Star Wars Battlefront: Republic Army

One of the most welcomed Star Wars games in years, Star Wars Battlefront is an online game built on the concept of doing anything at anytime with anyone. Similar to EA's Battlefield 1942, LucasArts' upcoming title is a single- and multi-player game encompassing classic Star Wars (from the first three movies) and Episode I and II.

For gamers who own an Xbox and PS2, this is a big deal (PC gamers are spoiled with their Star Wars games, seeing about 37 games from the franchise). For console players, it's a shift for the better. Imagine hooking up to a 16-player Star Wars game, taking on the role of up to six different character types among four factions (Rebel Alliance, Imperial Army, Clone Army and Droid Army) and diving into a massive, open online battle on Endor, Geonosis, Yavin, Hoth...up to 10 different planets all told. Players can jump into vehicles, battle alongside clones, droids, Wookies, Ewoks, even the likes of Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker, and can use an extraordinary assortment of weapons and vehicles.

The game's modes are broad and engaging. There are two major ones, the Skirmish mode and Galactic Conquest mode. Skirmish is the traditional online game in which you hook up, pick a side and engage in non-stop battles across the Star Wars universe. Galactic Conquest mode gives players a strategic approach to waging wars amongst all of the planets. Using the age-old strategy game Risk as a model, players pick sides, choose whether they want to attack or defend, and fight. Since there are 15 locations on 10 planets, some planets have two fight settings.

In Part I of our feature we looked at the Rebel Alliance units, in Part II we tackled the Separatist Faction and here today in Part III, we visit inspect the Republic Army.

The Clone Troopers Perfect genetic creations, the clone troopers are the backbone of the Republic Army. Pure and simple, the clone troopers are born and bred to be warriors. As explained in Star Wars Episode II: The Clone Wars, The Clone Troopers are loyal to the Republic (during Episode II these are the good guys), which is led by the Jedi Council. They may look like Storm Troopers, but they are not. They have an unswerving loyalty to the Republic and are fearless in battle. They are most effective against infantry units or vehicles when they can attack in large, coordinated numbers. And yes, they are clones.

Equipment Republic DC-15 Blaster Rifle The long-barreled DC-15 emits a powerful blue laser projectile, specially designed to shred infantry and vehicle units alike. Very likeable.

Republic DC-15s Blaster Pistol This emergency sidearm, designed to be small, is portable and deadly. The DC-15s are useful in close quarters combat and always make for good backup weapons.

Merr-Sonn V-6 Haywire Grenade Clone troopers carry a small, handheld Haywire Grenade. The device has been calibrated to cause massive electrical disruptions to droid circuitry. (So, it's best used against them, too.)

SoroSuub LXR-6 Concussion Grenade Concussion grenades are not as common as thermal detonators but are carried by all Clone troopers. The blast field created by these grenades is effective against vehicles.