At 12:01 A.M. on November 17, 2015 Star Wars fans were finally allowed to pick up the newest installment within the Star Wars video games, Battlefront. The first two Battlefront games (which were release in 2004 and 2005 respectively) were some of the most loved Star Wars games of all time. Yes, there have been some other great Star Wars games out there, but any Star Wars fan you talk to, I'm sure spent much of their time glued to the screen during the first two installments of Battlefront.
Fans were finally given another opportunity to purchase a Battlefront game and the timing couldn't be more perfect! The release is one month before Star Wars: The Force Awakens hits theaters and about a month before the holidays. Even local 501st and Rebel Legion Members made their way out at midnight to purchase and promote the game. Gamestop's entryway was jam packed with Star Wars merchandise and displays!
Gamestop started giving away group numbers around 7 P.M. and then people were allowed to go home. Instructions stated to return to Gamestop around 10 P.M. to get lined up for the release at 12:01 A.M. The store began to fill and lines began to form. Discussions of the game and Star Wars in general was floating around the entire venue.
If you are a Playstation gamer, a special Battlefront bundle was released with a Darth Vader Playstation 4 and the Deluxe Version of the game. There are three different versions of the game. The Standard Edition, Deluxe Edition and the Ultimate Edition. The Standard Edition retails at $59.99 and the Deluxe Edition retails at $69.99. The Deluxe Edition comes with the following benefits:
DL-44 blaster
Ion Grenade
Ion Torpedo
Ion Shock
Victory
The Ultimate Edition includes the Deluxe Edition and what's called the "Season's Pass". The Season's Pass gets you four expansion packs and access to each expansion two weeks early of release. The Ultimate Edition retails at $119.98.
Many outlets have exclusives if you purchased or pre-ordered the game at their store. Gamestop had a double-sided poster, Walmart had a 6-inch Black Series Shock Trooper Exclusive (not only pre-order), as well as a Han Solo in Carbonite mini fridge. If you purchased the Playstation 4 at Best Buy, you received a free Star Wars Funko Pop.
After playing the game for a few days, it was easy to determine that the game is definitely geared for online gaming. The game only has a few different modes for single player (and no story mode), but what really stood about about this game is how visually appealing it is to play. Everything from the stitching on Leia's Hoth jacket to the sun reflecting in the melted snow and everything in between. Fans get their opportunity to explore and battle on locations such as Endor, Tatooine, Sullust, Hoth and soon, Jakku.
Star Wars Battlefront has been a big hit and I'm sure it will be one of the most sought after games this holiday season. Check out a few of the trailers (including one with Anna Kendrick) below:
By: Eric Pfeifer