Overview
- Modding enthusiasts are reviving the third Star Wars: Battlefront game after discovering a playable prototype.
- This prototype of the unfinished Star Wars: Battlefront 3 for the Nintendo Wii dates just prior to the project’s cancellation.
Recently, a playable version of the canceled Star Wars: Battlefront 3 has come to light, prompting a dedicated group of modders to attempt its completion. This build was originally created by Free Radical, the now-defunct studio known for launching the beloved Star Wars: Battlefront series in 2004. Their first game allowed players to engage in epic battles pulled straight from the iconic Star Wars films, and a sequel followed in 2005, coinciding with the release of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. The sequel expanded gameplay with exciting space battles and the ability to control iconic heroes like Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader.
After the release of a few mobile and handheld adaptations, Free Radical aimed to extend the main series with a third installment. This entry was envisioned to feature advanced technology enabling seamless transitions between ground and space combat, alongside an imaginative “what-if”narrative for a potential fourth game that hinted at alternate storylines, such as Luke Skywalker’s fall to the dark side. Unfortunately, despite its ambitious vision, Star Wars: Battlefront 3 was reportedly shelved in 2008 due to a troubled development process. Steve Ellis, co-founder of Free Radical, later revealed that the project was nearly complete when LucasArts decided to cancel it.
In the years following its cancellation, fragments of Star Wars: Battlefront 3 emerged online. As covered by GamesRadar, preservation group Free Radical Archives has recently discovered a playable build of the Wii version, dating back just over a week before the cancellation announcement. In a creative display, YouTuber iamashaymin Modding showcased a trailer using clips from this build, highlighting scenes of Clone Troopers and other Imperial forces pursuing Jedi during Order 66.
Modders Aim to Complete the Playable Star Wars: Battlefront 3
The gameplay experience captured in this prototype closely mirrors that of its predecessors. Players can expect confrontations between soldiers from both the Original and Prequel trilogies, clashing across classic Star Wars locations. The objective remains to conquer the most territory while depleting enemy forces within a limited time frame. Notably, the gameplay demonstrates appearances of characters like Rahm Kota—a Jedi general who debuted in the 2008 title Star Wars: The Force Unleashed and was later referenced in the 2022 series Obi-Wan Kenobi.
As they move forward, Free Radical Archives is committed to polishing this version of the long-lost Star Wars: Battlefront 3. While they acknowledge that some glitches and bugs may persist, their goal is to release the completed project free of charge. This initiative provides gamers a glimpse into what could have been—a playable iteration of the Star Wars: Battlefront saga that fans never had the chance to enjoy.
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