In the Star Wars Celebration Orlando, Electronic Arts (EA) and Lucasfilm Ltd. have officially announced the upcoming large-scale faction wars, Star Wars Battlefront II. Players are set for a thrilling adventure with the Galactic Empire’s elite forces, the Inferno Squad — which is led by a female protagnist, Iden Versio — on November 17, 2017. EA and DICE have worked on the campaign with EA’s first party studios — Motive and Criterion (Burnout, Need for Speed Most Wanted). It said to have a unique storyline that has never been seen before in the galaxy far far away.
“In Star Wars Battlefront II, we all wanted to really capture the essence of being heroic and how in Star Wars, anyone can become a hero,” says Matt Webster, Executive Producer at Criterion. “Whether that’s playing as an iconic character like Rey or Luke, as a front-line trooper or fighter pilot in epic multiplayer battles, or playing through a new Star Wars story that bridges the gap between Star Wars: Return of the Jedi and Star Wars: The Force Awakens, you will become a hero in Star Wars Battlefront II.”
The characters, such as Iden Versio, are made by teams in Motive with a close partnership with Lucasfilm’s story group. The plot is set in between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens, following the adventures and battles of Iden after the Death Star II was destroyed. In the wake of the First Order’s rising and before the Battle of Jakku, Iden is set in a journey where she has to make things better for the galaxy’s peace and to avenge the Emperor.
“EA has assembled an incredible set of developers to create a Star Wars gaming experience unlike anything fans have ever experienced,” said Douglas Reilly, Senior Director, Digital & Franchise Management. “Star Wars Battlefront II will offer everything players loved about the last installment, and adds new modes that we know the fans want, including an entirely new story developed in partnership with Lucasfilm.”
“We wanted to create a campaign that told a story we haven’t seen before in Star Wars”, says Mark Thompson, Game Director at Motive Studios. “It was important for us to tell a new authentic story, one that gives players a brand-new perspective. By putting players in the boots of an elite member of the Imperial forces, we can show them what the battle was like from the other side.”
Star Wars Battlefront II will still featurethe 40-player large-scale battles like the previous Battlefront in new locations such as Yavin 4, Mos Eisley, and Starkiller Base. What’s most interesting is the space-battles featured, which is als confirmed. There will also be character progression across all heroes, villains, troopers, and starfighters.
For those who are interested in pre-ordering Star Wars Battlefront II will get contents inspired from the upcoming Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Featuring skins for Rey and Kylo Ren from the film. Aside from skins and additional heroes/villains, players will also get to upgrade the Millenium Falcon and also a brandnew First Order starfighter.
Star Wars Battlefront II will be available worldwide on November 17th, 2017 on the PS4, Xbox One, and on Origin for PC. Players looking to get into the game earlier can do so with the Star Wars Battlefront II: Elite Trooper Deluxe Edition starting on November 14th, or through the Play First Trials on EA Access and Origin Access starting November 9th.