Gameplay 8.7
Graphics 8.6
Sound 8.9
Value 8.7
Distributor: Activision
Classification: M15+
Review Date: October 2007
Reviewer: Kent Williams

8.7


Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron

Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron blasts its way onto the PlayStation Portable that progresses the popular Battlefront series. Based in the Star Wars universe, the gamer plays the role of Col Serra, a commander in the Rebellion who was apparently a vital link in assisting the Rebels defeat the empire. In its essence, Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron is a mixed genre of a game that features action, RTS and adventure.

Features

  • Beginning with the evacuation of Yavin 4 (end of A New Hope) and ending with the Battle of Endor (Return of the Jedi), the original story features 11 battles as seen through the eyes of a clandestine Rebel team personally selected by Han Solo.

  • Millions of possible customizations directly affect gameplay to an even greater degree than the predetermined character classes of previous Star Wars Battlefront games.

  • Earn credits to upgrade and customize soldiers’ attributes (health, speed, agility), equipment (weapons, items) and appearance (species, body, insignia, uniform colors).

  • New maps include Ord Mantell, Boz Pity, Korriban, Sullust and Saleucami, plus new space battles at Kessel, Hoth, Bespin, and the remnants of Alderaan. Renegade Squadron also adds a second Hoth map, plus a new interpretation of Endor.

  • For the first time, fly as heroes in space aboard the Millennium Falcon, Darth Vader’s TIE Advanced, Jango and Boba Fett’s Slave I, and Obi-Wan Kenobi’s Jedi starfighter.

  • New land-based heroes include Admiral Ackbar, Ben Kenobi (Episode IV), IG-88, Asajj Ventress and Kit Fisto. Fourteen heroes return from Star Wars Battlefront II.

  • Renegade Squadron debuts B-wings and TIE defenders in space, plus A5-R Juggernauts, T4-B heavy tanks and mountable carrion spats on land.

  • Enhanced space combat features a refined control scheme. For the first time on the PSP system, players can also enter capital ships as they did in the console versions of Star Wars Battlefront II.

  • Expanded multiplayer allows for up to 16 players via Infrastructure and eight via Ad Hoc. (Star Wars Battlefront II for the PSP system featured four-player Ad Hoc only.)

  • Also returning are Star Wars Battlefront staples Conquest and Capture the Flag (one- and two-flag varieties, plus new Hero Capture the Flag where the flag bearer plays as a hero).

  • Infrastructure mode embraces community through leaderboards and profile pages, where players can display medals they’ve earned, their battle statistics and more.

Before engaging in the mission, the gamer must select a starting point, items and weaponry before embarking on their adventure. Unlike other titles, the gamer has a set amount of credits they can spend before each mission which means you need to carefully select the items and weapons you will need. However, you'll also need to conserve funds for other necessities in order to repair items or purchase one offs.

Another entertaining gameplay mode in the game is the "Galactic Conquest" which allows you to move around an an interactive game board that has been mapped throughout a quadrant of the galaxy. This aspect is more like a strategy game where you can purchase soldiers, weaponry and items and move them throughout the different sectors. The title also contains the traditional capture the flag mode which is definitely a fun experience.

The control system of Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron is rather apt on the PSP and plays extremely well. For those familiar with Battlefront II, the gameplay is almost identical and fortunately the auto-lock feature allows you to lock into enemies and switch targets quite easily. This is disabled in the more difficulty levels. Even the space missions are quite easy to control with  a well thought-out vehicle maneuvering system. The only drawback of the auto lock is that it takes a few seconds to deactivate which may be the few seconds needed between life and death.

Renegade Squadron's multiplayer modes are quite good with four players at once or sixteen players via Infrastructure. Most of the maps cover familiar territory from the previous game, but the new ones are a welcome treat. Various classes and modes are also available so if you get sick of the good guy route, you always have the option of turning to the Dark Side. The action runs very smoothly, although it all depends on the strength of your Wi-Fi network.

Graphically, Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron is a visual treat on the PSP with some very impressive looking levels and detailed character models. Although some areas are a little lackluster, the majority of the title is decent. Match that with John Williams music and a variety of Star Wars special effects and you have everything you need in a good Star Wars game.

In conclusion, Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron is a good game and a great Star Wars game with good graphics, decent gameplay and that great Star Wars universe that will make this a must have title for PSP owners.