‘Star Wars: Battlefront’ unleashed at convention

ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Force isn’t merely awakening on the big screen. It’s also returning to the video game realm.

“Star Wars: Battlefront” publisher Electronic Arts and Swedish developer DICE showcased their next- generation rendition of the “Star Wars” multiplayer shooter Friday at Star Wars Celebration, the annual fan extravaganza celebrating the sci-fi franchise.

The new iteration of “Battlefront” takes place amid the conflicts of the original film trilogy and is scheduled for release Nov. 17 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PCs.

“Battlefront” will focus on frenzied shoot-outs between up to 40 players portraying Rebel Alliance and Galactic Empire forces. In a demonstration of the game’s multiplayer mode, a team of jet-pack-equipped rebels were shown carving their way through the woodsy Endor while Stormtroopers charged at them on foot, on speeders and within walkers, including a hulking AT-AT war machine.

Other locales teased in game footage included the snowy Hoth, sandy Tatooine and gooey Sullust, a lava-spewing planet referenced in 1983’s “Return of the Jedi,” as well as many “Star Wars” games and novels, but rarely ever seen. “Battlefront” won’t solely be centered on expendable ground troops. The game will reward sharpshooters with the ability to embody such iconic characters as bounty hunter Boba Fett and Sith baddie Darth Vader on the battlefield.

“You can storm in as the Dark Lord himself,” said “Battlefront” design director Niklas Fegraeus. “You can wield a lightsaber. You can Force-choke the rebel scum, which is fun. Basically, you are the boss of the battle. This means that you, as Vader, can lead your team to victory — if you play well.”

The action will also take to the skies with players engaging in dogfights with TIE Fighters, X- wings and the Millennium Falcon.

“We wanted it to feel authentic to this universe,” said “Battlefront” executive producer Patrick Bach.