Star Wars: Rebel Assault
Encyclopedia
Star Wars: Rebel Assault was the first CD ROM-only game published by LucasArts
, set in the Star Wars
universe. It was released for the PC
followed by subsequent releases on the Sega CD, Mac and 3DO
platforms.
(FMV) on the PC. In this case the video was used to display pre-rendered 3D graphics that were far ahead of what a PC could render in real-time at the time. Developers pre-rendered various environments and battles and the player flew through these environments. Unfortunately, because it was pre-rendered 3D graphics, the level of player control was extremely limited. In fact, the player could not stray from the path in more than a few branched areas and was usually limited to only aiming the crosshairs at enemies.
The game consisted mainly of recreating famous scenes from the movies, rather than being accurate to the Star Wars storyline: it primarily follows the events of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
, but also includes elements from the Battle of Hoth.
The gameplay consists of various spaceflight missions, mainly confined in a certain video looping. The course of the ship is predetermined and the player has to hit the targets (usually TIE fighter
s) that appear onscreen; however, he is able to partially control and steer the ship so that it won't collide with obstacles and lose hit points. In a few stages, there are branching points but most stages consist of a straight run through to the end point or consist of a looping area until all targets are destroyed. One odd aspect of the game is that if the player moves the targeting cursor after firing, the shots that were already fired will actually follow the cursor. Bonus points are awarded for certain aspects such as accuracy, or whether certain accomplishments are made, such as successfully using a torpedo.
In some cases, original footage was filmed for the game with actors, and a Star Destroyer
model was digitized (a mini camera 'flew' around it) for a certain mission. Most of the graphics were rendered in 3D.
in the style of Luke Skywalker
. The game largely takes place during the events of Episode IV: A New Hope
, however the sequences on Hoth
from The Empire Strikes Back are included.
The game begins with Rookie One's training (the player), followed by an attack on the Star Destroyer Devastator, after its capture of the Tantive IV
in the events of the film. The story then leads the player to sequences to defend the Rebel Base on Hoth from the attack shown in the Empire Strikes Back, and finally ends in the assault on the Death Star
of the film, with the player taking the place of Luke Skywalker in destroying the battle station. Should the player not survive the final assault on the Death Star, a canned video clip shows the Empire destroying the fourth moon of Yavin
, and a narrator announce that "with their ultimate weapon," the Empire was able to find and defeat the Rebel Alliance permanently. Also, should Rebel One's wing man be shot down before the Death Star trench (he takes the place of Luke's friend, Biggs Darklighter), the game resets to the beginning of the assault sequence.
All of the original characters are replaced by new characters and voices, and in some cases, new situations. For example, Han Solo
and the Millennium Falcon
are replaced by a fighter wing leader in an A-Wing who saves "Rookie One" just before he has to take the final shot on the Death Star. This area of the game was confirmed to be non-canon by Leland Chee.
The Sega CD version is missing Chapter 7 (Imperial Probe Droids) and skips straight to Chapter 8 (Imperial Walkers), but renumbers it as chapter 7 (as well as numbering all subsequent chapters accordingly).
The game was followed by Star Wars: Rebel Assault II: The Hidden Empire.
LucasArts
LucasArts Entertainment Company, LLC is an American video game developer and publisher. The company was once famous for its innovative line of graphic adventure games, the critical and commercial success of which peaked in the mid 1990s...
, set in the Star Wars
Star Wars
Star Wars is an American epic space opera film series created by George Lucas. The first film in the series was originally released on May 25, 1977, under the title Star Wars, by 20th Century Fox, and became a worldwide pop culture phenomenon, followed by two sequels, released at three-year...
universe. It was released for the PC
Personal computer
A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end-user with no intervening computer operator...
followed by subsequent releases on the Sega CD, Mac and 3DO
3DO Interactive Multiplayer
The 3DO Interactive Multiplayer is a video game console originally produced by Panasonic in 1993. Further renditions of the hardware were released in 1994 by Sanyo and Goldstar. The consoles were manufactured according to specifications created by The 3DO Company, and were originally designed by...
platforms.
Summary
Although the scenario, the plot, and the variety of missions were considered neither original nor rich, the game was valued for the technical details, since it featured digitized footage (albeit limited, most replaced by CGI rendered sequences) and music from the original movies, and full speech. Rebel Assault is one of the oldest titles to make use of extensive full motion videoFull motion video
Full motion video based games are video games that rely upon pre-recorded TV-quality movie or animation rather than sprites, vectors, or 3D models to display action in the game. In the early 1990s a diverse set of games utilized this format...
(FMV) on the PC. In this case the video was used to display pre-rendered 3D graphics that were far ahead of what a PC could render in real-time at the time. Developers pre-rendered various environments and battles and the player flew through these environments. Unfortunately, because it was pre-rendered 3D graphics, the level of player control was extremely limited. In fact, the player could not stray from the path in more than a few branched areas and was usually limited to only aiming the crosshairs at enemies.
The game consisted mainly of recreating famous scenes from the movies, rather than being accurate to the Star Wars storyline: it primarily follows the events of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, originally released as Star Wars, is a 1977 American epic space opera film, written and directed by George Lucas. It is the first of six films released in the Star Wars saga: two subsequent films complete the original trilogy, while a prequel trilogy completes the...
, but also includes elements from the Battle of Hoth.
The gameplay consists of various spaceflight missions, mainly confined in a certain video looping. The course of the ship is predetermined and the player has to hit the targets (usually TIE fighter
TIE fighter
TIE fighters are fictional starfighters in the Star Wars universe. Propelled by Twin Ion Engines , TIE fighters are depicted as fast, fragile starfighters produced by Sienar Fleet Systems for the Galactic Empire...
s) that appear onscreen; however, he is able to partially control and steer the ship so that it won't collide with obstacles and lose hit points. In a few stages, there are branching points but most stages consist of a straight run through to the end point or consist of a looping area until all targets are destroyed. One odd aspect of the game is that if the player moves the targeting cursor after firing, the shots that were already fired will actually follow the cursor. Bonus points are awarded for certain aspects such as accuracy, or whether certain accomplishments are made, such as successfully using a torpedo.
In some cases, original footage was filmed for the game with actors, and a Star Destroyer
Star Destroyer
Star Destroyers are capital ships in the fictional Star Wars universe. The Imperial Star Destroyer, which first appears in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope , is "the signature vessel of the Imperial fleet"...
model was digitized (a mini camera 'flew' around it) for a certain mission. Most of the graphics were rendered in 3D.
Story
The game follows the adventures of a young pilot known as Rookie One, a farmer from TatooineTatooine
Tatooine is a fictional planet and setting for many key scenes in the Star Wars saga, appearing in every Star Wars film except The Empire Strikes Back, although it is mentioned at the end of the movie...
in the style of Luke Skywalker
Luke Skywalker
Luke Skywalker is a fictional character and the main protagonist of the original film trilogy of the Star Wars franchise, where he is portrayed by Mark Hamill. He is introduced in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, in which he is forced to leave home, and finds himself apprenticed to the Jedi master...
. The game largely takes place during the events of Episode IV: A New Hope
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, originally released as Star Wars, is a 1977 American epic space opera film, written and directed by George Lucas. It is the first of six films released in the Star Wars saga: two subsequent films complete the original trilogy, while a prequel trilogy completes the...
, however the sequences on Hoth
Hoth
In the fictional universe of Star Wars, Hoth is the sixth planet of a remote system of the same name. It is a terrestrial planet blanketed by snow and ice. Many meteorites from a nearby asteroid belt pelt the planet's surface, making temporary craters in the planet's ever-moving snow drifts. Hoth...
from The Empire Strikes Back are included.
The game begins with Rookie One's training (the player), followed by an attack on the Star Destroyer Devastator, after its capture of the Tantive IV
Tantive IV
The Tantive IV is a fictional spaceship in the Star Wars film series. It was used by Bail Organa in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and by Leia Organa in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, and was the first vessel audiences saw when Star Wars premiered in 1977...
in the events of the film. The story then leads the player to sequences to defend the Rebel Base on Hoth from the attack shown in the Empire Strikes Back, and finally ends in the assault on the Death Star
Death Star
The Death Star is a fictional moon-sized space station and superweapon appearing in the Star Wars movies and expanded universe. It is capable of destroying a planet with a single destructive super charged energy beam.-Origin and design:...
of the film, with the player taking the place of Luke Skywalker in destroying the battle station. Should the player not survive the final assault on the Death Star, a canned video clip shows the Empire destroying the fourth moon of Yavin
Yavin
Yavin is a planet in the fictional Star Wars universe. As seen in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, it is a red gas giant. Its core is composed of metallic substances and pieces of carbon and metallic hydrogen that form corusca gems. Although mining these gems is a promising venture, Yavin is...
, and a narrator announce that "with their ultimate weapon," the Empire was able to find and defeat the Rebel Alliance permanently. Also, should Rebel One's wing man be shot down before the Death Star trench (he takes the place of Luke's friend, Biggs Darklighter), the game resets to the beginning of the assault sequence.
All of the original characters are replaced by new characters and voices, and in some cases, new situations. For example, Han Solo
Han Solo
Han Solo is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise played by Harrison Ford. Introduced in the film Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope , Solo and his Wookiee co-pilot, Chewbacca , become involved in the Rebel Alliance against the Galactic Empire...
and the Millennium Falcon
Millennium Falcon
The Millennium Falcon is a spacecraft in the Star Wars universe commanded by smuggler Han Solo and his Wookiee first mate, Chewbacca...
are replaced by a fighter wing leader in an A-Wing who saves "Rookie One" just before he has to take the final shot on the Death Star. This area of the game was confirmed to be non-canon by Leland Chee.
The Sega CD version is missing Chapter 7 (Imperial Probe Droids) and skips straight to Chapter 8 (Imperial Walkers), but renumbers it as chapter 7 (as well as numbering all subsequent chapters accordingly).
The game was followed by Star Wars: Rebel Assault II: The Hidden Empire.