Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron marks the fifth entry in the Battlefront saga, tailored for both the Nintendo DS and the PSP. Its official unveiling occurred on May 26, 2009, followed by its launch on November 3, 2009.
The game's Campaign mode tells the tale of X2, a force-sensitive clone who, alongside his sibling X1, serves under the command of Jedi Master Ferroda.
The pair are tasked with the training of clone troopers, both before and during the Clone Wars.
Their assignments include the defense of a training facility on Tatooine, combat during the Battle of Coruscant, and offering assistance in the Battle of Cato Neimoidia.
During the Battle of Cato Neimoidia, Order 66 is executed, and X2 receives the order to assassinate Jedi Master Ferroda, a directive he reluctantly carries out.
Post-Clone Wars, X1 enlists with the Galactic Empire, while X2 becomes a renegade, forever burdened by the memory of killing Ferroda during Order 66.
Subsequently, X2 journeys to Dantooine to encounter his genetic father and Jedi Master Falon Grey. Grey instructs X2 in the proper utilization of his Force abilities, commencing his Jedi apprenticeship. His location is soon discovered by the Galactic Empire, leading to an invasion of Dantooine spearheaded by X1. X2 and Grey attempt to flee, but they are ultimately defeated, resulting in Falon Grey's death and X2 sustaining severe injuries.
Years later, Rahm Kota discovers X2 and recruits him into the Rebel Alliance. He establishes Grey Squadron in memory of Falon Grey. Prior to the Battle of Yavin, Kota welcomes Shara, a former bounty hunter, into Grey Squadron. During the Battle of Hoth, X2 confronts X1, who has succumbed to the dark side. Their duel is cut short, and they are separated.
After the Battle of Endor, Luke Skywalker gifts X2 a lightsaber and begins training him for the inevitable showdown with his brother. He, Shara, and the rest of Grey Squadron locate X1's base on Vjun. After investigating Bast Castle, X2 traces X1 to Mustafar, where X1 is holding Luke captive. X2 engages his brother in a final battle. Following X1's defeat, the Rebels depart Mustafar, and X2 contemplates the challenges that lie ahead in the New Republic.
He adds that the Jedi will meet them all. (PSP version only)
Following the acquisition of Pandemic Studios by Electronic Arts, LucasArts reached out to Free Radical Design to develop a third installment in the Star Wars: Battlefront series, slated for release in 2008. This game was intended to feature a new narrative campaign centered around X1 and X2, incorporating seamless transitions between ground and space combat. Similar to the Pandemic titles, it would have included a class system, although limited to five classes, akin to the original game. However, the project was ultimately canceled. LucasArts then approached Rebellion Developments, the studio behind the portable-exclusive title, Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron, to repurpose usable elements from Free Radical's game and create their own version.
A StarWars.com announcement, which detailed the game's plot, platforms, and other features, also noted that the game would showcase events from the original Star Wars Saga and beyond. This encompassed both the game's storyline and events from other periods in Star Wars history.
The PSP version of the game was created by Rebellion Developments, the same team that developed the previous game in the series, Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron.
The game introduces maps with multiple layers, enabling transitions between ground and space, and allowing player actions in both areas to influence the entire battlefield.
The game provides three single-player modes: Instant Action, Campaign, and Galactic Conquest. The Campaign mode is divided into three acts: the first act focuses on the Clone Wars and the rise of X1 and X2, as well as the execution of Order 66. The second act is set during the rise of the Galactic Empire and the Galactic Civil War, while the third act takes place after the Empire's defeat, as the remaining Imperial forces struggle for survival.
Instant Action features three different Capture-The-Flag modes (1-Flag CTF, 2-Flag CTF, and Hero CTF), a Heroes vs. Villains mode (similar to the Hero Assault mode in Star Wars: Battlefront II), and the standard "Conquest" mode.
Galactic Conquest mode also supports multiplayer connectivity with another PSP.
The Customization feature is more extensive than in the previous game, Renegade Squadron. Unlike its predecessor, Elite Squadron offers eight classes, including three "Custom" classes that utilize the Customization system. The other available classes are "Soldier", "Sniper", "Heavy", "Assault", and "Pilot". Act 3 of the campaign also introduces the story-specific "Jedi" class.
The Conquest Mode in Elite Squadron employs a points-based system instead of a traditional reinforcement counter. Capturing command posts is a primary objective, but players must also destroy the shields of the enemy capital ship in space. This can be achieved either by securing the planet's ion cannon and using it to deplete the enemy ship's shields, or by entering space and attacking the ship with blaster fire. Once the shields are down, players can board the ship and destroy its main reactor to disable it.
In a similar vein to the "Hero Assault" gameplay mode in Star Wars: Battlefront II, players can select any of the game's playable heroes or villains to battle multiple copies of other heroes or villains. Unlike other Hero scenarios, these matches are confined to a specific era.
Elite Squadron implements a modified class-based system, a departure from the previous game.
- Soldier: This class is equipped with a Blaster Rifle, Blaster Pistol, Thermal Detonators, Health and Ammo Packs, enhanced Stamina, Speed Level 2, and Capture Level 2.
- Heavy: This class features a Rocket Launcher, Blaster Pistol, DetPacks, Personal Shield, Health Level 2, and Capture Speed 1.
- Assault: This class includes a Shotgun, Force Pike, Thermal Detonators, Health and Ammo packs, Health Level 2, Speed Level 1, and Capture Speed 1.
- Sniper: This class is armed with a Sniper Rifle, TriShot, Mines, a Stealth Suit, Health level 1, and Speed Level 2.
- Pilot: This class comes with a Blaster Rifle, Fusion Cutter, DetPacks, Health and Ammo Packs, automatic vehicle repair capabilities, Health level 2, Speed Level 1, and Capture Level 1.
- Jedi: This class is exclusive to the campaign mode and cannot be unlocked for single or online play. The Jedi Class wields a lightsaber and can use Saber Throw and Force Push.
- Custom: The game features three custom classes that utilize the Customization system.
Players have the ability to customize their soldier to suit the needs of the battle. They can select preset classes with pre-equipped weapons. Some weapons are initially unavailable and must be unlocked by achieving specific goals, such as completing the Campaign mode on a certain difficulty or earning specific Medals.
Players have 100 credits to spend on their unit's gear, with each item having a specific value. They can equip items as desired, provided they have sufficient credits. Depending on the battle or situation, players can unequip items to regain credits and equip different ones.
Primary Weapons
- None - 0 Credits
- Blaster Rifle - 25 Credits: A standard infantry weapon used throughout the galaxy.
- Arc Caster - 30 Credits: Fires a bolt of energy that chains to nearby enemies.
- Carbonite Freeze Gun - 15 Credits: Freezes targets in place for a short time, with longer immobilization for more charged shots. Subsequent fire can damage infantry.
- Incinerator - 20 Credits: Emits an intense wave of flame, causing significant damage to infantry at close range.
- Shotgun - 30 Credits: Fires a spread of bolts, deadly at close range.
- Sniper Rifle - 25 Credits: A modified blaster rifle with enhanced sights and accuracy for long-range engagements, including a scope.
- Chaingun - 40 Credits: A powerful weapon that requires a brief charge-up time and overheats with excessive use.
- Bowcaster - 30 Credits: A Wookiee weapon that fires a spread of bolts, chargeable for greater effect.
- Rocket Launcher - 25 Credits: Fires a rocket that explodes on impact.
- Lightsaber - The signature weapon of a Jedi, usable only within the "Jedi" class.
Secondary Weapons include typical sidearms.
- Blaster Pistol - 5 Credits: A common backup weapon that overheats with excessive use.
- Fusion Cutter - 0 Credits: Repairs vehicles, turrets, and supply droids, and can also overheat enemy vehicles.
- TriShot - 15 Credits: A close-range shotgun-type weapon.
- EMP Launcher - 25 Credits: Fires an electromagnetic pulse at targets.
- Explosive Blaster Pistol - 20 Credits: Fires bolts that explode on impact, causing a small amount of splash damage.
- Grenade Launcher - 20 Credits: Fires a volley of grenades at a target.
- Wookiee Guided Rocket Launcher - 25 Credits: A remotely controlled rocket for long-range targeting.
- Turbolaser strike - 20 Credits: Fires a beacon that triggers a turbolaser beam to strike the designated target after a short delay.
- Electrostaff - 10 Credits: A melee weapon made of phrik alloy.
- Force Pike - 5 Credits: A melee weapon, somewhat less effective than the Electrostaff.
This category includes grenades.
- None - 0 Credits
- Thermal Detonator - 10 Credits: Standard-issue explosives that detonate after a short delay.
- Detpacks - 10 Credits: Remotely detonated explosives.
- Proximity Mines - 10 Credits: Placed on surfaces and triggered by proximity to an enemy unit.
- Cluster Grenade - 15 Credits: Explodes in mid-air, scattering smaller charges that detonate on contact.
- Wrist Rocket - 20 Credits: Launched from the wrist, these rockets explode on contact.
Adds a special item to the unit's arsenal.
- None - 0 Credits
- Health and Ammo - 10 Credits: Drops supplies onto the battlefront, including medicines, emergency care tools, and ammo.
- Auto-Turret - 5 Credits: Provides additional firepower and protection, effective for defending command posts.
- Recon Droid - 10 Credits: A deployable, remotely controlled droid for gathering intelligence, equipped with a blaster and self-destruct capability.
- Stealth Suit - 20 Credits: Provides invisibility, draining stamina while active.
- Jet Pack - 30 Credits: Activated by tapping Jump while airborne, allowing for altitude changes.
- Jump Pack - 20 Credits: Increases a unit's jump height.
- Personal Shield - 25 Credits: Deflects damage while active, but restricts player movement.
Adds a special, single-use attribute to a unit's arsenal.
- None - 0 Credits
- Rally - 10 Credits: Reduces damage taken by the player and nearby allies by 50% for a short time.
- Rage - 15 Credits: Increases damage dealt by the player and nearby allies by 50% for a short time.
- Stamina - 5 Credits: Increases the stamina reserve of the player and nearby allies for a short time.
- Regenerate - 15 Credits: Grants the player and nearby allies the ability to recover health for a short time.
- Vehicle Auto Repair - 10 Credits: Passively repairs any vehicle or spacecraft the player is using.
Determines the time taken for a unit to capture a Command Post and increases the unit's maximum stamina.
- None. 0 Credits. Standard Capture Speed and Stamina
- Capture Speed Level 1. 15 Credits. 2 times Standard Capture Speed, 33% more stamina.
- Capture Speed Level 2. 25 Credits. 3 times Standard Capure Speed, 66% more stamina.
- Capture Speed Level 3. 35 Credits. 4 times Standard Capture Speed, twice the standard stamina.
Personalization options in Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron mirror those in Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron, with the distinction that new skins, markings, and insignia must be unlocked by completing specific objectives, such as campaign missions.
There are five personalization categories: Body, Head, Color 1, Color 2, and Insignia. Each body type has its own head options, and each faction has a unique personalization menu with different options.
The game includes several units that appear in various scenarios during the Campaign mode but are not selectable in the Personalization menu:
- Clone Troopers in Phase I clone trooper armor appear during the Cato Neimoidia mission, despite the scenario featuring Phase II troopers.
- Imperial Fleet Officers are encountered aboard the Death Star I and inside Star Destroyers.
- Red Guards are also fought inside the Death Star I and inside Star Destroyers, wielding chainguns.
- Phase III dark troopers are fought on Bespin and Mustafar.
- Wookiees cloned by X1 on Mustafar.
- X1's Storm Trooper on Mustafar.
- Ewoks on Endor.
- Jawas on Tatooine.
Elite Squadron features numerous ships that appear in various scenarios during the Campaign mode but are not usable in-game. Some are piloted by the player, while others are non-playable.
- ARC 170 fighters are used by X2 in the Coruscant and Cato Neimoidia scenarios but are not selectable in any other game mode.
- TIE Interceptors are visible in the Hoth scenario and subsequent stages, but are AI-controlled only.
- TIE Defenders appear in the climactic Mustafar scenario but are AI-controlled only.
- TIE Bombers appear in the Yavin 4 scenario and subsequent stages, but are AI-controlled only.
The Nintendo DS version was developed by N-space, known for their DS adaptations of the Call of Duty series, including World at War and Modern Warfare. It features eleven campaign missions and supports up to four players via Wi-Fi connection. The game does not include customization and instead uses a traditional class-based system. It employs an isometric perspective, similar to modern dungeon crawlers.
The campaign mode progresses similarly to the PSP version, with key differences including the omission of the Bespin mission. In the DS version, Rahm Kota sends X2 to Geonosis to rescue a captive Rebel unit (which later becomes Grey Squadron). After being recruited by Kota, X2 is dispatched to the Desolation Station to sabotage the Empire's efforts to construct the first Death Star. Finally, X2 attacks X1's fortress on Dathomir instead of Vjun.
Unlike classic Battlefront games, Instant Action supports only four players, typically representing each faction.
There are three modes: Free-For-All, Team Game, and Hero Mode. Victory is achieved in space by destroying enemy ships to earn points, in capital ships by collecting R2 units, and on the ground by capturing command posts and eliminating enemies.
Players can choose from four classes: Heavy, Assault, Engineer, and Spy. The Heavy class is equipped with a Minigun, Rocket Launcher, and Detpacks. The Assault class features a Blaster Rifle, Shotgun, and thermal detonators. Engineers are armed with ARC casters, grenade launchers, and Sentry Droids. The Spy class is equipped with dual blaster pistols, a disruptor rifle, and cluster grenades.
The four factions available are CIS, Republic, Rebellion, and Empire.
The game shares striking similarities with alleged gameplay footage from, and a leaked Xbox 360 build of, Free Radical Design's canceled Star Wars: Battlefront III. X1, X2, Falon Grey, and Jedi Master Ferroda are present in the video, and several cutscenes from the game also appear. The PSP version includes a logo for Star Wars: Battlefront III, and the file list also references the game. Certain story elements shown in the trailer, such as X2 tracking X1's fortress to Dathomir instead of Vjun, are exclusive to the DS version. The space-to-ground concept is also similar, although Elite Squadron uses cutscenes to transition between the three battle areas due to the PSP's limitations.
This marks the first appearance of Rahm Kota, a character from Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, outside of that series.
This game sees the return of classes, which were last featured in Star Wars: Battlefront II. However, the classes only alter the unit's weapon loadout and not its appearance.
Chronologically, this game is the first to introduce the concept of cloned Jedi, a concept later explored in Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II.
Heroes can now appear on capital ships, whereas in the previous game, players had to enter space to use a hero's spaceship. However, it is possible to have the hero fight in the enemy capital ship by landing the hero's ship inside it.