Why Star Wars: The Force Unleashed May Be Better Left to the Past

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As a seasoned gamer with decades of Star Wars gaming under my belt, I can confidently say that Star Wars: The Force Unleashed was a game that left a lasting impression on me. It was one of those titles that filled a gap in the franchise’s timeline and introduced us to the enigmatic Starkiller. However, as much as I enjoyed the game back then, I have to admit that its story doesn’t quite fit in with the current Star Wars narrative.

One of the initial video games to delve into the interval between Star Wars: Episode 3 and Star Wars: Episode 4, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed unveiled Starkiller, a clandestine apprentice of Darth Vader with an extraordinary bond with the Force. This character played a pivotal role in the emergence of the Rebellion.

Over the years, the Star Wars story has evolved significantly since the debut of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. Many elements from that original tale might not fit seamlessly into the franchise nowadays. For instance, the character Starkiller, particularly his role as Darth Vader’s apprentice or one of the Rebellion’s founders, would be challenging to incorporate given that characters like Ahsoka Tano and events from Star Wars Rebels have filled those positions already. Furthermore, other series such as the Star Wars Jedi have delved deeper into the Inquisitorius and Darth Vader’s actions during the Rebellion period, leaving limited opportunities for Starkiller to make a meaningful return.

Starkiller’s Role in Star Wars Before Disney’s Canon

As Galen Marek, better known as Starkiller, I was a key figure in filling a crucial void in Darth Vader’s tale. My story served to illuminate the roots of the Rebellion before Disney shaped the current Star Wars canon. As Vader’s covert apprentice, I was molded and tutored by him with the mission to bring down Sidious. However, unbeknownst to Anakin Skywalker, my actions ultimately led to the formation of the Rebellion and his own demise. The game, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, was launched before Disney acquired Star Wars, which later influenced the creation of Star Wars Rebels. Some events in Rebels surpassed those depicted in The Force Unleashed.

In other words, since the character of Darth Sidious’ Inquisitorius is already present in the story, there isn’t space for another secret apprentice like Starkiller. The roles that Starkiller played have been assumed by different characters, notably those from Star Wars Rebels, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.

Darth Vader’s Apprentice and His Canon Ending

Introducing Starkiller’s tale into these narratives wouldn’t enhance them, and it wouldn’t improve Darth Vader’s story either. The conflict between Starkiller and Vader has been portrayed multiple times, by characters like members of the Inquisitorius, Cal Kestis, and notably, Ahsoka. Although it would be intriguing to see Ahsoka with a Sith apprentice mirror, Maul has previously filled this role in the final season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Interestingly, Maul was voiced by Sam Witwer, who also lent his voice to Starkiller.

Ahsoka Tano is a key figure as Anakin Skywalker’s apprentice and a founder of the Rebellion, which significantly reduces the significance of Starkiller’s roles if he were to reappear. This might necessitate a complete overhaul of his character. The dynamic between Vader, Ahsoka, and Luke already mirrors what was once played out with Starkiller. When Starkiller dies in Luke’s arms, he experiences internal conflict regarding Ahsoka’s choices. If Starkiller were to return, it would demand a rework of his entire narrative and character, potentially leading to a very different relationship with Darth Vader, depending on their interaction. The question then arises about the purpose of reviving Starkiller. Ultimately, the Star Wars: The Force Unleashed games provided enjoyable entertainment for their era, but some tales are best left in history.

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2024-12-28 20:44