May 10, 2007 - Rumors surrounding the next installment of the Star Wars Battlefront series have been swirling around the Internet for months. However, it's unlikely that most net jockeys saw where the franchise was headed given that its publisher, LucasArts, announced today that its next visit to the BF universe will be a PSP exclusive slated for release this September.
To date the two previous Battlefronts have sold more than 10 million copies across multiple platforms worldwide.
Officially known as "Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron," the all-new project is in development from the UK team at Rebellion Studios (Alien vs. Predator, Judge Dredd) and will offer an all-new storyline in the single-player mode and some of the most robust PSP multiplayer options we've seen thus far.
What's the story about? Reportedly, it will follow the previously secret "Renegade Squadron" that was made up of the galaxy's toughest scoundrels. As the plot unfolds, players will learn how Han Solo recruited and assembled his team and used their many talents for missions in Korriban's Valley of the Sith, the rocky remains of Alderaan, and the fiery ashes of the volcanic planet, Sullust. In total, the single-player story will span 11 different skirmishes.
Additional maps include Boz Pity, Ord Mantell and Saleucami, plus space battles in and around Kessel, Hoth, and Bespin. A second Hoth map and entirely reworked version of Endor is also expected.
In addition to the revised single-player approach and original locations, LucasArts will also focus on user customization options and heavy-duty multiplayer support.
When the game is finished, up to 16 people will be able to compete via Infrastructure mode with eight-person support for ad hoc, while users will also be given 100-point limits to spend on custom kits with more than a million different combinations that can be used to create the exact hero (or villain) they desire. Modifiers for player creation includes health, agility, speed, weapon, and item selections in addition to species, body, uniform, and insignia options.
Admiral Ackbar, IG-88, Ben Kenobi (Episode IV), Asajj Ventress, and Kit Fisto will join fourteen of Battlefront II's returning heroes on top of the brand new B-wings, TIE Defenders, A5-R Juggernauts, T4-B heavy tanks, and mountable carrion spats in the vehicle category. Expect to see drivable versions of Slave I, Obi-Wan's Jedi Starfighter, Darth Vader's TIE Advanced, and the Millennium Falcon as well.
Other features new to the PSP include the ability to enter capital ships, online leaderboards and stat pages, an improved space combat control scheme, better Galactic Conquest mode, and a new "Hero Capture the Flag" gameplay type that joins returning modes, CTF and Conquest.
