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{{Short description|2005 action shooter video game}}
{{Infobox CVG| title = Star Wars: Battlefront II
{{distinguish|Star Wars Battlefront II (2017 video game)}}
| image = [[Image:114280e.jpg|250px]]
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2018}}
| developer = [[Pandemic Studios]]
{{Infobox video game
| publisher = [[LucasArts]]
| title = Star Wars: Battlefront II
| designer = |
| image = StarWarsBattlefront2 PC.jpg
| engine = [[Zero]]
| developer = [[Pandemic Studios]]{{efn|PSP port developed by [[Savage Entertainment]]. ''Classic Collection'' developed by [[Aspyr]].}}
| released = [[Image:Flag of the United States.svg|22px|North America]] [[November 1]] [[2005]]<br>[[Image:European_flag.svg|22px|PAL]] [[October 31]], [[2005]]
| publisher = [[LucasArts]]{{efn|''Classic Collection'' published by [[Aspyr]]}}
| genre = [[Action game|Action]], [[Shooter game|Shooter]]
| director = Eric Gewirtz
| modes = [[Single player]], [[multiplayer]]
| producer = Christopher Williams
| ratings = [[Entertainment Software Rating Board|ESRB]]: Teen (T) [[PEGI]]:12+ [[CERO]]:12
| designer = Peter Dellekamp Siefert
| platforms = [[PlayStation 2]], [[PlayStation Portable|PSP]], [[Xbox]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]
| writer = [[Michael Stemmle]]
| media =
| programmer = John Northan
| requirements = DirectX 9.0c compatible computer required.<br>
| artist = Matthew Palmer
| input =
| composer =
| engine = [[Zero (game engine)|Zero]]
| series = ''[[Star Wars: Battlefront]]''
| released = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|October 28, 2005}}|'''PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Windows, Xbox'''|{{Video game release|EU|October 28, 2005<ref>{{Cite news |date=2005-10-28 |title=What's New? (28th October 2005) |language=en-gb |work=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/a-whatsnew-281005 |access-date=2023-04-09}}</ref>|NA|November 1, 2005<ref>{{Cite web |date=2005-12-14 |title=LucasArts Press |url=http://www.lucasarts.com/press/releases/104.html |access-date=2023-04-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051214163137/http://www.lucasarts.com/press/releases/104.html |archive-date=December 14, 2005 }}</ref>}}| <hr>'''''Classic Collection'''''<br>'''Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S'''|{{vgrelease|WW|March 14, 2024}}}}
| genre = [[Action game|Action]], [[third-person shooter]], [[first-person shooter]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Multiplayer online game|multiplayer]]
| platforms = {{Unbulleted list|[[PlayStation 2]]|[[PlayStation Portable]]|[[Windows]]|[[Xbox (console)|Xbox]]}} <hr>
'''''Classic Collection'''''<br>{{Unbulleted list|[[Nintendo Switch]]|[[PlayStation 4]]|[[PlayStation 5]]|[[Windows]]|[[Xbox One]]|[[Xbox Series X/S]]}}
}}
'''''Star Wars: Battlefront II''''' is a 2005 [[first-person shooter|first]]/ and [[third-person shooter]] (interchangeable) [[video game]] developedbased byon Pandemicthe Studios[[Star andWars|''Star LucasArts,Wars'' andfilm releasedfranchise]]. inDeveloped North America onby [[NovemberPandemic 1Studios]], and published by [[2005LucasArts]], forit Microsoftis Windows,a Xbox,sequel PlayStationto Portable,2004's and''[[Star theWars: PlayStationBattlefront 2.(2004 Therevideo aregame)|Star several differences betweenWars: ''Battlefront II]]'' and the originalsecond installment in the ''[[Star Wars: Battlefront]]|'',Star suchWars: asBattlefront'' playableseries]]. JediThe characters,game newwas unitreleased in [[PAL region]]s on October classes28, space2005, battleson the [[PlayStation 2]], and[[PlayStation storyPortable]] campaigns(PSP), as[[Microsoft wellWindows]], asand ''[[StarXbox Wars(console)|Xbox]] Episodeplatforms, III:and Revengein North America on November 1 of the Sith|Episodesame IIIyear. It was released on the [[PlayStation Store]]'' content.on TheOctober release20, date2009, coincidedfor withdownload on the releasePSP. ofThe ''RevengePSP ofversion thewas Sith''developed onby [[DVDSavage Entertainment]].
 
The game features new vehicles, characters, game mechanics, maps, and missions compared to the original ''Battlefront''. Unlike its predecessor, ''Battlefront II'' features a more narrative-based campaign, retelling portions of the ''Star Wars'' story from the point of view of a veteran clone [[Stormtrooper (Star Wars)|Imperial Stormtrooper]], reminiscing about his [[tour of duty]] in service of both the [[Galactic Republic]] and the [[Galactic Empire (Star Wars)|Galactic Empire]]. Gameplay additions over ''Battlefront'' include the use of [[Jedi]] and [[Sith]], additional game modes such as hero assault, and objective-based space battles.
''Battlefront II'' expands upon the original game's single-player experience with mission-based objectives drawn from ''Star Wars'' Episodes II through V. It is a story-based campaign which revolves around the [[501st Clone Trooper Legion|501st Legion]] as the unit evolves from the Old Republic [[clone trooper]]s to [[Imperial stormtrooper]]s. The storyline spans more than 16 new locations, many from ''Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith'', including volcanic [[Mustafar]] and the space battle above [[Coruscant]]. Many maps that came from the original ''Battlefront'' were edited and improved, like the Naboo battlefield. Also included are battles from the original trilogy, such as fights aboard the ''[[Tantive IV]]'', [[Princess Leia]]'s blockade runner, shown immediately at the beginning of ''[[Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope]]''.
 
''Battlefront II'' was well received, with reviewers praising the story. Like the original game, it was a commercial success, selling 6 million copies by 2007. [[GameSpy Technology]] scheduled a shut-down across all titles using the service for May 31, 2014, which included ''Star Wars: Battlefront II'' for PC, PS2, and Xbox. [[Electronic Arts]] (EA) announced it would extend support for ''Battlefront II'' until June 30, 2014. The extended support ended on July 25, 2014, taking all GameSpy online video games across all platforms offline. The Windows version was added to a list of supported games on [[GameRanger]] on May 31, 2014, which allows for continued online play. On October 2, 2017, multiplayer for the Windows version was again enabled, allowing for [[Steam (service)|Steam]] and [[GOG.com|GOG]] cross-play. A remastered compilation featuring both the game and its predecessor with additional content, titled '''''Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection''''', was released on March 14, 2024.
This game is now an Xbox [[Platinum Hits]] game and a [[List of Sony Greatest Hits games|Sony Greatest Hits]] game in the [[USA]] and an [[Xbox Classics]] and Playstation Platinum game in the [[UK]].
 
==Gameplay==
{{See also|Star Wars: Battlefront (2004 video game)#Gameplay|label 1 = Gameplay in Star Wars: Battlefront}}
===Basics and changes===
''Battlefront II'' is fundamentally similar to its predecessor, albeit with the addition of new gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to sprint and roll forward.<ref name="gamerevrev">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/star-wars-battlefront-2 |title=Star Wars Battlefront II Review|publisher=[[Game Revolution]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140817152551/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/star-wars-battlefront-2|archive-date=August 17, 2014|author=Dodson, Joe|access-date=August 22, 2014|date=November 4, 2005|url-status=dead}}</ref> The general objective in most missions is to eliminate the enemy faction, although there are game modes with a different objective, such as a [[capture the flag]] mode. Like its predecessor ''Star Wars Battlefront'', the game is split into two eras: the [[Clone Wars (Star Wars)|Clone Wars]], with battles taking place between the [[Galactic Republic]] and the [[Clone Wars (Star Wars)|Confederacy of Independent Systems]], and the Galactic Civil War, where battles between the [[Rebel Alliance]] and [[Galactic Empire (Star Wars)|Galactic Empire]] take place. Players have the ability to choose between six classes during gameplay. Four class types are common to all factions: Infantry, Heavy, Sniper and Engineer.<ref name="IGN guide">{{cite web |url=http://guides.ign.com/guides/737697/ |title=Star Wars Battlefront II Guide/Walkthrough |website=IGN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719232628/http://guides.ign.com/guides/737697/ |archive-date=July 19, 2008 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 22, 2014}}</ref> In addition to the four standard classes, every faction has two special classes, which are exclusive to each faction and are unlocked by scoring a predetermined number of points; there is a limited number of special classes that can be on the battlefield at the same time. The special classes are the Commander and the Jet Trooper for the Republic; the [[MagnaGuard]] and the [[Droideka (Star Wars)|Droideka]] for the Confederacy of Independent Systems; the [[Bothan]] Spy and the [[Wookiee]] for the Rebels; and the Officer and the Dark Trooper for the Empire.<ref name="p15">{{cite book |title=Star Wars Battlefront II Instruction Manual: Units |year=2005 |publisher=[[LucasArts]] |author=Pandemic Studios |author-link=Pandemic Studios |page=15}}</ref>
There are several differences in overall gameplay between the first and second Battlefront installments. The first is an attempt to add realism to missions by adding objectives and changing the way orders are issued. The second group of changes revolves around a point system, which determines which units can be used, special abilities for players, and rank.
 
''Battlefront II'' introduces a new special class—Heroes—that allows players to control iconic characters from the ''Star Wars'' universe; heroes were featured in the original ''Battlefront'', but only as [[Non-player character|NPCs]] that spawned randomly during battles. Heroes are also unlocked by scoring a predetermined number of points, and are unique for every faction. Heroes serve as the most powerful class in the game and, as such, there can be a maximum of one hero for each faction on the battlefield at the same time. Each hero is available only on certain maps, although there is a team deathmatch mode, exclusive to the [[Mos Eisley]] map, that allows all heroes from all factions to compete against each other to earn points by performing kills.
In campaign mode, in addition to the basic tasks of capturing command posts and killing enemy troops, certain objectives must be met for a mission to be successful. These missions may include destroying a specific target, recovering an item, or keeping the opposing force from overrunning a position. In these situations, enemy reinforcements are unlimited and will continue to be deployed until the objective is completed.
 
===Campaign===
While controlling troops, the most striking difference between the original and the sequel is the method of issuing orders. Unlike the original Battlefront, in which up, down, left, and right on the directional pad each issued a specific command to nearby groups, commands are now issued by using the targeting reticule to select a specific soldier and pressing the up button. The system chooses which command seems appropriate; for infantry troops, the up button toggles between "back me up" and "move out". In vehicles, the commands are either "get in" or "get out". An infantry trooper targeting a vehicle can order it to stop. Although the variety of commands is much more limited and issuing them is more complicated, the new aiming feature allows users to select the exact class of trooper they want to help them, as well as order vehicles to stop from a considerable distance. The number of troops at the player's command is based on the player's rank (see squad leader ranks below).
[[Image:Battlefront2-space.png|thumb|left|In ''Battlefront II'' players can battle in space and engage in ship-to-ship combat. Players sabotage enemy capital ships externally by firing at vital systems, or on foot by landing in the enemy hangar.]]
Whereas the original ''Battlefront''{{'}}s campaign featured missions dependent on the chosen faction, ''Battlefront II'' contains only one campaign, called Rise of the Empire, which is found in every version of the game except the [[PlayStation Portable]] (PSP).<ref name="gspy PSP">{{cite web |url=http://psp.gamespy.com/playstation-portable/star-wars-battlefront-ii/663668p1.html |title=GameSpy: Star Wars Battlefront II (PSP) |last=McGarvey |first=Sterling |date=November 1, 2005 |publisher=[[GameSpy]] |access-date=November 21, 2007}}</ref> This set of missions is presented as the narration from a veteran of the [[Clone trooper#501st Legion|501st Legion]], starting with the Battle of [[Geonosis]] at the beginning of the Clone Wars (as depicted in [[Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones|''Attack of the Clones'']]) and ending with the Battle of [[Hoth]] (as depicted in ''[[The Empire Strikes Back]]'').<ref name="p21">{{cite book |title= Star Wars Battlefront II Instruction Manual: Game Modes |year=2005 |publisher=LucasArts |author=Pandemic Studios |page=21}}</ref> There are a total of 18 missions, four of which are optional space missions.
 
The PSP version of ''Battlefront II'' replaces the Rise of the Empire campaign with three single-player Challenge modes: Imperial Enforcer, Rogue Assassin, and Rebel Raider.<ref name="PSP modes">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/star-wars-battlefront-ii-hands-on-single-player-galactic-conquest-and-more/1100-6136420/ |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II Hands-On - Single-Player, Galactic Conquest, and More |first=Carrie |last=Gouskos |date=October 24, 2005 |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=August 22, 2014}}</ref> In Imperial Enforcer, the player is sent to eliminate indigenous species on several given planets, such as [[Gungans]] on [[Naboo]] and [[Ewok]]s on [[Endor (Star Wars)|Endor]].<ref name="PSP modes" /> Rogue Assassin requires the player to eliminate all Imperial officers on a given sets of planets. Bonus points are awarded for any other kills.<ref name="PSP modes" /> Finally, Rebel Raider tasks the player with locating specific objects in a map and returning them to a designated drop point, similar to [[Capture the flag]].<ref name="PSP modes" />
Hero points are another new feature, and are the key to unlocking advanced unit types as well as playable heroes. Hero points are awarded for positive in-game actions, such as kills, capturing command posts or destroying vehicles. In order for players to spawn as a special unit (see below), they must accumulate the required number of Hero points. Until that time, the special units will be greyed out on the spawn select screen. In addition, only a certain number of any particular unit are allowed on the board at one time.
 
===Galactic Conquest===
By accomplishing certain objectives, players will be awarded medals that can earn bonus [[power-up]]s during gameplay, including more powerful weapons and increased stamina. The bonuses are usually temporary but can become permanent if enough medals are earned. When a player earns a certain total number of medals, the character will receive a promotion. With each new rank, the player may command a certain number of friendly A.I troops. Sergeant (20 medals) allows for two soldiers to be controlled; Captain (100 medals) enables three soldiers; and General (300 medals) provides the opportunity for four controllable soldiers. However, "heroes" are unable to command A.I troops, with the exception of the assault modes.
Like its predecessor, ''Battlefront II'' includes Galactic Conquest. In this mode, the player commands a fleet throughout the galaxy conquering and protecting planets, much like a game of ''[[Risk (game)|Risk]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Berardini |first1=César A. |title=Star Wars Battlefront II Interview |url=http://interviews.teamxbox.com/xbox/1154/Star-Wars-Battlefront-II-Interview/p1/ |website=[[TeamXbox]] |publisher=IGN |access-date=12 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060209204516/http://interviews.teamxbox.com/xbox/1154/Star-Wars-Battlefront-II-Interview/p1/ |archive-date=February 9, 2006 |date=May 17, 2005 |quote=Think of the board game “RISK,” and that’ll give you a good sense for how many variations are possible with this gameplay mode.}}</ref> When two opposing forces reach the same planet, the game switches to the traditional perspective, and the player must eliminate the enemy faction to gain control of that planet. Players gain credits for performing well which can be used to buy new character classes, a new fleet, or bonuses that provide additional support when attacking or defending a planet.<ref name="IGN guide" /> While the PlayStation 2 and Xbox versions allow cooperative and competitive battles in Galactic Conquest mode through split-screen gameplay, the PC version does not.
 
===Instant Action===
On certain levels, there are three-way battles between the two normal factions and a third, neutral group. Although neutral sides are not controlled by the players outside of hunt mode (see below), some of these forces will shift their neutrality in certain locations.
In Instant Action players can choose from any of the game's 24 maps, as well as any available eras and modes. Four other modes are included in addition to the traditional Conquest mode that was found in ''Star Wars: Battlefront''; Hunt mode, [[Capture the Flag]] (CTF), which is available in 1-flag and 2-flag variants, Hero Assault and Space Assault.<ref name="p21" />
 
In Conquest mode, players are required to capture and hold strategic points on the map, known in the game as command posts.<ref name="p13">{{cite book |title=Star Wars Battlefront II Instruction Manual: Command Posts |year=2005 |publisher=LucasArts |author=Pandemic Studios |page=13}}</ref> Players capture command posts by standing near one until its holograph transitions to blue, indicating it is held by their forces.<ref name="p13" /> Players can capture both enemy command posts, which are designated red, and neutral command posts, which are white. For enemy command posts, enemy units can continue to spawn in the area until the post is de-energized and turns white. When all command posts belong to a given team, a twenty-second timer begins in which the opposing team must de-energize a command post or they lose. Alternatively, if one team eliminates all opposing reinforcements, they win.<ref name="p21" />
===Units===
''Battlefront II'' features nine units, each with different weapons, equipment, and skills. The player can choose from six normal units in ground battles, two units in space battles, and "heroes" (characters from the films). The basic infantry class &mdash; and the default unit in "Galactic Conquest" mode &mdash; is the '''Trooper'''. The four troopers are the Rebel Soldier, Super Battle Droid, Clone soldier, and the Stormtrooper. They are armed with a rapid-fire blaster rifle, a blaster pistol (the [[Super Battle Droid]] has a wrist blaster and tri-shot instead), and thermal detonators (3 wrist rockets for the Super Battle Droid). '''Heavy Weapons troops''' specialize in taking down enemy vehicles, tight formations of infantry, and hard, reinforced points from afar. Each is armed with a rocket launcher, a pistol, mines, and thermal detonators. The heavy weapons troops include the Rebel Vanguard, the Imperial Shock Trooper, the Republic Heavy Trooper, and the Separatist Assault Droid. '''Snipers''' &mdash; which consist of Rebel Marksman, Imperial [[Scout Trooper]]s, Clone Sharpshooters, and the [[Assassin Droid]] &mdash; specialize in long range combat. They have a sniper rifle, a deployable stationary auto-turret, a pistol, and thermal detonators. The pilots from the original ''Battlefront'' have been replaced by '''Engineers''' in ground battles. They are much stronger in combat with combat [[shotguns]] and feature special equipment and abilities, such as det-packs, ammo and health dispensers, repair and hijacking tools (fusion cutters), and the ability to walk over and disarm mines without detonating them.
 
In Hunt mode, players take on the role of the species indigenous to the chosen planet, or of a faction opposed to that species. The object when playing as the indigenous species is to repel the opposition, or to eliminate the indigenous species if playing as the opposing faction.<ref name="p21" /> In 1-flag CTF, both teams attempt to take a common flag and capture it at the enemy's base. This mode is the only one available on ground maps as well as in space.<ref name="p21" /> 2-flag CTF tasks players with stealing the enemy's flag and returning it to their base for points.
====Special units====
When a player earns eight points, he unlocks the '''commander''' unit. Each commander features a unique skill related to the player's faction. Republic '''Clone Commanders''' use chainguns, blaster pistols, and the ability to increase the defense of nearby troops with rally. Next, Confederacy '''Magnaguards''' use bulldog RLRs, radiation launchers, and neuro poison to cripple nearby biological enemy infantry. Rebel '''Bothan Spies''' are armed with a cloaking skill, incinerator blasters that destroy the enemy when it nears the cloaked spy, time bombs, and a regeneration ability to gradually heal nearby allies. Finally, '''Imperial Officers''' use sonic pistols, mortar launchers, and a rage ability that raises the attack power of nearby allies. All commanders (with the exception of a Bothan Spy, who has time bombs) characters can control and self-destruct recon droids &mdash; a returning feature from ''Battlefront I''.
 
In Hero Assault, players control iconic ''Star Wars'' characters which are divided into two teams, heroes and villains. The sole objective is to be the first team to reach the number of required points, with each kill granting one point.<ref name="p21" /> Space Assault allows players to control a [[Military spacecraft in fiction|starfighter]] in order to destroy critical systems on the enemy's capital ship or destroy other enemy starfighters for points.<ref name="IGN guide" /> The systems of an enemy capital ship can be destroyed in a starfighter by firing at key areas of the ship. Alternatively, players can land in the enemy hangar and sabotage critical systems internally. The game ends when one team has reached the required number of total points.<ref name="p21" />
When a player earns twelve points, a special unit for each faction is unlocked. The Republic's '''Jet Trooper''' can fly around with a jetpack and destroy enemies with EMP blasts, blaster pistols, or thermal detonators. Confederacy '''[[Droidekas]]''' feature strong armor, and they can morph into balls for travel and unfold to attack and defend themselves with a shield. This shield has been weakened from the original ''Battlefront''. The Rebels' '''Wookiee Warrior''' (formally known as the Wookiee Smuggler) are slower but more defensive than most troops. They come equipped with thermal detonators, grenade launchers, the aforementioned recon droids, and a [[bowcaster]] (which fires simultaneous shots or a single powerful charged shot). Imperial '''Dark Troopers''' have been modified from the original ''Battlefront''. They carry a brief use-only jetpack and an arc caster that can kill multiple enemies at once if charged up, as well as a blaster pistol and thermal detonators.
 
====Space units==Plot==
The game's campaign mode is told as an [[autobiography]] of an unknown [[clone trooper]] veteran who recounts the many battles of the [[501st Legion (Star Wars)|501st Legion]]. Originally part of the Grand Army of the [[Galactic Republic|Republic]], the 501st are first deployed during the Battle of [[Geonosis]] at the beginning of the [[Clone Wars (Star Wars)|Clone Wars]], where they capture a Separatist outpost occupied by [[battle droids]] and [[Geonosians]]. Over the following three years, the legion prove themselves as one of the most efficient in the Clone Army, and are assigned important missions throughout the Clone Wars.
[[Image:Screenshot 0000.jpeg|thumb|right|300px|Flying an [[ARC-170 starfighter|ARC-170]] in a space battle in ''Star Wars: Battlefront II.'']]
During space (assault) missions, the player can choose from two units available to play: the Pilot class has the ability to repair ships and droids while flying or in the hangars with their Fusion Cutters, and plant timed explosives, using pistols as their main weapon. Marines are more focused on combat on-board the capital ships, utilizing blaster rifles, rocket launchers, and thermal detonators. However, they do not have the ability to repair their ship while flying. The appearance of these space units varies for each faction.
 
Near the end of the war, the 501st are sent to [[Mygeeto]] to aid the 21st Nova Corps, led by [[Jedi]] General [[Ki Adi Mundi|Ki-Adi Mundi]], with the destruction of a Separatist energy generator. Unbeknownst to the Jedi, the clones receive special orders from Supreme Chancellor [[Palpatine]] to collect a sample of the generator after its destruction, which would later be used to help power the planet-destroying battle station known as the "[[Death Star]]".<ref>'''Narrator''': What Ki-Adi Mundi didn't know, however, was that our unit of the 501st was really after an experimental Mygeetan power source. {{cite video game|title=Star Wars: Battlefront II|developer=Pandemic Studios|publisher=LucasArts}}</ref> Following this, the 501st return to [[Coruscant]], which has been attacked by Separatist forces commanded by [[General Grievous]]. The clones are ordered to clear the path for [[Darth Vader|Anakin Skywalker]] and [[Obi-Wan Kenobi]] to board Grievous' flagship and rescue a captured Palpatine. Next, the 501st are assigned to serve under General [[Aayla Secura]] on [[Felucia]], where they defend a damaged [[AT-TE]] from several [[Acklay]]s and Separatist forces in the area. Afterward, the 501st travel to [[Kashyyyk]] to clear a path through the Separatist blockade and defend a key [[Wookiee]] village.
====Heroes====
 
Shortly after their victory on Kashyyyk, part of the 501st are sent to [[Utapau (Star Wars)|Utapau]] to assist the 212th Attack Battalion with the capture of a major Separatist stronghold. Upon their return to Coruscant, Palpatine issues [[Great Jedi Purge|Order 66]], which brands all Jedi as traitors to the Republic and orders their [[summary execution]]s. Under the command of the newly christened [[Sith]] Lord [[Darth Vader]], the 501st storm the Jedi Temple to kill all its occupants, while the remaining Jedi who are spread across the galaxy are swiftly murdered by their clone troopers, effectively wiping out the Jedi Order. Meanwhile, Palpatine declares the end of the Clone Wars and the Republic's reorganization into the [[Galactic Empire (Star Wars)|Galactic Empire]].
Players can now play as a Jedi, Sith, or an infantry character (such as [[Boba Fett]] or [[Princess Leia]]). Each faction has a single character associated with any given battle map. There is only one map &mdash; Mos Eisley: Assault &mdash; in which every hero character is available; however, assault mode on Kashyyk, Yavin 4: Arena, Bespin: Cloud City, Rhen Var Harbor, Rhen Var Citadel, Coruscant, Mygeeto and Naboo is available for download on [[Xbox Live]]. Additionally, there is a time limit associated with heroes, which is increased by defeating enemies and decreased by taking damage or killing a teammate. This time limit replaces a hero's health gauge (represented by a blue lightsaber that slowly disignites as time decreases), allowing them to potentially withstand more damage than a normal trooper. Moreover, each side may only have a single Jedi/hero on the field at any given time, and how they join the battle varies depending on the type of game being played or settings being used - generally, once a Jedi/hero is defeated, a certain amount of time must elapse or a certain number of points must be earned before that character is able to re-enter the battle. [[Image:darthmaul.jpg|thumb|right|Darth Maul, an available hero in Star Wars Battlefront 2.]]
 
Now part of the Imperial Army as Darth Vader's personal legion, the 501st are assigned various missions to solidify the Empire's rule. These include forcing a [[regime change]] on [[Naboo]] by assassinating the Queen, destroying a reactivated droid factory on [[Mustafar]], and eliminating the [[Kaminoan]]s' new batch of rogue clones. Following the [[Kamino (Star Wars)|Kamino]] incident, the Empire halts clone production, and clone troopers are slowly replaced by [[Stormtrooper (Star Wars)|stormtroopers]]. The 501st remains one of the few Imperial legions to consist mostly of former clone troopers.
All heroes and Jedi can use special abilities and instantly kill most enemies. Each Jedi or Sith carries some form of [[lightsaber]], and also has special abilities generally utilizing [[Force (Star Wars)|the Force]]. These abilities include sprinting faster and longer than normal troopers, [[saber throw]], blocking enemy shots using their lightsaber, high jumping, the "Force lightning" ability, the "Force Choke" ability, and telekinetic abilities such as "Force Push" or "Pull". Each of these abilities drains the Jedi's stamina bar as they are used. Other heroes have their own special abilities or attacks, which do not drain stamina- for example, Princess Leia can project a special protective shielding buff on nearby friendly soldiers, [[Jango Fett]] and [[Boba Fett]] carry flamethrower weapons, which can set enemy troops on fire, and [[General Grievous]] can grant nearby friendly battle droids a damage bonus (however, this ability requires the use of stamina). These other heroes also carry weapons such as blaster rifles, generally of a higher standard than normal troops'.
{| class="wikitable" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: center; width: 100%;"
|+ '''Heroes'''
|-
! style="width:10%; background: #BBEEFF;" | Faction
! style="width:10%; background: #BBEEFF;" |
! style="width:10%; background: #BBEEFF;" |
! style="width:10%; background: #BBEEFF;" |
! style="width:10%; background: #BBEEFF;" |
! style="width:10%; background: #BBEEFF;" |
! style="width:10%; background: #BBEEFF;" | X-Box Downloadable Additions
|-
! style="background: #ececec;" | [[Galactic Republic]]
| [[Yoda]]
| [[Obi-Wan Kenobi]]
| [[Mace Windu]]
| [[Aayla Secura]]
| [[Ki-Adi-Mundi]]
| [[Kit Fisto]]
 
Roughly nineteen years after the end of the Clone Wars, the Empire has been firmly established in the ashes of the Republic. With the galaxy seemingly at peace, the 501st are stationed on the Death Star, but during watch, a prison break is initiated and a group of Rebel prisoners manage to escape with the battle station's schematics. Tasked with recovering them, the 501st attack a Rebel outpost on [[Polis Massa]], and eventually track them down to the Rebel Blockade Runner ''[[Tantive IV]]''.<ref>'''Narrator''': With the information gathered on Polis Massa, Vader concluded that the stolen plans had been given to Princess Leia Organa ... after a brief and pointless battle on the Tantive IV over Tatooine, we began looking for the plans. {{cite video game |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II |developer=Pandemic Studios |publisher=LucasArts}}</ref> Although the 501st manage to kill or capture everyone aboard, including Rebel leader [[Princess Leia|Princess Leia Organa]], whom they deliver to Vader, they fail to retrieve the stolen schematics, which are eventually delivered to the Rebel Alliance. Using the schematics to find a weakness in the Death Star, the Alliance leads a successful assault to destroy it. The Empire retaliates by attacking the Alliance's base on [[Yavin#Yavin IV|Yavin IV]], which the 501st captures, avenging their brothers who died in the Death Star's destruction.
|-
! style="background: #ececec;" | [[Confederacy of Independent Systems|CIS]]
| [[Darth Maul]]
| [[General Grievous]]
| [[Jango Fett]]
| [[Emperor Palpatine|The Emperor]]
| [[Count Dooku]]
| [[Asajj Ventress]]
 
Three years later, the Empire locates another Rebel base on [[Hoth]]. Tasked with wiping out the weakened Rebel Alliance, the 501st capture the base and destroy most of the evacuating transports. This crushing defeat marks what appears to be the end of the Alliance.<ref>'''Narrator''': As the rebels fled the 501st gathered around a burning bunker and let out a cheer that shook the stars. The rebellion was done. {{cite video game|title=Star Wars: Battlefront II|developer=Pandemic Studios|publisher=LucasArts}}</ref> The narrator ends the story by stating that the Death Star was eventually rebuilt and the Empire's grip on the galaxy became stronger than ever, all thanks to the efforts of the 501st Legion.
|-
! style="background: #ececec;" | [[Galactic Empire (Star Wars)|Galactic Empire]]
| [[Darth Vader]]
| [[Boba Fett]]
| [[Emperor Palpatine|The Emperor]]
| [[Anakin Skywalker]]
 
==Development==
|-
{{Image frame|width=160|content=[[File:JamesArnoldTaylor.jpg|160px]]<br />[[File:Tom_Kane.jpg|160px]]|caption=[[James Arnold Taylor]] (top) and [[Tom Kane]] (bottom) return to voice [[Obi-Wan Kenobi]] and [[Yoda]] in ''Star Wars: Battlefront II''. The actors have voiced these roles several times in the ''Star Wars'' universe.}}
! style="background: #ececec;" | [[Rebel Alliance]]
''Star Wars: Battlefront II'' was announced on April 21, 2005, during [[Star Wars Celebration|Star Wars Celebration III]] held in [[Indianapolis|Indianapolis, Indiana]].<ref name="reveal">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/04/21/star-wars-battlefront-ii-revealed |title=Star Wars Battlefront II Revealed |first=David |last=Adams |date=April 21, 2005 |website=IGN |access-date=August 22, 2014}}</ref> Developer Pandemic Studios used their in-house engine, known as [[Zero (game engine)|Zero]] to develop ''Battlefront II''.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}} The engine was used in Pandemic's other two ''Star Wars'' titles, ''[[Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2002 video game)|Star Wars: The Clone Wars]]''<ref>''Star Wars: The Clone Wars'' "making of" video</ref> and the game's predecessor, ''Star Wars: Battlefront''. As with ''Battlefront'', [[Lua (programming language)|Lua]] was utilized as the game's scripting language. ''Battlefront II''{{'}}s release date would be set to coincide with the DVD release of ''[[Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith|Revenge of the Sith]]'', similar to how ''Battlefront'' coincided with the release of the original trilogy on DVD.<ref name="IGN2">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/07/26/battlefront-ii-in-league-with-sith |title=Battlefront II in League with Sith |date=July 26, 2005 |access-date=August 22, 2014 |website=IGN |first=Ed |last=Lewis}}</ref> An Xbox demo of ''Battlefront II'' was also included on the ''Revenge of the Sith'' extras DVD to further promote the game.<ref name="IGN2" /> LucasArts looked to the fans for inspiration for ''Battlefront II'', browsing forums and using other means to provide feedback for the sequel.<ref name="gamespot video interview">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/star-wars-battlefront-ii/videos/star-wars-battlefront-2-developer-interview-6122533/ |title=Star Wars: Battlefront 2 Developer Interview |date = April 20, 2005 | access-date = February 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107061559/http://www.gamespot.com/star-wars-battlefront-ii/videos/star-wars-battlefront-2-developer-interview-6122533/|archive-date=November 7, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Josh Resnick, founder of Pandemic Studios noted that it was difficult to get assets from ''Revenge of the Sith'' in order to build the related in-game assets.<ref name="story of lucasarts">{{cite book |last=Smith |first=Rob |isbn=978-0-8118-6184-7 |title=Rogue Leaders: The Story of LucasArts|date=November 26, 2008 |publisher=Chronicle Books }}</ref> Peter Hirschmann, vice president of product development at LucasArts, detailed the immense efforts required to get the game to a playable state on the PlayStation Portable. "It was a huge 'pop the champagne' day if you got back one whole frame a second," he stated. LucasArts Engineers working on Indiana Jones and Star Wars development teams were brought in to help optimize game code.<ref name="story of lucasarts" />
| [[Luke Skywalker]]
| [[Han Solo]]
| [[Chewbacca]]
| [[Princess Leia]]
| [[Obi-Wan Kenobi]]
|}
 
[[Bob Bergen]] voices [[Luke Skywalker]], having voice doubled for [[Mark Hamill]] in previous ''Star Wars'' games such as the ''[[Star Wars: Rogue Squadron]]'' series.<ref name="credits">{{cite book |title=Star Wars Battlefront II: Credits |year=2005 |publisher=LucasArts |author=Pandemic Studios}}</ref> Voice actor [[Corey Burton]] recorded lines for [[Count Dooku]], a role he has played in other ''Star Wars'' games as well as the ''[[Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008 TV series)|Star Wars: The Clone Wars]]'' animated series.<ref name="credits" /> Obi-Wan Kenobi is portrayed by [[James Arnold Taylor]], who played the role in the cartoon series.<ref name="credits" /> [[Scott Lawrence]] also returns to voice Darth Vader, a role he has portrayed since the 1994 game ''[[Star Wars: TIE Fighter]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kotaku.com.au/2010/07/the-men-and-women-behind-gamings-most-iconic-characters/ |website=[[Kotaku]] |title=The Men And Women Behind Gaming's Most Iconic Characters |date=July 30, 2010 |access-date=August 22, 2014 |first=Luke |last=Plunkett |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100731115553/http://www.kotaku.com.au/2010/07/the-men-and-women-behind-gamings-most-iconic-characters/ |archive-date=July 31, 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Other veteran ''Star Wars'' voice actors such as [[Tom Kane]], [[Steve Blum]] and [[Terrence C. Carson|T.C. Carson]] also provide voice overs. [[Temuera Morrison]] portrays his signature roles Boba Fett, Jango Fett and the game's clone trooper narrator, but does not provide the in-game clone chatter as he did in ''Battlefront''.<ref name="credits" />
===Vehicles===
''Battlefront II'' features three classifications of ships: planetary vehicles, starfighters, and capital ships.
 
On February 15, 2006, Pandemic released a patch for the PC version, which included support for mods and general improvement to the game.<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091118235645/http://www.lucasarts.com/support/update/Battlefront2.html |archive-date=November 18, 2009 |url=http://www.lucasarts.com/support/update/Battlefront2.html |title=Lucasarts.com - Star Wars Battlefront II patches |access-date=November 11, 2009 |publisher=LucasArts |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Mod (video gaming)|Mod tools]] for the Windows version of the game were subsequently released on February 21, 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamershell.com/news_28306.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100405220533/http://www.gamershell.com/news_28306.html |archive-date=April 5, 2010 |title=Star Wars Battlefront II Mod Tools |publisher=Gamers Hell |date=February 23, 2006 |access-date=November 11, 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Included in the download were many of the game's assets, several tutorials, and the tools required to make content for the PC version of the game. A plugin for [[Autodesk Softimage|Softimage XSI]] included in the mod tools allows users to create new 3D models and animations for the game. The ''Battlefront II'' mod tools provide a wider range of capabilities to the end user than the original ''Battlefront'', allowing a user to create anything from [[user interface]] changes, to additional gameplay [[Level (video gaming)|levels]], to large-scale [[Mod (video gaming)|modifications]]. The original assets used to build the retail version of the game were shipped with the mod tool package that was released and allowed users to either modify an existing level or create an entirely new map from scratch. Subsequently, modifications have been created which expand the game further into the ''[[Star Wars expanded universe|''Star Wars'' expanded universe]]'', adding additional locales, characters, ''Star Wars'' eras, and fan-created stories.
For ground vehicles, the four factions come equipped with various models of scout vehicles, medium assault vehicles, assault walkers, command transports, and mounts. Scout vehicles are quick and have little armor, whereas medium assault vehicles have superior armor and firepower. Assault walkers are more powerful than the medium assault vehicles, but slower. The command transports, however, are the most powerful vehicles in the game (only available as the Republic's AT-TE and the Empire's AT-AT). Additionally, players may use mounts and special craft, such as the tauntaun and the snowspeeder. All vehicles except the Tauntaun and scout vehicles have a critical hit area. A hit in that area will much more damage than a normal shot. Each faction (Rebels, Empire, Republic, CIS) features four different types of [[starfighter]] &mdash; bombers, fighters, scout craft, and transports. Bombers are heavily armed and armored, but have extremely slow-firing weaponry which is ineffective against the swift-moving starfighters, however one hit from a bomber's primary weapon will usually inflict tremendous damage to a starfighter. Starfighters are medium sized all-purpose ships with a mix of firepower and speed. They are effective in attacking other small vessels, but can be used effectively against fixed targets, frigates and capital ships. They are all extremely similar and all feature proton torpedoes as secondary weapons (even the TIE Fighter). They lock on slowly but pack more of a punch against ship systems or frigates than the lighter rockets carried by scout fighters. Scout craft, or interceptors, are fast, fragile, lightly-armed dogfighters. They feature missiles which lock on quickly but do not hit hard, and their rapid-firing lasers are best used against multi-role fighters. Finally, transports have the most carrying capacity of all the vehicles. Tranports act as mobile command posts, allowing players to spawn when the transport is landed. All transports have more armor and have a remote rocket position.
 
On December 19, 2005, LucasArts released the first of two [[Downloadable content|downloadable packages]] for the Xbox version of ''Battlefront II''. The free content added the Hero Assault mode to Kashyyyk.<ref name="free DLC">{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news211205battlefront2 |title=Battlefront II Xbox content |first=Tom |last=Bramwell |date=December 21, 2005 |access-date=July 20, 2010 |website=[[Eurogamer]]}}</ref> Another Xbox Live download was made available on January 31, 2006, which added two new hero characters, [[List of Star Wars characters#F|Kit Fisto]] and [[Asajj Ventress]], as well as four maps from the original ''Star Wars: Battlefront''; Yavin 4: Arena, [[Bespin]]: Cloud City, Rhen Var Harbor and Rhen Var Citadel. In addition, Hero Assault modes were also added to Coruscant, Mygeeto, and Naboo. It sold for [[United States dollar|USD]] $4.99.<ref name="paid DLC">{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news300106bf2 |title=Battlefront II content tomorrow |first=Tom |last=Bramwell |date=January 30, 2006 |access-date=July 20, 2010 |website=Eurogamer}}</ref> The downloadable content is no longer available as the original [[Xbox Live]] servers were shut down on April 15, 2010.<ref name="xboxlive shutdown">{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5516616/today-the-original-xbox-live-dies |title=Today, The Original Xbox Live Dies |first=Luke |last=Plunkett |website=Kotaku |date=April 14, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100417055556/http://kotaku.com/5516616/today-the-original-xbox-live-dies |archive-date=April 17, 2010 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 22, 2014}}</ref> Star Wars: Battlefront II is playable online on the original Xbox with [[Insignia (Xbox)|Insignia]], the replacement Xbox Live servers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Insignia - Star Wars: Battlefront II |url=https://insignia.live/games/4c41001a |access-date=2025-01-14 |website=insignia.live |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Xbox |first=Pure |date=2022-12-21 |title=Xbox Live 1.0 Replacement Adds More Supported Titles, 40 Games Now Playable |url=https://www.purexbox.com/news/2022/12/xbox-live-1-0-replacement-adds-more-supported-titles-40-games-now-playable |access-date=2025-01-14 |website=Pure Xbox |language=en-GB}}</ref> In late March 2006, the game was added to the [[List of Xbox games compatible with Xbox 360|Backwards Compatibility List]] for the Xbox 360, and is now playable on both the original Xbox and the Xbox 360.<ref name="backwards compat">{{cite web |url=http://www.videogamer.com/news/new_games_added_to_360s_backwards_compatibility_list.html |title=New games added to 360's backwards compatibility list |first=Tom |last=Orry |date=March 30, 2006 |access-date=July 20, 2010 |publisher=videogamer.com}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: center; width: 100%;"
|+ '''Space Vehicles'''
|-
! style="width:10%; background: #BBEEFF;" | Faction
! style="width:10%; background: #BBEEFF;" | Fighter
! style="width:10%; background: #BBEEFF;" | Bomber
! style="width:10%; background: #BBEEFF;" | Scout Craft
! style="width:10%; background: #BBEEFF;" | Transport
 
On May 4, 2014, it was announced that the ''Star Wars: Battlefront II Online'' servers hosted by [[GameSpy]] were closing down on May 31, 2014. The Windows version was added to a list of supported games on [[GameRanger]] on May 31, 2014, which allows for continued online play.<ref name="polygon gameranger">{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/5/7/5691224/star-wars-battlefront-2-multiplayer-gameranger-steam |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |first=Dave |last=Tach |date=May 7, 2014 |access-date=November 29, 2016 |title=Star Wars: Battlefront 2 PC multiplayer will continue with GameRanger}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Dingman|first=Hayden|title=GameSpy's shutdown spells doom for numerous PC games, but you can dodge disaster|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2141200/gamespy-is-shutting-down-but-it-doesnt-matter-if-youre-proactive.html|work=PC World|access-date=May 6, 2014|date=April 8, 2014}}</ref> On October 2, 2017, a patch for the Windows version of the game re-enabled multiplayer and added [[Steam (service)|Steam]] and [[GOG.com|GOG]] [[cross-platform play]];<ref name="onlinerestoredpcg">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/star-wars-battlefront-2-multiplayer-restored-now-with-steamgog-crossplay/|magazine=[[PC Gamer]]|first=Andy|last=Chalk|date=October 2, 2017|access-date=October 2, 2017|title=Star Wars: Battlefront 2 multiplayer restored, now with Steam/GOG crossplay}}</ref><ref name="onlinerestoredsteam">{{cite web|url=https://steamcommunity.com/games/6060/announcements|publisher=[[Disney]]|date=October 2, 2017|access-date=October 2, 2017|title=It's Back…And in Even Greater Numbers!}}</ref><ref name="onlinerestoredgog">{{cite web|url=https://www.gog.com/forum/general/star_wars_battlefront_ii_now_supports_crossplay_e3898|publisher=[[GOG.com|GOG]]|date=October 2, 2017|access-date=October 2, 2017|title=STAR WARS™ Battlefront™ II updated, now supports Crossplay}}</ref> a second patch on January 3, 2018, had minor bug fixes and performance optimizations. A Disney spokesperson told ''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]'' that GOG was "handling the back end for the game's online play, including the development of patches".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/1/4/16852064/star-wars-battlefront-2-pc-patch-disney-lucasfilm-gog-galaxy|title=Here's how 2005's Star Wars: Battlefront 2 was patched this week|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|first=Samit|last=Sarkar|date=January 4, 2018|access-date=January 6, 2018}}</ref>
|-
! style="background: #ececec;" | [[Galactic Republic]]
| [[ARC-170 starfighter#ARC-170 starfighter|ARC-170 Starfighter]]
| [[V-wing Starfighter|V-wing]]
| [[Jedi interceptor|Republic Starfighter]]
| [[LAAT|LAAT Gunship]]
 
A compilation of the title and [[Star Wars: Battlefront (2004 video game)|its predecessor]], titled ''Star Wars Battlefront Classic Collection'', was released for Windows, [[Nintendo Switch]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation 5]], [[Xbox One]], and [[Xbox Series X/S]] on March 14, 2024. The compilation was developed by [[Aspyr]] and features cross-generation play (PS4 with PS5; Xbox One with Xbox Series X/S) for up to 64 players, and includes the Xbox downloadable content.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dinsdale |first=Ryan |date=February 21, 2024 |title=''Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection'' Coming to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/star-wars-battlefront-classic-collection-coming-to-nintendo-switch |access-date=February 21, 2024 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Zwiezen |first1=Zack |title=OG Star Wars: Battlefront Games Are Back With Bonus Content And Features |url=https://kotaku.com/star-wars-battlefront-ii-classic-64-player-release-date-1851274858 |website=Kotaku |language=en |date=21 February 2024 |access-date=March 11, 2024}}</ref>
|-
{{Clear}}
! style="background: #ececec;" | [[Confederacy of Independent Systems|CIS]]
| [[Droid Starfighter#Vulture droid starfighter|Droid Starfighter]]
| [[Droid Starfighter#Belbullab-22 starfighter|CIS Strike Bomber]]
| [[Droid Tri-Fighter|Droid Tri-fighter]]
| [[Separatist Gunship|Droid Gunship]]
 
==Reception and sales==
|-
{{Video game reviews
! style="background: #ececec;" | [[Galactic Empire (Star Wars)|Galactic Empire]]
| GR = (PS2) 84%<ref name="gr ps2">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/927131-star-wars-battlefront-ii/index.html |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II for PlayStation 2 |website=[[GameRankings]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=May 4, 2008}}</ref><br />(XBOX) 84%<ref name="gr xbox">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/xbox/927130-star-wars-battlefront-ii/index.html |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II for Xbox |website=[[GameRankings]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=November 21, 2018}}</ref><br />(PC) 75%<ref name="gr pc">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/pc/927129-star-wars-battlefront-ii/index.html |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II for PC |website=[[GameRankings]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=November 21, 2018}}</ref><br />(PSP) 71%<ref name="gr psp">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/psp/928452-star-wars-battlefront-ii/index.html |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II for PSP |website=[[GameRankings]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=May 4, 2008}}</ref>
| [[TIE Fighter]]
| MC = (PS2) 84/100<ref name="mc PS2">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/star-wars-battlefront-ii/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II for PlayStation 2 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=August 22, 2014}}</ref><br />(XBOX) 83/100<ref name="mc Xbox">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/star-wars-battlefront-ii/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II for Xbox Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=August 22, 2014}}</ref><br />(PC) 78/100<ref name="mc PC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/star-wars-battlefront-ii/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II for PC Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=August 22, 2014}}</ref><br />(PSP) 69/100<ref name="mc PSP">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/star-wars-battlefront-ii/critic-reviews/?platform=psp |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II for PSP Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=August 22, 2014}}</ref>
| [[TIE Bomber]]
| EGM = 8.17/10<ref name="egm review">{{cite magazine |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II (PS2, Xbox) |author=EGM staff |issue=198 |date=December 2005 |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]}}</ref><br />(PSP) 6.33/10<ref name="egm PSP rev">{{cite magazine |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II (PSP) |issue=199 |date=January 2006 |page=127}}</ref>
| [[TIE Interceptor]]
| EuroG = 6/10<ref name="eurogamer rev">{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_battlefront2_xbox |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II (Xbox) |first=Jim |last=Rossignol |date=November 10, 2005 |access-date=August 23, 2014 |website=Eurogamer}}</ref>
| [[Theta-class shuttle#Theta-class Shuttle|Landing Shuttle]]
| GI = 8.5/10<ref name="gi rev">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/D4DEA40B-FA6B-48FC-9BB0-426E80060B13.htm |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II |first=Andrew |last=Reiner |issue=152 |date=December 2005 |page=152 |access-date=August 22, 2014 |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080212121027/http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/D4DEA40B-FA6B-48FC-9BB0-426E80060B13.htm |archive-date=February 12, 2008 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref><br />(PSP) 7/10<ref name="gi PSP rev">{{cite magazine |url=http://gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/B85B59AF-0A11-4A77-B63D-7D296F5302F1.htm |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II (PSP) |first=Matthew |last=Kato |issue=153 |date=January 2006 |page=157 |access-date=August 22, 2014 |magazine=Game Informer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090802155705/http://gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/B85B59AF-0A11-4A77-B63D-7D296F5302F1.htm |archive-date=August 2, 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GamePro = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="gamepro rev">{{cite magazine |url=http://gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/49545.shtml |title=Star Wars Battlefront 2 (PS2, Xbox) |author=Vicious Sid |date=November 1, 2005 |access-date=August 23, 2014 |magazine=[[GamePro]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060118161636/http://gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/49545.shtml |archive-date=January 18, 2006 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GameRev = B<ref name="gamerevrev" />
| GSpot = 8.1/10<ref name="gspotrev" /><br />(PC) 7.8/10<ref name="gspot PC rev">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/star-wars-battlefront-ii-review/1900-6137213/ |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II Review (PC) |first=Bob |last=Colayco |date=November 4, 2005 |access-date=August 22, 2014 |website=GameSpot}}</ref><br />(PSP) 6.8/10<ref name="gspot PSP rev">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/star-wars-battlefront-ii-review/1900-6139263/ |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II Review (PSP) |first=Bob |last=Colayco |date=November 4, 2005 |access-date=August 22, 2014 |website=GameSpot}}</ref>
| GSpy = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="gspy rev">{{cite web |url=http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/star-wars-battlefront-2/663663p1.html |title=GameSpy: Star Wars Battlefront II |first=Will |last=Tuttle |date=November 1, 2005 |access-date=August 23, 2014 |publisher=GameSpy}}</ref><br />(PC & PSP) {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="gspy PSP" /><ref name="gspy PC">{{cite web |url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/star-wars-battlefront-2/664618p1.html |title=GameSpy: Star Wars: Battlefront II (PC) |first=Tom |last=Chick |date=November 4, 2005 |access-date=August 23, 2014 |publisher=GameSpy}}</ref>
| GameZone = (PS2) 8.4/10<ref name="gamezone ps2 rev">{{cite web |url=http://ps2.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r26385.htm |title=Star Wars Battlefront II Review - PlayStation 2 |first=Louis |last=Bedigian |date=November 2, 2005 |access-date=August 23, 2014 |publisher=GameZone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090125214043/http://ps2.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r26385.htm |archive-date=January 25, 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref><br />(Xbox) 8.2/10<ref name="gamezone xbox rev">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/2005/11/13/star_wars_battlefront_ii_xb_review |title=Star Wars Battlefront II - XB - Review |first=Nick |last=Valentino |date=November 13, 2005 |access-date=August 23, 2014 |publisher=GameZone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080213131956/http://xbox.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r26385.htm |archive-date=February 13, 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref><br />(PC) 8/10<ref name="gamezone PC rev">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/2005/12/18/star_wars_battlefront_ii_pc_review |title=Star Wars Battlefront II - PC - Review |first=Kevin "BIFF" |last=Giacobbi |date=December 18, 2005 |access-date=August 23, 2014 |publisher=GameZone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081020020222/http://pc.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r26385.htm |archive-date=October 20, 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref><br />(PSP) 7.9/10<ref name="gamezone PSP rev">{{cite web |url=http://psp.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r26385.htm |title=Star Wars Battlefront II Review - PSP |first=Eduardo |last=Zacarias |date=November 9, 2005 |access-date=August 23, 2014 |publisher=GameZone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080930220823/http://psp.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r26385.htm |archive-date=September 30, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| IGN = (PSP) 7.8/10<ref name="ign PSP rev">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/11/01/star-wars-battlefront-ii-2 |title=Star Wars Battlefront II (PSP) |first=Juan |last=Castro |date=November 1, 2005 |access-date=August 22, 2014 |website=IGN}}</ref><br />7/10<ref name="ignrev" />
| OPM = (PS2) {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="opm ps2 rev">{{cite magazine |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II (PS2) |magazine=[[Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine]] |date=December 2005 |page=108}}</ref><br />(PSP) {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="opm psp rev">{{cite magazine |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II (PSP) |magazine=Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine |date=January 2006 |page=104}}</ref>
| OXM = 8.5/10<ref name="oxm rev">{{cite magazine |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II |magazine=[[Official Xbox Magazine]] |date=December 2005 |page=90}}</ref>
| PCGUS = 83%<ref name="pcgamer rev">{{cite journal |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II |journal=[[PC Gamer]] |date=January 2006 |page=54}}</ref>
| rev1 = ''[[CiN Weekly]]''
| rev1Score = 92/100<ref name="cin weekly rev">{{cite news |url=http://www.cinweekly.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051116/ENT09/511160360/1063 |title=Star Wars Battlefront II |first=PJ |last=Hruschak |date=November 16, 2005 |access-date=August 22, 2014 |newspaper=[[CiN Weekly]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051202090116/http://www.cinweekly.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20051116%2FENT09%2F511160360%2F1063 |archive-date=December 2, 2005 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
| rev2 = ''[[Detroit Free Press]]''
| rev2Score = {{Rating|3|4}}<ref name="detroit rev">{{cite news |url=http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051113/ENT06/511130333/1044 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150414133147/https://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051113/ENT06/511130333/1044 |archive-date=April 14, 2015|title='Star Wars Battlefront II' (Xbox) |first=Ryan |last=Huschka |date=November 13, 2005 |access-date=August 22, 2014 |newspaper=[[Detroit Free Press]] |url-status=dead}}</ref>
}}
 
''Battlefront II'' was well received overall. The highest aggregate scored was for the PlayStation 2, which holds an 84% at [[GameRankings]] and an 84/100 at [[Metacritic]].<ref name="gr ps2" /><ref name="mc PS2" /> The Xbox version ranked similarly, with 84% at GameRankings and 83/100 at Metacritic.<ref name="gr xbox" /><ref name="mc Xbox" /> The PC and PSP versions scored slightly lower, with a 75% and a 78/100 for the PC and the PSP a 71% and 69/100 at GameRankings and Metacritic, respectively.<ref name="gr pc" /><ref name="gr psp" /><ref name="mc PC" /><ref name="mc PSP" /> It placed sixth in overall sales for [[2005 in video gaming|2005]], according to the [[NPD Group]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.npd.com/dynamic/releases/press_060117.html |title=The NPD Group Reports Annual 2005 U.S. Video Game Industry Retail Sales |date=January 17, 2006 |publisher=[[NPD Group]] |access-date=July 8, 2010 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061210092207/http://www.npd.com/dynamic/releases/press_060117.html |archive-date = December 10, 2006}}</ref> The PlayStation Portable version sold over 500,000 copies.<ref name="story of lucasarts" /> It was listed as the second most-played Xbox title in [[2007 in video gaming|2007]],<ref name="mostplayed 07">{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/340924/your-most+played-xbox-live-games-for-2007-were |title=Your Most-Played Xbox Live Games For 2007 Were... |first=Luke |last=Plunkett |website=Kotaku |date=January 4, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080106121444/http://kotaku.com/340924/your-most+played-xbox-live-games-for-2007-were |archive-date=January 6, 2008 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 23, 2014}}</ref> and placed third in [[2008 in video gaming|2008]].<ref name="mostplayed 08">{{cite web |url=http://majornelson.com/archive/2009/01/04/the-top-20-live-games-of-2008.aspx |title=The Top 20 LIVE Games of 2008 |first=Larry |last=Hyb |publisher=majornelson.com |date=January 4, 2009 |access-date=July 20, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120607032215/http://majornelson.com/2009/01/04/the-top-20-live-games-of-2008/ |archive-date=June 7, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In [[2009 in video gaming|2009]] ''Star Wars: Battlefront II'' reclaimed second place once more.<ref name="mostplayed 09">{{cite web |url=http://majornelson.com/archive/2010/01/10/the-top-20-live-games-of-2009.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100706112359/http://majornelson.com/archive/2010/01/10/the-top-20-live-games-of-2009.aspx |archive-date=July 6, 2010 |title=The Top 20 LIVE Games of 2009 |first=Larry |last=Hyb |publisher=majornelson.com |date=January 10, 2009 |access-date=July 20, 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The PlayStation 2 version received a "Platinum" sales award from the [[Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association]] (ELSPA),<ref name=platinumelspa>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090515224703/http://www.elspa.com/?i=3944 |url=http://www.elspa.com:80/?i=3944 |title=ELSPA Sales Awards: Platinum |work=[[Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association]] |archive-date=May 15, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> indicating sales of at least 300,000 copies in the United Kingdom.<ref name=gamasutrasales>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918063107/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/112220/ELSPA_Wii_Fit_Mario_Kart_Reach_Diamond_Status_In_UK.php |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/112220/ELSPA_Wii_Fit_Mario_Kart_Reach_Diamond_Status_In_UK.php |title=ELSPA: ''Wii Fit'', ''Mario Kart'' Reach Diamond Status In UK | author=Caoili, Eric | date=November 26, 2008 |work=[[Gamasutra]] |archive-date=September 18, 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The game's sales totaled 6 million copies by 2007.<ref name=latimessales>{{cite news | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081004230656/http://articles.latimes.com/2007/oct/12/business/fi-games12 | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-oct-12-fi-games12-story.html | title=EA buys strength in new genres | newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] | date=October 12, 2007 | author=Pham, Alex | archive-date=October 4, 2008 | url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
! style="background: #ececec;" | [[Rebel Alliance]]
| [[X-wing]]
| [[Y-wing]]
| [[A-wing]]
| [[LAAT|Alliance Assault Craft]]
|}
 
''Battlefront II'' was praised not only for having a much more engaging single-player storyline,<ref name="ignrev">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/11/03/star-wars-battlefront-ii |title=Star Wars Battlefront II |website=IGN |access-date=August 22, 2014 |last=Sulic |first=Ivan |date=November 2, 2005}}</ref> but also for fixing many of the issues that plagued the original. Reviewers noted a slight improvement in the intelligence of [[Artificial intelligence|AI]] units and praised new varied objectives to obtain victory.<ref name="ignrev" /> ''[[PlayStation World]]'' argued the strengthened single-player campaign was "unrelenting" and always a good challenge.<ref name="pswrev">{{cite web |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/129327/reviews/star-wars-battlefront-ii-review/?site=psw |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723035317/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/129327/reviews/star-wars-battlefront-ii-review/?site=psw |archive-date=July 23, 2013 |work=[[Computer and Video Games]] ([[PlayStation World]]) |title=Star Wars Battlefront II review |author=PSW staff |date=November 15, 2005 |access-date=August 22, 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Publications found the inclusion of space battles a welcome addition; however, [[GameSpot]] argued the addition of Jedi, though looking "good on paper", did not end up "feeling as epic" as expected.<ref name="gspotrev">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/star-wars-battlefront-ii-review/1900-6137216/ |title=Star Wars Battlefront Review |website=GameSpot |access-date=August 22, 2014 |last=Colayco |first=Bob |date=November 4, 2005}}</ref>
In space battles, capital ships such as [[Star Destroyers]] are present. Each faction has one capital ship. The capital ships can be attacked from the outside ''and'' the inside by destroying several vital points throughout the inside of the ship. Capital ships of the Galactic Civil War era are larger than those of the Clone War era. There are smaller ships around capital ships (how many depending on the map) called frigates. Frigates of the Clone War era are larger than those of the Galactic Civil War era.
 
[[Game Revolution]] argued if the multiplayer was taken away, even the new campaign was not enough to make ''Battlefront II'' worth the buy.<ref name="gamerevrev" /> [[IGN]] claimed the game suffers from problems remaining from the original ''Battlefront'', such as a lack of challenging AI characters in single-player mode. Computer-controlled opponents and allies tend to run headlong into gunfire, wander off ledges, and walk into walls. IGN felt that these, along with redundant use of planets featured in previous ''Star Wars'' settings, were problems carried over from the original.<ref name="ignrev" /> ''[[X-Play]]'' hosts [[Adam Sessler]] and [[Morgan Webb]] gave the game a 4 out of 5, but criticized the online multiplayer.<ref name="xplay review">{{cite web |url=http://www.g4tv.com/videos/10209/star-wars-battlefront-2-review/ |title=Star Wars: Battlefront 2 Review |date=December 12, 2005 |access-date=January 4, 2012 |publisher=[[G4 (U.S. TV channel)|G4TV]] |author1=Sessler, Adam |author2=Webb, Morgan |archive-date=March 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309230849/http://www.g4tv.com/videos/10209/star-wars-battlefront-2-review/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: center; width: 100%;"
|+ '''Capital Ships and Frigates'''
|-
! style="width:10%; background: #BBEEFF;" | Faction
! style="width:10%; background: #BBEEFF;" | Capital Ship
! style="width:10%; background: #BBEEFF;" | Frigate
! style="width:10%; background: #BBEEFF;" | Alternate Frigate
 
Non-video game publications praised the quality of the game. ''[[CiN Weekly]]'' gave it a score of 92 out of 100 and stated "The improved single-player games are worthwhile enough on their own, but if you can find well connected online matches, multiplayer games will keep you addicted for months."<ref name="cin weekly rev" /> ''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]'' gave it a score of four stars out of five, saying, "Space conflict complements ground-based action beautifully and jumping into the cockpit of an X-wing or TIE fighter is thrilling."<ref name="sydney rev">{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/games/chaotic-conflict/2005/11/15/1132016799470.html |title=Chaotic conflict |first=Jason |last=Hill |date=November 17, 2005 |access-date=August 22, 2014 |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]}}</ref> ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'' gave the Xbox version a score of three stars out of four and said "The graphics are pretty, the score divine, the story-driven single-player game is actually cinematic and engaging and the lag, while annoying at times online, has been greatly reduced from the original."<ref name="detroit rev" />
|-
{{clear}}
! style="background: #ececec;" | [[Galactic Republic]]
==Notes==
| [[Imperial Star Destroyer#Venator-class Star Destroyer|Republic Attack Cruiser]]
{{notelist}}
| [[Acclamator-class assault ship|"Acclamator" Assault Ship]]
==References==
| NA
{{Reflist}}
 
|-
! style="background: #ececec;" | [[Confederacy of Independent Systems|CIS]]
| [[Trade Federation Cruiser]]
| [[List of Star Wars capital ships#Banking Clan Cruiser|Banking Clan Communications Ship]]
| NA
 
|-
! style="background: #ececec;" | [[Galactic Empire (Star Wars)|Galactic Empire]]
| [[Imperial Star Destroyer#Imperial-class Star Destroyer|Imperial Star Destroyer]]
| [[Imperial Star Destroyer#Victory-class Star Destroyer|Victory-2 Class Frigate]]
| NA
 
|-
! style="background: #ececec;" | [[Rebel Alliance]]
| [[Mon Calamari Cruiser|Mon Calamari Star Cruiser]]
| [[CR90 Corellian Corvette|Corellian Corvette]]
| [[Theta-class shuttle#GR-75 Medium Transport|Rebel Transport]]
|}
 
===Game modes===
[[Image:BF2ShieldGenerator.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Attacking a Star Destroyer's shield generator from the inside]]
''Battlefront II'' includes two variations of the traditional, story-based gameplay: hunt mode and galactic conquest.
 
In hunt mode, players choose whether to be the hunter or the hunted. The hunted team must survive until the time runs out to claim victory, while the hunters must kill all the hunted to win. Neutral factions may be used in this gameplay variation.
 
In Galactic Conquest, the objective is to conquer several enemy planets, one battle at a time, to increase control over the galaxy. There are 4 different starting scenarios for galactic conquest (one for each faction). Galactic conquest consists of two stages. Stage one is the acquisition stage, where new fleets, bonuses, and new troop classes can be purchased by using credits accumulated by conquering planets. Stage two consists of moving a fleet (or, alternatively, skipping the turn). When a fleet attempts to occupy a space occupied by an opposing fleet, a space battle ensues. If a fleet attempts to occupy a space occupied by an enemy planet, a ground battle will occur. If both are present, then the space battle must be won to continue to the planet. Capturing planets earns the player credits, which are also earned each round from held planets. After each battle, a summary will appear, showing various statistics of the round. The first player's round ends, and the second player's round begins.
 
==Story==
<!--This section needs to be prosified into a plot synopsis with PERHAPS a mission list -->
{{spoiler}}
The [[501st Legion (Star Wars)|501st Legion]] is an elite Clone trooper/Stormtrooper unit who worked under the command of [[Darth Vader]]. They can be seen marching into the Jedi Temple as part of [[Order 66]] in ''Revenge of the Sith''. They soon become known as "Vader's Fist". The campaign portion of the game puts players in control of the 501st, from their second battle on [[Battle of Mygeeto|Mygeeto]] through the [[Battle of Hoth]]. (The 501st's first battle on [[Battle of Geonosis|Geonosis]] is the subject of the game's tutorial.)
 
===Clone Wars Missions===
'''Chapter 1: Fall of the Old Republic'''&mdash; This chapter takes place during the Clone Wars, as the 501st Legion attempts to defeat the Separatist droid armies and strengthen the Republic's hold on the galaxy.
* Part 1 ([[Star Wars Episode III|Revenge of the Sith]]): [[List of Star Wars planets (M-N)#Mygeeto|Mygeeto]]&mdash;Amongst the Ruins - The 501st must destroy a Separatist power plant and steal the power crystals for use in the Death Star. General Ki-Adi-Mundi is their commander and hero.
* Part 2 (Revenge of the Sith): Coruscant Space&mdash;A Desperate Rescue - The 501st is pressed into space combat during the [[Battle of Coruscant]], and must destroy a Separatist cruiser to clear a path for Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi to rescue Chancellor Palpatine.
* Part 3 (Revenge of the Sith): Felucia&mdash;Heart of Darkness - The 501st is called in to find a lost legion on Felucia, and battle the CIS with the help of Aayla Secura, their hero.
* Part 4 (Expanded Universe): Kashyyyk Space&mdash;First Line of Defense - The 501st are sent on a seemingly suicidal mission to relieve forces on Kashyyyk. But first, they must fight their way to the planet's surface.
* Part 5 (Revenge of the Sith): Kashyyyk&mdash;A Line in the Sand - With the help of Yoda, the 501st defend Kashyyyk from CIS forces in the [[Battle of Kashyyyk]].
* Part 6 (Revenge of the Sith): [[Utapau]]&mdash;Underground Ambush - The 501st is sent with General Kenobi to defeat the CIS forces and General Grievous in the [[Battle of Utapau]].
* Part 7 (Revenge of the Sith): Coruscant&mdash;Knightfall - The [[Great Jedi Purge]] has begun, and Darth Vader leads the 501st to clear out the Jedi Temple of traitors.
 
===Galactic Civil Wars Missions===
'''Chapter 2: Rise of the Empire'''&mdash;The Galactic Republic has fallen. Emperor Palpatine has created a new Galactic Empire to rule in its place, and Darth Vader has taken command of the 501st, replacing Republic uniforms and equipment with [[Stormtrooper]] armor and weapons.
 
* Part 1 (Expanded Universe): Naboo&mdash;Imperial Diplomacy - The 501st, newly-dubbed Stormtroopers, must effect a regime change on the Emperor's home planet by killing Queen [[Apailana]].
* Part 2 (Expanded Universe): Mustafar Space&mdash;Preventive Measures - Gizor Delso, a surviving member of the CIS, has reactivated a droid army. To prevent the Clone Wars from starting up again, the 501st is sent in.
* Part 3 (Expanded Universe): Mustafar&mdash;Tying up Loose Ends - The 501st must stop the production of new Battle Droid prototypes, kill Delso, and destroy his factory.
* Part 4 (Expanded Universe): [[Kamino]]&mdash;Changing of the Guard - The cloners on Kamino are raising a legion of clone troopers to use against the Empire. Boba Fett leads the 501st to quell the uprising.
* Part 5 (Expanded Universe): Death Star&mdash;Prison Break - A dull assignment on the Empire's new battle station turns bloody when a group of Rebels breaks out and steals the station's plans.
* Part 6 (Expanded Universe): [[List of Star Wars planets (O-Q)#Polis Massa|Polis Massa]]&mdash;Birth of the Rebellion - The 501st, reassigned due to the breakout, attempt to track the stolen plans to a Rebel outpost on a faraway asteroid. The [[Galactic Civil War]] has begun.
* Part 7 (A New Hope): The 501st is sent to recapture the plans from Princess Leia Organa. The battle reenacts the opening battle of ''A New Hope''.
* Part 8 (Expanded Universe): [[Yavin 4]] Space&mdash;Vader's Fist Strikes Back - With the destruction of the Death Star, the remnants of the 501st fight to prevent the Rebels from escaping.
* Part 9 (Expanded Universe): Yavin 4&mdash;Revenge of the Empire - The 501st is sent to exact revenge for those lost on the Death Star by killing the Rebellion's high command of [[Bothan]]s.
* Part 10 (Empire Strikes Back): Hoth&mdash;Our Finest Hour - The 501st fights in the [[Battle of Hoth]] to crush the Rebellion once and for all.
 
[[Image:Kaminouprising.jpg|thumb|300px|The [[501st Legion (Star Wars)|Vader's Fist Legion]] and Clone Anti-troopers battle on Kamino.]]
 
===Cross-era story missions===
The missions '''Preventive Measures''' and '''Tying up Loose Ends''' are Empire vs. CIS. In these two missions a rogue Geonosian called [[Gizor Delso]] has reactivated the Droid control beacon on [[Mustafar]], and the 501st must go to the planet, shut down the droids, and kill the [[List of Star Wars races (F-J)#Geonosian|Geonosian]] engineer.
 
The mission '''Changing of the Guard''' is Empire vs. Clones. In this storyline [[Kamino]] has been secretly growing a new Clone Army to help the Rebels fight back against the Empire. [[Darth Vader]] hires [[Boba Fett]] for his knowledge of the inner workings of the Clone Facility, and sends the 501st to [[Kamino]] to destroy the Cloning Facility and growing cylinders.
 
=== PSP missions===
 
The PSP has 3 exclusive campaigns focusing on different areas of combat. The player has no allies on the battlefield but has unlimited lives . Each campaign has 4 missions, in which heroes can be used.
 
Imperial Enforcer - The player must eliminate native species on the battlefield such as the Gungans on Naboo within a certain amount of time . Similar to hunt in that it focuses on the use of Snipers.
Rogue Assassin - The player must eliminate key targets (commander units) on the battlefield within a certain amount of time. In this campaign the player gets to use the jet trooper with a rapid-fire blaster rifle that is similar to enemy troopers' in the Changing of the Guard mission on other formats. The missions focus on overall combat.
 
Rebel Raider - The player must steal vital technology from the enemy and bring it back to a certain ___location within a certain amount of time. This mission type is similar to capture the flag .
 
==Downloadable content==
On [[December 19]], [[2005]], LucasArts introduced a new downloadable level for the Xbox version of Star Wars Battlefront II through [[Xbox Live]]. The upgrade adds a Hero Assault Mode to Kashyyyk, which provides a new alternative to Mos Eisley for the Hero Assault mode.
 
Another Xbox Live download was made available on [[January 31]], [[2006]], with two new playable hero characters ([[Kit Fisto]] and [[Asajj Ventress]]) as well as four maps from the original Star Wars: Battlefront. Each of the new boards (Yavin 4: Arena, Bespin: Cloud City, Rhen Var Harbor and Rhen Var Citadel) has Conquest, Capture-the-Flag, and Hero Assault modes (including the two new characters). Rhen Var Harbor also has a Hunt mode where the native species are [[wampa]]s. In addition, Hero Assault modes were also added to the following maps: Coruscant, Mygeeto, and Naboo.
 
In late March 2006, the game was added to the Backwards Compatibility List for the [[Xbox 360]], and is now playable on both the original Xbox and the Xbox 360. [http://www.gamespot.com/xbox/action/starwarsbattlefront2/news.html?sid=6146852]
 
Lucasarts released a [[Patch (computing)|patch]] on [[February 15]], [[2006]]. [http://support.lucasarts.com/patches/Battlefront2.htm]. The patch also included support for additional maps, and the modding tools were subsequently released on [[February 21]]. [http://forums.lucasarts.com/thread.jspa?threadID=104078&tstart=0]
 
==Critical response==
[[IGN]] claimed that the game suffers from problems remaining from the original ''Battlefront'', such as a lack of challenging [[AI]] characters in single player mode. Computer-controlled opponents and allies tend to run headlong into gunfire, wander off ledges, and walk into walls. IGN felt that this, along with redundant use of planets featured in previous ''Star Wars'' settings, were problems carried over from the original ''Battlefront''.[http://ps2.ign.com/articles/663/663685p1.html]
 
IGN also noted that the complex controls and graphics of space battles and all-hero battles can make online multiplayer games virtually unplayable. Moreover, IGN felt that [[Packet loss|Lag times]] and high [[ping]] rates can cause the action to become choppy, objects and players to disappear, and weapons to become ineffective. [http://ps2.ign.com/articles/663/663685p3.html] A related criticism from [[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] (EGM) is the longer load time needed between boards, which is also caused by more detailed graphics and larger maps than the original Battlefront.[http://www.keepmedia.com/pubs/ElectronicGamingMonthly/2006/01/01/1090078?ba=a&bi=9&bp=1] For the Playstation 2 version, many have complained about the lack of a patch to resolve most gameplay issues, as well as having a server with large amounts of AI without crashing.
 
In addition the omission of fan favorite maps (e.g. Cloud City, Bespin Platforms) from the original Battlefront, and the subsequent XBOX Live-only addition of these maps have caused great disappointment among fervent fans of the game with other systems. However, many of the original Battlefront maps are available to download on some fansites. Minor fan complaints also mention the abrupt and inconclusive story ending of the campaign which stops at the Battle of Hoth without at least concluding with ''[[Return of the Jedi]]''. A possible explanation, however, could be that since the Imperials historically lose the Battle of Endor, the player would have to also lose in order to conclude the war as it happened.
 
Official criticism of the PSP version revolves mainly around the platform's ability to handle the game, rather than the game itself. Although the graphics were slightly stripped down to improve load times, EGM found ''Battlefront'''s controls to be too complex for the PSP's simple controls. EGM cited further problems with the game's slowdown in multiplayer mode.[http://www.keepmedia.com/pubs/ElectronicGamingMonthly/2006/01/01/1090078?ba=a&bi=9&bp=1]. Many players also cited dislike for the PSP version due to its ommitence of the story-line mode from the console versions depicting the Rise of the Empire, and the ability to enter large enemy ships like the Star Destroyer and damage them from the inside, probably due to the technical limitations of the PSP system.
 
==External links==
{{Portal|Video games}}
*[http://www.lucasarts.com/games/swbattlefrontii/indexFlash.html# Official site]
*[{{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20140526123416/http://www.lucasarts.com/games/swbattlefrontii/indexFlash.html#Gallery.Trailers Official|LucasArts trailer]page}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090429130752/http://pandemicstudios.com/corp/proj_swb2.php Pandemic Studios page]
*{{sww|Star Wars: Battlefront II}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20130622064649/http://www.japan.ea.com/swbf2/indexFlash.html Electronic Arts Japan page]
*[http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/s/starwarsbattlefront2/20051221-kashyyykassault.htm Xbox.com page with details on Kashyyyk Assault download]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20071011034909/http://activision.com/en_GB/game_specific/5fc2e235-08cd-42d7-9e66-ac22b51c7738.html Activision page]
*[http://www.freewebs.com/swbf2characters/ An in depth Hero and Villains character study, still updating]
*{{MobyGames|/star-wars-battlefront-ii}}
*[http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/s/starwarsbattlefront2/20060125-expansionpack.htm Xbox.com page with details on Expansion Pack]
*{{moby game|id=/star-wars-battlefront-ii |name= ''Star Wars: Battlefront II''}}
 
{{ClonePandemic WarsStudios}}
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