Now, admittedly, I was raised on the Prequels. The first Star Wars film I saw was The Phantom Menace. And yes, when I was five-years old, I thought Jar Jar was hilarious. But as an adult, having spent the vast majority of my life absolutely breathing in everything Star Wars, my reasons for loving the Prequels have similarly matured. At least, I like to think they have. So, from providing a cultural-political backdrop for the series to laying the groundwork for other great stories, the Prequels have much to offer. Even if the main payoff from the films isn’t the trilogy itself.

Why Don’t People Like the Prequels?

Disdain for the second Star Wars trilogy is nothing new. Apparently, Marcia Lucas, the ex-wife of George Lucas, hated TPM so much she cried while editing the film. And in large part, it seems much of the dislike comes from the point of comparison. The Original trilogy was so cinematically groundbreaking that the latter films simply didn’t live up to the hype. At least, not for most fans. And even as someone who can appreciate the Prequels, this fact seems indisputable. Objectively speaking, the second trilogy is not as good as the first. But that’s also from the viewpoint of overall impact. The dialogue doesn’t flow as well. There are lengthy sequences that do little to progress the story in a tangible way. And at least one character annoys fans to the point of near madness. But the movies arguably do other things extremely well.

Of course, there are other reasons beyond mere comparison why someone might completely disregard the Prequels. They relied heavily on CGI elements that failed to age well in some instances. The depiction of certain characters and species had semi-racist undertones. And the chemistry between the characters was often awkward at best. But what the Prequels lack is made up for by their contribution to the story at large. Are they cinematic masterpieces? No, probably not. But are they essential parts of the Star Wars story? Arguably, yes. And at least in this regard, they serve a much grander purpose. Because while they’re telling a story, they’re also crafting a universe.

So, it might be true that the Prequels aren’t as good as the Original trilogy. But that in and of itself isn’t a reason to hate them. After all, in a franchise with eleven major films, some inevitably have to be worse than others. And moving beyond the films, the era of Star Wars the second trilogy inspired provided some of the richest content to date.

What the Prequels Did Well

Choreography

There are plenty of superficial reasons why the Star Wars Prequels are good films. If nothing else, the fight choreography is the best the series has to offer. And that’s including the more recent Sequel trilogy as well. In fact, the duel between Obi-Wan and Anakin in RotS holds the title for longest sword fight in cinematic history. Comparatively speaking, the short battle between the same characters in A New Hope is relatively lackluster. But the length of the duel is inconsequential when paired with the rigor of the fight itself.

The fights might not have as much of a thematic impact as those in the Original trilogy. There’s no jaw-dropping instance of revelation, such as when Luke learns Vader is his father. But the magnitude of the battles kept them from growing stale. Maul was the first to wield a saber staff. The Geonosis arena gave fans the chance to see hundreds of Jedi fight alongside each other. And no character had ever tried to wield four sabers at once until Grievous. So, what the battles lack in emotional depth is made up for by the sheer magnanimity of the action.

Visuals

For Star Wars, CGI seems to be a double-edged sword. It works extremely well in some instances, and in others it falls flat. One of the last shots in Attack of the Clones shows thousands of troopers standing at order, ready for war. And what should be an overwhelming moment that foreshadows the rise of the Empire is laughable. Because the animated Clone Wars show has better CGI than that scene of the film. Contrastingly, the opening sequence in Revenge of the Sith is a masterpiece of CGI. The audience feels like they’re right there in the midst of battle, surrounded by shrapnel and exploding starships. Consequently, the Battle of Coruscant is one of the most memorable space skirmishes in the franchise. It’s exciting, it’s fast-paced, and it looks great.

So, it’s perfectly understandable why some fans complain about the overuse of CGI in the Prequel films. However, it must also be remembered that some of these elements were completely new to cinema at the time. Practical effects were largely used up until this point. And while the transition was clunky at best, some of the end results were beautiful and magnificent. The graphical difference between Episodes II and III demonstrate this well enough.

Breathing Life Into the Galaxy

Another laudable aspect of the Prequel trilogy is its shift away from a narrow view of the galaxy. The Original trilogy is completely engrossed in military conflict — and it portrays it well. But one downfall of this narrow focus is that it fails to introduce audiences to the larger world. Because the Rebel Alliance is constantly on the run, the galaxy feels somewhat empty. Sure, Mos Eisley has a spaceport, and the rebels befriend the Ewoks on Endor. But in Cloud City, where one would expect to see more of a populace, it still feels lonely. Tatooine is desolate, Hoth is a frozen wasteland, and the Death Star is a cold, metalic construct. And perhaps this is genius on the part of the filmmakers. Because this lonely isolation must be what it feels like for the Rebels.

But from the very start of the Prequels, fans get the sense that this galaxy far, far away is full of exciting places and people. Theed, the beautiful Nabooan city, is a stark contrast to the bleakness of space so often seen in the Originals. And Coruscant, the capital of the Republic, is a bustling cityscape with no end in sight. It’s vibrant, it’s chaotic, and exciting. From the Boonta Eve Podrace to the fall of the Jedi Temple, the Prequels work immensely to bring Star Wars to life.

Part and parcel with world-building is the massive expansion of Star Wars lore in the second trilogy. Things which were only hinted at in the Originals are given flesh in these films. The Jedi Order, the Clone Wars, even the lineage of the Sith. And without the Prequels, these aspects of the Star Wars universe would be nonexistent. At least, not the way we know and understand them today.

The Inspiration

In my mind, what the Prequels inspired is without a doubt the best aspect of the trilogy. The films themselves will always have a special place in my own love of the franchise. But they aren’t necessarily the best part of that era of Star Wars. Countless books, video games, shows and other mediums tell stories that are introduced through the Prequels. For example, the animated Clone Wars is potentially one of the most expansive additions to the franchise. It introduced Ahsoka Tano, the apprentice of Anakin Skywalker. And she’s played a major part in the universe ever since. It brought back Maul and gave him a much more integral story than his brief appearnace in Episode I. And Clone Wars arguably portrays Anakin’s fall in a much more emotionally devastating way than even Episode III.

Though not considered canon now, the book Plagueis is a fantastic look into the world of the Sith. And it stems completely from a few sentences uttered by Chancellor Palpatine in Revenge of the Sith. And don’t get me started on Darth Bane. Because you won’t hear the end of that once I get going.

From characters and places to events and magnificent stories, the Prequels are responsible for so much of Star Wars as it stands today. And without these films, which some consider worthless, the galaxy would be far poorer.

Are the Star Wars Prequels Actually Good?

Honestly, I could go on for days if not months. The Prequels are what I grew up with, and yes, I’m fairly nostalgic when it comes to defending them. But I sincerely believe they deserve a better assessment than many fans give them. They might not be the best Star Wars films, and they definitely have several noticeable flaws. But for fans of the series who can appreciate the larger scope of the universe, this trilogy is indispensable. It takes the narrow focus of the Star Wars franchise and blows it outward to the edges of the known galaxy. But ultimately, the Prequels aren’t as praiseworthy for their cinematic value as what they represent. They signaled the continuation of a beloved franchise. But more importantly, they paved the way for countless other fantastic stories to be told.

Still, for how fantastic the Star Wars films are — and make no mistake, they are fantastic in the most definitional sense of the word — the entire franchise finds its real grounding in the fact that it is a universe. not simply in the galactic, space-pioneering sphere but in the sense that it successfully spans many forms of media and allows people from all walks of life to contribute to the greater narrative. Of course, we have to thank the films for laying the groundwork for this universe, but some of the best stories that take place in Star Wars are found in other mediums — books, comics, video games, board games, television and so on.

But as with any universe, attempting to consolidate all of the available information into a cohesive, coherent story is quite a difficult task. That’s why after Disney purchased the Star Wars franchise from Lucasfilm in October of 2012, a new precedent was set for determining what material should be considered canonical. In a 2014 clean sweep, Disney decided to wipe the slate, so to speak, leaving only the main films, The Clone Wars television series, and novels that directly aligned with what was seen in the big-screen stories. Most of the Star Wars content released after that date would quickly be considered canonical as well, but this left a huge swath of material from the 1970s to mid-2010s that was not.

Sadly, some of the best written material for Star Wars came out of this period, and thankfully, Disney still recognizes the literature and media of that time as Star Wars Legends. This material, formerly known as the Expanded Universe, contains tales set as far bas as tens of thousands of years before the main Star Wars timeline, fleshing out a vibrant, cultured universe. Consequently, anyone who can’t seem to get enough of the franchise should pay attention to this era, because while it might not be currently considered canon, it contains some of the best storytelling of the entire franchise. For anyone interested in digging into the lore of Star Wars Legends, here are five books and series every Star Wars fan should read.

Star Wars Legends Books Every Fan Should Read

Darth Bane Trilogy

The Darth bane Trilogy follows the titular character, the creator of the Rule of Two. For anyone familiar with the deeper lore of the Star Wars universe, this is the idea first expressed by Yoda in The Phantom Menace that, at any given time, there should be no more than two Sith — one master to embody power and an apprentice to crave it. Technically, the character of Darth Bane was made canon in the sixth season of The Clone Wars, when Yoda encountered the disembodied spirit of the Sith Lord. However, the canonical event’s of Bane’s life are still shrouded in mystery, leaving this Legends trilogy as the most comprehensive tale of the founder of The Order of Sith Lords.

Without giving too much of the story away, the series follows Bane as he transforms from a poor miner named Dessel to a soldier in the Brotherhood of Darkness, and eventually the heir of the entire Sith lineage. Rich with detailed characters on both sides of an intergalactic conflict, this trilogy serves as the capstone for anyone interested in Sith lore and the ultimate expression of the Rule of Two — Vader and Sidious.

The titles included in this trilogy are:

• Path of Destruction
• Rule of Two
• Dynasty of Evil

Darth Plagueis

“Did you ever hear the Tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise? I thought not. It’s not a story the Jedi would tell you.”

But that’s all right, because James Luceno will, and what a gripping tale it is. If the Darth Bane trilogy represents the beginning of the Order of Sith Lords, Darth Plagueis stands as the penultimate bookend. This riveting story takes place largely in the background of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, helping the reader understand the secretive events that ultimate led to the fall of the Republic and the emergence of the First Galactic Empire. True to the words of Palpatine in Revenge of the Sith, Darth Plagueis was a dark lord who sought to bend the force to his own will — his chief goal to hold the keys to life and death.

In this novel, readers get a glimpse at the Legends backstory for Darth Sidious, Maul and a host of other major players in the Star Wars universe. If the dark side is a pathway to many abilities some consider to be unnatural, then this is the story to understand how. A mix of political maneuvering and primeval, cultic ritual, Darth Plagueis s a book that will leave fans stunned and wondering whether the Jedi Order ever had a chance to begin with.

The Bounty Hunter Wars

This trilogy of novels explores a side of Star Wars some fans might be unfamiliar with. Of course, since The Mandalorian first aired in 2019, many people have begun to recognize that the Star Wars universe expands far beyond the Jedi/Sith conflict. Perhaps it’s even common knowledge that the bounty hunters are a large part of the franchise, and have been since The Empire Strikes Back, when Vader hired mercenaries to track down Han Solo. Even so, names like Dengar, Bossk, and Zuckuss probably don’t ring a bell. But after reading The Bounty Hunter Wars, fans will understand why these characters are some of the most loved, and feared, in the entire franchise.

For the most part, this series revolves around the iconic character, Boba Fett, who like in The Mandalorian, (SPOILER) manages to survive falling into the Sarlacc pit. Starting mere days after the events of Return of the Jedi, this narrative sees a heinous plot to minimize the power of the Bounty Hunters’ Guild by turning the members against one another. In a strategic game of wits, conspiracy and betrayal, no one is safe — not even the most feared hunters in all the galaxy.

• The Mandalorian Armor
• Slave Ship
• Hard Merchandise

Red Harvest

What do you get when you mix Children of the Corn, The Walking Dead, and Star Wars? Red Harvest, that’s what. This novel is something of an abnormality in the franchise, representing a zombie-plant survival story. And while that might sound outlandish to some extent, surpassing the normal bounds of the universe, it simply proves that anything is possible in Star Wars. Set during the days of the Old Republic, this novel details the mad schemes of a Sith Lord, Darth Scabrous, and the horrible results of his dark attempts at immortality. And while his goals might closely align with the much later Darth Plagueis’, the outcome couldn’t be more different.

As far as storytelling goes, Red Harvest might not have the same level of depth as the Darth Bane trilogy or other books mentioned so far, but it’s worth reading purely for the experience of a horror story in a galaxy far, far away.

Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter

The titular Sith Lord, Darth Maul, was first introduced in The Phantom Menace, and though his spoken lines numbered in the single digits, his terrifying visage and prowess as a warrior captivated fans’ attention, making him one of the most recognizable figures from the entire franchise. And while more of his personality and driving motivations were fleshed out in The Clone Wars and other comic series, that wasn’t until 2008, nearly a decade after his initial debut. Because of the relative lack of backstory in film at the time, the 2001 novel, Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter, was and still is a must-read for fans of the Sith assassin.

Taking place directly before the events of The Phantom Menace, this book follows Maul on his hunt for a traitorous member of the Trade Federation. Given leave to exact his dark vengeance on those who would thwart his master’s schemes, Maul’s demonic quest allows readers, for the first time, a glimpse into the mind of the silent Jedi hunter.

Read More Star Wars Legends Books

Upon review of this list, it’s apparent that all five of the novels and series have one thing in common — they follow the villains! Maybe that’s because some of the best stories are ones which let us get into the heads of characters that seem so alien to our own ways of thinking. Or maybe it’s just because sometimes it’s fun to be bad. But just because these Star Wars Legends books are some of the best doesn’t mean there aren’t others out there with more of a light-side persuasion. If you’re interested in finding out more, check out this list of 31 books and series from the Legends universe. And while you’re at it, don’t forget that there are plenty of other ways to get into the fantastic lore of Star Wars, from comics to games and a whole host of other mediums.

Of course, most fans know Windu seemingly died in Revenge of the Sith. But it wouldn’t be the first time a character has disappeared only to make an unexpected return later on. And if I’m right, there’s good reason to suspect the defeated Jedi will make an appearance once again. So, whether Mace Windu’s return is something you hope for or hate the idea of, it could happen.

Who Is Mace Windu to Boba Fett?

But before getting into the reasons why the theory holds weight, it’s important to know how Windu matters to Boba Fett specifically. Biographically speaking, Mace Windu was most notably a high-ranking member of the Jedi Order. A longtime member of the Council, he sat with Master Yoda, Obi-Wan Kenobi and other powerful force users. Furthermore, during the Clone Wars, he served as a general, leading Republic forces against the Separatist armies. But it was at the outset of this conflict that he made an unalterable mark on Boba Fett. Because at the Battle of Geonosis, the young, future bounty hunter watched helplessly as Windu cut down his father. Thus, with one swift stroke of the Jedi’s purple lightsaber blade, the two were forever linked.

Driven by rage and hatred, Boba Fett attempted at least one assassination attempt on Windu. However, the Jedi’s fate was ultimately tied up in a much larger conflict with the Sith. Because with the help of Anakin Skywalker, Darth Sidious struck down Windu, cementing his apprentice’s turn to the Dark Side.

Cinematically, Windu never reappeared after Palpatine electrocuted and threw him from the top of the Senate building on Coruscant. But as most Star Wars fans know, Jedi are notoriously difficult to kill. So, it stands to reason that he survived Order 66 and went into hiding like the other remaining Jedi. And if that’s the case, Mace Windu could return in The Book of Boba Fett to finally settle the debt.

This Theory Makes Thematic Sense

Windu’s Injuries Weren’t Necessarily Fatal

Of course, the biggest obstacle is the established lore that Windu perished at the hands of Vader and Sidious. Especially since there is no mention of him being alive at any point afterward in the canon timeline. However, there are plenty of other instances where someone thought dead came back again unexpectedly. In fact, Darth Maul might be the prime example. But beforehand, it’s important to point out the specific traumatic injuries Windu endured:

• Anakin Skywalker cut off his hand
• Darth Sidious electrocuted him with force lightning
• Sidious then threw him from the shattered window at the top of the Senate building

Similarly to Windu, Darth Maul fell a great distance and survived. However, unlike the Jedi, Maul was completely bisected when Obi-Wan cut through his torso. Considering Maul was likely weaker in the force than Windu, it doesn’t make sense for one to survive and the other not. After all, it’s been clearly established in the franchise that losing a limb to a lightsaber is not life-threatening. Anakin Skywalker lost both arms and legs and still remained a powerful Sith Lord. Luke Skywalker lost a hand. And even non-force-users like Ponda Baba lost limbs without fatal consequences. Theoretically, since lightsabers cauterize wounds immediately, such dismemberment isn’t enough to kill in most instances.

Likewise, neither force lightning or great falls typically kill force users. Count Dooku tortured Anakin with lightning in Attack of the Clones. Luke and Vader both endured the same at the hands of Palpatine in Return of the Jedi. And though Vader died, it was only because of his existing injuries and the destruction of his suit’s life support system. In the final season of The Clone Wars, Ahsoka Tano leapt hundreds of feet from a crashing starship without harm. So, Windu surviving seems plausible.

Boba Exhibits a Driving Hatred for Windu

The second season of The Clone Wars features a three-episode arc dedicated to Boba Fett’s assassination attempt of Mace Windu. And of course, the reasoning is clear. The Jedi murdered Fett’s father, Jango, and he wanted revenge. Understandably, this sort of rage-filled motivation is one of Fett’s hallmarks. Because the death of Jango is probably the most formative moment in his life story. The only sequence potentially more defining is his escape from the Sarlacc on Tatooine. Regardless, The Book of Boba Fett has already shown that Jango’s death still haunts the former bounty hunter. Because in several flashback sequences, he’s holding his father’s empty helmet on the sands of the Geonosian arena.

If nothing else, this heralds the fact that Boba still harbors unresolved anger and pain decades later. And as far as he’s concerned, Windu is at fault. Because his father was simply fulfilling a contract. He wasn’t a bad person but “just a simple man” trying to make his way in the universe.

Of course, not all storylines find resolution. But in this case, it makes thematic sense for Mace Windu to return and face off against Fett. Because in large part, the two are intertwined. As far as lore tells, Windu could have survived his battle with Sidious, gone into exile, and endured the Empire. And though it stands to be seen what events could place him in Fett’s path, the possibility remains.

Mace Windu Returning Makes Practical Sense

The Show Needs Its Surprise Twist

It’s difficult to watch any Star Wars streamed show without comparing it to others. And unfortunately, so far The Book of Boba Fett hasn’t stood up to The Mandalorian. After all, Grogu was introduced in the first episode of Jon Favreau’s hit series. And the second season seemed to bring one big hit after another. It introduced Ahsoka in live action and brought back a young Luke Skywalker. But most notably, Boba Fett himself appeared for the first time since Return of the Jedi. However, nothing so far in The Book of Boba Fett rivals the sort of surprise storytelling from The Mandalorian. But it’s worth believing that twist is still to come. Ming-Na Wen, who plays the assassin, Fennec Shand, feels fans will see the show differently after the finale. And this supposes some sort of narrative element that either shocks or thrills audiences.

Undoubtedly, Mace Windu returning would satisfy that expectation. Admittedly, how Mace Windu would fit into the existing story so far is uncertain at best. Nothing has yet hinted that Boba Fett intends to track him down. And unless Windu’s Jedi background has collapsed, he likely wouldn’t seek out Fett himself. At least, not for any sort of violent showdown. However, if somehow the two inadvertently crossed paths, it would make for an interesting reunion.

“Dead” Characters Come Back All the Time

There’s no need to beat a dead horse. But pragmatically, Star Wars kills of characters fairly often only to bring them back later. The franchise has done this for years, and continuing the trope isn’t out of the question. In fact, Boba Fett’s fate was also unknown until December of 2020. For nearly thirty years, the official lore held that he was eaten by the Sarlacc. Furthermore, Darth Maul was supposed dead on Naboo, only to show back up in the Clone Wars. Even the prime villain of the series, Darth Sidious, resurrected for The Rise of Skywalker. So, expecting a “dead” character to come back is par-for-the-course.

The Actors Want It to Happen

Naturally, Mace Windu returning would only happen so long as the appropriate actors agreed. Fortunately, Samuel Jackson, who played the Jedi Master, said he would “love to give one more run at Mace Windu”. Furthermore, Temuera Morrison, the actor behind Boba Fett, also hinted at the possibility of Windu returning. Although not direct, he noted that Boba’s desire for revenge is a driving force. And potentially more importantly, that his hatred for Windu is something that simmers violently just beneath the surface.

Granted, it isn’t enough for two actors to suggest the possibility of Mace Windu’s return in The Book of Boba Fett. However, their willingness to make it work alongside the plausibility of the theory could pave the way.

Will Mace Windu Return?

Overall, there are two ways of asking the question. Could Mace Windu return? Absolutely. Without a doubt, Star Wars has already set a precedent for bringing back fan-favorite characters. But more importantly, will he make a reappearance? This, of course, remains to be seen. There’s a lot out there to suggest Samuel Jackson might reprise the role. And even if only in flashback sequences, seeing him pick up his purple saber again would be worth waiting for. But for now, fans will simply have to watch and wait to see what happens.

In fact, I’ve been waiting for this game to release since late 2019, following the conclusion of the Sequel trilogy. So, saying I’m excited to finally get my hands on this new title is a bit of an understatement. Regardless your opinion on the newest films, Lego Star Wars represents the most comprehensive way to play the entire saga. And as someone who’s been a fan of the game series since it debuted in 2005, this release is celebratory. Of course, when this article goes live, I’ll probably have stacked a few hours into the game. But as of right now, everything I know comes from trailers, reviews and leaked walkthrough videos. So, take my thoughts with a grain of salt. Because, more than anything, I’m reminiscing on my experience with the Lego Star Wars franchise.

Lego Star Wars On Game Boy Advance

Now, unlike others who grabbed Lego Star Wars when it first released, I played it on a Game Boy Advance. Growing up, I rarely had the opportunity to get my hands on the newest console. So, much of my experience was relegated to handhelds like Game Boys and Nintendo DS systems. This title was absolutely no exception to that norm. However, the game itself was far different for Game Boy than for consoles like PS2 or GameCube. In fact, that might be a main reason why I’m so utterly excited to play the Nintendo Switch version. Essentially, it’s a handheld system with the exact same gaming experience for The Skywalker Saga as on a console.

Of course, some of the graphical output might be less robust than, say, PlayStation 5 or Xbox One. But the overall format is the same from one system to another. So, even though I’ll be playing on another handheld, I won’t be missing out like before.

Undoubtedly, one of the main draws has always been the ability to play a multitude of characters across the series. And even in the original version, which only covered the Prequel trilogy, the roster included fifty-nine characters. So, from Mace Windu and Obi-Wan to Padmé and Shaak Ti, fans had a wide range of options. At least, that was the case for consoles. Unfortunately, the Game Boy Advance crowd received a pool of fifteen, plus twenty-three accessible only with cheats. So, even with the entire roster, handheld users were at a severe disadvantage in terms of playable characters. And additionally, that says nothing about the comparison of overall gameplay, maps, graphics, and other features.

However, the version differences have to be understood in light of the technology of the time. Naturally, Game Boy Advance hardware was nowhere powerful enough to run anything comparable to the console title. So, even though the first Lego Star Wars was significantly better on some systems than others, that can be forgiven. Particularly since the next entries in the series were far more enjoyable.

Lego Star Wars II and the Complete Saga

Now, to be entirely fair, it’s been years since I’ve played either of the Nintendo DS Lego Star Wars titles. So, perhaps it’s a bit of nostalgia influencing my view. But I remember these titles far more fondly than the first. And although Lego Star Wars II suffered many bugs, The Complete Saga was fairly stable. In fact, the 2007 title was far more akin to console versions than anything previous. It offered several interesting mini-game bonus levels such as lightsaber training, podrace pit stops, and more. But the variety in the levels far outweighed the depth of the original Game Boy Advance version. So, this later title offered a much better way to enjoy both the Prequels and Originals on the go. And of course, at the time, that represented the entirety of the Star Wars saga.

However, for all the advancements made over against the 2005 title, the DS games still weren’t on-par with consoles. For example, most levels were shorter, spliced together, or cut out entirely. The character roster was also still inferior, as were cinematic elements and available moves. So, even being superior to the original handheld title, The Complete Saga for DS still struggled to compete.

Now, the amount of hours I logged in the DS games aren’t easily estimable. I played through each film many times. And what’s more, my ongoing love for bounty hunter lore probably stems from the Lego Star Wars II bounty hunter missions. After all, an interest in Boba Fett and Dengar pushed me into the expanded universe novels. So, the second Lego Star Wars title boasts some merit for helping cement my love for the franchise.

Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars

Admittedly, the PSP version of The Clone Wars is probably the title I’ve spent the least amount of time playing. In fact, I don’t remember finishing the game more than once or twice, which was strange. Because in comparison, I completed both the Game Boy Advance and DS titles multiple times over. Furthermore, I’m a massive fan of The Clone Wars television series. However, this game didn’t have the same overall feeling as the titles dedicated to the main trilogies. So, I have relatively little to say on its behalf.

That noted, I should at least point out that this game had a new roster of characters not played before. Of course, this was because it covered an entirely different era of the Star Wars franchise. It also boasted yet further improved graphics and levels comparable to those found on console versions. And it even included fairly decent vehicular levels. However, it still failed to grasp the full picture presented by superior systems. And perhaps because the subject matter was less familiar than that of the main series. It covered a relatively short amount of content from the show. Especially since the previous DS title accounted for material from all six existing films. So, it not only felt lackluster compared to other version of the same game. It felt inferior to titles that released years before.

Moving Into The Skywalker Saga

Now, maybe you’ve read all this and you’re thinking, “All you did was complain about these games”. If so, that hasn’t been my intention. I have greatly admired the Lego Star Wars games since they first released over fifteen years ago – handheld versions particularly. However, recognizing they don’t stack up to console editions has made me extremely interested to play the Switch version. Because, by all accounts, the game should be extremely similar across all platforms. The gameplay has been entirely revamped for a fresh, new style. The roster of characters is over 300 strong, with additional DLC character packs available. The ability to free roam in both vehicle and on-planet looks extremely enticing. And the graphics are incredible in comparison to previous titles.

Now, whether the hype will stand up remains to be seen. But IGN has given the game an 8/10 score. Kotaku calls it “brilliant and well-made…without becoming boring”. And Game Informer hails it a “thorough and fun examination of all three Star Wars movie trilogies”. So, my hopes are high, and my excitement is growing with every anticipatory minute. Overwhelmingly, the consensus for Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga seems to be positive.