Star Wars Galactic Battlegrounds

 PC
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 21
  3. Negative: 1 out of 21
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  1. GameZone
    90
    This game is smokin’ folks. Galactic Battlegrounds delivers a fast paced action packed Empire stomping, Wookie howling, Rebel Alliance whooping, Jedi slashing, Sith Lord choking good time. Remember it’s all in the Star Wars universe, and it’s all good.
  2. Gamer's Pulse
    89
    If you love Star Wars and enjoy RTS games look no further.
  3. ActionTrip
    86
    A fun and solid game that despite having dated graphics and a lot of resemblance to an "Age" mod, it finally delivers the RTS Star Wars game that will satisfy the fans who have waited for a long time for a RTS game worthy of the Star Wars legacy.
  5. Electric Playground
    84
    While the concept is a good one--it's really cool to build up a little squadron of Naboo Starfighters--it doesn't really work in the 2D, sprite-based AoE engine. For example, after your TIE Fighters streak to their waypoint, they simply hang in the air, awaiting your next mouse-click.
  6. Gamezilla!
    82
    Worth mentioning is the absolute best scenario/campaign editor encountered in any software.
  7. GameSpot
    82
    On one hand, sure, it's a derivative real-time strategy game. But on the other hand, it's a tidy little bundle of escapism that's perfect for a generation of gamers raised on Star Wars.
  8. Game Over Online
    81
    Solid but unspectacular.
  9. FHM
    80
    The force is strong in this one.
  10. Yahoo!
    80
    Offers exactly what the dedicated Star Wars follower and gamer wants: a way to re-enact the drama and excitement of Lucas' vivacious universe and even deviate from course and create your own scenarios.
  11. Next Generation Magazine
    80
    The seamless merger of the old and new Star Wars worlds creates a beautiful, highly detailed game that will keep you enthralled for weeks. [Jan 2002, p.93]
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  12. Hot Games
    80
    After playing "Cossacks: European Wars" and "Age of Empires," Star Wars Galactic Battleground is like an extra layer of meat on a really good sandwich - you could do without the meat, but you would also enjoy the sandwich a little more with it.
  13. Total Video Games
    80
    The little inaccuracies can be forgotten by all but the most die-hard of Star Wars fans, whilst there are enough cosmetic touches to differentiate this from "AoE2" and allow you to submerse yourself in the Star Wars universe.
  14. IGN
    80
    As a pretty solid Star Wars strategy game Galactic Battlegrounds definitely has a winning game model and a great license and, while it's not exactly revolutionary, it's enough innovation for me.
  15. TotalGames.net
    79
    I enjoyed playing this game more than I thought I would do - the Age of Kings fan in me made sure of that - but it must be sad that SW:GB looks remarkably dated given the current state of the RTS market.
  16. PC Gamer
    78
    Basically a Star Wars mod for "Age of Empires II." That’s pretty cool, though. [Holiday 2001, p.100]
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  17. GameSpy
    77
    If you're not a big follower of Star Wars, you may want to just pick up "Age of Empires II" from some bargain bin. You'll probably have just as much fun.
  18. Computer Gaming World
    70
    Fun, pure and simple. And it does a nice job of recreating all the glorious conflict and warfare of the Star Wars saga. [Mar 2002, p.82]
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  19. Computer Games Magazine
    60
    Hamstringing Jedi and spaceships to accommodate a medieval, land-based combat system was the easy way out—a capitulation.
  20. G4 TV
    60
    The "Star Wars" universe was clearly warped to fit over the AOE II lattice. Air combat loses some of its appeal as you watch tie fighters and X-wings hovering stationary over an enemy building, dropping bombs and shooting grunt soldiers on the ground.
  21. Game Revolution
    50
    Even through Battlegrounds uses the "Age of Empires" engine, it just doesn't look as impressive. Map textures and units look okay, but they don't seem to sport the amount of detail that was included in AoE.
  22. Game Informer
    38
    An uninspired nightmare that tarnishes the Star Wars name. [Dec 2001, p.115]
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Awards & Rankings

70
#70 Best PC Game of 2001
27
#27 Most Discussed PC Game of 2001
35
#35 Most Shared PC Game of 2001

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 99 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 72 out of 99
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 99
  3. Negative: 8 out of 99
  1. SweetRollsAhoy
    Dec 29, 2013
    9
    For a person who is a fan of Star Wars and RTS games like Ages of Empires, this game was a dream come true.

    You have several fractions from    For a person who is a fan of Star Wars and RTS games like Ages of Empires, this game was a dream come true.

    You have several fractions from the history of Star Wars to choose from to represent: Royal Naboo, Galactic Empire, Rebel Alliance, Gungans, Wookies, and Trade Federation. Each have their advantages involving units, resource gathering, building, and tech. There are several maps to choose from in quick battles, from generic terrain to places you see in the films. You gather resources to build and work towards your goal to victory which could be a deathmatch, kill the leader, king of the hill, etc. There can be up to 8 players (if I remember correctly) which if you have friends who own the game, you can have them join you against AI opponents across the same network or just play against the computer yourself.

    There is also a campaign mode which follows events in the series as well as a scenario customizer where you can build the map and game style.

    Overall it is addictive and I tend to find myself playing for more than 4 hours at a time. Very enjoyable and one of my favorites.    … Full Review »
  2. Disguised
    Sep 13, 2007
    10
    The most superior RTS in the Star Wars legacy of games.
  3. RyanCrossland
    Feb 23, 2006
    10
    cumon people...this star wars game is by far the best yet...The idea of fighting in space and on the ground are revolutionary. The graphicscumon people...this star wars game is by far the best yet...The idea of fighting in space and on the ground are revolutionary. The graphics are really good, however on the down side...the only down side, there does seem to be a bit of stop start (as in it freezes then works perfectly again....or its just slow)
    SO GO BUY IT!!    … Full Review »
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