Prepare to be baffled: Destiny 2’s latest expansion, Renegades, is a Star Wars-inspired adventure that’s unlike anything you’ve seen before. But here’s where it gets controversial—it’s not technically a Star Wars game. Confused? Let me explain. Bungie’s newest release, launching today (check it out here: https://www.bungie.net/7/en/News/Article/lawlessfrontierguide), is a bold experiment that blends the Destiny universe with unmistakable Star Wars aesthetics—think fonts, icons, and even sound effects—without being a direct 1:1 adaptation. It’s a licensed collaboration with Lucasfilm, but instead of retelling familiar Star Wars stories, it’s a Destiny story, canon to its own universe, borrowing heavily from the galaxy far, far away. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not a rip-off; it’s a creative risk that’s both intriguing and polarizing.
For the first time, a game has taken the Star Wars license and used it as a canvas rather than a blueprint. Sure, we’ve had quirky Star Wars games (remember Yoda Stories?) and masterpieces (take your pick), but a fully licensed, officially approved “inspired-by” game? That’s new. Some might call it cheesy, while others might see it as a refreshing twist that could lure back lapsed players or even attract newcomers—exactly what Bungie’s aiming for. But is it a genius move or a missed opportunity? That’s up for debate.
The parallels are impossible to ignore. Behemoths that resemble AT-STs, a Praxic Warlock channeling Jedi vibes, Dredgen Bael as a Kylo Ren doppelgänger, and even a Praxic Blade that’s basically a lightsaber. Cabal? They’re your Stormtroopers. Europa? Hoth. Venus? Endor. Mars? Tatooine. Tharsis Outpost? Think Mos Eisley. And yes, the blasters sound exactly like they should. You’ll even spot a Sarlacc Pit, a Jabba’s sail barge-inspired ship, and enemies frozen in ice caves à la Han Solo. The references are everywhere, but they’re woven into Destiny’s fabric, not slapped on as fan service.
I’ve played it, and here’s my take: it’s a swing for the fences, and Bungie mostly hits the mark. Destiny needed something bold, and this is it. Lucasfilm clearly saw the potential, and the result is a unique hybrid that feels both familiar and fresh. But let’s be real—it’s not perfect. Renegades is unlikely to recreate the magic of Forsaken, and the game’s future remains uncertain. Still, it’s a great entry point for newcomers, offering far more engaging content than the current onboarding system. If you’re curious, dive in now and catch up on the lore later.
But here’s the real question: Is this the future of licensed games, or a one-off experiment? Does it honor Star Wars, or does it dilute its essence? Let me know your thoughts in the comments—I’m genuinely curious. And while you’re at it, follow me on Twitter, YouTube, Bluesky, and Instagram for more hot takes. Oh, and if you’re into sci-fi, check out my novels—Herokiller (Amazon link) and The Earthborn Trilogy (Amazon link)—they’re out of this world. See you in the Lawless Frontier from noon onward!**
