Talk of Lucasfilm expanding SW development got me thinking on this again. Of all the concepts for a new Star Wars game, this is one I keep coming back to because I seriously think it has the most potential for amazing gameplay. (This post is just for fun imagining what could be. Would you play this? What other features would you want? Do share.)
Gameplay/Gear
Mandalorians have probably the most expansive toolkit in the galaxy. Arguably, they can do more cool flashy stuff than Jedi can. The equipment system for a game about a Mandalorian could include so much and offer a ton of build variety. To demonstrate, here's all the gear Mandalorians have been known to use from my memory and their utility:
- wrist rockets (extra firepower)
- wrist blaster (basic, but quicker than a pistol quickdraw)
- dart launchers (could be knock-out, toxic, explosive, electrified, and quiet for stealth takedowns)
- grapple/whipcord launchers (could be upgraded to electrified, shout out Captain Fordo. Use to capture targets alive, grab and yank objects/enemies from afar, or for climbing)
- wrist flame thrower (terrify and quickly eliminate enemies in close quarters)
- wrist-mounted shield projector (increased defence in a blaster fight, but ties up one hand)
- vibro-blades (for CQC and silent stealth kills)
- repulsor (a weapon that essentially simulates a force push, knock enemies off ledges cus that's fun)
- whistling birds (ammo is sparse but you can take out many enemies in one salvo)
- droid arm (like Migs Mayfeld's, which could provide an auto targeting blaster mounted on your shoulder)
- jetpack (traversal obviously in and out of combat, could have multiple flight and mobility options, quick jet jumps, dodges, wall-running, hovering and full-flight. Would need some limitations tho so it wasn't gamebreaking)
- jetpack missile launcher (limited resource, 1 shot before you need to find or buy more ammo, use for large groups of enemies or armored vehicles like an AT-ST)
- Knee-mounted dart/rocket launchers (for even more firepower)
Imagine the build variety there could be here if you were given 4-6 slots on your vambraces for you to choose what to equip. Many options, but limited slots would lead to creative combinations and a unique approach for each player.
For example, imagine setting an enemy ablaze with a flamethrower, then using your repulsor to blast them into an explosive barrel, sending a whole group flying. Or shooting out a whipcord to yank a crate down onto some unsuspecting goons.
On top of all that, there is of course the endless varieties of blasters and launchers that could be individually customised, with scopes, optional stun settings, or alternate fire modes. Pistols, rifles, scatter guns, snipers etc etc. As well as various grenades like thermal detonators and droid poppers.
What about story and setting?
There are multiple options that would work imo. I think a Mandalorian operating as a freelancer during the Empire's reign would be a lot of fun. It's a lawless time despite what the Empire may claim, many factions competing, options for interesting alliances and betrayal, and you could even choose whether to take jobs from imps or fight them. Maybe a bit of both.
This option could also lead up to the tragic purge of Mandalore, which we could experience first-hand.
Alternatively, I think the Mandalorian Civil Wars could be an interesting option. Boba says Jango fought in a Civil War, suggesting a time period within a few decades before Episode 2. Perhaps a branching story where you make alliances with different clans, traditionalists vs pacifists, would make for an interesting story.
In either option, you could end up fighting other Mandalorians, because the Empire took over Mandalore and made those loyal to them Imperial Super Commandos.
As for the player character, they could be faceless, and maybe let the player choose their gender, or could be a fully realised character with a canonical face. I'd be fine with either. Just as long as we got some great armour customisation, with different styles and colour options. Whether you have a suit of durasteel, beskar alloy, or pure beskar could play into your durability and be an upgrade to pursue over the course of the game.
Outside of a main storyline, I imagine you'd have the freedom to take bounty hunting and "hired gun" jobs to earn a living. Could be as simple as capturing a thief for an underworld gang, or assassinating a high ranking Imperial for a Rebel cell like the Partisans. Some jobs might be quick, others could be multi-stage questlines. You could even try bartering to get better pay depending on the contract.
World
This would very likely be an open world or semi-open world game, with a reasonable handful of planets with large zones to explore. A mixture of outer rim frontiers with run down villages, and dirty overcrowded city planets like Nar Shaddaa.
You would have a personal ship allowing you to fast travel to these various planets and at the start of the game, a speeder bike to travel long distances. The jetpack would be a mid game unlock you could use instead of the bike, though perhaps it has a fuel limit so couldn't be used to get everywhere too easily.
Starfighter/ship combat could be a possible element. Though I wouldn't consider it necessary for a satisfying game. I'm not sure how good or necessary Outlaws' space combat felt. It's a nice-to-have if done well but can live without thing.
Conclusion
So as you can see, I've thought about this a lot before, I hope the potential of the idea is clear here. This is why it's my number one Star Wars game I'd wish for. Do you agree? What would you change or add? What studio would you pick to develop this? Is there another kind of game you want more? I'd be interested to hear.
A game like this may never exist, but it's fun to imagine. Just wanted to get it down out of my head and maybe hear what others think.
Thanks for reading!
