The Star Wars: Republic Commando remaster is officially here, and fans of the classic couldn't be more hyped for the re-release of this iconic game. Republic Commando was a big deal in an era of classic Star Wars titles, a mainstay on Blockbuster shelves, and the highlight of any young Star Wars fans' weekend. After so many years, it's amazing to see it brought back to life for a new generation.
As is typical for remasters, there will be a few major changes from the original title. Players eager to get back into the action of their childhood should be prepared for something a little different. The game will feature improved graphics and minor quality of life improvements, but the team is changing a little bit more for this remaster of a revered classic.
5 No Multiplayer Mode
One of the most fun aspects of Star Wars: Republic Commando was the multiplayer experience. Players could face off in a variety of game modes like team deathmatch and capture the flag online or locally. However, doesn't look like this feature of the original game will be brought back.
Aspyr Media, the company behind the Republic Commando remaster, recently also remastered Star Wars Episode I: Racer for the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4. The company plans to ship the Republic Commando remaster without the multiplayer aspect for reasons not explained. Some fans think it's because the game is centered around commanding a squad to accomplish missions, and that type of gameplay is better suited for single-player mode.
4 HD Graphical Updates
As with every remaster, the Star Wars: Republic Commando remaster will have graphical updates to bring it closer to the modern era. Originally released for the Nintendo Gamecube and original Xbox, its graphics do not stand the test of time. It's a problem with many games from years past, making them all the more ripe for properly remastered versions.
The game will be coming to consoles with a modern, optimized engine that replicates the feeling of the original game. Much like Star Wars Episode I: Racer, Aspyr media seems to aim to be as faithful to the original game as possible when designing characters and making stylistic choices. While the graphics might be better, it'll still look just like it did when fans were kids.
3 It Won't Be On Xbox...
While the original Republic Commando was only available on the original Xbox and Nintendo Gamecube, this time around the game will be moving consoles to the PlayStation 4 (and PlayStation 5 through backward compatibility). It's not likely to start up any new console wars, but it's interesting nonetheless as the original was a staple of the original Xbox's gaming lineup.
Xbox One and Xbox Series X owners can still go back and play Republic Commando with backward compatibility. However, the only version available is the original version. This means that players won't have access to the upgraded graphics and quality of life improvements that the remaster offers. It's better than nothing, but even if without an Xbox or PlayStation console, there are options available.
2 ...But It'll Be Portable, On The Switch
Nintendo was always pretty good about getting console exclusives ported to the Gamecube back in the day, and saw plenty of its own exclusive Star Wars titles too. Fans saw titles like Star Wars: Bounty Hunter and Star Wars Jedi Knight be ported from the original Xbox to the Gamecube, while Star Wars Rogue Squadron was exclusive to Nintendo entirely. The Republic Commando remaster will be coming back to Nintendo on the Switch, as well as the PlayStation 4.
It's not the first time a Star Wars game was made portable (Star Wars Episode I: Racer recently released on the Switch as well) but it's the first time this specific entry has been made playable on the go. Even for players who don't like Nintendo games, no one can deny that the Switch is perhaps the best thing to happen for portable gaming in years. The Switch version will likely have less flashy graphics, and will be presented in 720p rather than 1080p.
1 Modernized Controls
Even amongst the game's most hardcore fans, not many people like how the controls worked in the original version of Republic Commando. It's nearly impossible to beat the game without using the many special Squad commands and specialty inputs, but these systems aren't fully explained to the player in the game. One of the biggest changes that Aspyr Media wants to include with the remaster is a simpler control scheme.
The Nintendo Switch and PlayStation consoles don't just have one simple controller option as they did back. On the PlayStation side, there's both the Ps4 and Ps5 controllers. Meanwhile, the Switch offers the pro controller, GameCube imitation controller, joycons, and motion controls with the joycons. The team is likely aiming to simplify controls to match all of these systems without too much confusion. However, players used to the original version should be prepared to re-learn the game.