Renegade Squadron focuses on the period between the end of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope and the end of Episode VI: The Return of the Jedi. Han Solo has taken it upon himself to gather a rag-tag band of ne'er-do-wells into a crack rebel force, the titular Renegade Squadron. Singleplayer missions will see you attacking Imperial bases, and taking on a number of Sabotage, Rescue or Retrieval objectives. Multiplayer, as ever, is a more chaotic affair.

There're improvements on PSP's previous Battlefront outing, with eight players now able to join in an Ad-Hoc wireless match, while online multiplayer still features 16 players. The space levels will be huge in scale, with TIE Fighers, X-Wings, TIE Defenders, Han's Millenium Falcon and a host of other craft to commandeer for some high-action, fast-paced dogfights. In fact, the B-wing is making its debut in this title, and that's not even mentioning ground-bound killing machines like A5-R Juggernauts or T4-B heavy tanks. For those who remember the previous PSP game, capitol ships will have full interiors this time, not just hangars.

But an even bigger development could help tweak the series' often bland, clone-a-like experience - now you'll be able to customize and create your own character for use in the multiplayer games. Classes are out, and customization is in. You're given a budget of 100 credits, with which you can build a character, spending on abilities, weapons, attributes and what not - but you can also freely edit your appearance, race and color. Fancy a green Stormtrooper? Your pleas are answered in Renegade Squadron.

14 Heroes return from Battlefront II, with new additions like Kit Fisto (the Jedi with the coolest hair), old, white-haired Obi-Wan Kenobi (the Jedi with the coolest name) nutty, bolty bounty hunter IG-88 (most magnetic villain) and Asajj Ventress (the Sith with the baldest head). And a new Capture The Flag mode, CTF Hero, sees flag-snatchers transformed into heroes while they sprint back to base with the prize.

Promises from developer Rebellion include leader boards, clan support and - most interestingly - the ability to create a Profile page online, showing off all your hard earned medals and achievements.

June 11, 2007