The hum of a lightsaber, the roar of a TIE fighter, the thunderous march of AT-ATs… these are the iconic sounds of the Star Wars universe, a galaxy far, far away that’s perpetually locked in conflict. For decades, fans have immersed themselves in this world through films, TV shows, books, comics, and, of course, video games. But there’s one genre that feels like a perfect, untapped fit for the epic scale of Star Wars: grand strategy. Specifically, a Star Wars Total War game.

Building on the incredible success of Total War: Warhammer, Creative Assembly has proven their mastery of blending fantastical settings with their signature grand strategy formula. A Star Wars Total War game isn’t just a pipe dream; it’s a logical next step, a massive opportunity waiting to be seized. Let’s explore why this game needs to happen, and what glorious features it could offer.

A Galaxy Ripe for Conquest: The Total War Formula in a Star Wars Setting

The Total War series is defined by its unique blend of two distinct gameplay layers: a turn-based campaign map where players manage their empire, build armies, conduct diplomacy, and research technologies; and real-time battles where thousands of units clash in spectacular, tactical engagements. This formula is tailor-made for the Star Wars universe.

Imagine a galactic campaign map spanning countless iconic planets, from the bustling cityscape of Coruscant to the desert wastes of Tatooine, from the lush forests of Endor to the icy plains of Hoth. Each planet would be a strategic location to control, offering resources, recruitment opportunities, and technological advancements. The vastness of the Star Wars galaxy lends itself perfectly to the grand scale of a Total War campaign.

The turn-based layer would allow players to manage their chosen faction, constructing bases, building fleets, recruiting heroes and legendary characters, and engaging in political maneuvering. The Star Wars universe is rife with political intrigue, shifting alliances, and betrayals, all of which could be represented in a complex and engaging diplomacy system. You could negotiate trade deals, form alliances, declare war, and even engage in espionage and sabotage.

When diplomacy fails (as it inevitably will in Star Wars), the game would transition to the real-time battle mode. Here, players would command massive armies and fleets in breathtaking battles, both on the ground and in space. Imagine leading a squadron of X-wings against a fleet of Star Destroyers, or commanding legions of Clone Troopers against a Separatist droid army. The Total War engine is capable of rendering thousands of units on screen, making these epic clashes a reality.

Factions: A Galaxy Divided

The Star Wars universe offers a wealth of potential factions, each with its own unique strengths, weaknesses, playstyle, and iconic characters. Here are just a few possibilities:

• The Galactic Empire: A force of overwhelming military might, the Empire would boast powerful vehicles like AT-ATs and TIE fighters, disciplined Stormtroopers, and iconic villains like Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine. Their campaign would focus on crushing the Rebel Alliance and maintaining control over the galaxy.
• The Rebel Alliance: A ragtag group of freedom fighters, the Rebels would rely on guerilla tactics, starfighter superiority, and heroic leaders like Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, and Han Solo. Their campaign would be a struggle for survival and liberation, striking at the Empire from the shadows.
• The Galactic Republic (Clone Wars Era): The Republic would command legions of Clone Troopers, powerful Jedi Knights, and advanced vehicles like the LAAT/i gunship. Their campaign would center on fighting the Separatist threat and maintaining order in the galaxy.
• The Confederacy of Independent Systems (Separatist Alliance): The Separatists would field vast armies of battle droids, unique vehicles like the AAT, and cunning leaders like Count Dooku and General Grievous. Their campaign would involve seceding from the Republic and establishing a new galactic order.
• The Old Republic: Featuring Jedi Knights and soldiers.
• The Sith Empire: Sith Lords and their forces.
• The Mandalorians: A warrior culture with unique units and a focus on hit-and-run tactics.
• The Hutt Cartel: A criminal organization focusing on economic dominance and utilizing mercenaries and bounty hunters.
• The First Order: Would have access to powerful technology.
• The Resistance: A small but determined faction.

Each faction would have its own unique tech tree, unit roster, building options, and campaign objectives, providing immense replayability. The possibilities are truly vast, and Creative Assembly could even introduce entirely new factions based on expanded universe lore.

Units and Battles: Bringing the Star Wars Galaxy to Life

The visual representation of Star Wars units and battles would be crucial for capturing the feel of the universe. Creative Assembly has a proven track record in this area, and they could bring the same level of detail and authenticity to a Star Wars Total War game.

Imagine:

• Stormtroopers: Marching in disciplined formations, their blaster fire filling the air.
• Rebel Soldiers: Fighting fiercely for freedom, utilizing cover and guerilla tactics.
• Clone Troopers: Executing orders with unwavering loyalty, their DC-15A blasters blazing.
• Battle Droids: Swarming the enemy in overwhelming numbers.
• AT-ATs: Stomping across the battlefield, their heavy cannons devastating enemy forces.
• X-wings: Engaging in thrilling dogfights with TIE fighters.
• Jedi Knights: Wielding lightsabers and using the Force to turn the tide of battle.
• Sith Lords: Unleashing dark side powers and crushing their enemies with brute force.
• Bounty Hunters: Utilizing unique gadgets and skills to hunt down their targets.
• Wookie Warriors: Displaying immense strength.

Both ground and space battles would be essential components of the game. Ground battles would take place on diverse planetary environments, from dense forests to urban sprawls to barren deserts. Space battles would be spectacular engagements between capital ships and starfighters, with players maneuvering their fleets, targeting enemy subsystems, and launching boarding parties.

Campaign Mechanics: The Force, Politics, and Galactic Conquest

Beyond the battles, the campaign map would offer a wealth of strategic options and unique mechanics:

• The Force: The Force could be a powerful resource, allowing Jedi and Sith characters to use special abilities on the campaign map and in battle. Perhaps a system similar to magic in the Total War Warhammer Games.
• Jedi and Sith: These powerful characters would be represented as unique agents and generals, capable of influencing events, training troops, and engaging in duels.
• Politics and the Senate: Depending on the era, the Galactic Senate (or other governing bodies) could play a significant role, with players vying for political influence and passing decrees.
• Planetary Control: Controlling planets would grant access to resources, recruitment options, and strategic advantages. Planets could be upgraded with defenses, infrastructure, and special buildings.
• Technology Trees: Each faction would have a unique technology tree, allowing them to research new units, upgrades, and abilities.
• Heroes and Legends: Iconic characters like Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Han Solo, and Yoda would be represented as powerful hero units, with unique abilities and skill trees.
• Ship building: Players would be able to create powerful fleets to engage in space battles.
• Undercover Operations: Spies and Saboteurs to disrupt enemy.

The Appetite for a Star Wars Total War

The Total War: Warhammer series has demonstrated the immense popularity of combining the Total War formula with a beloved fantasy setting. Star Wars fans are equally passionate about their universe, and the prospect of a grand strategy game set in a galaxy far, far away is incredibly appealing.

Online forums and social media platforms are filled with discussions and speculation about a potential Star Wars Total War game. The success of other Star Wars strategy games, like Empire at War, further proves the demand for this type of experience. A fully realized Star Wars Total War, developed by Creative Assembly, would be a dream come true for countless fans.

The time is right for a Star Wars Total War. The demand is there, the technology is ready, and the potential is limitless. Creative Assembly, SEGA, Lucasfilm, and Disney – this is a galactic empire-sized opportunity. Give the fans what they’ve been craving for years: the ultimate Star Wars strategy experience. Let the battles begin! The game would be a huge commercial success.