Star Wars: Episode I: Battle for Naboo




Almost three years following the debut of Rogue Squadron, Star Wars: Episode I: Battle for Naboo, which was launched for the Nintendo 64 and PC, elaborates on the events transpiring on Naboo after its occupation by the Trade Federation in the year 32 BBY. You assume the role of Lieutenant Gavyn Sykes, endeavoring to free the planet Naboo from the Trade Federation's grip by piloting a variety of vehicles and starships, such as the AAT, STAP, and N-1 starfighter. Conceived as a follow-up to Rogue Squadron, the game's development was spearheaded by Factor 5, resulting in numerous similarities to its predecessor, Rogue Squadron. Notably, it pioneered the inclusion of an audio commentary track synchronized with the level progression, a feature subsequently adopted in Star Wars: Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader and Star Wars: Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike.

Among the three supplementary stages are missions that feature a pursuit of Darth Maul's Sith Infiltrator across Coruscant.

Plot summary

Opening crawl

The game's narrative commences during the Fall of Theed, set in 32 BBY. Here, Lieutenant Gavyn Sykes is tasked with the rescue of Captain Kael. Following their escape into the countryside, they confront the Trade Federation's resistance. Subsequently, they forge alliances and initiate an offensive.

Sykes, alongside his resistance faction, proceeds to liberate Naboo slaves, only to be betrayed by their ally, Borvo the Hutt. Sykes and his wingmen then expel the Hutt from Naboo, refocusing their efforts on combating the Trade Federation's occupation.

With the return of Queen Padmé Amidala, Sykes enlists in the diversionary battles, fighting to reclaim the planet. He then participates in the assault on the Vuutun Palaa, the Federation's Droid Control Ship. The ship's destruction marks the liberation of Naboo.

At one juncture, Sykes engages in a chase with the Sith Lord Darth Maul on Coruscant, and defends a commando raid. Additionally, a non-canon mission depicts Darth Maul's assault on Naboo's defense forces and civilians.

Gameplay

Star Wars: Battle for Naboo presents itself as a single-player action flight simulator and vehicular combat video game.

Players gain access to a variety of aerial and ground vehicles belonging to both Naboo and the Trade Federation.

Levels

Escape from Theed

"Escape from Theed": Sykes runs down three battle droids in the streets of Theed.

This particular mission is designed as a training exercise for players to hone their aiming and gameplay skills.

Briefing: Theed is now under the control of the Trade Federation. As Bravo Six, Lt. Gavyn Sykes is tasked with evacuating the city alongside his commander to evade capture by the droid army.

Mission objectives:

Requirements for Gold:

Neimoidian Plunder

Briefing: With the Trade Federation having seized control of Naboo, the swamps appear to be the only secure areas left. Accompany Captain Kael through the Naboo Farmlands en route to the swamps. Your mission is to safeguard any civilians and settlements threatened by Trade Federation forces.

Mission Objectives:

Requirements for Gold:

Naboo Bayou

Briefing: A trading village lies hidden in the swamp's depths. Your objective is to locate this village before it faces destruction. The traders residing there might offer crucial information and potential allies for the resistance.

Mission Objectives:

Requirements for Gold:

Smuggler Alliance

Briefing: Venture into the mountains in search of a mysterious smuggler, who could prove to be a valuable ally in the struggle against the Trade Federation. Clear the area of Trade Federation forces and provide assistance to civilians in need.

Mission Objectives:

Requirements for Gold:

The Hutt's Retreat

Briefing: With Borvo the Hutt now aligned with the resistance, your task is to safeguard his vessel until it reaches his hidden outpost. Upon arrival at the base, Borvo's own pilots will join the fight against the Trade Federation.

Mission objectives:

Requirements for Gold:

Disruption of Comm 4

Briefing: Borvo and Captain Kael are formulating a plan to assault the Trade Federation Base on Naboo. However, before the attack can commence, you must disable the communications network that controls the target base. Locate and destroy the central comm satellite to disrupt the network.

Mission objectives:

Requirements for Gold:

Glacial Grave

Briefing: With the Comm Satellite destroyed, at least one Trade Federation base has been temporarily disabled. Launch an attack on the dormant base, destroying all Trade Federation weaponry, and seize a gunboat for the Resistance.

Mission objectives:

Requirements for Gold:

Andrevea River

Briefing: The Trade Federation has established labor camps along the banks of the Naboo River. Your mission is to liberate these camps and defeat the Neimoidian slave drivers.

Mission objectives:

Requirements for Gold:

Sanctuary

Gavyn Sykes in a Naboo starfighter protecting civilians.

Briefing: The rescued civilians are now under your protection. Escort them to the designated rendezvous point located in the northern ruins. Eliminate any Trade Federation forces that pose a threat to your mission.

Mission objectives:

Requirements for Gold:

Search for Captain Kael

Briefing: Captain Kael has gone missing. Your mission is to locate his crashed Starfighter and ensure its protection at all costs. The Trade Federation must not be allowed to capture Captain Kael.

Mission objectives:

Requirements for Gold:

Borvo the Hutt

Briefing: Borvo has betrayed you. He has murdered Captain Kael and now intends to sell your people into slavery. Pursue the Hutt and rescue the captive civilians. Safeguarding the people of Naboo is your top priority.

Mission objectives:

Requirements for Gold:

Liberation of Camp Four

Briefing: The Trade Federation has imprisoned Naboo's most prominent leaders within the infamous Camp Four. Your objective is to reach the camp, neutralize the Trade Federation forces, and liberate the captives before reinforcements arrive.

Mission objectives:

Requirements for Gold:

The Queen's Gambit

Briefing: Captain Quarsh Panaka and the Queen have made their return to Naboo. Rendezvous with Panaka and accompany him to the Queen, where you will learn about Amidala's comprehensive plan for liberating Naboo.

Mission objectives:

Requirements for Gold:

Panaka's Diversion

Briefing: The Queen is planning to enter Theed in an attempt to capture Viceroy Nute Gunray. Your role is to create a diversion to draw the attention of the Trade Federation's forces guarding Theed. Once Panaka and Padmé Amidala have entered the city limits, proceed to the Theed hangar and join the attack.

Mission objectives:

Requirements for Gold:

Battle for Naboo

Briefing: Bravo Flight has received orders to destroy the massive droid Control Ship orbiting Naboo. Your mission is to target the Control Ship's most vulnerable areas. Utilize your N-1 to disable the control ship's tractor beams and deflector shield generator.

Mission objectives:

Requirements for Gold:

Secret levels

Trade Federation Secrets

Briefing: Naboo Commandos have successfully taken control of a Trade Federation Research Facility. A Droid army has been deployed to destroy the base before its secrets can be revealed. Your mission is to defend the base until the commandos can be safely airlifted out.

Mission Objectives:

Requirements for Gold:

Coruscant Encounter

Briefing: Darth Maul has launched an attack on a Naboo Delegation upon their arrival at Coruscant. Your objective is to destroy the Sith Infiltrator before Darth Maul can inflict further damage.

Mission Objectives:

Requirements for Gold:

The Dark Side

Briefing: Annihilate all Naboo Forces. Assume control of the Infiltrator and obey your master.

Mission Objectives:

Requirements for Gold:

Development

Battle for Naboo saw its development under Factor 5, with publishing handled by LucasArts on December 14, 2000 for the Nintendo 64 platform. A PC version followed in March of 2001.

This title stood as one of three exclusive games for the N64, all developed under the LucasArts banner. Following the release of Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace, Brett Tosti, who spearheaded the Star Wars: Rogue Squadron series, conceived the idea of delving into the events on Naboo during Queen Amidala's absence.

In an interview featured in Star Wars Gamer magazine, Tosti shared insights into his team's development of the character Sykes, highlighting the game as a chance to showcase the activities of the Royal Security Forces and the Trade Federation during the invasion. Matt Walters lent his voice to Sykes, whose character was inspired by Bravo Six, portrayed by Christian J Simpson in scenes that were ultimately cut from the film.

During an interview with Factor 5 staff, it was revealed that initial planning sessions took place in February of 1999. LucasArts provided the art and level designs, while the development studio handled programming and post-production tasks. The staff also disclosed that the game's engine was only partially based on the one used for Star Wars: Rogue Squadron. Significant mathematical calculations were required to enable the new landscape. According to the staff, rendering a droid fighter required 200 polygons.

The menus operated at 60 frames per second, employing Flash-like technology. Sound effects were sourced from Episode I, and the music was fully interactive. The movie segments were re-rendered for the game, with new material composed.

The PC version was a direct port from the N64 version, featuring enhanced textures.

James Zhang was responsible for creating storyboards that outlined the level progression.

Continuity

Leland Chee later affirmed the canon status of Sykes' destruction of the shield generator on the Vuutun Palaa, as noted on Christian J Simpson's StarWars.com Blog.

Media

Editions

Credits

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