Disney's Star Wars: Commander has just been released as a free-to-play game for all major Apple iOS devices. An Android version will also be available in the coming weeks.
On Friday, Aug. 22, Disney Interactive executive producer Nathan Etter gave insight into the development of Star Wars: Commander in an interview with Gamespot. The senior executive said that the game places more emphasis on story, as opposed to what has been done in other titles.
"Often, in some of these [other] games, I can't say in all of them, but in some of these games, story isn't really a prevalent piece of the game. But we know we're making a game for a broad audience of Star Wars fans, and story is absolutely essential to them," he explained.
Players will relive events in Star Wars Episodes IV thru VI, and will start their journey on the planet of Tatooine. The game experience will eventually expand to other planets via DLC content that will be released later. Along the way, players will meet familiar faces that include Han Solo, Prince Leia, Chewbacca, and Darth Vader.
Although Star Wars: Commander is free for download, gamers will still need to buy virtual currency using real money. Called Crystals, the digital tokens can be used to purchase handy items that will enhance gameplay. However, Etter was quick to point out that players cannot buy their way to success, and that winning still requires strategy.
"We don't want, and will not let this become, a pay-to-win game," Etter insists. "A lot of our game design time is spent making sure that we do have a level playing field for players."
Ever since Disney acquired the rights to Star Wars, it has been busy with a new line of products. Besides games, the company is working on the highly-anticipated Star Wars: Episode VII film, which is the first chapter in a sequel trilogy. This marks the first time Disney is producing a Star Wars film, ever since the corporation bought out Lucasfilm in 2012.
Players can download Star Wars: Commander at the Apple App Store.
Star Wars: Commander Gameplayer Trailer
