During the Star Wars Celebration in Orlando last weekend, Electronic Arts and Lucasfilm announced Star Wars Battlefront II. The sequel to 2015’s Star Wars Battlefront will arrive on November 17, just a month before the December release of Episode VIII, Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
The spiffy trailer showcases the new single-player story mode. The story stars Imperial soldier Iden Versio, whose squad witnesses the destruction of the second Death Star from Endor’s moon. We’ll get to see the fall of the Empire and the rise of the First Order in a story that will hopefully bridge Episode VI and VII.
“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 is being developed by veteran Battlefield developer DICE in collaboration with Criterion Games and Motive Studios. In addition to the single-player campaign the 40-player multiplayer war zones will return. All three eras of Star Wars lore will be utilized, from Prequel, to Original Trilogy to the New Trilogy. Maps include the jungles of Yavin 4, the space port at Mos Eisley, and the First Order Starkiller Base.
“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. “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.”
Proper space combat will also be available, developed by famed Burnout makers Criterion. The sequel promises high-stakes dogfights, refined handling, and customization options.
Pre-ordering Star Wars Battlefront II nets some goodies in the form of exclusive Rey and Kylo Ren skins based on Star Wars: The Last Jedi. You’ll also receive a Millennium Falcon and First Order ship for space battles.
The Star Wars Battlefront II: Elite Trooper Deluxe Edition includes all the above bonuses as well as upgrades to every multiplayer trooper class. The Deluxe Edition also includes head-start access up to three days early.
Star Wars Battlefront II launches November 17 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC (Origin).
