Yeah, sure, May the Fourth is just Disney propaganda designed to get nerds talking about Star Wars. It’s free publicity for the Mouse Company, but it’s also a genuine phenomenon. Star Wars, the story of space magicians who battle using the Force, has been a big deal since 1977. So what if it was designed from the start to sell toys — that’s marketing done right.
It’s done so right that we’ve compiled a list of games that you should buy today. Because, being May the Fourth, pretty much anything related to George Lucas’ space opera is on special. And, marketing drive or not, there are a bunch of really great experiences created in (and for) the Star Wars universe. Here’s a brief selection of the best.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic | R27.65 – Steam
This is the gold standard of Star Wars RPGs. Developer BioWare was at its height, PC games were taking chances in terms of storytelling, and Disney wasn’t really interfering in what made a good game. Knights of the Old Republic, affectionately known as KOTOR, was the result. Even though the game first launched in 2003, it has held up extremely well. Players take the role of the Jedi’s final hope. As with (some) BioWare games, how you behave matters. Decisions change how NPCs react to you, as well as whether you head towards the Dark or Light Side of the Force. Knights of the Old Republic II is just as good, and you’ll find this one on multiple platforms, including mobile. Plus, there’s a remake coming. It won’t arrive today, but that’s fine.
Star Wars: Rogue Squadron 3D | R56 – Good Old Games
Another oldie but it’s another goodie. This is one of the very best of the LucasArts action titles of the 1990s. Players get behind the controls of a battery of the spacecraft from the Star Wars canon. Some of the missions are wholly new, but it’s once the story is finished that the game really ramps up. Iconic battles from the original trilogy are reproduced. Take down Imperial Walkers on a frozen Hoth, wander through Beggar’s Canyon, or explode the Death Star on your lonesome, just like Luke Skywalker did back in the day.
Star Wars Battlefront II: Celebration Edition | R130 – Xbox One/X/S
The game that single-handedly killed off microtransactions in AAA games (more or less), Star Wars Battlefront II is one of EA’s better efforts. It combines a heady multiplayer mode with an excellent, if brief, single-player experience. The Celebration Edition has a batch of the DLC included. At this price, it’s worth picking up even if you’re not a serious fan. EA nailed the look and feel. Sound effects, weapons, character models, and settings are all spot-on, and there is loads to experience, from the classic films right up to Rise of Skywalker.
Star Wars Episode 1 Racer | R135 – PlayStation 4
Just about the only good thing to come out of Star Wars: Episode 1, this Wipeout-like racing title from developer Aspyr was so good that we almost forgave Lucas for giving the world Jar Jar Binks. Loosely based on the section where the Jedi more or less ‘win’ Anakin Skywalker from a scrap dealer in a bet, this Pod racing title is a thrilling experience. Multiple playable characters, at least eight tracks, and upgradable craft make this one stand out.
Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga | R37.25 – Xbox 360/Xbox One
Want to romp through the first six Star Wars movies, but in Lego? Sure, that sounds like a fantastic idea. Collecting the original trilogy and the prequel trilogy but with everything made out of Lego might sound like a strange concept but in practice, it works. The Lego series of games are known for their visual humour, general family-friendliness, and surprisingly tight gameplay. Picking it up for less than forty bucks, though… that’s what May the Fourth is all about.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order | R200 – Xbox One/S/X
Undoubtedly the best single-player Star Wars game in recent memory, EA’s crack at an original story was absolutely fantastic. The only problem with it was that it was a little short. It’s well worth playing now that it’s on special, however. R200 is a small price to pay for the visual fidelity, gameplay, and excellent narrative. The Deluxe version is also on special, but the extras aren’t worth an extra R100 unless you desperately want to see a Making Of video and don’t know how YouTube works. Fallen Order will keep you busy for the weekend — that’s more than worth its current price.
