Is Star Wars: Republic Commando Worthy of a Sequel?

Not long ago, we asked gamers if Star Wars: Battlefront was worthy of a sequel, and apparently the overwhelming answer from readers is yes!

This week we look at another Star Wars classic and ask the same question: Is Star Wars: Republic Commando (SWRC) worthy of a sequel?

After five seasons and many fan demands Star Wars: The Clone Wars finally featured the famed clones of Republic Commando…well, one of them any way. The clone in question is Gregor. With his trademark yellow helmet etched with the number of droids he’d killed during the course of the Clone Wars, we saw for the first time what a single member of the famed Republic Commandos could do on his own as he lay waste to an army of droids single-handedly – going out in the blaze of glory.

In 2005, players were able to take command of a group of Republic Commandos – Delta Squad in a game that was designed in the spirit of Rainbow Six. SWRC was a tactical FPS, among the first the Star Wars gaming franchise had seen. Released just before Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, Republic Commando put players in command of a four-man team starting with the Battle of Geonosis, and ending with the Battle of Kashyyyk. The game, while horribly short, was smart and carefully thought out. Players commanded the squad while moving through various linear missions, battling droids, pirates, slavers and even General Grievous himself until the game’s exciting conclusion, which leaves you wanting more.

The action was very fast and clearly demonstrated the terrible nature of the Clone Wars outside the use of Jedi Force powers. This game did a great job of putting players into the boots of these characters, which you could command to breach doors, take up defensive firing positions, man turrets and generally cause all kinds of mayhem. The music was also outstanding. A truly epic Star Wars soundtrack beyond anything that I’d ever heard at the time, and one that conveyed the energy and determination of Delta Squad.

Sadly, the game ended with a cliff-hanger with promises of more action to come. A planned sequel titled, Imperial Commando never passed the concept and plotting phase before it was canned. And since then, we’ve seen nothing.

Republic Commando has since lived on in a number of Karen Travis novels, but for the sake of this article, it is a true sequel to a unique and exciting Star Wars game that I’m asking for.

So what might a sequel to Star Wars: Republic Commando look like today? Oh, how so much has changed since 2005. First off, let us start with this game’s own roots, that being Tom Clancy: Rainbow Six.

Much like Rainbow Six, the tactical elements of SWRC would have to remain intact. Controlling your squad, in a Rainbow Six: Vegas style would be a perfect fit for this type of game (I would not want to see this game become another Call of Duty clone). Of course cinematic and scripted elements are a must, similar to what we see in any CoD game, but the easier, more careful pacing of Rainbow Six games are the spirit of SWRC. Through this I think we could experience the Clone Wars far better than a game that makes me feel like I’m being pulled by my collar to the next objective.

A Republic Commando sequel should also be longer. The first game was brutally short, and this was during a time when online wasn’t all the rage it is now. The primary campaign I hope would run about 9 to 12 hours and feature all the customization and weapon selections we’ve come to expect from any modern FPS. It was nice that the original SWRC game presented us with a lot of new information and locations. I would hope that a sequel would go even further and not simply recycle what we’ve seen in film or on TV, which has always been a primary problem with the Battlefront series. I am not saying that reliving the Battle of Geonosis or Kashyyyk is a bad thing, but I hope the developers wouldn’t limit themselves to things we’ve already seen.

Online options are, of course, super important. I would love to see customizable armor, kit and weapons, and a two faction party system: Republic Clones vs. Droids. Weapons would need to be broad. SWRC only had one set a multi-use weapon that could be changed, depending upon the situation. A few other firearms were also available, but they lacked any creativity or usefulness. Again, think outside the realm of the films and create new designs. Maps should also be sizable, able to support a substantial player base. I believe this would help not only to break away from the tiny map size the likes of Call of Duty, but it would also convey the scale of the Clone Wars over dozens of systems.

And of course, for me the story is always the most important factor. A sequel to Republic Commandos would not slack in this department either. It should be epic, covering the first few months of the Clone Wars, and eventually heading in the direction of Order 66, and the rise of the Empire, or perhaps save those events for the sequels to follow. The story should also be hardcore; very gritty and dark, something that shows the realistic horrors of war even in the Star Wars universe. By the time players eventually reach the monumental event of Order 66, it should weigh heavily on them, and multiple options should be given as to what direction a player might take when that order is given, and the Galactic Empire rises.

So fellow gamers, do you think Star Wars: Republic Commando is worthy of a sequel, and if so, what would you want to see?