Key Takeaways:
– Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection, a retro gaming experience, launched by Aspyr.
– The game is more of a basic port than a proper remaster.
– The game is available on PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
– The game’s online mode faced a rocky start with limited servers.
– Overall, the game has received a score of 4/10 due to various technical issues.
Aspyr’s latest take on reviving old-time gaming classics brings us the Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection. This package takes us time travelling back to the early 2000s, with scenes reminiscent of Green Day criticizing American authorities and Christian Bale’s extreme weight loss for The Machinist. Notably, the game is based on a time before Disney and EA had a tight grip on the Star Wars franchise.
However, Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection is far from a modern-day gaming spectacle. If you’re after a game with the gloss and finish of a new release, wrapped in early-2000s nostalgia, this may be a letdown. It hovers more in the realm of a basic port than an in-depth remastering exercise, but it does bring some fun vintage vibes in its single-player modes.
First Impression and Gameplay
On starting the game, the iconic Star Wars score by John Williams serves as the backdrop. The game’s familiarity also extends to the UI, which is a nod to the past. However, the age of the game is evident in the sound effects, layout, and color scheme. They have attempted to strike a balance between staying true to the era and incorporating modern online gaming options.
In starting the campaign, scenes from Star Wars Episodes I-VI introduce each mission. Spawn locations spread across the map are reminiscent of the original game. However, the significant difference emerges after spawning, especially when it comes to controls. They feel intuitive and responsive, making the game just as enjoyable as its original version.
The Graphics Hurdles
Despite the upgrade to 60fps leading to a smoother experience, the overall look of the game leaves a lot to be desired. At initial glance, it’s essentially what you’d expect from a 2004 title ported onto current-gen platforms. Even with slightly advanced textures, it’s undeniable that this is still very much a relic of early 2000s gaming. The Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection would barely pass as a recent release to anyone.
Lessons in comparison are drawn from Aspyr’s other recent remake- Tomb Raider I-III Remastered. The quality falloff in this game compared to Tomb Raider I-III Remastered, which featured impressively upgraded textures and character models, is stark.
Testing the Waters Online
The online modes were put to a test upon launch. Unfortunately, they left players largely frustrated. Server limitations for this new game release proved to be a big problem. With just three servers assigned to handle the entire online player base at launch, the wait times were longer than expected. Online sessions were marred by technical issues such as constant rubberbanding, adding to the frustration.
Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection appears to be a decent package for the asking price, as long as you appreciate its distinctly retro gameplay. However, the online mode was afflicted with enough issues to knock serious points off this inching-in-updates game’s overall score.
As things stand, with a rating of just 4/10, this game falls under the disappointment column. There’s an expectation that Aspyr will fix these issues over time. However, for now, naming it a mess might just be fitting the narrative.
