UNLEASH YOUR INNER JEDI: The Top 10 Star Wars Games with EPIC Lightsaber Combat

by

Summary

  • Star Wars Trilogy Arcade provided an immersive lightsaber experience through advanced joystick controls.
  • LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga offers diverse character stances and animations for a detailed gameplay experience.
  • Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order blends Metroidvania, Soulslike, and Tomb Raider elements for a modern Star Wars classic.

In the galaxy of Star Wars, the lightsaber serves as the preferred weapon for both Jedi and Sith characters. Its distinctive sounds and appearances have made it an enduring symbol in movie history, igniting enthusiasm among fans who dream of using one themselves. This desire is often fulfilled in various Star Wars video games that have been developed over time.

Due to a wide variety of video game genres, such as Soulslike action-adventure games and hack-and-slash titles, a legendary weapon like the lightsaber can be depicted in numerous ways. This versatility enables developers to express their passion for the sci-fi fantasy universe, whether they are crafting unique characters or recreating the movies digitally.

10. Star Wars Trilogy Arcade

Arcade Classic Makes The Player Feel Like Luke Skywalker

For quite some period, exceptional Star Wars games could only be encountered in arcades. The Star Wars Trilogy Arcade game offered an exceptional experience, making players feel as if they were actually wielding a lightsaber. With its innovative joystick controls for starfighters, troopers, and Jedi characters, the game provided an immersive Star Wars gaming experience unlike any other.

In Luke Skywalker’s stages of the Star Wars Trilogy Arcade, the joystick was used to mimic the sensation of gripping a lightsaber hilt. This required players to synchronize their actions with the on-screen quick-time events. From Jabba’s ship to the fight against Darth Vader on the second Death Star, it offered an experience remarkably similar to a VR lightsaber game.

9. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

Simple Character Stances And Animations Go A Long Way

For decades, Traveller’s Tales perfected their skills in creating numerous LEGO games, particularly focusing on the Star Wars series. This mastery reached its pinnacle with the release of LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, a game that combined all nine films into one epic adventure, featuring each film’s respective planets and narratives. Consequently, a wide array of Jedi, Sith characters from the movies, along with some additional figures derived from spin-off projects, are now accessible for players of all ages to enjoy.

Instead of creating all characters with identical gameplay and moving on, Traveller’s Tales chose to put in extra effort. Although the gameplay mechanics aren’t intricate, the level of detail is impressive. For instance, Darth Maul exhibits an acrobatic playstyle, while characters like Qui-Gon and Luke showcase unique poses, animations, and abilities as depicted in the movies.

8. Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic

Turn-Based Combat Inspired By Tabletop RPGs

BioWare skillfully designed an immersive “Star Wars” journey titled “Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic“, set far in the past, even before the occurrences of “The Phantom Menace“. This game delved into the intricacies of the Jedi and the Sith, providing players with an opportunity to traverse both recognized and uncharted planets during a period when both forces were abundant and engaged in conflict.

In the game “Knights of the Old Republic,” although it’s widely recognized as a classic, its combat system, featuring RPG elements, is sometimes met with debate. This system resembled “Dungeons & Dragons,” incorporating saving throws, dice rolls (specifically D20), and real-time turn-based mechanics. Players who are fond of games such as “Baldur’s Gate 3” might find this appealing, but those who prefer direct control may experience some difficulty adjusting initially.

7. Star Wars Jedi Knight 2: Jedi Outcast

Blaster And Lightsaber Gameplay Makes For An Iconic FPS

Initially, the game “Dark Forces 2: Jedi Knight” was pioneering for its time, as it introduced first-person shooter mechanics with lightsaber combat to fans. Subsequently, “Star Wars Jedi Knight 2: Jedi Outcast” built upon these foundations, offering an even more immersive experience. The character Kyle Katarn is capable of switching between the reliable E-11 blaster rifle and his trusted lightsaber, enabling him to engage in battles not only with Imperial remnants but also with Sith apprentices as well.

One of the unique aspects of the “Star Wars” game “Jedi Outcast” was its inclusion of dismemberment, and its lightsaber combat could be challenging, particularly when confronting the antagonist Desann and his followers. Engaging in these battles could stretch over a prolonged period, but they were intense and only served to enhance the challenge posed by an already demanding first-person shooter for its era.

6. Star Wars Battlefront 2

Heroes Vs. Villains Feels Like A Jedi Hero Shooter

As EA and DICE continued to upgrade Star Wars Battlefront 2, not only did the conventional shooter gameplay get better, but fans were also given the chance to control more iconic characters from different periods in Star Wars history. These characters range from heroes, villains, to anti-heroes, each equipped with their unique weapons and abilities that offer distinct advantages during battles.

Each Jedi and Sith character in the game offers unique playstyles, with Kylo Ren packing a powerful punch, while Count Dooku is agile and relies on damage per second (DPS). Consequently, the Heroes vs. Villains mode becomes akin to a Star Wars-themed tactical shooter, as players must employ strategic thinking when utilizing their special abilities to outmaneuver opponents and complete objectives against specific characters.

5. Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series

Become A Jedi To Survive The Horrors Of Darth Vader

Blending terror, excitement, and combat, Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series allows players to delve into the character of Darth Vader as if they were a captive within his stronghold. The main character, who possesses Force abilities, embarks on a virtual reality journey through Vader’s castle, forging a link with the Force, and ultimately claiming a lightsaber.

Vader Immortal offers engaging virtual reality gameplay, allowing players to fully command their lightsaber. When a player swings their lightsaber, it responds realistically with suitable sounds and graphics, enhancing the thrill and authenticity of battles against Darth Vader and diverse enemies. Furthermore, players can enjoy themselves in the Lightsaber Dojo, fending off hordes of adversaries.

4. Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

Hack And Slash Through A Galaxy Far, Far Away

In the later part of the 2000s, numerous games endeavored to recreate the spirit of the iconic God of War series, and Star Wars was among them. The game introduced a character named Starkiller who had turned from a Sith to a Jedi. This unique concept in Star Wars: The Force Unleashed provided players an opportunity to experience both aspects of the Force, thanks to features such as Force Lightning and Force Choke.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but revel in the sheer power that Starkiller wields with his lightsaber. It’s like watching Kratos swinging his Blades of Chaos, effortlessly dispatching Jedi characters left and right. Whether it’s a humble Stormtrooper, a mechanical droid, a brave Rebel, or even the fearsome Rancor, Starkiller slices through them all with an ease that makes for an exhilarating and unforgettable Star Wars adventure.

3. Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2

Starkiller Plays Even Better In The Second Chapter

The sequel to Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, titled as such, is frequently subjected to criticism due to its hasty development process. This haste resulted in a relatively brief narrative that many gamers can complete within just a few hours of playtime. However, it’s worth noting that the game’s graphics were highly acclaimed, and the improved gameplay for Starkiller was also lauded. Unfortunately, the storyline’s brevity overshadowed these positive aspects.

Instead of carrying a single lightsaber, Starkiller now dual-wields two, enhancing his combat style to resemble that seen in hack-and-slash games like God of War, complete with more dynamic combos. His weapons also exhibit lightning and Force Push capabilities. As in the previous game, the colors of Starkiller’s lightsabers can be altered, but this time around, any color combination is possible, offering various battle advantages through unique buffs.

2. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

Cal Kestis Gave Gamers A Soulslike Star Wars Adventure

One way to summarize Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is by imagining a blend of a Metroidvania game with Soulslike elements, sprinkled with some Tomb Raider-esque adventure. This unique fusion results in a contemporary Star Wars masterpiece that may not have as many boss battles as typical Soulslike games, but still retains the same style – offering challenging encounters that test your patience and skill, intricate levels filled with smart shortcuts, and strategically placed save points.

In this action-packed game, the main character, Cal Kestis, has the ability to switch between single, double, and dual-bladed lightsabers. Each type offers unique advantages and disadvantages when facing various adversaries, fostering a sense of exploration and versatility in playing style. This feature is particularly appealing since Cal isn’t an all-powerful Jedi figure. Wielding a lightsaber in battle brings a cinematic feel, with combat that’s slower but more rewarding.

1. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

Five Lightsaber Styles Made The Sequel Even Better

Just like any great sequel, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor builds upon its predecessor with enhancements such as deeper character customization options, a gripping yet grandiose narrative, expansive environments to traverse, and the ability to master multiple types of lightsabers in combat. Over the course of five years, our protagonist Cal Kestis has grown into a more seasoned Jedi, now equipped with the skill to wield five distinct lightsaber styles.

In Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, unlike Fallen Order where customization for Cal’s combat was somewhat restricted, players now have the freedom to choose from five distinct stances, giving the impression of controlling any type of Jedi class. Moreover, the difficulty level has been raised significantly, which adds to the Soulslike experience. At the same time, it continues to deliver on the exploration and Star Wars storytelling that made the original game so memorable.

Read More

2025-04-23 03:35