Coming in at #3 on this most excellent list (little homage to Bill and Ted there) is Star Wars: Empire at War. The Star Wars saga may be over with Episode III having come and gone, but that doesn’t mean that George Lucas isn’t pushing the Star Wars Universe ahead on other fronts.

This title by Lucasarts is a strategy game that allows you the player to command the forces of the rebel alliance or the galactic empire in the war for control over the galaxy. Once players choose a side to control, they are thrust into the battles of the original Star Wars movies.

Missions will be both land based, where you will control the troops and vehicles of your chosen side on a variety of beautiful looking planets, and space missions where you will control the space fleet of your side.

Missions are structured fairly simply. Before you can attempt to take over an enemy stronghold on a planet, you must first take out the enemy space fleet guarding the planet. Then the player will be able to descend his/her army onto the planet.

Impressions of this game appear to have very chaotic battles sequences and only those with a cool head will be able to perservere in war. Depending on which side you choose to control, players will have access to their side’s heroe’s. For instance, should you choose to be the empire, you will be able to send Darth Vader into battle along with your armies of stormtroopers. Same goes for the rebels and Luke Skywalker among others. By the way…those who play as the empire will also get control over the death star…ultimate cool.

Will you follow the trilogy and lead the rebels to ultimate victory? (how cliche) or will you dominate over the stars  as the empire? (much better) Below is a screenshot that will link you to more screenshots at IGN’s Web site.

Star Wars: Empire at War comes out Feb. 15 2006.