May marks the 20th anniversary of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, and for many fans, the film is synonymous with its intriguing tie-in game. One standout feature that keeps the game alive in discussions is its two endings: the official narrative where Obi-Wan triumphs over Anakin, paving the way for the Original Trilogy, and a riveting alternate where Anakin defeats Obi-Wan, kills Palpatine, and ascends as the new Emperor.
In a recent conversation with Inverse, game writer Jeremy Barlow shared insights on how the alternate ending emerged from a concept proposed by LucasArts. Initially, The Collective aimed for separate campaigns for Anakin and Obi-Wan but decided instead to combine them into a single storyline featuring alternating perspectives. Barlow embraced the idea of Anakin eliminating Obi-Wan, viewing it as an essential move that would demonstrate Anakin’s dominance as the galaxy’s strongest Force user and his subsequent betrayal of his mentor.
“It totally fit in with the whole Sith ideology of the apprentice surpassing and killing the master, and we were all excited about it,” Barlow noted. The development of the Revenge of the Sith game faced numerous hurdles—The Collective took over from another studio and had to restart development just months before the scheduled release. In his words, they had to “get to the point as fast and seamlessly as possible” with only a brief 90-second cutscene. Despite the simplicity of the ending, Barlow expressed gratitude that it has remained memorable, highlighting its significance in fan culture and the impact of the Star Wars franchise itself.
If given the chance, Barlow would explore the ramifications of Anakin ruling as Emperor. He posited that under Anakin’s reign, the galaxy could face dire consequences, suggesting Palpatine did adhere to a certain structure, albeit twisted. This dramatic shift would also generate captivating family dynamics: how would Padmé raise twins while being married to the galaxy’s most formidable power figure—one she openly fears? How would Luke and Leia navigate the challenges of having parents who outwardly present a united front yet privately hold conflicting views?
Lucasfilm may not delve into these scenarios, but that opens the door to fanfiction, allowing enthusiasts to imagine and explore these narratives further.
What makes the alternate ending of Revenge of the Sith so captivating? The shocking twist of Anakin killing Obi-Wan resonates with fans and sparks discussions about power dynamics within the Sith culture.
Can we expect more content exploring Anakin as the Emperor? While Lucasfilm hasn’t announced specific projects, the idea continues to inspire creators and fans alike.
What are some of the most memorable aspects of the Revenge of the Sith game? Players often recount the emotional weight of the duel between Anakin and Obi-Wan, coupled with the narrative choices that shape the ending experience.
How has the game maintained relevance in the gaming community? The blend of engaging storytelling, iconic characters, and unique game mechanics keeps the title alive, prompting discussions even two decades later.
As we celebrate the legacy of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, there’s more to explore in the expansive universe of Star Wars. Dive deeper into the stories, the characters, and all that this incredible franchise has to offer by visiting Moyens I/O.