Gameplay Screenshots and Details for the Home Version of Star Wars: Battle Pod

Bandai Namco released an extensive gallery of gameplay screenshots for the home version of its arcade hit, Star Wars: Battle Pod. The images showcased the aerial combat game’s intense action, which places players directly into the cockpits of iconic vehicles from the original Star Wars trilogy.

Recreating Iconic Battles

The game was designed to immerse players in some of the most memorable sequences from A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi. The initial release featured five distinct stages. Players could pilot an X-wing during the attack on the first Death Star, take control of a snowspeeder to bring down AT-AT walkers in the Battle of Hoth, and navigate the forests of Endor on a speeder bike. The experience also included flying the Millennium Falcon through the interior of the second Death Star.

The screenshots highlighted the game’s high-speed dogfights, cinematic explosions, and detailed environments, all presented on a unique domed screen that fills the player’s peripheral vision. At the time, Bandai Namco confirmed that additional stages were planned for release at a later date, promising to expand on the core experience.

A High-End Home Arcade

Bringing the arcade experience home came with a significant price tag. The standard edition of the Star Wars: Battle Pod was made available for order in North America starting on June 18, 2015, for $35,000. This was not a console port but the actual arcade cabinet, built for private use. The pod features a flight stick, throttle controls, and a seat designed to replicate the feeling of being a starfighter pilot.

For the most dedicated collectors, Bandai Namco also offered a premium edition for $100,000. This version elevated the experience with several exclusive features. It included genuine leather seats that were synchronized to move and vibrate along with the in-game action, providing powerful physical feedback. Owners of the premium model also received a special owner’s plate engraved with their name and a unique serial number. As a final touch, their name was added to the game’s credits, permanently recognizing their purchase.

This high-end collector’s item was one of two major Star Wars gaming products on the horizon in 2015. While the Battle Pod focused on a premium arcade simulation, Electronic Arts was preparing the launch of Star Wars Battlefront, a multiplayer-focused first-person shooter for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.