Empire at War seeks to bridge the gap between Episode III and Episode IV. This is an interesting period in Star Wars history, as it encompasses all the critical ties that make the original trilogy work. During this time period, the Rebellion is just beginning its grass roots, and the Empire is stretching its might across the entire galaxy, conquest swelling in the Emperor's eyes. As is customary in a Star Wars game, we are greeted with the prologue being presented by gold lettering gently disappearing into the starry void.

"The entire galaxy is under the rule of the tyrannical Galactic Empire. The only remaining resistance is a small Rebel Alliance that dares to challenge their military supremacy.

The impending creation of the Empire's ultimate weapon, the DEATH STAR, threatens to crush the Rebellion. Once operational, the Empire will have the power to destroy an entire planet in their means.

Threatening to turn the tied of this struggle is an unknown Imperial traitor, who deals in military secrets. The Emperor has tasked his apprentice, DARTH VADER, with tracking down and eliminating this double agent..."

At least, that's from the Empire's point of view. Playing as the Rebellion will yield its own storyline, but for the purposes of review we will leave that for you to discover on your own. Rest assured that it is equally as compelling. On the Empire side, we get to see Darth Vader's leadership as he becomes a legend. The Emperor has sent him to find out why the Empire's secrets are being leaked to the Rebellion. A series of story based missions follow allowing you to unlock the cooler toys found in the Star Wars arsenal. All of it leads towards the building of the incredible Death Star and the beginning of Episode IV.