:Star Wars: Battlefront II (2005 video game)

{{See also|Star Wars: Battlefront (2004 video game)#Gameplay|label 1 = Gameplay in Star Wars: Battlefront}}

Battlefront II is fundamentally similar to its predecessor, albeit with the addition of new gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to sprint and roll forward.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/star-wars-battlefront-2 |title=Star Wars Battlefront II Review|publisher=Game Revolution|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140817152551/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/star-wars-battlefront-2|archive-date=August 17, 2014|author=Dodson, Joe|access-date=August 22, 2014|date=November 4, 2005|url-status=dead}} The general objective in most missions is to eliminate the enemy faction, although there are game modes with a different objective, such as a capture the flag mode. Like its predecessor Star Wars Battlefront, the game is split into two eras: the Clone Wars, with battles taking place between the Galactic Republic and the Confederacy of Independent Systems, and the Galactic Civil War, where battles between the Rebel Alliance and Galactic Empire take place. Players have the ability to choose between six classes during gameplay. Four class types are common to all factions: Infantry, Heavy, Sniper and Engineer.{{cite web |url=http://guides.ign.com/guides/737697/ |title=Star Wars Battlefront II Guide/Walkthrough |website=IGN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719232628/http://guides.ign.com/guides/737697/ |archive-date=July 19, 2008 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 22, 2014}} In addition to the four standard classes, every faction has two special classes, which are exclusive to each faction and are unlocked by scoring a predetermined number of points; there is a limited number of special classes that can be on the battlefield at the same time. The special classes are the Commander and the Jet Trooper for the Republic; the MagnaGuard and the Droideka for the Confederacy of Independent Systems; the Bothan Spy and the Wookiee for the Rebels; and the Officer and the Dark Trooper for the Empire.{{cite book |title=Star Wars Battlefront II Instruction Manual: Units |year=2005 |publisher=LucasArts |author=Pandemic Studios |author-link=Pandemic Studios |page=15}}

Battlefront II introduces a new special class—Heroes—that allows players to control iconic characters from the Star Wars universe; heroes were featured in the original Battlefront, but only as NPCs that spawned randomly during battles. Heroes are also unlocked by scoring a predetermined number of points, and are unique for every faction. Heroes serve as the most powerful class in the game and, as such, there can be a maximum of one hero for each faction on the battlefield at the same time. Each hero is available only on certain maps, although there is a team deathmatch mode, exclusive to the Mos Eisley map, that allows all heroes from all factions to compete against each other to earn points by performing kills.

Image:Battlefront2-space.png

Whereas the original Battlefront{{'}}s campaign featured missions dependent on the chosen faction, Battlefront II contains only one campaign, called Rise of the Empire, which is found in every version of the game except the PlayStation Portable (PSP).{{cite web |url=http://psp.gamespy.com/playstation-portable/star-wars-battlefront-ii/663668p1.html |title=GameSpy: Star Wars Battlefront II (PSP) |last=McGarvey |first=Sterling |date=November 1, 2005 |publisher=GameSpy |access-date=November 21, 2007}} This set of missions is presented as the narration from a veteran of the 501st Legion, starting with the Battle of Geonosis at the beginning of the Clone Wars (as depicted in Attack of the Clones) and ending with the Battle of Hoth (as depicted in The Empire Strikes Back).{{cite book |title= Star Wars Battlefront II Instruction Manual: Game Modes |year=2005 |publisher=LucasArts |author=Pandemic Studios |page=21}} There are a total of 18 missions, four of which are optional space missions.

The PSP version of Battlefront II replaces the Rise of the Empire campaign with three single-player Challenge modes: Imperial Enforcer, Rogue Assassin, and Rebel Raider.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/star-wars-battlefront-ii-hands-on-single-player-galactic-conquest-and-more/1100-6136420/ |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II Hands-On - Single-Player, Galactic Conquest, and More |first=Carrie |last=Gouskos |date=October 24, 2005 |website=GameSpot |access-date=August 22, 2014}} In Imperial Enforcer, the player is sent to eliminate indigenous species on several given planets, such as Gungans on Naboo and Ewoks on Endor. Rogue Assassin requires the player to eliminate all Imperial officers on a given sets of planets. Bonus points are awarded for any other kills. Finally, Rebel Raider tasks the player with locating specific objects in a map and returning them to a designated drop point, similar to Capture the flag.

Like its predecessor, Battlefront II includes Galactic Conquest. In this mode, the player commands a fleet throughout the galaxy conquering and protecting planets, much like a game of Risk.{{cite web |last1=Berardini |first1=César A. |title=Star Wars Battlefront II Interview |url=http://interviews.teamxbox.com/xbox/1154/Star-Wars-Battlefront-II-Interview/p1/ |website=TeamXbox |publisher=IGN |access-date=12 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060209204516/http://interviews.teamxbox.com/xbox/1154/Star-Wars-Battlefront-II-Interview/p1/ |archive-date=February 9, 2006 |date=May 17, 2005 |quote=Think of the board game “RISK,” and that’ll give you a good sense for how many variations are possible with this gameplay mode.}} When two opposing forces reach the same planet, the game switches to the traditional perspective, and the player must eliminate the enemy faction to gain control of that planet. Players gain credits for performing well which can be used to buy new character classes, a new fleet, or bonuses that provide additional support when attacking or defending a planet. While the PlayStation 2 and Xbox versions allow cooperative and competitive battles in Galactic Conquest mode through split-screen gameplay, the PC version does not.

In Instant Action players can choose from any of the game's 24 maps, as well as any available eras and modes. Four other modes are included in addition to the traditional Conquest mode that was found in Star Wars: Battlefront; Hunt mode, Capture the Flag (CTF), which is available in 1-flag and 2-flag variants, Hero Assault and Space Assault.

In Conquest mode, players are required to capture and hold strategic points on the map, known in the game as command posts.{{cite book |title=Star Wars Battlefront II Instruction Manual: Command Posts |year=2005 |publisher=LucasArts |author=Pandemic Studios |page=13}} Players capture command posts by standing near one until its holograph transitions to blue, indicating it is held by their forces. Players can capture both enemy command posts, which are designated red, and neutral command posts, which are white. For enemy command posts, enemy units can continue to spawn in the area until the post is de-energized and turns white. When all command posts belong to a given team, a twenty-second timer begins in which the opposing team must de-energize a command post or they lose. Alternatively, if one team eliminates all opposing reinforcements, they win.

In Hunt mode, players take on the role of the species indigenous to the chosen planet, or of a faction opposed to that species. The object when playing as the indigenous species is to repel the opposition, or to eliminate the indigenous species if playing as the opposing faction. In 1-flag CTF, both teams attempt to take a common flag and capture it at the enemy's base. This mode is the only one available on ground maps as well as in space. 2-flag CTF tasks players with stealing the enemy's flag and returning it to their base for points.

In Hero Assault, players control iconic Star Wars characters which are divided into two teams, heroes and villains. The sole objective is to be the first team to reach the number of required points, with each kill granting one point. Space Assault allows players to control a starfighter in order to destroy critical systems on the enemy's capital ship or destroy other enemy starfighters for points. The systems of an enemy capital ship can be destroyed in a starfighter by firing at key areas of the ship. Alternatively, players can land in the enemy hangar and sabotage critical systems internally. The game ends when one team has reached the required number of total points.

The game's campaign mode is told as an autobiography of an unknown clone trooper veteran who recounts the many battles of the 501st Legion. Originally part of the Grand Army of the Republic, the 501st are first deployed during the Battle of Geonosis at the beginning of the Clone Wars, where they capture a Separatist outpost occupied by battle droids and Geonosians. Over the following three years, the legion prove themselves as one of the most efficient in the Clone Army, and are assigned important missions throughout the Clone Wars.

Near the end of the war, the 501st are sent to Mygeeto to aid the 21st Nova Corps, led by Jedi General Ki-Adi Mundi, with the destruction of a Separatist energy generator. Unbeknownst to the Jedi, the clones receive special orders from Supreme Chancellor Palpatine to collect a sample of the generator after its destruction, which would later be used to help power the planet-destroying battle station known as the "Death Star".Narrator: What Ki-Adi Mundi didn't know, however, was that our unit of the 501st was really after an experimental Mygeetan power source. {{cite video game|title=Star Wars: Battlefront II|developer=Pandemic Studios|publisher=LucasArts}} Following this, the 501st return to Coruscant, which has been attacked by Separatist forces commanded by General Grievous. The clones are ordered to clear the path for Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi to board Grievous' flagship and rescue a captured Palpatine. Next, the 501st are assigned to serve under General Aayla Secura on Felucia, where they defend a damaged AT-TE from several Acklays and Separatist forces in the area. Afterward, the 501st travel to Kashyyyk to clear a path through the Separatist blockade and defend a key Wookiee village.

Shortly after their victory on Kashyyyk, part of the 501st are sent to Utapau to assist the 212th Attack Battalion with the capture of a major Separatist stronghold. Upon their return to Coruscant, Palpatine issues Order 66, which brands all Jedi as traitors to the Republic and orders their summary executions. Under the command of the newly christened Sith Lord Darth Vader, the 501st storm the Jedi Temple to kill all its occupants, while the remaining Jedi who are spread across the galaxy are swiftly murdered by their clone troopers, effectively wiping out the Jedi Order. Meanwhile, Palpatine declares the end of the Clone Wars and the Republic's reorganization into the Galactic Empire.

Now part of the Imperial Army as Darth Vader's personal legion, the 501st are assigned various missions to solidify the Empire's rule. These include forcing a regime change on Naboo by assassinating the Queen, destroying a reactivated droid factory on Mustafar, and eliminating the Kaminoans' new batch of rogue clones. Following the Kamino incident, the Empire halts clone production, and clone troopers are slowly replaced by stormtroopers. The 501st remains one of the few Imperial legions to consist mostly of former clone troopers.

Roughly nineteen years after the end of the Clone Wars, the Empire has been firmly established in the ashes of the Republic. With the galaxy seemingly at peace, the 501st are stationed on the Death Star, but during watch, a prison break is initiated and a group of Rebel prisoners manage to escape with the battle station's schematics. Tasked with recovering them, the 501st attack a Rebel outpost on Polis Massa, and eventually track them down to the Rebel Blockade Runner Tantive IV.Narrator: With the information gathered on Polis Massa, Vader concluded that the stolen plans had been given to Princess Leia Organa ... after a brief and pointless battle on the Tantive IV over Tatooine, we began looking for the plans. {{cite video game |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II |developer=Pandemic Studios |publisher=LucasArts}} Although the 501st manage to kill or capture everyone aboard, including Rebel leader Princess Leia Organa, whom they deliver to Vader, they fail to retrieve the stolen schematics, which are eventually delivered to the Rebel Alliance. Using the schematics to find a weakness in the Death Star, the Alliance leads a successful assault to destroy it. The Empire retaliates by attacking the Alliance's base on Yavin IV, which the 501st captures, avenging their brothers who died in the Death Star's destruction.

Three years later, the Empire locates another Rebel base on Hoth. Tasked with wiping out the weakened Rebel Alliance, the 501st capture the base and destroy most of the evacuating transports. This crushing defeat marks what appears to be the end of the Alliance.Narrator: As the rebels fled the 501st gathered around a burning bunker and let out a cheer that shook the stars. The rebellion was done. {{cite video game|title=Star Wars: Battlefront II|developer=Pandemic Studios|publisher=LucasArts}} The narrator ends the story by stating that the Death Star was eventually rebuilt and the Empire's grip on the galaxy became stronger than ever, all thanks to the efforts of the 501st Legion.

{{Image frame|width=160|content=160px
160px|caption=James Arnold Taylor (top) and Tom Kane (bottom) return to voice Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda in Star Wars: Battlefront II. The actors have voiced these roles several times in the Star Wars universe.}}

Star Wars: Battlefront II was announced on April 21, 2005, during Star Wars Celebration III held in Indianapolis, Indiana.{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/04/21/star-wars-battlefront-ii-revealed |title=Star Wars Battlefront II Revealed |first=David |last=Adams |date=April 21, 2005 |website=IGN |access-date=August 22, 2014}} Developer Pandemic Studios used their in-house engine, known as Zero to develop Battlefront II.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}} The engine was used in Pandemic's other two Star Wars titles, Star Wars: The Clone WarsStar Wars: The Clone Wars "making of" video and the game's predecessor, Star Wars: Battlefront. As with Battlefront, Lua was utilized as the game's scripting language. Battlefront II{{'}}s release date would be set to coincide with the DVD release of Revenge of the Sith, similar to how Battlefront coincided with the release of the original trilogy on DVD.{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/07/26/battlefront-ii-in-league-with-sith |title=Battlefront II in League with Sith |date=July 26, 2005 |access-date=August 22, 2014 |website=IGN |first=Ed |last=Lewis}} An Xbox demo of Battlefront II was also included on the Revenge of the Sith extras DVD to further promote the game. LucasArts looked to the fans for inspiration for Battlefront II, browsing forums and using other means to provide feedback for the sequel.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/star-wars-battlefront-ii/videos/star-wars-battlefront-2-developer-interview-6122533/ |title=Star Wars: Battlefront 2 Developer Interview |date = April 20, 2005 | access-date = February 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107061559/http://www.gamespot.com/star-wars-battlefront-ii/videos/star-wars-battlefront-2-developer-interview-6122533/|archive-date=November 7, 2012|url-status=dead}} Josh Resnick, founder of Pandemic Studios noted that it was difficult to get assets from Revenge of the Sith in order to build the related in-game assets.{{cite book |last=Smith |first=Rob |isbn=978-0-8118-6184-7 |title=Rogue Leaders: The Story of LucasArts|date=November 26, 2008 |publisher=Chronicle Books }} Peter Hirschmann, vice president of product development at LucasArts, detailed the immense efforts required to get the game to a playable state on the PlayStation Portable. "It was a huge 'pop the champagne' day if you got back one whole frame a second," he stated. LucasArts Engineers working on Indiana Jones and Star Wars development teams were brought in to help optimize game code.

Bob Bergen voices Luke Skywalker, having voice doubled for Mark Hamill in previous Star Wars games such as the Star Wars: Rogue Squadron series.{{cite book |title=Star Wars Battlefront II: Credits |year=2005 |publisher=LucasArts |author=Pandemic Studios}} Voice actor Corey Burton recorded lines for Count Dooku, a role he has played in other Star Wars games as well as the Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series. Obi-Wan Kenobi is portrayed by James Arnold Taylor, who played the role in the cartoon series. Scott Lawrence also returns to voice Darth Vader, a role he has portrayed since the 1994 game Star Wars: TIE Fighter.{{cite web |url=http://www.kotaku.com.au/2010/07/the-men-and-women-behind-gamings-most-iconic-characters/ |website=Kotaku |title=The Men And Women Behind Gaming's Most Iconic Characters |date=July 30, 2010 |access-date=August 22, 2014 |first=Luke |last=Plunkett |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100731115553/http://www.kotaku.com.au/2010/07/the-men-and-women-behind-gamings-most-iconic-characters/ |archive-date=July 31, 2010 |url-status=dead}} Other veteran Star Wars voice actors such as Tom Kane, Steve Blum and T.C. Carson also provide voice overs. Temuera Morrison portrays his signature roles Boba Fett, Jango Fett and the game's clone trooper narrator, but does not provide the in-game clone chatter as he did in Battlefront.

On February 15, 2006, Pandemic released a patch for the PC version, which included support for mods and general improvement to the game.{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091118235645/http://www.lucasarts.com/support/update/Battlefront2.html |archive-date=November 18, 2009 |url=http://www.lucasarts.com/support/update/Battlefront2.html |title=Lucasarts.com - Star Wars Battlefront II patches |access-date=November 11, 2009 |publisher=LucasArts |url-status=dead}} Mod tools for the Windows version of the game were subsequently released on February 21, 2006.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamershell.com/news_28306.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100405220533/http://www.gamershell.com/news_28306.html |archive-date=April 5, 2010 |title=Star Wars Battlefront II Mod Tools |publisher=Gamers Hell |date=February 23, 2006 |access-date=November 11, 2009 |url-status=dead}} Included in the download were many of the game's assets, several tutorials, and the tools required to make content for the PC version of the game. A plugin for Softimage XSI included in the mod tools allows users to create new 3D models and animations for the game. The Battlefront II mod tools provide a wider range of capabilities to the end user than the original Battlefront, allowing a user to create anything from user interface changes, to additional gameplay levels, to large-scale modifications. The original assets used to build the retail version of the game were shipped with the mod tool package that was released and allowed users to either modify an existing level or create an entirely new map from scratch. Subsequently, modifications have been created which expand the game further into the Star Wars expanded universe, adding additional locales, characters, Star Wars eras, and fan-created stories.

On December 19, 2005, LucasArts released the first of two downloadable packages for the Xbox version of Battlefront II. The free content added the Hero Assault mode to Kashyyyk.{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news211205battlefront2 |title=Battlefront II Xbox content |first=Tom |last=Bramwell |date=December 21, 2005 |access-date=July 20, 2010 |website=Eurogamer}} Another Xbox Live download was made available on January 31, 2006, which added two new hero characters, Kit Fisto and Asajj Ventress, as well as four maps from the original Star Wars: Battlefront; Yavin 4: Arena, Bespin: Cloud City, Rhen Var Harbor and Rhen Var Citadel. In addition, Hero Assault modes were also added to Coruscant, Mygeeto, and Naboo. It sold for USD $4.99.{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news300106bf2 |title=Battlefront II content tomorrow |first=Tom |last=Bramwell |date=January 30, 2006 |access-date=July 20, 2010 |website=Eurogamer}} The downloadable content is no longer available as the original Xbox Live servers were shut down on April 15, 2010.{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5516616/today-the-original-xbox-live-dies |title=Today, The Original Xbox Live Dies |first=Luke |last=Plunkett |website=Kotaku |date=April 14, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100417055556/http://kotaku.com/5516616/today-the-original-xbox-live-dies |archive-date=April 17, 2010 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 22, 2014}} Star Wars: Battlefront II is playable online on the original Xbox with Insignia, the replacement Xbox Live servers.{{Cite web |title=Insignia - Star Wars: Battlefront II |url=https://insignia.live/games/4c41001a |access-date=2025-01-14 |website=insignia.live |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Xbox |first=Pure |date=2022-12-21 |title=Xbox Live 1.0 Replacement Adds More Supported Titles, 40 Games Now Playable |url=https://www.purexbox.com/news/2022/12/xbox-live-1-0-replacement-adds-more-supported-titles-40-games-now-playable |access-date=2025-01-14 |website=Pure Xbox |language=en-GB}} In late March 2006, the game was added to the Backwards Compatibility List for the Xbox 360, and is now playable on both the original Xbox and the Xbox 360.{{cite web |url=http://www.videogamer.com/news/new_games_added_to_360s_backwards_compatibility_list.html |title=New games added to 360's backwards compatibility list |first=Tom |last=Orry |date=March 30, 2006 |access-date=July 20, 2010 |publisher=videogamer.com}}

On May 4, 2014, it was announced that the Star Wars: Battlefront II Online servers hosted by GameSpy were closing down on May 31, 2014. The Windows version was added to a list of supported games on GameRanger on May 31, 2014, which allows for continued online play.{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/5/7/5691224/star-wars-battlefront-2-multiplayer-gameranger-steam |website=Polygon |first=Dave |last=Tach |date=May 7, 2014 |access-date=November 29, 2016 |title=Star Wars: Battlefront 2 PC multiplayer will continue with GameRanger}}{{cite web|last=Dingman|first=Hayden|title=GameSpy's shutdown spells doom for numerous PC games, but you can dodge disaster|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2141200/gamespy-is-shutting-down-but-it-doesnt-matter-if-youre-proactive.html|work=PC World|access-date=May 6, 2014|date=April 8, 2014}} On October 2, 2017, a patch for the Windows version of the game re-enabled multiplayer and added Steam and GOG cross-platform play;{{cite magazine|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/star-wars-battlefront-2-multiplayer-restored-now-with-steamgog-crossplay/|magazine=PC Gamer|first=Andy|last=Chalk|date=October 2, 2017|access-date=October 2, 2017|title=Star Wars: Battlefront 2 multiplayer restored, now with Steam/GOG crossplay}}{{cite web|url=https://steamcommunity.com/games/6060/announcements|publisher=Disney|date=October 2, 2017|access-date=October 2, 2017|title=It's Back…And in Even Greater Numbers!}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gog.com/forum/general/star_wars_battlefront_ii_now_supports_crossplay_e3898|publisher=GOG|date=October 2, 2017|access-date=October 2, 2017|title=STAR WARS™ Battlefront™ II updated, now supports Crossplay}} a second patch on January 3, 2018, had minor bug fixes and performance optimizations. A Disney spokesperson told Polygon that GOG was "handling the back end for the game's online play, including the development of patches".{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/1/4/16852064/star-wars-battlefront-2-pc-patch-disney-lucasfilm-gog-galaxy|title=Here's how 2005's Star Wars: Battlefront 2 was patched this week|website=Polygon|first=Samit|last=Sarkar|date=January 4, 2018|access-date=January 6, 2018}}

A compilation of the title and its predecessor, titled Star Wars Battlefront Classic Collection, was released for Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on March 14, 2024. The compilation was developed by Aspyr and features cross-generation play (PS4 with PS5; Xbox One with Xbox Series X/S) for up to 64 players, and includes the Xbox downloadable content.{{Cite web |last=Dinsdale |first=Ryan |date=February 21, 2024 |title=Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection Coming to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/star-wars-battlefront-classic-collection-coming-to-nintendo-switch |access-date=February 21, 2024 |website=IGN |language=en}}{{cite web |last1=Zwiezen |first1=Zack |title=OG Star Wars: Battlefront Games Are Back With Bonus Content And Features |url=https://kotaku.com/star-wars-battlefront-ii-classic-64-player-release-date-1851274858 |website=Kotaku |language=en |date=21 February 2024 |access-date=March 11, 2024}}

{{Clear}}

{{Video game reviews

| GR = (PS2) 84%{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/927131-star-wars-battlefront-ii/index.html |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II for PlayStation 2 |website=GameRankings |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=May 4, 2008}}
(XBOX) 84%{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/xbox/927130-star-wars-battlefront-ii/index.html |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II for Xbox |website=GameRankings |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=November 21, 2018}}
(PC) 75%{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/pc/927129-star-wars-battlefront-ii/index.html |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II for PC |website=GameRankings |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=November 21, 2018}}
(PSP) 71%{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/psp/928452-star-wars-battlefront-ii/index.html |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II for PSP |website=GameRankings |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=May 4, 2008}}

| MC = (PS2) 84/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/star-wars-battlefront-ii/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II for PlayStation 2 Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=August 22, 2014}}
(XBOX) 83/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/star-wars-battlefront-ii/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II for Xbox Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=August 22, 2014}}
(PC) 78/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/star-wars-battlefront-ii/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II for PC Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=August 22, 2014}}
(PSP) 69/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/star-wars-battlefront-ii/critic-reviews/?platform=psp |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II for PSP Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=August 22, 2014}}

| EGM = 8.17/10{{cite magazine |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II (PS2, Xbox) |author=EGM staff |issue=198 |date=December 2005 |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly}}
(PSP) 6.33/10{{cite magazine |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II (PSP) |issue=199 |date=January 2006 |page=127}}

| EuroG = 6/10{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_battlefront2_xbox |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II (Xbox) |first=Jim |last=Rossignol |date=November 10, 2005 |access-date=August 23, 2014 |website=Eurogamer}}

| GI = 8.5/10{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/D4DEA40B-FA6B-48FC-9BB0-426E80060B13.htm |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II |first=Andrew |last=Reiner |issue=152 |date=December 2005 |page=152 |access-date=August 22, 2014 |magazine=Game Informer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080212121027/http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/D4DEA40B-FA6B-48FC-9BB0-426E80060B13.htm |archive-date=February 12, 2008 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}
(PSP) 7/10{{cite magazine |url=http://gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/B85B59AF-0A11-4A77-B63D-7D296F5302F1.htm |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II (PSP) |first=Matthew |last=Kato |issue=153 |date=January 2006 |page=157 |access-date=August 22, 2014 |magazine=Game Informer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090802155705/http://gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/B85B59AF-0A11-4A77-B63D-7D296F5302F1.htm |archive-date=August 2, 2009 |url-status=dead}}

| GamePro = {{Rating|4.5|5}}{{cite magazine |url=http://gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/49545.shtml |title=Star Wars Battlefront 2 (PS2, Xbox) |author=Vicious Sid |date=November 1, 2005 |access-date=August 23, 2014 |magazine=GamePro |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060118161636/http://gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/49545.shtml |archive-date=January 18, 2006 |url-status=dead}}

| GameRev = B

| GSpot = 8.1/10
(PC) 7.8/10{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/star-wars-battlefront-ii-review/1900-6137213/ |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II Review (PC) |first=Bob |last=Colayco |date=November 4, 2005 |access-date=August 22, 2014 |website=GameSpot}}
(PSP) 6.8/10{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/star-wars-battlefront-ii-review/1900-6139263/ |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II Review (PSP) |first=Bob |last=Colayco |date=November 4, 2005 |access-date=August 22, 2014 |website=GameSpot}}

| GSpy = {{Rating|4.5|5}}{{cite web |url=http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/star-wars-battlefront-2/663663p1.html |title=GameSpy: Star Wars Battlefront II |first=Will |last=Tuttle |date=November 1, 2005 |access-date=August 23, 2014 |publisher=GameSpy}}
(PC & PSP) {{Rating|3.5|5}}{{cite web |url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/star-wars-battlefront-2/664618p1.html |title=GameSpy: Star Wars: Battlefront II (PC) |first=Tom |last=Chick |date=November 4, 2005 |access-date=August 23, 2014 |publisher=GameSpy}}

| GameZone = (PS2) 8.4/10{{cite web |url=http://ps2.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r26385.htm |title=Star Wars Battlefront II Review - PlayStation 2 |first=Louis |last=Bedigian |date=November 2, 2005 |access-date=August 23, 2014 |publisher=GameZone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090125214043/http://ps2.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r26385.htm |archive-date=January 25, 2009 |url-status=dead}}
(Xbox) 8.2/10{{cite web |url=http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/2005/11/13/star_wars_battlefront_ii_xb_review |title=Star Wars Battlefront II - XB - Review |first=Nick |last=Valentino |date=November 13, 2005 |access-date=August 23, 2014 |publisher=GameZone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080213131956/http://xbox.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r26385.htm |archive-date=February 13, 2008 |url-status=live}}
(PC) 8/10{{cite web |url=http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/2005/12/18/star_wars_battlefront_ii_pc_review |title=Star Wars Battlefront II - PC - Review |first=Kevin "BIFF" |last=Giacobbi |date=December 18, 2005 |access-date=August 23, 2014 |publisher=GameZone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081020020222/http://pc.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r26385.htm |archive-date=October 20, 2008 |url-status=live}}
(PSP) 7.9/10{{cite web |url=http://psp.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r26385.htm |title=Star Wars Battlefront II Review - PSP |first=Eduardo |last=Zacarias |date=November 9, 2005 |access-date=August 23, 2014 |publisher=GameZone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080930220823/http://psp.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r26385.htm |archive-date=September 30, 2008 |url-status=dead}}

| IGN = (PSP) 7.8/10{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/11/01/star-wars-battlefront-ii-2 |title=Star Wars Battlefront II (PSP) |first=Juan |last=Castro |date=November 1, 2005 |access-date=August 22, 2014 |website=IGN}}
7/10

| OPM = (PS2) {{Rating|4.5|5}}{{cite magazine |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II (PS2) |magazine=Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine |date=December 2005 |page=108}}
(PSP) {{Rating|3|5}}{{cite magazine |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II (PSP) |magazine=Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine |date=January 2006 |page=104}}

| OXM = 8.5/10{{cite magazine |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II |magazine=Official Xbox Magazine |date=December 2005 |page=90}}

| PCGUS = 83%{{cite journal |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II |journal=PC Gamer |date=January 2006 |page=54}}

| rev1 = CiN Weekly

| rev1Score = 92/100{{cite news |url=http://www.cinweekly.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051116/ENT09/511160360/1063 |title=Star Wars Battlefront II |first=PJ |last=Hruschak |date=November 16, 2005 |access-date=August 22, 2014 |newspaper=CiN Weekly |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051202090116/http://www.cinweekly.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20051116%2FENT09%2F511160360%2F1063 |archive-date=December 2, 2005 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}

| rev2 = Detroit Free Press

| rev2Score = {{Rating|3|4}}{{cite news |url=http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051113/ENT06/511130333/1044 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150414133147/https://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051113/ENT06/511130333/1044 |archive-date=April 14, 2015|title='Star Wars Battlefront II' (Xbox) |first=Ryan |last=Huschka |date=November 13, 2005 |access-date=August 22, 2014 |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url-status=dead}}

}}

Battlefront II was well received overall. The highest aggregate scored was for the PlayStation 2, which holds an 84% at GameRankings and an 84/100 at Metacritic. The Xbox version ranked similarly, with 84% at GameRankings and 83/100 at Metacritic. The PC and PSP versions scored slightly lower, with a 75% and a 78/100 for the PC and the PSP a 71% and 69/100 at GameRankings and Metacritic, respectively. It placed sixth in overall sales for 2005, according to the NPD Group.{{cite web |url=http://www.npd.com/dynamic/releases/press_060117.html |title=The NPD Group Reports Annual 2005 U.S. Video Game Industry Retail Sales |date=January 17, 2006 |publisher=NPD Group |access-date=July 8, 2010 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061210092207/http://www.npd.com/dynamic/releases/press_060117.html |archive-date = December 10, 2006}} The PlayStation Portable version sold over 500,000 copies. It was listed as the second most-played Xbox title in 2007,{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/340924/your-most+played-xbox-live-games-for-2007-were |title=Your Most-Played Xbox Live Games For 2007 Were... |first=Luke |last=Plunkett |website=Kotaku |date=January 4, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080106121444/http://kotaku.com/340924/your-most+played-xbox-live-games-for-2007-were |archive-date=January 6, 2008 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 23, 2014}} and placed third in 2008.{{cite web |url=http://majornelson.com/archive/2009/01/04/the-top-20-live-games-of-2008.aspx |title=The Top 20 LIVE Games of 2008 |first=Larry |last=Hyb |publisher=majornelson.com |date=January 4, 2009 |access-date=July 20, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120607032215/http://majornelson.com/2009/01/04/the-top-20-live-games-of-2008/ |archive-date=June 7, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} In 2009 Star Wars: Battlefront II reclaimed second place once more.{{cite web |url=http://majornelson.com/archive/2010/01/10/the-top-20-live-games-of-2009.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100706112359/http://majornelson.com/archive/2010/01/10/the-top-20-live-games-of-2009.aspx |archive-date=July 6, 2010 |title=The Top 20 LIVE Games of 2009 |first=Larry |last=Hyb |publisher=majornelson.com |date=January 10, 2009 |access-date=July 20, 2010 |url-status=dead}} The PlayStation 2 version received a "Platinum" sales award from the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA),{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090515224703/http://www.elspa.com/?i=3944 |url=http://www.elspa.com:80/?i=3944 |title=ELSPA Sales Awards: Platinum |work=Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association |archive-date=May 15, 2009 |url-status=dead }} indicating sales of at least 300,000 copies in the United Kingdom.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918063107/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/112220/ELSPA_Wii_Fit_Mario_Kart_Reach_Diamond_Status_In_UK.php |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/112220/ELSPA_Wii_Fit_Mario_Kart_Reach_Diamond_Status_In_UK.php |title=ELSPA: Wii Fit, Mario Kart Reach Diamond Status In UK | author=Caoili, Eric | date=November 26, 2008 |work=Gamasutra |archive-date=September 18, 2017 |url-status=dead }} The game's sales totaled 6 million copies by 2007.{{cite news | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081004230656/http://articles.latimes.com/2007/oct/12/business/fi-games12 | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-oct-12-fi-games12-story.html | title=EA buys strength in new genres | newspaper=Los Angeles Times | date=October 12, 2007 | author=Pham, Alex | archive-date=October 4, 2008 | url-status=live }}

Battlefront II was praised not only for having a much more engaging single-player storyline,{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/11/03/star-wars-battlefront-ii |title=Star Wars Battlefront II |website=IGN |access-date=August 22, 2014 |last=Sulic |first=Ivan |date=November 2, 2005}} but also for fixing many of the issues that plagued the original. Reviewers noted a slight improvement in the intelligence of AI units and praised new varied objectives to obtain victory. PlayStation World argued the strengthened single-player campaign was "unrelenting" and always a good challenge.{{cite web |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/129327/reviews/star-wars-battlefront-ii-review/?site=psw |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723035317/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/129327/reviews/star-wars-battlefront-ii-review/?site=psw |archive-date=July 23, 2013 |work=Computer and Video Games (PlayStation World) |title=Star Wars Battlefront II review |author=PSW staff |date=November 15, 2005 |access-date=August 22, 2014 |url-status=dead}} Publications found the inclusion of space battles a welcome addition; however, GameSpot argued the addition of Jedi, though looking "good on paper", did not end up "feeling as epic" as expected.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/star-wars-battlefront-ii-review/1900-6137216/ |title=Star Wars Battlefront Review |website=GameSpot |access-date=August 22, 2014 |last=Colayco |first=Bob |date=November 4, 2005}}

Game Revolution argued if the multiplayer was taken away, even the new campaign was not enough to make Battlefront II worth the buy. IGN claimed the game suffers from problems remaining from the original Battlefront, such as a lack of challenging AI characters in single-player mode. Computer-controlled opponents and allies tend to run headlong into gunfire, wander off ledges, and walk into walls. IGN felt that these, along with redundant use of planets featured in previous Star Wars settings, were problems carried over from the original. X-Play hosts Adam Sessler and Morgan Webb gave the game a 4 out of 5, but criticized the online multiplayer.{{cite web |url=http://www.g4tv.com/videos/10209/star-wars-battlefront-2-review/ |title=Star Wars: Battlefront 2 Review |date=December 12, 2005 |access-date=January 4, 2012 |publisher=G4TV |author1=Sessler, Adam |author2=Webb, Morgan |archive-date=March 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309230849/http://www.g4tv.com/videos/10209/star-wars-battlefront-2-review/ |url-status=dead }}

Non-video game publications praised the quality of the game. CiN Weekly gave it a score of 92 out of 100 and stated "The improved single-player games are worthwhile enough on their own, but if you can find well connected online matches, multiplayer games will keep you addicted for months." The Sydney Morning Herald gave it a score of four stars out of five, saying, "Space conflict complements ground-based action beautifully and jumping into the cockpit of an X-wing or TIE fighter is thrilling."{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/games/chaotic-conflict/2005/11/15/1132016799470.html |title=Chaotic conflict |first=Jason |last=Hill |date=November 17, 2005 |access-date=August 22, 2014 |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald}} Detroit Free Press gave the Xbox version a score of three stars out of four and said "The graphics are pretty, the score divine, the story-driven single-player game is actually cinematic and engaging and the lag, while annoying at times online, has been greatly reduced from the original."

{{clear}}

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Portal|Video games}}

• {{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20140526123416/http://www.lucasarts.com/games/swbattlefrontii/indexFlash.html|LucasArts page}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20090429130752/http://pandemicstudios.com/corp/proj_swb2.php Pandemic Studios page]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20130622064649/http://www.japan.ea.com/swbf2/indexFlash.html Electronic Arts Japan page]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20071011034909/http://activision.com/en_GB/game_specific/5fc2e235-08cd-42d7-9e66-ac22b51c7738.html Activision page]
• {{MobyGames|/star-wars-battlefront-ii}}

{{Pandemic Studios}}

{{Star Wars games}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:2005 video games

Category:Asymmetrical multiplayer video games

Battlefront II

Category:Lua (programming language)-scripted video games

Category:LucasArts games

Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games

Category:Pandemic Studios games

Category:PlayStation 2 games

Category:PlayStation Portable games

Battlefront II

Category:Third-person shooters

Category:Video game sequels

Category:Video games developed in the United States

Category:Windows games

Category:Xbox games

Category:Space opera video games

Category:Military science fiction video games

Category:Savage Entertainment games

Category:Xbox One games

Category:Xbox Series X and Series S games

Category:PlayStation 4 games

Category:PlayStation 5 games

Category:Nintendo Switch games