The amount of hype building for the upcoming Knights of the Old Republic remake is proof that classic Star Wars gaming has not been forgotten. In the decades leading up to Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm, multiple acclaimed games were every year and many of them are still being kept alive by the fans.
Assuming the KOTOR remake is a success, now would be a great time for Lucasfilm Games to cash in on the nostalgia for other classics by creating remakes and sequels. The question is, which of those oldies but goodies would be the best choice to receive a follow-up?
Star Wars: Masters of Teräs Käsi (1997)
Masters of Teräs Käsi was a fighting game released in the heyday of the genre, taking inspiration from the popular Tekken. Iconic characters from the Star Wars films and beyond were playable in a game that merged weapon and hand-to-hand combat.
While it may have been a mediocre game, the concept was a no-brainer that could easily be revisited today. Darth Vader and Yoda were popular guest characters in Soul Calibur IV, and the Injustice series proved that licensed fighting games can be successful. There are multiple fighting games released every year and a Star Wars one could definitely work.
Star Wars 1313 (Canceled)
In the final years of George Lucas's ownership of Lucasfilm and the Star Wars brand, 1313 was one of the most exciting products in development. A breathtaking E3 trailer teased an adventure set in the seedy underworld of Coruscant, and later leaks showed off gameplay as Boba Fett. Sadly, it was canceled by Disney.
The loss of this game is an open wound for Star Wars fans who would have loved the chance to explore the world of bounty hunters in the deep levels of Coruscant. Kathleen Kennedy praised 1313's concept art in a 2015 interview with SlashFilm and suggested that the door may not be closed. If it ever happens, the game's resurrection would certainly be celebrated by fans.
Rogue Squadron Series
The Rogue Squadron series on Nintendo 64 and Gamecube put console players in the cockpit of the rebellion's most iconic ships. Rather than focus solely on the events of the films, Rogue Squadron featured original missions and drew from the expanded universe.
While EA's Squadrons was a commercial success, its first-person-only gameplay left fans of third-person fliers disappointed. Many fans would also relish the chance to once again play as the most iconic pilots of Rogue Squadron, namely Wedge Antilles, Luke Skywalker, and Poe Dameron. With a Rogue Squadron film headed to theaters in the near future, it seems like a mistake to not make a new game.
Galactic Battlegrounds (2001)
In this real-time strategy game, players took command of a military force from the films, such as the Rebels or the Empire. The objective was to gather resources, build structures, grow the army, and eventually wipe out the opposing force.
The RTS genre remains popular both on PC and mobile. In fact, a Clash of Clans-style Mobile RTS, Star Wars Commander, was available from 2014 to 2020. A new Galactic Battlegrounds game or the similar Empire At War seems like a no-brainer considering the new Resistance and First Order factors introduced in the sequel trilogy.
Super Star Wars Series
The Star Wars trilogy was adapted as a classic run-and-gun trilogy for the Super Nintendo in the early 90s. The games were hugely popular and managed to stand out even among the console's considerable list of amazing games.
There hasn't been a major 2D Star Wars game in generations, but games like Broforce and Cuphead prove that the run-and-gun gameplay can still have its place in the market. A Skywalker Saga-type game would give nostalgic fans the chance to experience the events of the entire series in the same way they did when they were kids.
The Force Unleashed Series
The Force Unleashed and its sequel gave fans some of the most satisfying lightsaber and force powers-based gameplay ever. The story followed a secret apprentice to Darth Vader named Starkiller, but purchasable skins were available including Luke Skywalker, Darth Maul, and even C-3PO.
Games would love the chance to feel that dark side power once again. The popularity of the unleashed Darth Vader scenes in Obi-Wan Kenobi proves that this style of game would be a hit today. And if such a sequel continued the trends of its predecessors, it wouldn't be restricted to the established Disney canon.
Episode 1: Racer (1999)
Coinciding with the release of The Phantom Menace in 1999, Episode 1: Racer put players in the seat of a podracer as seen in that film. The charming game had terrific level design and gameplay and spawned an arcade version and a sequel.
Podracers are a terrifically unique type of vehicle and a very Star Wars concept that deserves to be revisited. An HD remaster was released in 2020, but a new game would be a great idea as there are dozens of new planets which have been introduced through the Disney Star Wars productions.
Republic Commando (2005)
Republic Commando was a tactical first-person shooter set during and after the events of Attack of the Clones. Players assume the role of leader of a four-man clone trooper special ops team. The player character gives orders to three NPC allies such as secure position, hack computer, or take sniping position.
The game has a cult following and fans have been dying for a follow-up for years. A follow-up could resurrect the canceled sequel Imperial Commando: 501st, whose story was repurposed for a novel of the same name according to the book Rogue Leaders: The Story of LucasArts. Otherwise, a tactical game set in any era of the vast Star Wars universe would be popular without question.
Jedi Knight Series
1995's Dark Forces was the original Star Wars first-person shooter and was the first in a beloved series of games. But the sequels, including Jedi Knight and Jedi Outcast, really took things to the next level by introducing forces powers and lightsaber combat.
Though it's no longer canon, fans would definitely buy a new Jedi Knight game. Its fast and fun gameplay still holds up and is distinct from the souls-like style of Jedi: Fallen Order. The thought of such gameplay combined with modern graphics is an absolutely mouth-watering prospect, especially when the prospect of multiplayer is considered. Also, Kyle Katarn deserves to be canon.
Knights of the Old Republic Series
With the KOTOR series in the midst of a major resurgence, why not finally give us the thing they've been asking two decades for? Why not give them Knights of the Old Republic 3? A third game was in development after the release of the first two games, but it was sadly canceled.
A new KOTOR game would fly off the shelves for sure. The upcoming remake of the critically acclaimed original is a great start and if it succeeds then continuing the series is a no-brainer. They wouldn't have to start from scratch as the story, characters, and environments have already been conceived, according to the 2008 book Rogue Leaders: The Story of LucasArts.