Galaxy Guide

Welcome to the front lines, soldier. As a warrior in service to the Rebel, Imperial, Separatist, or Clone Troopers army, you see action across all four corners of the galaxy. But if you think that thermal detonators or a sniper rifle alone are going to save your sorry hide when Republic gunships or snail tanks come screaming over the horizon, guess again.

Assuming survival's your ultimate goal—and certainly, hundreds will die as legions clash for control of the universe—you'd best have a working knowledge of each battlefield. Here's a sneak peek at a few locales you'll be fighting at.

Look, ma … I can fly!

Coruscant
The former government headquarters for the Galactic Republic, Coruscant was also once home to the Jedi temple and the Jedi High Council. Now a victim of urban sprawl, cities with towering buildings dominate its surface.

Struggling through high-tech environments such as the two-story Jedi library and Jedi Council chambers, you'll vie for control of carefully placed command posts. When plotting defensive strategies, make sure you're conscious of all potential routes of approach; attacks can frequently come from multiple directions.

Hint:A preponderance of narrow hallways makes hero units extremely powerful on this stage, and rushing to grab as many command posts as possible at the beginning of play is a wise move.

Dagobah
Dagobah is a swamp-infested wasteland which you may recall from the original Star Wars trilogy. It's here Yoda made his home, and Luke came to train in the ways of the Jedi.

Never mind the choking gloom and gnarled trees that obscure one's view, though—you'll be more concerned with maintaining control of command posts, which are placed in highly contentious areas. Take advantage of cover, hiding in the grass or firing away at enemies forced to cross open ground, and you might just pull through.

Hint:J etpack-equipped troopers let you get the drop on unsuspecting enemies here, and camouflage-wearing Rebels have an instant advantage, as their uniforms blend in with the scenery.

Dueling on the Death Star.

Endor
First featured in Return of the Jedi, this forest moon is overrun with woodlands. Which, of course, makes it an ideal playground for those oh-so-cuddly critters which we all know and adore, the Ewoks. Villages built atop giant trees, shield bunkers, and areas rife with overgrown foliage all await explorers.

You'll want to grab as many vehicles as possible to help navigate the terrain (or just fend off attacking foes). Zip around on speeder bikes, nab AT-ST walkers, and keep your wits about you: Rushing and sniping assaults are paramount.

Hint: Lay mines around key strategic positions to counter strikes that are spearheaded by vehicles, and beware of booby traps!

Felucia
Immense fungi and other strange growths lie everywhere on this garishly colored world, providing a bizarre backdrop upon which to confront your rivals. Count on spotting oddly-shaped trees and giant plants with leafy fronds at every turn.

The vegetation provides welcome cover from withering hails of blaster fire. In fact, the choking canopy can even prevent vehicles from passing certain points. Therefore, jetpacks are a boon to armchair generals, as is the use of heroes with long-distance attacks such as the lightsaber-hurling Aayla Secura.

Hint: Trust in the game's targeting features … otherwise the level's limited visibility will effectively obscure enemies until they're at point-blank range.

The battle rages on Tantive IV.

Hoth
Here's hoping you packed a winter coat; this icy planet's covered in frost. Take a hint from the world's sub-zero temperatures and treat enemies with cold-blooded ferocity.

Vehicles like snowspeeders and AT-ATs play a pivotal role in all conflicts here, as does the use of subterfuge to take out defenses such as turrets and shield generators before mopping up one's enemies. Mounting a strong defense is almost as important as executing surgical strikes; relying on brute force will only result in massive body counts on both sides.

Hint: Take out AT-ATs with less fuss by hopping into a snowspeeder and wrapping a tow cable around their legs … it's the fastest way to bring the walkers crashing down.

Confident in your ability to proceed with Capture the Flag and general combat scenarios given the information provided so far? Newsflash: The fighting only gets harsher from here on out, with skirmishes set at Geonosis, Jabba's Palace, and Mos Eisley all in the offing. Still, play it smart, and you might just live long enough to clash blades with Darth Maul, Anakin Skywalker, and Obi-Wan Kenobi himself.

Article by Chris Zimmerman