Playable First Assault Beta Reveals Original LucasArts Vision for Star Wars Battlefront 3 on PC

Playable First Assault Beta Reveals Original LucasArts Vision for Star Wars Battlefront 3 on PC


### The Untold Story of Star Wars: First Assault

In the realm of video game development, some projects become the stuff of legend—ones that fans long to see realized but never quite make it to market. One such project is LucasArts’ *Star Wars: First Assault*, a multiplayer first-person shooter that was set to immerse players in the iconic Star Wars universe. Initially slated for release in the summer of 2013, this title promised to blend classic elements of the franchise with modern multiplayer gaming mechanics.

#### Concept and Features

*Star Wars: First Assault* was envisioned as a game that would transport players into the heart of the Star Wars saga, specifically during the original trilogy’s timeline. Players would take on the roles of Stormtroopers or Rebels across various locations, including the desert landscapes of Tatooine and the cloud city of Bespin. The game aimed to provide a mix of gameplay modes—ranging from classic team deathmatches to objective-based missions.

LucasArts developers were not just aiming for a standalone experience. They had ambitions for a sequel in 2014 that would feature vehicles and larger maps, further expanding the Star Wars universe for players. This would have culminated in a full-fledged official *Battlefront* game, complete with a single-player campaign and exhilarating space dogfights, all planned for 2015.

#### The Untimely Cancellation

As whispers of excitement grew, the project faced a sudden and devastating setback. Following Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm, significant changes swept through LucasArts, resulting in the cancellation of several highly anticipated Star Wars games, including *Star Wars: First Assault* and *Star Wars 1313*. Reports indicated that *First Assault* was tantalizingly close to launch, needing only $10,000 in certification fees to initiate its beta on Xbox Live in late 2012.

The closure of LucasArts felt akin to an explosive demise, echoing the destruction of Alderaan in the Star Wars canon. What was once a beacon of hope for fans turned into a lost opportunity, as *First Assault* faded into obscurity.

#### Revival by the Community

However, the passion of the gaming community has breathed new life into this forgotten project. A team of dedicated modders from the *Battlefront* community has managed to obtain a leaked build of *First Assault* and adapt it for PC use. Their efforts have reignited interest in the game, allowing fans to experience what could have been. A vibrant community continues to share insights and updates on their progress via Discord.

#### Gameplay Insights

While the game never officially launched, insider information reveals intriguing details about its mechanics. *First Assault* was designed with various loadouts, allowing players to choose between diverse weapon types, from knockback concussion rifles to traditional blasters with aim-down-sight (ADS) capabilities. Players could enhance their gameplay through a streak system that rewarded them with points for turrets and airstrikes.

The game also introduced an innovative respawn mechanic, where players would be delivered by dropships. This unique feature not only added excitement to the respawn process but encouraged strategic gameplay as players had to navigate the battlefield while descending from the skies.

#### Visual and Artistic Direction

Even from the limited information available, the artistic vision for *First Assault* was impressive. The environments were intended to reflect the weathered, lived-in aesthetic characteristic of the Star Wars universe. Maps of Tatooine were designed with meticulous attention to detail, featuring cracked structures and atmospheric elements like pitted Stormtrooper helmets, each telling a story of battles fought and challenges overcome.

#### A Call to Action

For those who find themselves intrigued by the story of *Star Wars: First Assault*, there are opportunities to explore this project further. Community discussions and updates on the progress of the revived build can be found on its dedicated Discord channel, inviting fans to connect and engage with this piece of gaming history.

### Conclusion

While *Star Wars: First Assault* may not have materialized as initially envisioned, its legacy continues through the efforts of passionate gamers and modders. As we reminisce about what could have been, the interest in *First Assault* serves as a testament to the enduring draw of Star Wars within the gaming landscape, ensuring that its spirit lives on in various forms.