The gaming community is buzzing with excitement as the Free Radical Archive (FRA) unearths a working build of the cancelled Star Wars Battlefront 3 for the Nintendo Wii. This discovery, dated just one week before the project’s demise, offers a tantalizing glimpse into what could have been. FRA even recreated the original Battlefront 3 trailer using this incomplete build, showcasing the game’s potential. While gaps remain due to the halted development, the team plans to refine the build with mods and eventually release all versions and new content for free.
FRA’s video reveals familiar and beloved elements of intergalactic combat: aerial battles, ground skirmishes featuring troops from the first six Star Wars films, diverse locales, lightsaber duels, and large-scale warfare rarely seen in that era. It’s a captivating spectacle for long-time fans, rekindling nostalgia for the series.
star-wars-battlefront-classic-collection.pngThe Aspyr re-release of the classic Star Wars Battlefront games reminded everyone how influential the originals were.
The reasons behind Battlefront 3‘s cancellation remain shrouded in mystery. Speculation ranges from Free Radical missing deadlines to LucasFilm Games facing budget constraints. Regardless of the cause, the cancellation left fans devastated. A previous Xbox 360 build, leaked earlier, hinted at the game’s near-completion.
Star Wars Battlefront 2 had set a high bar, improving upon its predecessor in every aspect. The game generated immense hype and fueled discussions online and among fans, raising anticipation for a sequel. However, this momentum wasn’t enough to save Battlefront 3. DICE revived the series in 2014, coinciding with The Force Awakens‘s release, but the franchise has been dormant since Star Wars Battlefront 2 (2017).
The Star Wars Battlefront Classic Collection, remastered and released in March 2024, faced initial setbacks due to online multiplayer issues. Subsequent updates have addressed these problems, but many fans have reverted to the original versions.
The rediscovery of this Battlefront 3 build is a triumph for Star Wars fans. It offers a chance to experience a potentially enhanced iteration of a beloved series. Those who fondly remember battling on Kashyyyk, fighting droids on Kamino, or engaging in lightsaber duels in Mos Eisley will undoubtedly cherish this opportunity to revisit their childhood memories.
