PODCAST

What's the best Star Wars game that isn't even a Star Wars game? You may have played it years ago...

It's the most copied and parodied IP ever, and its influences are well documented. So you can find Star Wars' DNA almost anywhere you care to look.

Image credit: VG247, Ubisoft

Article by Jim Trinca Former Video Producer

Published on Aug. 30, 2024

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Inspired by the recent release of Star Wars Outlaws, which we loved by the way, this week's podcast is all about what makes Star Wars... Star Wars. And it's something we're exploring via the unorthodox path of picking a bunch of things that aren't Star Wars and pointing out the ways they are like Star Wars. Confused? Don't be, it's just an excuse to have arguments.

Star Wars is a massive media franchise that's had so many ideas chucked into it by various writers, directors, showrunners, and every other type of creative over the years that it's hard to really pin down what its true essence is. Which is what makes the question "What's the best Star Wars game that isn't a Star Wars game?" such a fun topic: you can conceivably make an argument for anything. Yes, even Football Manager.

So what does our panel most associate with Star Wars: is it laser swords and space wizards, or a beleaguered resistance movement against a tyrannical empire? Is it the things that famously influenced the young George Lucas, such as Flash Gordon adventure serials, the films of Akira Kurosawa, and living through the Vietnam war?

Special guest Ian Dransfield from Some Old Games Magazines joins host Jim and regular panellists Connor and Mark. No Tom this week cos he was on holiday.