Republic Commando Wasn’t Only A Cult Classic–It Anticipated The Next 20 Years Of Star Wars

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20 years ago, on March 1, 2025, I found myself immersed in the gaming world of “Star Wars: Republic Commando,” celebrating its anniversary. Reflecting back, it’s fascinating to see how this game, with its military fiction emphasis, set the stage for the evolving Star Wars galaxy.

As I power up Star Wars: Republic Commando, the initial sight that greets me is the LucasArts emblem, reminiscent of a static-ridden radio transmission. It pulsates with the sound of hushed commands and robotic chatter, echoing elements from the early Clone Wars animated series (airing since 2003), which began with a distorted broadcast of gunfire and swirling lightsabers. In harmony, these artistic touches serve as a departure from the epic mythology of Star Wars and a shift towards a more grounded, albeit still stylized, military narrative.

Essentially, the themes and undertones of rebellion and struggle were already present in Star Wars from the beginning. While A New Hope was inspired by the idealistic science fiction of Flash Gordon serials, it presents a future that is worn down and gritty. The protagonists are more like underground fighters, flying rickety spacecrafts, whereas their adversaries maintain a cold, authoritarian appearance. The rebellion’s struggle is portrayed as rough, fought in the shadows and on backwater planets.

Even so, Han Solo and Luke Skywalker aren’t typical soldiers, they’re heroes – a label often given to them by a Star Wars video game like Republic Commando: Battlefront 2 from that era. In many ways, the original trilogy and the prequels share a similar perspective on war with The Lord of the Rings. War is indeed central, with grand battles dominating the narrative. However, the heroes aren’t ordinary foot soldiers or even high-ranking military officers. Instead, they are kings and wayward children. They save the galaxy while both rebels and tyrants perish in the trenches.

Republic Commando portrays a common theme: the everyday experiences of soldiers in combat, reminiscent of games like Halo. The game’s characters, the commandos, are presented as exceptional individuals, superior to the ordinary clone soldiers who make up the Galactic Republic’s military force. However, they are not allowed to perform actions that would significantly alter the films their game is connected to. In essence, the storyline of Star Wars wouldn’t be affected if every commando perished in a trench. This gives an impression of propaganda: You are the ones who uphold the republic, but in reality, you are just more cannon fodder for the future Emperor’s financial gain.

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In this game, the scenario is clear: even though it predates the revelation of Order 66 in Episode III, the clone troopers were fated to transition into imperial stormtroopers. Critics might argue that the Empire initially used a more conventional military recruitment method, but my response to them would be something like: “Well, if you don’t like it, nerd.”

By the game’s conclusion, the commandos experience a tragic and unnecessary death of their sniper, Sev. However, rather than being just another clone with identical features and personality as his brothers, this is the loss of an individual with a distinct soul, even if some may find it overly clichéd or simplistic.

This setup beautifully foreshadows Dave Filoni’s “The Clone Wars” series, where entire units of troops receive the same intricate treatment that this game gave to an elite squad. Interestingly, the game’s commandos make an appearance in one episode, and they serve as precursors to many original characters from “The Clone Wars,” particularly The Bad Batch. Conceived before the series was canceled on Cartoon Network, The Bad Batch resurfaced during the series’ revival on Disney+ and later got their own spin-off show. Similar to the commandos, The Bad Batch is a squad of unique personalities, distinguished by their combat skills. However, they stand out in “The Clone Wars” not just for their battle prowess but also due to their interpersonal dynamics, mirroring the Republic Commando series.

In a more poignant fashion, “The Clone Wars” intensifies its portrayal of war’s sorrowful consequences. The Battle of Umbara arc focuses on Anakin Skywalker’s 501st clone battalion after he is summoned for a specific mission, leaving behind a general who manipulates them into unnecessary casualties for hidden motives. Essentially, the story mirrors the struggles of the clones in microcosm. They are sacrificing their lives for a purpose they cannot freely elect, one that forces them to fight against their fellow soldiers with the mere flip of a switch.

In its final season on Disney+, the series reaches its climax by depicting Order 66 directly. Ahsoka Tano, Anakin Skywalker’s apprentice, witnesses her comrades betraying her, and in this confrontation, she manages to save Captain Rex but the rest of the clones with her perish. This storyline mirrors themes from Metal Gear Solid – balancing loyalty with one’s conscience, love amidst war versus harsh reality. The clone troopers’ struggle symbolizes the predicament faced by an idealized, fictional, unrealistic soldier.

Republic Commando may not directly tackle these themes head-on, but they are subtly woven into the background. Over the next two decades of Star Wars, this influence can be seen in various forms, from the militaristic fiction of The Clone Wars to the guerrilla warfare storyline of Andor and Dave Filoni’s role in managing the franchise (though I’ll believe a Mandalorian movie exists when I see it in the theater). All these narratives share a common pattern. Despite Republic Commandos’ attempts to mask itself in gunfire and heroics reminiscent of Halo, the outcome for its characters is often death. This fate is as inevitable for them as it is for Captain Rex, Andor, or Anakin Skywalker.

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2025-03-01 17:39