When it comes to trying to catch up on the Star Wars story in games, you have a great challenge. They were released on multiple devices and in some cases only work on a certain version. There were only a few that worked on Mac, and the ones that worked on Windows often no longer do – at least not as they were released. This is a resource to help get it working. I made it for me really, as I want to play too. And I figure if I hunted down all these links, I might as well share. I’m focused on the PC for the most part because you either have a console or you don’t. But many were on PC only or both PC and other devices (and a few have been added to other devices since).
- GOG
- STEAM
- Other:
- Physical Media Games – Desktop Computers, CD
- Games with Gog/Steam/Disc versions
- Dark Forces
- Dark Forces 2 Jedi Knight
- Mysteries of the Sith
- Knights of the Old Republic
- Knights of the Old Republic 2
- Bounty Hunter(Remaster)
- Star Wars Starfighter
- Battlefront 1(2004)
- Battlefront 2 (2005)
- X-Wing Alliance
- X-Wing
- TIE fighter
- Rebel Assault
- Star Wars: Rebel Assault II: The Hidden Empire
- Shadows of the Empire
- Empire at War
- Galactic Battlegrounds
- Episode 1 Racer
- The Force Unleashed
- The Force Unleashed 2
- Jedi Academy
- Episode 1 Jedi Power Battles
- Episode 1 Starfighter
- Jedi Power Battles
- Console
- Cancelled:
Many years ago as a filmmaker I developed an interest in interactive technologies. As I began to work in this area, I realized the great potential for opening up new kinds of learning experiences for young people.
Interactive technology offered an alternative to some of the traditional approaches to education that did not work for me as a youth. As a result, I’ve been committed to finding ways to capture kids’ natural interest in learning and engage them more actively and productively in the learning process.
Lucas Learning® reflects my own passion for learning as it creates products that have rich content in an immersive and engaging environment. I hope you enjoy the experience and that it will contribute to your own lifetime of learning
George Lucas
https://web.archive.org/web/20020208123642/http://www.lucaslearning.com/aboutus/about_george.htm
I offer no guarantees that all this stuff will work. I have not tried it all. But at least it will give you a place to start the quest to make that game you’ve always wanted to try, or loved as a kid, going again. This stuff is scattered all over the internet and search engines, I figured to at least gather it in one place, where you could see it without having to wade through the sale ads and outdated reviews.
There are currently 2 places to get lots of old Star Wars games for the PC (and occasionally Mac or Linux). The games range all the way from the original Dark Forces to The Force Unleashed 2 and a lot of stuff in between. That isn’t counting Amazon or Ebay of course. More on those later, since those may be a challenge to get to work on modern systems.
GOG
Gog now has a Dreamlist to let people vote on and suggest games for preservation! This is more than a community wish list and people haven’t limited themselves to adding PC only games.
Gog.com has a vast list of Star Wars titles that are DRM free. I’ve read that they are better at keeping them updated for compatibility with new systems.
Client: Gog Galaxy or Standalone Installer
You can choose to install via Gog Galaxy or use the stand alone installer. I can’t vouch for Gog Galaxy, which is supposed to enable you to play with Steam users in the multiplayer games. I have heard you can roll back updates if you use it. I’d recommend either way downloading and installing in a separate directory with the stand alone and at least making a back up (zip the files, store on an external drive or the Cloud) in case they ever lose the licenses or the site vanishes.
Gog used to have great support, but its not quite as good as it used to be. I felt I had trouble communicating my last issues. They have the basic per game troubleshooting and the forums of other players to help there now.
STEAM
Client: Steam Engine. I’m not sure about the standalone installer.
I’ve never bought from here, but I believe the same classic Star Wars games are still DRM free. They have the Steam Client for updating and multiplayer etc (as I understand.) You can also play Star Wars the Old Republic through this if you don’t want to use its native download.
I don’t know about their support but their support forums are far more extensive than Gog.
One tip I can give: if you are having trouble with an older game shrinking to desktop, especially if you tab out, make sure monitor settings are at 100% not higher. Old games weren’t designed with HD TV in mind, they sometimes don’t like higher settings.
Other:
This Multiplayer online is still officially supported. If you don’t want to use Steam you can download the installer straight from their website. There are currently 5 servers. I have a review of the base game here.
Star Wars Galaxies
This game was a multiplayer open world game. It now survives only on fan run servers. You can find a list at MMOFolklorist.
You must have the original game discs, or install, or files to get this (with one server being the exception). I understand at one point you could buy on Steam but obviously you can no longer purchase there since the live servers are dead. The fan run servers have various versions since the game was updated several times, some of those updates were not so popular. Some have added expanded content.
Expanded Universe purists will have to hunt to see if any of the servers stays true to the original lore. I’ve seen ‘the other’ canon listed on one server’s information, and another one specifies they find it ‘too restrictive’ for their post Return of the Jedi fan made expansions. Only one server hasn’t added anything. There are several servers though so some may still be lore consistent.
Note that each server has it’s own launcher you need to download. If you play on more than one, they need to be separate installs. But you do not need the expansion discs, only the core game, as the servers provide the expansions.
Tips: I did have issues with the game shrinking to desktop due to having scale and layout set to higher than 100% at the PC recommendation. Setting it to 100% works. It’s a challenging game requiring you to get buffs from other players: medics and dancers if you don’t want to die repeatedly and eventually end up in a cloning tank.
Physical Media Games – Desktop Computers, CD
I have seen that Aaron Giles is working on an Emulator, called Dreamm to run some of these old games. I can’t claim to have tried it but they do have some working that are not available elsewhere.
DISCLAIMER: I have not tried the updated launchers or any other downloaders for the games. Download at your own risk! I cannot guarantee they are virus or malware free or even if they work.
I also don’t condone piracy, I recommend getting an actual disc. Old Game discs are relatively cheap. (Anyhow I strongly feel it’s always a good idea – physical media is less likely to have the above mentioned virus or malware.)
Keep in mind these games may have other issues even if you succeed in installing. There may be anything from driver issues (KOTOR hates intel graphics!) to speed, resolution or FPS issues. I found some stuff here about installing stuff that had only 16 bit launchers, which modern 64 bit Windows will not install if your tech minded enough. (I don’t think much of my chances.) Oddly enough many of the games are 32 bit, since that version of the system came out around then. They just have the old launcher.
As for the Mac versions, you may really would need the old Mac to run them if it originally came out in the Classic Mac, pre OSX era. This is because modern Mac is so drastically different than Classic Mac. That said there are articles about it and possibly emulators but I don’t know about any Star Wars game specific. You need something that will run the old Power PC system that ran up to Mac OS 9. Even Mac games made for OSX have issues on modern systems (lets face it, they don’t want you to have that DVD drive to play that Jedi Academy gold up there.)
Here is a list of hopefully handy installers that one user – markeusegger.at has gathered or created for older games that have the 16 bit installer issue.
Aaron Giles has also made something called a Dreamm Emulator to work with some LucasArts games.
There is a site called Limited Run games that sometimes releases digital Star Wars games on discs, with extra collectibles. I don’t know whether they are updated for modern systems or not.
Force Commander
16 Bit Requires Updated Launcher.
Available fan patch:
OS : Windows 95/98
The Phantom Menace
16 Bit Requires Updated Launcher.
Available fan patch
OS: Windows 95/98
The Battle For Naboo
PC Gaming in the Web Archive has instructions to get working in on 64 bit PC.
OS: Windows 95/98/ME
Yoda Stories
Not sure about the disc installer yet. According to PC Gaming, it may need tweaks to work.
OS: Windows 95
Dreamm Emulator
Droidworks
32 bit installer. May install but may have issues
There are also instructions here on a video by user Nuby Plays Games.
OS: Windows 95/98
Classic Mac (classic)
Gungan Frontier
Unknown. Game required Apple’s Quicktime which is discontinued.
OS: Windows 95/98 ?
Classic Mac (classic)
Early Learning Activity Center
??
OS: Mac (classic) Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 95
For 4 to 6 (or any fan lacking the skills the box mentions)
Yoda’s Challenge Activity Center
OS: Mac (classic) Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 95
For 4 to 6 years old
Pit Droids
This person claims to sell an original copy of the game WITH his own installer to make it work.
OS: Mac (classic), Windows 95
IPhone, IPad
Anakin’s Speedway: Build and Drive
I found information on how to get it to work on Windows 10 here, using an emulator they have for download.
OS: Mac (classic), Windows 95, Windows 98
For 4 to 6 years old
Jar Jar’s Journey
??
OS: Mac Classic, Windows 95, Windows ME, Windows 98
This is an interactive adventure book for 4-6 year olds.
Behind the Magic
Probably 16 bit installer. The instructions below may be using virtual machines.
Windows 95
This person claims to have instructions for Windows 7 install.
Here is another set of instructions, for Windows 10 64 bit.
This was an interactive CD
Dreamm Emulator
Episode 1 Insider’s Guide
Behind the scenes, trailers, posters, characters, tech, locations etc from the movie.
Windows 98, Windows 95
Dreamm Emulator
Jabba’s Math: Game Galaxy
Build a starship and travel by earning credits playing mini games. Lucas Education game.
Windows and Mac given the release date it might be Windows 98 and 95, early Mac OS X or Classic Mac
Games with Gog/Steam/Disc versions
I’ll not list them all as you can go there and look. But I will list the handy extras that make them work better on modern systems. As much as I love hard copy I doubt most of those games would work from the original installers. Many were 16 bit and need tweaks to work on modern systems. However there are a few fan releases that improve even on the official updates. You can find enhancer mods on moddb.
Dark Forces
The new Force Engine allows for the game to work better on a wider higher resolution screen. It doesn’t really enhance graphics but they don’t get worse either. It also adds quick save, something all the rest of the series already had. This is for Windows only.
You must own a copy of the game, from Gog, Steam or the disc. The disc version runs on Dosbox. The digital download versions just pre install Dosbox for you. The base game on disc will run on both PC and Mac with the Dosbox, or at least it used too.
Dreamm Emulator
Dark Forces now also has a official REMASTER version. It includes only minor changes (erasing cigarettes) but massive upgrades to the graphics.
Windows Mac
Dark Forces 2 Jedi Knight
The JKDF2 Engine allows it to go widescreen and you don’t crash on tab out (or I didn’t.)
There are other handy ideas to get it working better here especially if you are using discs.
There is even an updated launcher for disc users.
Contrary to claims at PC Gaming Wiki you can’t take screenshots w/ JKDF2 I found that I could using Bandicam & I assume other 3rd party software does as well. It even let me grab cut screen shots. I never found the default in game screencapper that good anyhow. I could also used windowed mode without crashing – a bit help since i needed to check help guides for secrets.
Dreamm Emulator
Windows
You can find an unoffical fan remaster on Moddb, the latest uses OpenJkdf2 engine. The remaster includes graphic enhancements.
Mysteries of the Sith
As mine came from GOG, it was with Dark Forces 2 but installed in a separate folder, I’m not sure what they mean by ‘need base game’ at PC Gaming Wiki. I think it means the original needed to have the Jedi Knight disc put in to confirm ownership or something. It is auto included at Gog with the purchase, and probably Steam.
I have not tried JKDF2 with it, though I hope too. But it is confusing as it does seem to look for it in the same directory which is not how GOG installed mine.
Dreamm Emulator
You can find an unoffical fan remaster on Moddb, the latest uses OpenJkdf2 engine. The remaster includes graphic enhancements.
Windows
Knights of the Old Republic
Not sure about the disc installer yet.
The original discs won’t have the patches. I don’t know what these do but they should help. I did note on the Star Wars site that if you got the game copy available in Best of PC games, that already has these.
Also of note: in my experience and according to many forum posts I’ve seen, KOTOR seems to hate intel graphic cards.
Patches off Star Wars site
List of patches, more descriptive at Gamecopy World.
Windows, Mac, IOS (from the app store), XBox, Nintendo Switch, Android, Linux
Knights of the Old Republic 2
Not sure about the disc installer yet. This page at major geeks that suggest it does but install on 64 bit but the Windows Versions are old.
I’ve found patches for this. I also highly recommend the fan made Restored Content Mod as the game was released unfinished and very buggy. The mod actually makes the game run better even if you don’t care about the content. It’s included in the STEAM version, you have to add it for either PC or Gog.
The same applies here as for KOTOR. Reports are the game simply can’t handle Intel graphic cards. (In my case it crashed to blue screen!)
Official Patch off Star Wars Site
Here are some more helpful tweaks on the PC gaming wiki
Windows, IOS, XBox, Linux, Mac, Android
Bounty Hunter
(Remaster)
Take control of Jango Fett, the feared bounty hunter. Catch bounties and follow the quest that leads to becoming the template for a Clone Army.
Windows 10, 11,
No disc that I know of.
*Note Battlefront 1 and 2 have been rereleased on Steam as Battlefront Classic Collection with new maps that were only available on XBox. Unfortunately, it seems to have a lot of bugs, especially multiplayer.
Star Wars Starfighter
This Play Old PC Games page is a bit old, but does seem to have information and links to upgrade it for install in 64 bit systems
On Gog the game is only listed up to Windows 8. When I first bought it for Windows 10, it initally would not play cut scenes (they flashed too fast). But Windows must’ve updated something because it later ran fine with no help from me.
Your system display settings need to be at 100%, not adjusted higher or lower, even if that is recommended by your PC or monitor. It threw an error on mine due to that.
Battlefront 1
(2004)
Battle as a trade federation battle droid against the Gungans and later a stormtrooper.
Windows, Playstation, XBox. Mac OSX (Note: given the age, it may not work on current versions of Mac.)
Battlefront 2
(2005)
I’m talking about the CLASSIC here, not the EA version. I do not know about install from disc.
I can confirm there is an issue with the audio on this, for me, if I don’t have a headset with microphone plugged in, it doesn’t work. It doesn’t like my NVidia sounds. I think just a plain mic works too. (Of course if like me you have a smaller head, good luck finding the appropriate size, reasonably priced headset).
I DID find a tip (I can’t find it online again) that told me to look for Manage Sound Devices in Windows settings. Setting input to Stereo mix to Realtech high definition audio helped.
Here is the Star Wars site on the game (this mentions stuff that makes me figure it’s for Classic.)
I also am having much trouble getting a controller to work w/ it lately. If you can help with this, find me on X!
X-Wing Alliance
Original CD came with a 16 bit installer that will not install in 64 bit according to a major geeks user. However this user has his own site with a list of installers he and others have compiled for these older games if you don’t want to use the easy route of buying from someplace like Gog.
Windows
X-Wing
X-Wing fighter simulator
Dreamm Emulator, Windows
TIE fighter
Tie Fighter simulator
Dreamm Emulator, Windows
Rebel Assault
follows the adventures of a young pilot known as Rookie One.
Dreamm Emulator, Windows
Star Wars: Rebel Assault II: The Hidden Empire
sequel following Rookie One in seeking the mystery of ghost ships attacking rebel ships.
Dreamm Emulator, Windows
Shadows of the Empire
the shadowy underworld collides with Vader’s plans for Luke Skywalker as our heroes hunt for Boba Fett. Stars new character Dash Rendar vs bounty hunters and more!
Dreamm Emulator, Windows, Nintendo
Tip: this needs compatibility mode & a decent graphics card. Resolution and your scale and layout also need certain settings
Empire at War
Control the entire Empire or Rebellion in this. Or take command of the fringe in the included sequel, Forces of Corruption.
I believe Steam has a special updated 64 bit version that was exclusive, that God did not get. There are reports for some the Gog version base game stopped working while the expansion worked fine. The community suggests a workaround. MadhatterBK suggests “t. I went to the game data, there, at the buttom you´ll see a program called sweaw. Just rename it to swfoc.ex”
The game has many mods.
Windows
Galactic Battlegrounds
Multiple locations to battle the Trade Federation before and through the Battle of Naboo, organize your resources and conquer territory. The expansion adds Clone wars battles.
This is a strategy game where you control the whole field.
Windows
Latest issue: ALL my classic saves were converted to the clone campaign version, & therefore wouldn’t load. Forced me to start over. Support was unable to help.
Episode 1 Racer
Fly Anakin’s podracer and various others through challenging courses on different planets.
Windows
The Force Unleashed
Vader has a secret apprentice he is training to help him overthrow the Emperor. First level you play Vader against Wookiees and discover the boy. Then you become Starkiller. His powerful force skills are used to track down survivors of Order 66 and leaders of the Rebellion. But that leads Starkiller to question his path.
There are variations of gameplay based on platform. IE on PC you have a steer a Star Destroyer to avoid it hitting you. In other platforms, that is just a cut scene.
Playable with keyboard but it works better with a controller.
Win 10, 11, Mac. XBox, Wii, Playstation, Nintendo
The Force Unleashed 2
Sequel. Clone of Starkiller escapes Vader & goes on a quest for his own identity and his originals friends.
This story leaves a cliffhanger.
It’s a bit confusing: I couldn’t find the control settings, it used what was previously set in TFU game & I had to open it to reset. There is nothing that says you have to have both.
Once again, works with keyboard but easier with controller.
Win 10, 11 Wii, Xbox 360, NIntendo, Playstation
Jedi Academy
Play male or female Jedi apprentice Jaden Korr, w/ up to 5 choices of species. Train at Luke Skywalker’s Jedi Academy under Master Kyle Katarn. Go on various missions until it culminates in a showdown with the Reborn who seek to resurrect a long dead Sith.
This game is sequel to the Dark Forces series. Play with keyboard or controller (or both) and use force powers, lightsaber, blasters and at one point, you can even ride a swoop.
Windows 10, 11, Mac, Playstation 4, XBox
Episode 1 Jedi Power Battles
Battle to rewin Theed as various characters, including members of the Jedi Council
This game is newly remastered.
Windows 10, 11
Episode 1 Starfighter
Starts right before the invasion of Naboo and continues to the end. Fly as the pirate Nym, & mercenary Vana Sage, and a Naboo pilot.
Windows 8 but I have played it on 10. Also XBox. Regular disc does not work on XBox 360
Jedi Power Battles
This has newly been remastered. It seems to be an arcade style game set during the Phantom Menace. The original characters to play included Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, Mace Windu, Plo Koon or Adi Gallia. Previously locked characters are now available. There is also a wacky big head option.
Windows 10, 11. It was also available for Playstation 4 and 5, XBox S and X/S, Gameboy, Nintendo Switch
Console
Xbox, Playstation and Nintendo obviously are very popular for games. However, I only own the XBox and more are being updated from old games to new systems pretty often. The latest was Dark Forces Remastered, originally just available on systems that let you install Dosbox.
XBox
Discwise, not all games are compatible with newer like XBox 360, or later. They may have downloadable versions of course, but that isn’t great for physical media fans.
Obi-Wan – unfortunately ONLY works on the original. Begins before the Phantom Menace and ends with the Darth Maul duel. Granted it did have poor graphics and their were bugs. But it had a good story.
Clone Wars – this needs the original disc, not the one that came with Tetris, to play on XBox 360 systems. There is a new port for the latest Playstations though I assume it’s all digital, no hard copy.
Playstation
Racer’s Revenge – sequel to Episode 1 Racer
Kinect Star Wars
Gameboy Advanced
The New Droid Army – Anakin battles to prevent new and stronger battle droids from being unleashed on the Republic
NIntendo Gamecube
Rogue Squadron 2: Rogue Leader
Rogue Squadron 3: Rebel Strike
Other
Battlefront: Elite Squadron – Playstation Mobile, Nintendo DS
Battlefront: Renegade Squadron – Playstation Mobile
Multiple Consoles:
Bounty Hunter – all about Jango Fett. Good News! This has been remastered for PC, Nintendo switch, XBox and Playstation 5.
Lethal Alliance: Kyle Katarn sends a Twilek merc to get missing details of the Death Star plans.
Jedi Starfighter, sequel to Starfighter, is only available on XBox and Playstation. Nym returns but you also play as Adi Gallia, flying the new Jedi Starfighter, the Aethersprite seen in Attack of the Clones and takes place directly before and culminates in the battle over Geonosis.
Episode 3 Revenge of the Sith presents a slightly altered view of the movie as it was released in advance. Play as Anakin for part, Obi-Wan for another and see a previous idea on why Anakin might fall.
Cancelled:
Battlefront 3 = this was never released although code has been found that is nearly complete for Wii, and fans are trying to make mods to add it to Battlefront 2.
1313 – cancelled near completion though parts of the playthrough can be seen online.
