(SeaPRwire) – By: Oliver Hawthorne
The Star Wars franchise has long navigated the murky waters of canon. Back in 2014, Lucasfilm’s acquisition by Disney sparked a major overhaul of the Expanded Universe, yet since then, the franchise has experimented with an “everything counts” approach to new material. Amid this, the newly released Star Wars Zero Company emerges, prompting a crucial question: Is it part of the official canon? The answer, for now, is a resounding yes—provided Lucasfilm or Bit Reactor doesn’t contradict it. Set in 19 BBY, the final year of the Clone Wars, Zero Company follows Captain Hawks’ mercenary team as they investigate the Infinite Coil, a Separatist-aligned cult wielding the dangerous Shadow Plague. There’s no immediate contradiction with what’s known of the Clone Wars era, cementing its place in the canon.
Zero Company’s fit into the Clone Wars timeline is both seamless and significant. Structured like turn-based tactics games such as XCOM, the game places players in control of a squad, though its core characters are original, familiar faces from the Clone Wars era pepper the experience. Brief missions allow Anakin Skywalker or Captain Rex to join the squad, immersing players in the conflict from a fresh perspective. Beyond playable characters, the game is rife with references to other Star Wars properties. Skoova Stev, a character from 2023’s Jedi: Survivor, makes an appearance, as does Trilla, the Second Sister from Jedi: Fallen Order. These nods aren’t just easter eggs; they anchor Zero Company firmly in the Star Wars mythos.
Moreover, the game delves into the transition from the Clone Wars to the Galactic Empire. Playable character Trick, a discharged clone trooper, succumbs to his inhibitor chip during Order 66, illustrating the franchise’s pivotal shift. Setting Zero Company at the end of the Clone Wars offers a unique vantage, allowing players to witness a defining moment in Star Wars history through a new lens. Commercially, the game leverages the franchise’s established lore, ensuring fans feel connected to the larger Star Wars narrative. In essence, Zero Company isn’t just a game; it’s a thread in the ongoing tapestry of Star Wars canon, weaving new elements into a familiar and beloved timeline.
Author bio: Oliver Hawthorne, Principal Correspondent at an international technology review, with a focus on gaming and the intersection of media franchises with their canonical narratives.