Star Wars: Starfighter

Star Wars: Starfighter puts the player in the cockpit of the Naboo N-1 starfighter and other craft in the period right after the Battle of Naboo from Episode I. The central character is mercenary pilot Rhys Dallows, who, together with companions Vana Sage and Nym, gradually gets drawn into the brewing conflict between the Empire, the Trade Federation, and rebellious factions in the surrounding systems. The game builds on fast arcade combat both in space and in planetary atmospheres, where the player completes missions ranging from escorting convoys and defending bases to destroying capital ships and their shield generators.

As the first platform Starfighter launched on in 2001, PlayStation 2 got a version tailored directly to Sony's contemporary hardware – the controls use the DualShock 2's analog sticks for smooth turning, aiming, and maneuvering, which sets the game apart from later ports for other consoles and PC. At the time, the graphics engine was among the most technically ambitious on the console, with an emphasis on explosions, laser fire, light reflections on ship hulls, and fast camera swoops between battle formations. The campaign is divided into dozens of short missions that can also be replayed for bonus objectives, hidden bonuses, and unlockable craft – including the iconic X-wings and TIE fighters, which only become available in later chapters of the game.

Each mission also offers its own rating based on completed side objectives, which motivates players to return to already-finished sections for a better score. The story runs parallel to the events of the series and later games from the Republic era.

Why play it: Starfighter on PS2 will appeal to players who want fast, uncomplicated space action without having to master the simulator-style controls of older titles like X-Wing – just aim and shoot, while enjoying the atmosphere of the early Star Wars universe and a pastiche of classic starfighter duels over Naboo.