Star Wars: Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike, a video game entry in the Star Wars: Rogue Squadron series, was launched in 2003. This title, developed by Factor 5 and published by LucasArts, was exclusive to the Nintendo GameCube console. Currently, it holds the status of a Player's Choice title.
A new feature added to this installment was the player's capability to disembark from their starship and participate in ground combat. Players could also operate ground vehicles, such as an Imperial AT-AT or AT-ST, during specific missions.
The game's structure includes two campaigns, one focused on Wedge Antilles and the other on Luke Skywalker. Additionally, there is a Battle of Endor campaign where players assume the roles of Luke, Arvel Crynyd, and Chewbacca. The game also features the previous game's campaign in a multiplayer co-op mode, alongside various VS modes.
Throughout the Galactic Civil War, the elite pilots of Rogue Squadron engaged in numerous conflicts, spanning from the early Battle of Yavin to the crucial Battle of Endor. Under the leadership of Luke Skywalker and Wedge Antilles, the squadron played a vital part in the war's progression.
Luke Skywalker guided Rogue Squadron through many engagements, from rescuing defectors to fighting across the frozen landscape of Hoth. After Skywalker's departure to train as a Jedi Knight, Antilles assumed command, leading the squadron on several clandestine missions.
Star Wars: Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike is a space-based combat simulation game, similar to other titles in the Star Wars: Rogue Squadron series. Uniquely, this installment allows players to participate in missions on foot or using ground-based vehicles for the first time in the series.
- Tatooine Training
- Revenge of the Empire
- Defiance on Dantooine
- Defenders of Ralltiir
- Extraction from Ralltiir
- Battlefield Hoth
- Trials of a Jedi
- Sarlacc Pit ( Battle of the Great Pit of Carkoon )
- Speeder Bike Pursuit
- Triumph of the Rebellion
The game offers five distinct multiplayer modes: Dogfight, Rampage, Tag and Defend, Special, and co-op.
- Dogfight is a straightforward one-on-one combat scenario using the player's preferred spacecraft.
- Rampage centers around players accumulating points by destroying objects.
- Tag and Defend is the most intricate mode, requiring players to maintain control over specific structures. For every 15 seconds a building is controlled, 1 point is awarded. Controlled buildings automatically start constructing defenses. Enemy buildings can be captured by destroying them. The first player to reach the target score wins.
- Special includes races set in iconic Star Wars locations, along with a version of Rampage that features ground vehicles.
- Co-op is a campaign-style mode. Most of the co-op missions are adapted from single-player levels found in Star Wars: Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader, with some modifications.
The three arcade games inspired by the original trilogy are included as unlockable extras. Star Wars becomes available after the completion of "Death Star Rescue," The Empire Strikes Back after "Triumph of the Rebellion," and Return of the Jedi can only be unlocked using a cheat code (specifically, "!?ATH!RD GAME?YES").
Upon completing the game, players can unlock and view the special feature titled The Making of Star Wars: Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike.