What do you get when you cross Age of Empires with the Star Wars universe? The answer to that question is Star Wars Galactic Battlegrounds. LucasArts has taken the Age of Empires engine and modified it to create a Star Wars real-time strategy game. While the engine has had to have extensive modifications applied to it (how many flying units were present in the Middle Ages?), Age of Empires players will definitely recognize the game and be able to jump in and begin play right away. The game will feature six factions: the Galactic Empire, the Rebel Alliance, Wookiees, Gungans, Royal Naboo, and the Trade Federation - each with its own unique technology trees. Players will be able to play the game in several different modes including campaigns for each of the factions, skirmishes, 'historical' missions, and multiplayer games over the internet. Players familiar with Star Wars will recognize many of the game's settings which range from the frozen wastes of Hoth to the lush green lands of Naboo.

The game will feature over 300 hundred different units and structures, including many favorites such as Stormtroopers, AT-ATs, and X-Wings. Each side will also feature its own unique heroes - the demonstration I was given included Darth Vader mowing his way through a squad of Rebel troopers.

Galactic Battlegrounds will ship with a scenario editor, the first one ever to be shipped with a Star Wars game. Players will be able to create battles from the movies or their own hypothetical engagements.

"Star Wars Galactic Battlegrounds offers Star Wars fans and strategy gamers a truly immersive and compelling real-time Star Wars experience," says Joel Dreskin, marketing manager at LucasArts. "From the selection of key conflicts throughout the Galactic Civil War to the choice to play either side, strategy gamers and Star Wars fans alike will appreciate the depth, scope and memorable conflicts from the saga."