Do you want to pilot one of those stunning X-Wings? You got it. Perhaps test your luck in some cool podracing? Check. What about being a Jedi Master, fighting the dark forces of the Sith? If you are a Star Wars enthusiast and you like video games, you have a wild and extensive catalogue full of really good titles, and some less so. They range from RPGs such as Knights of the Old Republic. Fighting games (Masters of the Teras Kasi), FPS, six Lego-based entries to the absurd Dance Central experience, presented in Kinect Star Wars. From the Atari 2600 titles to the “Metroidvania” Jedi Fallen Order, it seems that one of cinema’s biggest franchises has touched every genre in gaming.
Or not really. As you may guess from the title of this piece, there’s still nothing like a good Star Wars game with some sweet horror elements in it. Maybe it’s not that surprising. The core of the franchise was always a fantasy adventure tale of good against evil, packed with action, clones and “higher ground” memes. Later films and a huge extended universe expanded on its roots and brought more nuance, complexity, and ambiguity to the table. However, with almost infinite planets, creatures and characters, I believe we could have a more than interesting experience if any studio would be willing to take the risk. I invite you to this “exercise”, to imagine how an ideal Star Wars horror game would be.
Before starting, let’s make this as “free” as possible. Don’t mind about the intricate timelines, if that character has ever been to that planet or if it’s canon or not. For once, let’s decontextualize things a little bit and create our own universe.
First of all, the protagonist. While what first comes to mind might be a human character, considering all the unique races in the franchise it would be more original and interesting to control an “alien” one. Perhaps a bothan, a togruta or even a sullustan may work, as long as we can identify and form a bond with them. Being defenseless and weak are usually descriptions you can apply to regular survival horror protagonists. We can follow the “tradition”, but I don’t see any problem in making our character grow, be stronger and more self-confident, even allowing for a relationship with the “force”, as long as the dangers they have to face are deadlier.
What about the planet? Where is our character “trapped”? There’s a varied selection of possible harsh environment in this universe. From the swampy and mysterious lands of Dagobah, the freezing lands of Hoth, the uncolonized aquatic planet of Pillio -home of more than three million species-, the junkyard of Lotho Minor or even the drylands of Ryloth.
There isn’t even a need for a planet: everything could just take place inside the Imperial Navy or any other ship traveling across space. Being a kidnapped victim or an imprisoned spy, your goal is to find your way home or trying to stay alive until the ship lands in a place where you could escape. A difficult task when these vehicles are full of droids, soldiers, and perhaps Sith, ready to cut short your personal galactic adventure.
Returning to the idea of the diverse planets, not only would you will need to survive the climate, dangerous Droidekas, and running from overpowered force-wielders, these lands would have their own wildlife waiting to have a taste of your blood. Iego’s carnivorous plants packed with spikes called reeksas, the large and muscular horaxes from Neelvan or the nasty rancors -like the one Jabba has in its palace- would be some fine choices, among many other possibilities. Nevertheless, my favorite pick for a particular “level” would be the Knobby white spiders, or even their “canon version”, the kryknas. As their name implies, they are horrendous-looking pale spiders that come in more than one size, from small ones to “I need clean underwear” size. What’s more, they are pretty resistant creatures, with a small vulnerability to blasters and they are almost indomitable by the force.
Another topic we need to think about is the appearance of famous characters. There’s no need for allies, not even small droids. The feeling of loneliness and “you are on your own” would be the cornerstone of the experience. However, this doesn’t mean there can’t be any well-known “villain” or bounty hunter passing by your planet while you are trying to survive. Honestly, you could almost select a random Sith and it would be at least an interesting option. From Darth Nihilus, the Lord of Hunger and member of the Sith Triumvirate, or the coolest of all, Darth Maul and his iconic lightsaber.
Even the Nightsisters, the clan of female dark side users, would be an excellent choice. Also, I’ll never forget that episode from Tartakovsky’s Clone Wars in which General Grievous made his first appearance. This four armed killing machine took a small group of Jedi’s by himself like it was nothing. I can still remember how it sent shivers down my spine as a young kid.
What about the gameplay? Although important details have already been mentioned in the protagonist section, such as preferably not having a powerful character, what else is needed? Movement and ability should probably be somewhat restricted, and resources limited. Like any good horror experience, rarely having the higher ground makes for a more terrifying experience. After all, too much power will just cut the legs out from under the terror.
What about you, reader? How would you create your own Star Wars horror experience?