Dash Rendar
A smuggler and the protagonist, hired to help protect Luke Skywalker and rescue Leia.
How it plays
The game uses a third-person perspective, with Dash moving through linear missions, open arenas, vehicle sequences, and platforming sections. Objectives include defeating enemies, protecting allies, retrieving items, surviving ambushes, and defeating bosses.
Dash uses blasters, explosives, and other weapons, while some stages place him in a snowspeeder, an assault cannon sequence, or a jetpack-equipped mission. Progression is primarily level-based: completing a mission unlocks the next part of the campaign, with difficulty increasing through stronger enemies and more complex objectives.
Plan your run
Learn the layout of each arena before advancing, especially in missions with ambushes or escort objectives. Conserve explosives for armored enemies and bosses, and switch weapons rather than relying only on the standard blaster.
In vehicle stages, prioritize survival and positioning over speed. Search side areas for extra ammunition and health when the route allows it, and use manual aiming carefully because the game’s targeting can be less forgiving than modern third-person shooters.
Meet the cast
A smuggler and the protagonist, hired to help protect Luke Skywalker and rescue Leia.
A Jedi hero whom Dash assists during the campaign.
A rebel leader targeted by Prince Xizor and the Black Sun organization.
The leader of Black Sun and the principal antagonist.
A bounty hunter who pursues Dash and serves Xizor.
A deadly assassin droid encountered during the story.
Before you begin
Save ammunition for enemies with heavier armor.
Use cover and short strafing movements during firefights.
Explore branching areas for health and weapon pickups.
Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire is a third-person action shooter developed and published by LucasArts for the Nintendo 64. It follows Dash Rendar, a smuggler who helps Luke Skywalker rescue Princess Leia from the criminal syndicate led by Prince Xizor. The campaign combines blaster combat, vehicle stages, platforming, exploration, and boss encounters across several locations from the Star Wars universe. Released in 1996, the game was one of the Nintendo 64’s more ambitious cinematic action titles. Its atmosphere, music, and large-scale presentation were widely praised, while its aiming system and occasional difficulty were more divisive. It remains notable as an original Star Wars story rather than a direct film adaptation.
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