Microsoft’s Age of Empires II is to this day, two years after its release, one of the best real time strategy (RTS) games of all time. In my opinion, it is the best. The announcement that LucasArts, perhaps fed up with mediocre Star Wars titles for PC, was beginning to license other developers and game engines for upcoming games, has led to some interesting developments. Raven is working with the Quake III engine to create the sequel to the excellent Jedi Knight, and LucasArts themselves have finally done justice to the idea of a Star Wars RTS; they bought the rights to use the Age of Empires II engine to accomplish this, and basically re-packaged that game with a SW makeover, but the solid gameplay and a bunch of new additions make Battlegrounds stand out.

Fans of AoE II will instantly be able to pick up and play Battlegrounds. It looks similar, all of the hot keys and control functions are the same, and most of the buildings and research advancements are identical or very similar. After adjusting to the revamped visuals and names, fans will be able to settle right into the game.

Of course, re-working an existing game might seem like a cheap way to make a buck, but the fact remains that LucasArts probably couldn’t make a better RTS on their own – Age of Empires II got so much right, and left out so little, that it’s hard to imagine the RTS genre expanding very much further at all.

On the other hand, the fact that Battlegrounds is based in the Star Wars universe means that there have been some major changes to gameplay. First, the majority of combat in Battlegrounds is ranged – even the most basic military unit, the Trooper Recruit, is armed with a blaster rifle. Because so many units attack from a distance, melee combat is reserved only for the most powerful and well-defended units; mainly Jedi and Sith Knights, mounted Troopers and some of the unique units like the Wookie Berserker. This focus on ranged combat over melee changes the feel of the game from AoE II, which featured units like swordsmen, pikemen and knights changes the dynamics of the entire game. Skirmishes occur much earlier in the game now, as even the most basic units are fairly powerful.

Like most RTS games, Battlegrounds is at its heart an advanced version of chess. Every unit has strengths and weaknesses, and knowing what to send against each kind of enemy trooper is key to victory. Jedi and Sith Knights can cut through troopers and basic mechanized units, but the powerful bounty hunters can take them out easily.

Graphically, Battlegrounds is fine, although many people might be turned off by its isometric 2D look. I actually prefer this style over 3D, and the graphics aren’t bad my any means. Units are easily recognizable, from stormtroopers to RS worker units to AT-ATs. Even the entirely new units in the game, like the entire Wookie civilization, snaps seamlessly into the Star Wars "look."

Speaking of the civilizations, in Battlegrounds you get the choice of 6 sides to play, each with a completely original graphic set to lend distinction. The choices are the Trade Federation, Gungans and Royal Naboo from Episode 1, the familiar Rebel Alliance and Galactic Empire from the classic trilogy, and the fun Wookies, which gives some insight into how Chewbacca’s people live. Each civilization has its own strengths and weaknesses much like their units. For example, the Trade Federation has no need to build housing, since their army consists entirely of droids. On the flip side, they also don’t get a medic unit like the other sides, for the same reason, and their troopers are among the weakest in the game. The Gungans have a mighty navy and the ability to field giant walking shield generators, doubling the HP of any troops within the shield radius. The Rebel Alliance has highly effective troopers and air units, while the Galactic Empire can churn out the most powerful mechanized units in the game, including the devastating AT-ATs. Each side also has a few unique technology research options, which usually serve to bolster their strengths. For example, the Rebels can research better armor and shields for their air units, making them essentially twice as powerful as any other air force in the game.

Like Age of Empires II, the gameplay options in Battlegrounds are staggering. There are several different modes, from basic skirmishes to King of the Hill and Monument Race. There’s the option to play on a random map or familiar Star Wars locales like Tatooine, Naboo and Hoth. Likewise, there are several different methods of winning a game, including the standard military victory, but also the collecting and holding of the 5 randomly placed Jedi Holocrons on each map and also the building and defending of a monument. You can toggle factors like maximum population, resource amounts, and just about any geographical factor you can think of, including the amount of water and trees on the map.

What it all boils down to is this – if you’ve played and enjoyed Age of Empires II, you’re going to like Battlegrounds. If you’re a Star Wars fan, you’ll likely enjoy Battlegrounds. If aging 2D technology turns your stomach, you probably won’t like it. LucasArts made a wise choice by licensing a solid game engine, freeing them up to concentrate on making the game look appropriately "Star Wars." Their level of commitment to detail shows in every aspect of the game, especially the detailed graphics and excellent music and sound, including voice actors who manage to convincingly imitate many memorable characters from the movies. It’s a high water mark in the genre of real time strategy and for Star Wars games in general.

The Trade Federation uses giant mobile cannon to take down walls and base defenses, while a contingent of Battle Droids, Tanks and Heavy Destroyer Droids stand guard.

Here’s a shot taken during Rob’s LAN party – playing as the Galactic Empire, I formed an alliance with Mario’s Gungans. This shot was taken as our two armies prepared to meet Arlo’s Gungan army in a massive all-out battlefield assault that would decide the outcome of the game.