The classic, well received shooter, Star Wars Battlefront II, has just received an update that has restored online multiplayer to all users across the gaming distribution platform, GOG. As an added bonus, GOG and Steam users will be able to battle across the galaxy together with the addition of cross-platform play.
In 2005, players were able to play in the immersive Star Wars universe with Pandemic’s Battlefront II, the sequel to 2004’s Battlefront I. The single player portion of Battlefront was an exciting way for the player to experience notable battles and pivotal moments of Star Wars either as a clone trooper (in first or third-person) or a Jedi. These battles would be intense as they were expansive, and these moments were enhanced whilst playing online multiplayer. The player could jump into a match to engage in tense, space ship battles, or play exclusively as their favorite hero, or villain, in order to eliminate the opposing team’s heroes/villains.
All this was enjoyed by players around the world for nine years, that is, until GameSpy, the online service that provided multiplayer support, announced that it was shutting down its servers in mid 2014. Although the service was extended past the original shut down date, the love for the multiplayer was not enough to save the official servers. However, almost like in Episode IV, there was new hope. GameRanger, an independent internet gaming service, helped to bring servers online for Battlefront players on Steam. They could continue to freely fight for control of planets and flags under GameRanger.
Unfortunately, GOG users that owned Battlefront II were not able to use their copies of the game to access the GameRanger service, until now. GOG and Steam users can finally team up to save the galaxy, or face off against each other. Star Wars Battlefront II is available on GOG right now for $4 and on Steam for $10. Happy battling, and may the force be with you.