The MagazineCanada

Developer: Savage Ent. Publisher: LucasArts Platform: PSP, DS The most exciting aspect of this new entry in the BATTLEFRONT series is that battles unfold across multiple levels, mixing space conflicts with ground combat on the same planet to create a layered war experience. When the space battles tilt against the player, the action can shift to a fighter craft that climbs into orbit to reinforce the front lines, score hits from above, or disrupt enemy fleets before they reach the planet’s airspace. This dynamic setup demands players track both theaters of war at once and adjust tactics in real time, rewarding quick thinking and flexible positioning rather than sticking to a single plan. A fresh story mode introduces a campaign with new missions, voice moments, and cinematic beats, while an online mode supports matches with up to 15 participants, letting squads coordinate across space and ground fronts in shared battles. On the PSP, control is mapped to the analog nub and the face buttons for fast strafes and power maneuvers, with the option to command air or ground units through simple, intuitive inputs. The DS version takes advantage of the dual screens to keep the map and units in view while layers of action unfold, helping players manage squads, call in airstrikes, and respond to evolving threats without losing track of the objective. Across modes, matchmakers and lobbies streamline setup so players spend less time waiting and more time in combat, building momentum as teams push toward victory. Players can tailor loadouts to fit roles such as aerial escort, frontline infantry, or artillery support, combining weaponry and equipment to suit the map, the mission, and the opponent. The game’s audio and visuals emphasize the scale of conflict, with diverse sound effects for blasters and engines, vivid weapon flashes, and camera work that captures the drama of multi-front warfare, while the user interface provides quick access to squad commands and objective markers. In practice, this combination yields a pace that is accessible to newcomers but offers depth for experienced players who enjoy coordinating complex moves, managing resource blocks, and executing synchronized strikes across both fronts. With these features, the title aims to deliver long sessions of dynamic play, whether one completes a quick skirmish between duties or dives into a longer campaign that explores the stakes behind every move and every engagement. The overall verdict remains 3/5, highlighting the ambitious scope and the energy of multiplayer play while acknowledging room for refinement in the single-player arc and balance between space and ground combat.