guard would add unique tactical elements to the battles. Space battles would also be a significant addition, with players commanding capital ships like Star Destroyers and Mon Calamari cruisers, as well as fighter squadrons featuring X-wings, TIE fighters, and droid fighters.
Campaign Map: A Galaxy to Conquer
The campaign map in a Star Wars-themed Total War game would likely be a galactic map showcasing different star systems and planets. Players would manage their territories across multiple planets, dealing with space travel, planetary invasions, and space battles. Iconic planets like Coruscant, Tatooine, Hoth, and Endor would play crucial roles, providing significant strategic advantages and unique challenges.
Diplomacy and Politics: Intrigue and Alliances
Diplomacy and politics would play a central role in the game, with players engaging in intricate alliances, trade agreements, and managing internal politics. Depending on the era, this could involve Senate votes, Jedi Council decisions, and Sith intrigue, adding depth and complexity to the strategic gameplay.
Economic and Resource Management
Players would need to manage resources such as credits, rare metals, and other Star Wars-specific resources, crucial for building infrastructure, training units, and researching technologies. Building and maintaining bases on planets, space stations, shipyards, and training facilities would form the backbone of a player’s economic and military power, requiring careful management and strategic placement.
Modding and Multiplayer: Endless Possibilities
Given the strong modding community around Total War games, providing robust modding tools would allow fans to create custom campaigns, units, and even new eras. Multiplayer options would also be a key feature, with cooperative and competitive multiplayer campaigns allowing players to ally or compete across the galaxy. Custom battles in both land and space, with various scenarios and objectives, would provide endless replayability and challenges for players.
Epic Campaigns and High-Quality Graphics
Specific campaigns could follow key events and battles from the Star Wars saga, blending scripted and dynamic gameplay experiences to immerse players in the epic narrative of the galaxy far, far away. High-quality graphics would capture the aesthetic of the Star Wars universe, from the lush forests of Endor to the icy plains of Hoth. The soundtrack would feature iconic Star Wars music by John Williams, along with authentic sound effects like lightsaber clashes, blaster fire, and TIE fighter screeches.
Coming Soon to a Galaxy Not So Far Away?
A Star Wars-based Total War game by Creative Assembly could offer a rich and immersive experience, blending grand strategy with the epic scope of the Star Wars universe. The combination of detailed faction management, expansive campaign maps, iconic battles, and legendary heroes would create a unique and captivating game that appeals to both Total War enthusiasts and Star Wars fans alike. As the development progresses and more details emerge, the anticipation for Total War: Star Wars will only continue to grow, promising an exciting new chapter in the Total War series.