Battlefront II: The Heroes of Star Wars

In a year that saw San Andreas, Metal Gear Solid 3, and Halo 2 released to store shelves, Star Wars Battlefront was one of the most commercially successful videogames in all of 2004. And when you combine its big-time sales numbers with a dedicated fan base and the DVD release of Episode III, you have all the justification necessary to produce an immediate sequel -- and that's exactly what LucasArts has done with the upcoming Star Wars Battlefront II.

Luckily, Battlefront II should end up being more than just the same game with new levels added, as its feature set is pretty impressive: More aggressive enemy AI, smarter CPU teammates, and a greater emphasis on the storyline, for instance, are but a few of the brand new goodies for returning Jedi fans. There are new space battles too, which means that players can hop into their favorite X-Wings, TIE Fighters, and Jedi Starfighters if they so choose, or battle it out on the ground in 16 brand new maps.

One of our favorite features, however, is the list of recognizable hero characters that can come to your aid over the course of your many missions. Seventeen recognizable faces can show up at various times to help you and your squads overcome the enemy and kick some serious alien butt. Listed below are all 17 personalities that you can expect to encounter, complete with ability info, new screenshots, character descriptions, and other interesting tidbits!

Luke Skywalker Primary Attacks: Lightsaber, Saber Block Secondary Attacks: Saber Throw, Force Push Maps: Jedi Temple, Mygeeto, Jabba's Palace, Death Star Interior, Hoth

Biography: Son of Anakin Skywalker and a general in the Rebel army, Luke Skywalker was the pivotal figure in the fall of the Galactic Empire and was the last Jedi in the universe trained by Master Yoda. Also, he whines... a lot.

Darth Vader Primary Attacks: Lightsaber, Saber Block Secondary Attacks: Saber Throw, Force Choke Maps: Tantive IV, Jedi Temple, Dagobah, Hoth, Endor

Biography: The universe's biggest badass, Darth Vader is the twisted mechanistic rebirth of the fallen Jedi, Anakin Skywalker. His hobbies include arguing with Hammer film icons and choking stuffy British people.

Anakin Skywalker Primary Attacks: Lightsaber, Saber Block Secondary Attacks: Saber Throw, Force Push Maps: Mustafar

Biography: Father of Luke and Leia, Anakin Skywalker was one of the most powerful Jedi to ever live before being thrown into a Volcano by Obi-Wan Kenobi. Luckily, it turned him into the very cool Darth Vader.

Yoda Primary Attacks: Lightsaber, Saber Block Secondary Attacks: Force Push, Force Pull Maps: Kashyyyk, Tantive IV, Polis Massa, Dagobah

Biography: Short as he may be, Master Yoda is the greatest Jedi to ever walk the Temple. He has trained such prominent Jedi masters as Mace Windu, Count Dooku, and Luke Skywalker. We don't make fun of him -- he's too cool for that.

Obi-Wan Kenobi Primary Attacks: Lightsaber, Saber Block Secondary Attacks: Saber Throw, Force Push Maps: Utapau, Mustafar, Theed, Kamino, Mos Eisley

Biography: Wise, fatherly, and one hell of a swordsman, Obi-Wan Kenobi helped guide both Anakin and Luke Skywalker on their path towards the force. Sadly, Ben isn't much of a dart player, as it once took him half a movie to identify what one of them actually looked like.

Mace Windu Primary Attacks: Lightsaber, Saber Block Secondary Attacks: Saber Throw, Force Push Maps: Jedi Temple, Yavin, Death Star Interior, Geonosis

Biography: The only Jedi to wield a purple lightsaber, Mace Windu is such a powerful warrior that Count Dooku and Darth Sidious both feared his wrath. Fun fact: His lightsaber had the initials "B.M.F." engraved on the handle.

Ki-Adi-Mundi Primary Attacks: Lightsaber, Saber Block Secondary Attacks: Saber Throw, Force Pull Maps: Mygeeto

Biography: Known best for his resemblance to Andy Dick, Ki-Adi-Mundi was a prestigious member of the Jedi Council and a successful general in the Brutal Clone Wars.

Aayla Secura Primary Attacks: Dual Lightsabers, Saber Block Secondary Attacks: Saber Throw, Force Pull Maps: Felucia, Jabba's Palace

Biography: It's quite possible that Aayla Secura is the hottest female Jedi in the history of time. Seriously, she's incredibly smokin'. Leia, eat your heart out.

General Grievous Primary Attacks: Multiple Lightsabers, Saber Block Secondary Attacks: Rage (Damage Increases) Maps: Tantive IV, Utapau, Polis Massa, Dagobah, Mygeeto

Biography: Like Darth Vader, Grievous is an organic lifeform that has been combined with deadly machinery to become a devastating living weapon. His multiple arms, colorful lightsabers, and bad Rastafarian accent have made him one of the most feared warriors in the galaxy.