As if a slew of forthcoming shows and movies wasn't enough to excite Star Wars fans, the announcement of an open-world video game courtesy of Ubisoft and Massive Entertainment gives them even more to look forward to. While it's hard to believe an open-world Star Wars adventure in the vein of Fallout or Assassin's Creed hasn't happened yet, the timing couldn't be better. In addition to the popularity of the second season of The Mandalorian, the end of EA's Star Wars exclusivity opens up many possibilities for the franchise.
Of course, details are sparse at the moment, as the game was only revealed a few weeks ago. Players don't know what part of the vast Star Wars timeline it will take place in, or whether or not Ubisoft's Star Wars game will be canon. Its open-endedness will especially be determined by its playable characters, be it a customizable template like Fallout, a brand-new character, or an established protagonist (or antagonist).
Most importantly, at a time when new material like The Mandalorian is excelling by honoring the franchise's best lore, the game's promised expanse provides an opportunity to incorporate beloved characters from various movies, shows, and games. Whether as playable characters or high-profile NPC's, Ubisoft and Massive Entertainment would be wise to include these five fan-favorites to make for a truly replete, varied Star Wars experience.
#4 Star Wars Characters Fans Want - Bounty Hunters
Ever since their famous commission scene with Darth Vader in The Empire Strikes Back ("No disintegration!") the bounty hunters have occupied a special place in the hearts and imaginations of the Star Wars fandom. The new Star Wars game could excel by having a separate bounty hunter mode where the player can progress from one kill or heist to the next. Such a mode would likely be more popular than ever after the success of The Mandalorian, which shows a bounty hunter's exact routine in great detail. Playing as Boba Fett, of course, would be a dream come true for many, but the real treat could be in giving the likes of Bossk, IG-88, and Dengar room to roam as playable characters.
#3 Star Wars Character Fans Want - Wedge Antilles
Let's face it: the Rebel Alliance would never have taken down the Empire without the piloting heroics of Wedge Antilles. He not only survived the battles of Yavin, Hoth and Endor, but went on to lead Rogue Squadron in later canon. After recently appearing in Star Wars Squadrons, Ubisoft would be wise giving him a role in their upcoming game as well, perhaps in a separate portion of the story that emphasizes interstellar combat.
#2 Star Wars Character Fans Want - Moff Gideon
Given how much The Mandalorian has reinvigorated the popularity of Star Wars for many fans, it feels inevitable that it will be referenced in some capacity in the next game. Moff Gideon, the cunning antagonist portrayed by Giancarlo Esposito, is a prime choice for players to either square off against or play as. He's already in one of the franchise's most popular mobile games, Galaxy of Heroes, so it would be a giant missed opportunity to not give him a AAA rendering as well.
#1 Star Wars Character Fans Want - Grand Admiral Thrawn
There might not be a single character in the expanded lore fans have wanted in a movie or game more than Grand Admiral Thrawn. Just the mere mention of his name in an episode of The Mandalorian sent the Star Wars fandom abuzz, with recent rumors that Robert Downey Jr. might eventually portray him in a live-action adaptation. Since his introduction in Timothy Zahn's 1991 novel Heir to the Empire, his popularity has continually grown, most notably in the animated series Rebels. To either outwit, or command, his cunning strategy would make for a superb gaming experience.