Is Battlefront 2 (2005) Campaign Canon? A Deep Dive into Star Wars Lore
The short answer is: No, the campaign in Star Wars: Battlefront II (2005) is NOT considered canon within the official Star Wars universe. While beloved by many fans for its engaging narrative and unique perspective, it falls under the umbrella of “Legends” material, which is no longer part of the primary Star Wars timeline.
Let’s delve a little deeper into why this is the case and explore the fascinating world of Star Wars canon.
What is Star Wars Canon Anyway?
Canon, in simple terms, refers to the officially recognized and interconnected narrative of a fictional universe. For Star Wars, this means stories, characters, and events that are considered “true” within the overarching narrative.
Before Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm in 2012, the Star Wars Expanded Universe (EU), which included novels, comics, video games, and other media, was considered canon to varying degrees. However, with the acquisition, Lucasfilm decided to streamline the continuity and create a clearer, more consistent narrative.
The Great Canon Reset
After the acquisition, Lucasfilm announced that only the six Star Wars theatrical films (Episodes I-VI) and The Clone Wars animated series were considered official canon. Everything else from the Expanded Universe was rebranded as “Legends.”
This meant that countless stories, beloved characters, and significant events were relegated to an alternate timeline, separate from the new official narrative. While still available for enjoyment, these “Legends” stories no longer influence or are referenced by new Star Wars content.
Battlefront II (2005): A Glorious Legend
Star Wars: Battlefront II (2005), despite its enduring popularity, was a casualty of this canon reset. While it offered a compelling narrative following a veteran clone trooper through the rise of the Empire, it contained elements that conflicted with the new canon being established. These conflicts included character backgrounds, timelines, and the depiction of certain events.
The game tells its story from the perspective of the 501st Legion, led by Anakin Skywalker. This presents events that differ from how they are depicted in the current established canon within the Clone Wars animated show.
The Current Canon Landscape
The current canon, overseen by the Lucasfilm Story Group, comprises:
- Theatrical Films (Episodes I-IX, Rogue One, Solo)
- Animated Series (The Clone Wars, Rebels, The Bad Batch, Visions, Tales of the Jedi, Young Jedi Adventures)
- Live-Action Series (The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Andor, Ahsoka, The Acolyte)
- Novels and Comics published after April 25, 2014
- Video Games specifically designated as canon (e.g., Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Star Wars: Squadrons, Star Wars: Uprising)
Is All Hope Lost for Battlefront II (2005) Fans?
Not at all! The “Legends” designation doesn’t diminish the enjoyment or impact of Battlefront II (2005). It remains a fantastic game with a compelling story. Furthermore, elements from “Legends” are sometimes incorporated into the new canon, albeit often with alterations. The character of Grand Admiral Thrawn, for example, originated in the “Legends” timeline but has been reintroduced into the current canon through Star Wars Rebels and Ahsoka. While there are currently no plans to reintroduce the plot of the campaign to the Star Wars universe, the game can be enjoyed as its own separate story within the Star Wars universe.
The Success of Battlefront II 2005
Star Wars: Battlefront II (2005) succeeded because it delivered a compelling and immersive Star Wars experience that captured the essence of the films. The gameplay allowed players to participate in large-scale battles across iconic Star Wars locations, using a variety of vehicles and character classes. The campaign mode, with its narrative from the perspective of a clone trooper, provided a unique and engaging storyline that added depth to the game. Additionally, the inclusion of playable heroes and villains, along with the improved space combat, enhanced the overall experience and replayability. These elements combined to create a game that resonated with fans and stood out as a memorable title in the Star Wars gaming franchise. To learn more about how video games are used in learning experiences, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Iden Versio from Battlefront II (2017) canon?
Yes, Iden Versio and Inferno Squad from Star Wars: Battlefront II (2017) are part of the current canon. The game’s campaign, while not universally acclaimed, is officially recognized within the Star Wars timeline.
2. Are any of the older Star Wars video games canon?
Most Star Wars video games released before the canon reset are considered “Legends.” However, some elements from those games might inspire or influence future canon material. Only video games released after the canon reset are considered canon.
3. What’s the difference between canon and “Legends”?
Canon is the official, interconnected narrative of Star Wars, while “Legends” refers to the stories and characters that are no longer considered part of the primary timeline but still exist as alternate versions of events.
4. Does the Battlefront II: Inferno Squad novel tie into the 2005 game?
No, the Battlefront II: Inferno Squad novel is tied to the Battlefront II (2017) game and its characters. It tells the story of Iden Versio and her squad in the aftermath of the destruction of the first Death Star.
5. Is Darth Vader more powerful in the “Legends” continuity?
Generally, characters in the “Legends” continuity, including Darth Vader, are often portrayed as having more exaggerated abilities and feats of power compared to their canon counterparts.
6. Why was the Star Wars: Battlefront III (Free Radical Design) cancelled?
Star Wars: Battlefront III, developed by Free Radical Design, was cancelled due to a combination of factors, including financial issues, development challenges, and LucasArts’ changing priorities at the time.
7. Are there any plans to remake Battlefront II (2005) in the current canon?
Currently, there are no officially announced plans to remake Battlefront II (2005). However, given the game’s popularity, it’s always possible that Lucasfilm could revisit the idea in the future.
8. Are all the Star Wars films canon?
Yes, all theatrical Star Wars films, from Episode I: The Phantom Menace to Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker, along with Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Solo: A Star Wars Story, are considered canon.
9. Does Battlefront II (2005) have a sequel?
Technically, Star Wars: Battlefront: Elite Squadron for the PSP could be considered a sequel in terms of release order. However, the Battlefront franchise was rebooted with Star Wars Battlefront (2015) and Star Wars Battlefront II (2017) by DICE.
10. Can I still enjoy Battlefront II (2005) even though it’s not canon?
Absolutely! Canon status doesn’t diminish the fun or value of a game. Battlefront II (2005) remains a classic Star Wars experience with a great campaign and engaging multiplayer.
11. Did Anakin Skywalker serve as a general in the Clone Wars in Legends?
Yes, Anakin Skywalker served as a Jedi General in both canon and “Legends”. In Legends, there were many different events that took place during the wars that may be contrary to what is happening in the new canon.
12. What is the name of the main clone in Battlefront 2?
The game’s campaign primarily focuses on an unnamed clone trooper, part of the 501st Legion, who later becomes a stormtrooper. The clone serves as the perspective for the player.
13. Are there any video games that are not considered canon?
Many of the older games such as Knights of the Old Republic, Star Wars: Empire at War, and Star Wars: The Force Unleashed are now considered “Legends”.
14. Is it possible for any “Legends” material to become canon?
Yes, it is possible! Lucasfilm has brought elements from “Legends” into the canon, often with modifications or reinterpretations. Grand Admiral Thrawn is a prime example.
15. Who decides what is canon and what is not?
The Lucasfilm Story Group is responsible for maintaining and overseeing the Star Wars canon. They ensure consistency and coherence across all media. Their decisions are final when it comes to what becomes official canon.