The Impact And Legacy Of ‘Star Wars: Republic Commando’

Since its release back in 2005, Star Wars: Republic Commando is still fresh in the memories of many die-hard Star Wars fans. Though regarded as a tactical first-person shooter, Republic Commando showed that there was more to the genetically modified shoot-em-up. Republic Commando was set within the Clone Wars from the Battle of Geonosis to the Battle of Kashyyyk with a cast of characters that introduced a dark, covert, and gritty side as opposed to the romanticized Jedi generals on the frontlines. Though a small entry in the greater narrative, Republic Commando contributed to keeping the franchise afloat.

"You will be superior to your more common brethren" -Taun We

Taun We’s opening narration instilled in you that you were different from the standard clone infantry. This was evident in your training, gear, and dangerous missions throughout the course of the game. Your character, Boss, led the elite clone commando unit Delta Squad through surgical missions in a grim and tactical setting akin to our world’s special forces or counter-terrorism team. In exploring the darker aspects of the Star Wars universe, the game introduced other specialized units within the Grand Army of the Republic and added to the worldbuilding of future Star Wars content.

The war chant “Vode An” adopted by the clones introduced fans to a warrior ethos that expanded the Mandalorian lore and future Clone Wars content. Republic Commando added a beloved fan detail to the brotherhood and individuality of each clone. Even your squad had its specializations, quirks, and traits within the four-man unit. Boss was the Delta Squad’s leader who had to make the calls for each battlefield opportunity. Scorch was the light-hearted joker with a love for demolitions. Sev was a calculating sniper. The by-the-books Fixer’s tech slicing skills were highly essential to the missions. The way you led your team was referenced by their in-game comments which made for brief moments of friendly competition, humor, and bonding a relief from the dim and grim environments of enemy territory. Dave Filoni, who is a big fan of the game, would carry on this theme of camaraderie to The Clone Wars and The Bad Batch.

With the release of Revenge of the Sith back in 2005, it seemed that the Star Wars Saga had truly concluded. "What is left to tell?" was one of the questions posed within the community. After all, things seemed to have come full circle with the video games, the comics, the Old Republic setting, and the Legends lore.

When Filoni’s The Clone Wars animated series was released, Delta Squad’s legacy would echo in the demand for more Clone Wars content. The series would encapsulate and expand the Star Wars canon. Delta Squad’s minor cameo in The Clone Wars Season 3 Episode 14 was a great moment for fans which sparked other stories that explore other viewpoints aside from the main narrative of the Jedi vs. Sith.

Star Wars has always appealed to its fans as new stories with old concepts are brought to the screen. One particular show would capture the essence of how a clone commando squad operates. The Bad Batch would introduce new fans and honor the old alike by bringing the concept of a team of clone commandos with specialized abilities stemming from their mutations. The series explored the "Dark Years" and gave insights into the transition from Republic to Empire. At the same time, the story showed how these events affect the clones on a personal scale. Clone Force 99 reflected the Delta Squad’s traits and quirks like Sev to Crosshair, Tech to Fixer, and Wrecker to Scorch. 

I still hope there will be a Delta Squad show in the future. We all want to see them blast bugs and clankers as well as get some closure on a team member’s disappearance.