Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Star Wars: Battlefront – Renegade Squadron streamlines the proven Battlefield-style formula for the PSP, delivering a console-quality action experience on a handheld platform. Players can select from four iconic factions—the Rebel Alliance, Galactic Empire, Republic Clone Army, and CIS Droid Army—each with a roster of legendary heroes and villains. Whether you’re charging into a ground skirmish as a stormtrooper or vaulting into the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon, the game’s core loop of capturing command points and completing mission objectives feels remarkably faithful to its console predecessors.

One of the biggest gameplay innovations in Renegade Squadron is the deep class-customization system. Before each match, you’re free to tailor your loadout with primary and secondary weapons, grenades, and unique class perks. This encourages experimentation: one moment you’re a heavily armored trooper with an E-11 blaster rifle, and the next you’re a nimble scout dashing across the battlefield with a repeating blaster. This level of choice adds strategic depth, especially when you pair specialized kits with the game’s vehicle battles.

Vehicle combat returns in full force, letting you pilot starfighters, ground transports, and even capital ships in massive engagements. The flight controls are intuitive, with lock-on targeting for dogfights and responsive handling for strafing runs. Ground vehicles—from AT-RT walkers to Hailfire droids—feel sturdy and impactful, making them a welcome power-play when used properly. The variety of maps, from the jungles of Endor to the corridors of a Republic cruiser, keeps each match feeling fresh.

Renegade Squadron’s multiplayer is where the game really shines. Infrastructure mode supports up to 16 players online, while ad-hoc sessions let you link up to eight PSPs locally. A unique credit system rewards every kill and objective, which you can spend on unlocking new weapons, gadgets, and even cosmetic upgrades. This persistent progression loop drives you to keep playing, chasing bigger loadouts and custom characters you designed from the ground up.

Graphics

Considering the hardware constraints of the PSP, Renegade Squadron pushes the system to its limit with surprisingly detailed environments and character models. Textures on the battlefield terrain hold up well, and the iconic visual flourishes—such as blaster bolts arcing through the air or the glow of a lightsaber—are faithfully rendered. The game’s art direction leans into the classic Star Wars aesthetic, ensuring that locations like Hoth and Naboo feel instantly recognizable despite the lower resolution.

Frame rate is generally stable, hovering around a smooth 30 frames per second even in hectic multiplayer matches. Occasional drops occur when multiple explosions or large capital ships appear on screen, but these hitches are brief and seldom interrupt the flow of combat. Load times between matches and missions are kept to a minimum, thanks to efficient data streaming, so you spend more time playing and less time waiting.

Lighting and particle effects stand out as particular strengths. The muzzle flash of a T-21 repeat blaster casting dynamic shadows or the fiery debris from a demolished AT-ST walker both add a layer of immersion uncommon for a handheld title. Character animations, while not as fluid as those on home consoles, are serviceable—maximizing limited polygons to convey the weight and momentum of each soldier, hero, and vehicle.

Story

Renegade Squadron’s narrative picks up after the Battle of Yavin IV, following a newly formed Rebel cell tasked with high-risk special operations. Rather than relying on traditional cutscenes, the game presents its plot through comic book–style panels accompanied by voice-over narration. This approach delivers an effective blend of visual flair and concise storytelling, letting you quickly dive into missions without losing the epic feel of the Star Wars saga.

Over a dozen story missions take you across the galaxy, from covert infiltrations on Imperial installations to desperate defenses of Rebel outposts. Each assignment introduces fresh objectives—data retrieval, escort duties, sabotage runs—that prevent the campaign from feeling repetitive. Occasional appearances by iconic characters like Han Solo, Leia Organa, and Darth Maul punctuate the action, lending star power to key moments without overshadowing your Renegade troopers.

Voice performances are competent if not stellar, capturing the gravitas of the universe without veering into caricature. The comic-panel presentation, while a departure from full-motion cinematics, fits the PSP’s limitations and provides a stylized vibe that complements the game’s brisk pacing. Though the story is relatively short compared to console titles, it balances scope and accessibility—ideal for handheld play sessions.

Overall Experience

Star Wars: Battlefront – Renegade Squadron is a remarkable achievement for the PSP, packing console-caliber battles into a portable form factor. Its blend of tight shooting mechanics, deep customization, and iconic Star Wars trappings deliver an addictive multiplayer experience that keeps you coming back for more. The single-player campaign may be concise, but it’s filled with enough variety and narrative intrigue to satisfy fans on the go.

While minor graphical hiccups and simplified animations betray the game’s handheld roots, these are small trade-offs for the scope of content packed onto a UMD. Whether you’re commanding a squad of Rebels, storming Imperial strongholds, or dogfighting in space, the core gameplay loop remains consistently engaging. The persistent progression and online community support add further longevity beyond the base missions.

For PSP owners craving a robust Star Wars shooter, Renegade Squadron stands out as one of the system’s premier titles. It faithfully captures the thrill of large-scale battles, the excitement of piloting legendary ships, and the drama of the galactic conflict—all without the need for a TV. In short, this is a must-have for die-hard fans and portable gamers alike, offering dozens of hours of combat, customization, and replayability.

Retro Replay Score

7/10