TheStar Warsuniverse is arguably the most expansive in media history, with much of gaming pop culture stemming in one way or another from the legendary clashes between the Jedi and the dark forces of the Sith. As a result, several games have popped up with nods to the franchise, likeThe Sims 4’s Journey to Batuu EP, as have officially licensed games likeStar Wars Jedi. Bit Reactor’sStar Wars Zero Companyis the latest title to join the impressively assembled ranks, and it already has an advantage over many of its peers that have risen to prominence in the gaming industry despite its seemingly more linear basis. This strength lies in the diversity of its proposed cast, which could make it one of themost comprehensiveStar Warsgamesout there.
While the vastness ofStar Wars' galaxy means that there’s no shortage of material to choose from for video game inspiration, there’s also a real challenge of scope that developers will have to tackle. This rings particularly true in RPG titles that are entirely based on theStar Warsfranchise; they often have to limit their offerings and gameplay focuses to a singular faction, whether that is the Jedi, Sith, or outlaws. Older multiplayer games such asStar Wars: The Old Republiccame closest to a full-scale implementation through their character classes, but the graphical limitations hampered their efforts to a considerable degree. Thus,Star Wars Zero Companymay be headed down a road where its versatility distinguishes it from the competition - and that’s a good thing.
Star Wars Zero Company’s Casting Choices Could Be a Game Changer
AlthoughStar Wars Zero Companywon’t be out for a while, its announcement drew attention from even casual enjoyers of the franchise. Set during the Clone Wars, players will presumably be thrust into a team of specialists (reminiscent ofMarvel’s S.H.I.E.L.D) to battle it out for the fate of the galaxy from behind the curtains. This premise sharply contrasts the traditional hero agenda that comes with RPG-styled gameplay, and the uniqueness is not only tied to the storytelling.
Bit Reactor is dividing its cast into five known characters so far, which encompasses just about everyStar Warscharacter trope known to gaming.Star Wars Zero Companyfeatures an ex-captain in the Republic Army, a Clonetrooper, a Jedi, a Mandalorian, and an Umbaran sniper - each with unique motivations for joining this unlikely band of fellows. The secret agent-esque plot, coupled with the banding together of severaliconicStar Warsspecies, is a unique separating factor that Bit Reactor is employing, and it could set the title apart from its peers in dramatic fashion.
Cast Diversity Provides a Solid Link to the Star Wars Franchise
Despite the turn-based combat focus, which some may argue reduces the depth of immersion, there’s also an option for permadeath which adds an extra layer of character relatability. Loss is a constant in theStar Warsuniverse, and any member of the party can meet an unfortunate end in a battle. Upping the stakes to include permanent elimination from theStar Wars Zero Companystorylineis one of the reasons the title is being called a “Star Wars XCOM” of sorts in some circles. Due to the diverse nature of the cast, losing any team member will likely feel even more impactful, as players will be losing a unique and memorable character.
Star Wars, at its core, is a mosaic of different cultures and races intertwined by the natural forces of Order and Chaos. Capturing these polar opposite emotions on such a large scale in gaming has not proven easy, as developers have had to streamline their storylines to one or two races.Star Wars Zero Companyhas decided to go a different route, and it’s one that perhaps most closely resembles afull-fledgedStar Warsmovie- which is ultimately what could make it the most well-roundedStar Warsvideo game out there.
