LucasArts has finally made its way over to the internet and confirmed what we all already knew: Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron is being released for the Nintendo DS and PSP this fall. Interestingly enough, it seems that the game will have the same technology that made Free Radical's Battlefront so appealing: the ability to go from land to space in a single, seamless level. This was something that some said wouldn't be possible only on next-generation consoles, so the fact that it's being attempted on handhelds is nothing short of shocking.


   

                                                                           The PSP Version in Action.

Just as the last Battlefront game on the PSP did, Elite Squadron will feature a full singleplayer campaign besides the typical multiplayer mayhem. In the story, players will assume the role of X2, a clone trooper with DNA from a Jedi Master. Expect a few plot twists, some memorable quotes, and hopefully at least one mention of a dead Jar Jar Binks. If The Force Unleashed is any indication, there's still plenty to tell in Star Wars' story, and this concept sounds like it could lead to a fairly engrossing plot. Hopefully that plot is met with equally engrossing gameplay.

   

                                                                      Screens from the Nintendo DS Version.

What does everyone think? I'm not really too sure of how well Battlefront can be scaled down, especially after the PSP version disappointed many when it was released last year. Even so, it's worth having a bit of hope - there's no reason to be needlessly down on what might be a great time. There's always a chance that they've cleaned up the combat a bit and figured out how to take battle arenas on the go. I think every road trip could do with a little more Star Wars.

The full press release is below.

Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron Storms PSP (PlayStation Portable) System and Nintendo DS this Fall

The Galaxy is Bigger Than Ever With Epic Multi-Level Fronts, Deep Original Story and Hugely Expansive Gameplay Feature

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — May 26, 2009 — Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron presents an expanded new take on the classic Star Wars Battlefront® gameplay, resulting in new levels of interaction and excitement in handheld gaming. The massive, galactic campaign will ship this Fall for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system and Nintendo DS™.

For the first time ever in the Star Wars Battlefront series, players will be able to fight on multi-level battlefronts, on the ground and in space. Players can start the fight on foot, commandeer a vehicle to battle on the ground or dogfight in space, and land their craft and fight on capital starships. The battles waged on each front are all directly effected by the player’s actions, creating a combat experience where every shot fired and every enemy defeated can affect the outcome of a battle on another front.

Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron features a deep and engrossing single player campaign that spans the entire Star Wars Saga — and beyond. Gamers assume the identity of X2, a clone trooper created from the DNA of a Jedi Master. Originally tasked with eliminating Jedi during Order 66, X2 decides to leave his blood-stained past behind and joins the Rebellion. X2 isn’t the only Force-sensitive clone, however. X1, his clone brother, chooses a much more sinister path, leading to a confrontation that could determine the fate of both the Empire and the Rebellion.

Additionally, players will have at their disposal massive amounts of pick-up and play action for seemingly endless replay value. The PSP provides the deepest customization options ever seen in a Star Wars Battlefront title, allowing players to personalize and build their character with more weapons and items than ever before, including the weapons characters carry into battle, the armor they wear on their backs, their species, gender, appearance and physical strengths. Players can also unlock hundreds of other items and bonuses to help even the odds. On Nintendo DS, players can experience a unique class-based gameplay experience that allows them to outfit their characters with pre-determined weapon armaments, including heavy weapons, blasters and even lightsabers.

Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron on the PSP supports 16-player multiplayer, complete with in-depth stat tracking, and intense 4-player skirmishes on Nintendo DS across a wide number of modes, including the all-new “Heroes and Villains.” Take up arms as some of the most iconic Star Wars characters, including Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Boba Fett, Kit Fisto, Darth Maul and other familiar faces from Star Wars Battlefront®: Renegade Squadron™ and Star Wars: The Force Unleashed™. And battle for the fate of the galaxy on some of the most memorable Star Wars planets of all time, including the forest-covered landscape of Endor, the frozen wastes of Hoth and even the mysterious Yavin 4.