Star Wars: Battlefront II

About

Star Wars: Battlefront II is a Sci-Fi Shooter game, the sequel to Star Wars: Battlefront, with a wide variety of gameplay options including local and multi-player, co-op, and single-player modes. It features an intriguing story, stunning gameplay, and an excellent soundtrack, allowing you to play as Jedi characters or other heroes in over 16 all new battlefronts, offering enhanced elements from Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith and high replayability, despite some grinding and bugs. The game's immersive atmosphere can be highly emotional, providing a lot of laughs along the way.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

95%

Audience ScoreBased on 78,507 reviews

graphics1.1k positive mentions

monetization140 negative mentions

The campaign offers a unique perspective on the Clone Wars and the rise of the Galactic Empire, narrated by a clone trooper, adding depth to the gameplay.
Gameplay is widely praised for its engaging mechanics, diverse modes, and nostalgic appeal, making it a standout title even years after its release.
The game boasts exceptional replayability with various modes and extensive mod support, ensuring players can enjoy it repeatedly without boredom.

Some missions in the campaign can be frustratingly difficult and unbalanced, leading to a tedious experience for players.
The graphics are considered dated and may not meet modern standards, which can detract from the overall experience.
The game suffers from stability issues, with frequent bugs, crashes, and performance problems, particularly on modern systems.

graphics
4,480 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
24%
61%
15%
The graphics of "Star Wars: Battlefront II" (2005) are widely regarded as dated, reflecting its age as a game released nearly two decades ago. While many players acknowledge that the visuals do not meet modern standards, they often emphasize that the gameplay experience compensates for this shortcoming, with numerous mods available to enhance graphics and overall enjoyment. Overall, the consensus is that while the graphics may not impress, the game's engaging mechanics and nostalgic value make it a worthwhile experience for fans of the franchise.
- “I'm always amazed how fun it still is and how good it still looks when you crank the graphics all the way up. Rubbish by today's standards, but for a game which is really getting on now, it puts you in the world.”
- “Despite its age, the graphics still hold up well and remain easy on the eyes, making it a timeless classic for any Star Wars fan.”
- “Firstly, the graphics: the modern battlefronts are visual masterpieces, but the graphics in the old ones are predictably bland, and unlike some old games, the graphics don't have any character to make up for the limitation in technology.”
- “The graphics may feel dated now, but the nostalgia and charm still shine through.”
- “The graphics are terrible, the gameplay is a bit clunky and stiff, and it took forever to remap the controls to a controller.......I love this game.”
gameplay
3,714 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
44%
52%
4%
The gameplay of Star Wars: Battlefront II (2005) is widely praised for its engaging mechanics, diverse modes, and nostalgic appeal, making it a standout title even years after its release. Players appreciate the chaotic yet fun nature of battles, the variety of classes and vehicles, and the inclusion of both ground and space combat, which contribute to a rich gameplay experience. While some mechanics show their age and the graphics are dated, the overall gameplay remains addictive and enjoyable, often surpassing modern iterations in terms of content and enjoyment.
- “Put hundreds of hours into this game back in the original days and loved the smooth gameplay and unique planetary battle system.”
- “The gameplay is where Battlefront II truly shines.”
- “The gameplay is addictive, the graphics hold up well, and the nostalgia factor is off the charts.”
- “Terrible aim mechanic, gunplay, movement, map design, story mode.”
- “From the creators of the game that lets you relive iconic Star Wars battles, comes Star Wars: Battlefront 2—the game where hero spam, random explosions, and broken mechanics rule the galaxy.”
- “Where broken mechanics, hero spamming, and chaotic battles come together to create a classic mess of Star Wars action.”
story
3,520 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
34%
63%
3%
The story of "Star Wars: Battlefront II" is centered around the 501st Legion, providing a unique perspective on the Clone Wars and the rise of the Galactic Empire. Players experience a series of missions that blend iconic battles from the films with original content, narrated by a clone trooper, which adds depth to the gameplay. While the campaign is engaging and nostalgic, some missions can be frustratingly difficult, and the overall narrative may feel simplistic compared to modern standards.
- “The main story, told through the journal of the 501st clone brigade, takes you on a compelling and increasingly somber journey toward the inevitable fall of the republic.”
- “The story is amazing where you get to play as a regular clone trooper during the closing days of the clone wars and the start of the empire.”
- “The campaign follows the story of the 501st clones throughout the clone wars and empire eras, giving you a new perspective on the series.”
- “The most bit of story you get is a clone narrating the events, which is done greatly but, that is the most you will get.”
- “The story is just okay, the later missions are literally series of long halls, the more missions you get into the more annoying the spawn points, to the point you're running 60+ seconds to get to the objective just to probably die because your AI is terrible even for 2005.”
- “The story mode though is rather lacking, tedious and some missions are quite unbalanced like the infamous 'knightfall' which can cause significant frustration.”
monetization
800 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
10%
72%
18%
The reviews overwhelmingly praise the classic "Star Wars: Battlefront II" (2005) for its lack of microtransactions, contrasting it sharply with modern titles that are criticized for their monetization strategies. Players appreciate the complete gaming experience without the need for additional purchases, highlighting the nostalgia and enjoyment of a game free from the pitfalls of contemporary cash grabs and pay-to-win mechanics. Many recommend avoiding newer versions published by EA, which are seen as exploitative and laden with microtransactions.
- “Star Wars Battlefront II (2005) is probably one of the best shooter games ever made, lacking in-app purchases, competitive modes, and featuring a massive variety of maps and features, both official and fan-made.”
- “And the best part: no microtransactions, no pay to win, no unlockables (beyond the upgrades you get for each class you play with). You get a full campaign right from the get-go, and you can play as any faction you want in instant or conquest mode, which are both great parts on their own.”
- “It's an amazing game, fun for everyone, and best of all; no microtransactions.”
- “It's a shameless cash grab selling this game to you a second time.”
- “Don't waste your money on the 'battlefront collection' just get bf1 and bf2 and you can go get snacks with all the money you saved not buying the lazy cash grab.”
- “The collection is an obvious cash grab and should be avoided.”
stability
582 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
11%
1%
88%
The game's stability is a significant concern, with numerous users reporting frequent bugs, crashes, and graphical glitches, particularly on modern systems. While some players find it enjoyable and nostalgic, many express frustration over the game's instability, especially in multiplayer modes, where issues like black screens and freezing are common. Overall, while it runs well on lower-end hardware, the experience can be marred by its outdated and buggy nature.
- “This game still runs great with no tweaks at 4k 60fps; it looks old but in a good way, I think the graphics have aged well.”
- “I greatly enjoyed the fact that even on an old Windows XP desktop, it still runs great without any lag (at least for me).”
- “The best Star Wars game to play with friends, and its mod support is great. The issues with crashes seem to have been solved, and the game runs great, much better than all of Disney Star Wars.”
- “Constant freezes and crashes make it impossible.”
- “The game just freezes and shows a black screen a lot.”
- “I loved this game as a kid without a doubt and was so excited to relive the experience as an adult after the EA installment flops but I'm sad to say this game has not aged well because the mechanics and overall performance is very poor, choppy, and well the game freezes, crashes, or refuses to load levels sometimes causing just a black screen with only the sounds of the battle ahead.”
replayability
518 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
51%
48%
1%
The game boasts exceptional replayability, with many users highlighting its infinite potential through mods and custom maps, particularly on PC. Modes like Galactic Conquest and Instant Action provide varied gameplay experiences, ensuring that players can return repeatedly without boredom. Overall, it is regarded as one of the most replayable games available, appealing to both casual players and hardcore fans alike.
- “It is the perfect simulator, sandbox, and entertainment package with an endless replay value.”
- “The variety of maps and gameplay options offers a lot of value, replayability, and most importantly, fun.”
- “I always come back to it and it is never boring, especially galactic conquest and instant action not to mention the wealth of mods you can get gives it infinite replay value.”
- “Singleplayer is good for some messing around but don't expect long-term replayability in the vanilla version if you've played this game before.”
- “Not much is to be said about the campaign but it is enjoyable to play; however, I didn't see much replay value in it, all the replay value is in galactic conquest.”
- “While some may not enjoy playing the same storyline over and over again, I find the objective-based missions to have a high amount of replayability, particularly after leveling some awards up to legendary.”
music
494 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
41%
58%
1%
The music in the game is widely praised for its authenticity, featuring iconic tracks composed by John Williams that immerse players in the Star Wars universe. Reviewers highlight the nostalgic and atmospheric qualities of the soundtrack, which enhances the gameplay experience, although some mention occasional audio glitches. Overall, the music is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's charm and appeal.
- “The sound design, featuring classic music and iconic voice lines, immerses you in the universe, making every match feel like a scene from the films.”
- “The attention to detail and the immersive sound design, including the iconic Star Wars soundtrack, further enhanced the experience.”
- “The music is another story, with a full John Williams composed score of prequel and original trilogy tracks that fit perfectly within the game's context.”
- “I was so hyped to play this and when I got into a match it was just a black screen; music was playing but no video, so disappointed.”
- “Then in-game, the music would just be dead for the most part, and the announcer's voice lines would sometimes go on like a broken record in the funniest way.”
- “The music in galactic conquest sometimes doesn't play.”
humor
246 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
98%
2%
The humor in this game is widely praised, with players finding joy in its clunky mechanics, glitchy AI, and nostalgic references. Many reviews highlight the hilarious moments that arise from chaotic gameplay, such as absurd character animations and unexpected interactions, making it a source of laughter during multiplayer sessions. Overall, the game's comedic elements, combined with its nostalgic charm, create a fun and entertaining experience for players.
- “This game can sometimes be clunky and glitchy, but for me, this only improves the game, offering plenty of funny experiences which keep me entertained.”
- “Using Jedi was hilarious; you throw your lightsaber and kill 15 guys all bunched together, and you just keep doing it again and again, and you look at the score and it's still close.”
- “The extra large army modes add a hilarious sense of chaos to classic battles.”
- “No pointless and unfunny levels that include Lando for no reason at all.”
- “Omg, this is so horrendously bad it's not funny. I was hoping it would be like the Xbox version, but it's not even close. Never get this, even if it's free.”
grinding
178 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
10%
23%
67%
The reviews indicate that grinding in the game is generally viewed as tedious and time-consuming, with many players expressing that it feels excessive or unnecessary. However, some appreciate that the game avoids the modern pitfalls of grinding for unlocks, offering all heroes from the start and focusing on straightforward gameplay without microtransactions. Overall, while some aspects of the game can feel grindy, particularly in campaign missions, many players prefer this approach over the grind-heavy mechanics found in newer titles.
- “No grinding, no gimmicks, you just grab your gun and get out there.”
- “There is no shenanigans with this game, the objective is clear and cut out for you, no skipping in hoops to get an item which allows you to damage the AT-AT, no grinding to unlock content, and no goddamn lootboxes to control your progression.”
- “No grinding to unlock more weapons at multiplayer or something like that.”
- “The only downside is that the campaign missions can be a bit tedious and painful at times.”
- “Singleplayer missions feel a bit grindy though since the enemy has infinite reinforcement tickets and you don't, while friendly AI don't like to assault the command posts and you have to get out of vehicles to capture them.”
- “The story mode though is rather lacking, tedious and some missions are quite unbalanced like the infamous 'knightfall' which can cause significant frustration.”
optimization
174 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
45%
15%
The game's optimization is a mixed bag, with many players noting that it runs smoothly on lower-end PCs and older systems, but suffers from performance issues on modern hardware, particularly with Windows 10. While some users report excellent performance and quick loading times, others experience crashes, freezes, and graphical glitches, indicating that the game may not be well-optimized for contemporary setups. Overall, while it can deliver a nostalgic experience, players may need to adjust settings or use mods to achieve optimal performance.
- “The cheaper graphics here take less of a toll on your battery, disk space, and performance, and allowed the developers to make more environments even with limited development time.”
- “Game is very well optimized and runs like a dream on my potato of a PC, and looks great.”
- “Up to 32 vs 32 player battles make many modern games look reserved by comparison and the upgrades to the hosting servers that have arrived with this Steam release are perfectly fine at managing the load without much lag, latency problems, or any other performance issues on this front.”
- “This game is a little dated, and you will likely run into some performance issues on occasion.”
- “Current multiplayer is horridly optimized, I cannot even get past the busy 0% screen due to either a crash or a freeze.”
- “Unfortunately, the game has optimization issues that may cause crashes or permanent framerate drops on newer computers, especially on Windows 7.”
emotional
90 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of Star Wars Battlefront 2 is highlighted by its impactful storytelling and nostalgic connections, evoking strong feelings of joy and heartbreak among players. Many reviews praise the campaign for its unique narrative that explores the emotional journey of soldiers, particularly the 501st, making it a memorable experience that resonates deeply with fans. Overall, the game is described as a wholesome and touching tribute to the Star Wars universe, capable of eliciting tears of joy and nostalgia.
- “Battlefront 2’s campaign, whilst fairly short, follows an emotional and unique storyline of a group of clones fighting in the Clone Wars.”
- “Star Wars Battlefront 2 shows that you can deliver a compelling, emotional, and gritty narrative without the need for big budget CGI cutscenes, scores of voice actors, and complex backstories.”
- “The campaign is about 3-4 hours long, incredibly fun, and the story is absolutely touching.”
atmosphere
68 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
41%
9%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive qualities, effectively capturing the essence of the Star Wars universe through iconic music, sound effects, and detailed environments. Many players appreciate the nostalgic feel and the sense of large-scale battles, although some critiques mention a lack of atmospheric depth in certain locations. Overall, the game's atmosphere is considered a key element that enhances the gameplay experience, making it enjoyable for both new and returning players.
- “In the heat of battle, the sound, the music, the atmosphere becomes one.”
- “Fantastic atmosphere and worlds taken right from the movies, perfect jump straight into action and modes, iconic campaign taking the clone's view from Order 66 onward, Hoth, just to name a couple of reasons.”
- “The atmosphere and sound effects are top-notch and make the whole experience hugely enjoyable.”
- “No atmosphere.”
- “- lack of atmosphere, Dagobah doesn't feel spooky and mysterious, Hoth doesn't feel cold.”
- “Gameplay feels floaty and constant hiccups in gameplay and graphics really ruin the atmosphere.”
character development
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Character development in the game is noted to be nuanced, appealing to players who appreciate deep lore and intricate details, though not all players may engage with these elements to the same extent. The varying levels of attention to character design and storytelling suggest a diverse player experience, with some players deeply invested in the lore while others may overlook finer details.

74%Critics’ scoreBased on 7 critic reviews

Buy Star Wars: Battlefront II

36h Median play time

334h Average play time

8h Main story

54h Completionist

8-200h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 154 analyzed playthroughs

Videos

77%36.1kreviews

Star Wars Battlefront 2

2017

Shooter

+10

92%2.9kreviews