Star Wars Games Where You Fly A Naboo N-1 Starfighter

The Naboo N-1 Starfighter may not be the first thing that comes to mind to Star Wars fans, but the starfighter has been a Star Wars staple, especially in video games. First appearing in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, the Royal Naboo N-1 starfighter, or simply the Naboo starfighter, is as iconic as it comes to Star Wars ships. Whereas the X-wing underlined the ingenuity of the Rebel Alliance, and the Galactic Empire’s TIE fighters mirrored their disregard through mass production, the Naboo starfighter was something different. Unlike the more aggressive depictions of ships in other games like Star Wars: Squadrons‘ new TIE Defender and B-wing, the Naboo starfighter was a combination of royalty and functionality.

Unique, sleek, and donned in a bold color, the ship was not only fresh in design but was the epitome of the prequel trilogy’s new and ambitious approach. Moreover, the starfighter has appeared in other Star Wars properties and not just the prequel trilogy. Not only is the Naboo starfighter referenced in other media, but it has been a reoccurring unlockable in video games since the release of The Phantom Menace in 1999.

While ships in other Star Wars games seemingly have a new addition to Star Wars canon, be it abilities or name changes, the Naboo starfighter has remained relatively constant throughout its appearances. Moreover, the starfighters reputation of both speed and firepower has also carried over from the movies making the prequel ship one of the most deadly and nostalgic ships in the Star Wars. For those who want to give the Naboo starfighter a test, here are the Star Wars games where the starfighter is playable.

Star Wars: Rogue Squadron’s N-1 Naboo Starfighter Was The First

The first, and by far the sneakiest, appearance of the Naboo starfighter was in the 1998 classic for the N64, Star Wars: Rogue Squadron. Before the release of The Phantom Menace in 1999, the starfighter would be hidden in the game until unlocked through a code given a month after the movie premiered. While it may seem paranoid, especially since leaks today are a natural occurrence with high profile properties, like The Mandalorian game allegedly leaking on YouTube, back then, a leak could have substantial consequences. As a result, developer Factor 5 hid the fact from the development team, and even those who did know didn’t have the code to unlock it, significantly reducing the chances of a leak. The developer even went as far as to install a scrambling system into the game’s code to hide the Naboo starfighter from curious players.

N-1 Starfighter Was The Focus In Star Wars: Episode I: Battle for Naboo

Similar to gameplay as Star Wars: Rogue Squadron and developed by Factor 5, Battle for Naboo, also for the N64, runs parallel to the events in The Phantom Menace. The game developed and expanded on the time of Queen Padmé Amidala’s absence and subsequent return. The player attempts to liberate Naboo using vehicles from the ground STAPs to the Naboo starfighter. While not as detailed and precise, the massive levels and gameplay are reminiscent of playing Star Wars Battlefront 2 and what the game strives to be, an immersive experience for the player.

Star Wars: Starfighter Highlighted This Iconic Naboo Ship

Starfighter was first released on the PlayStation 2 and explored locations in the Outer Rim and the growing tensions between Naboo and the Trade Federation. The game allowed flying the Naboo starfighter where it had not gone before, deep space and vast oceans. While the game splits the narrative three ways, with one character being from Naboo, access to the Naboo starfighter is unlocked and available to use in every mission.

The Naboo Starfighter In Rogue Squadron 2: Rogue Leader

The sequel to the critically acclaimed Rogue Squadron, Rogue Leader took full advantage of the hardware of the GameCube. With improved graphics, sound, and features like forming up with their squadron, Rogue Leader offered a very immersive experience. The only part missing from Rogue Leader is being played entirely in VR like Star Wars Squadrons.

However, like Rogue Squadron, the Naboo starfighter was locked through more traditional means. The player would not only need to complete the Tatooine training at Beggar’s Canyon during four time periods: morning, afternoon, evening, and night. They would also need to find all items and two hidden bonus items during each period, but even then, the player must progress through the main missions to access the starfighter.

Star Wars Galaxies Made Players Work For The Naboo Starfighter

An MMORPG with potential when it was active, Star Wars Galaxies was developed by SOE and released on PC in 2003. Among the activities players could participate in, one allowed piloting iconic starships from the factions in-game. The Naboo starfighter was under the freelance pilot faction and is loyal to neither the Alliance nor the Empire. While this is seemingly straightforward, it led to the grind that fed into the decline of Galaxies and the rise of Star Wars: The Old Republic, which continues to get new content. Star Wars Galaxies required the player to level up to tier 4 in the faction to access the Naboo starfighter chassis blueprint and required a massive amount of resources to build the starfighter.

Naboo Starfighter Is A Staple in Rogue Squadron 3: Rebel Strike

The third entry to the Rogue Squadron series, Rebel Strike, is a space-combat simulator for the GameCube. However, unlike Rogue Leader, Rebel Strike features the ability to play missions on foot or in a ground vehicle for the first time in the series. Unfortunately, the player must do the exact requirements as in Rogue Leader to unlock the Naboo starfighter.

At this point, that’s become a sort of tradition with games centered around Star Wars‘ original trilogy stories. However, if the player doesn’t want to repeat the exact mission requirements, they could also enter the codes: RTWCVBSH, then after the beeping, BFNAGAIN, in the passcodes screen in the options menu to unlock the starfighter.

LEGO Star Wars Played With The Naboo Starfighter (In A Good Way)

While technically appearing as a deleted level in LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game, titled “Anakin’s Flight,” it would make an official appearance in LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga as a cantina bonus. The Complete Saga would opt for a broader camera view rather than a cockpit or third-person view of the Naboo Starfighter. The game is naturally more playful and perhaps as good as the original LEGO Star Wars games. After completing the mission, the Naboo starfighter will be unlocked to view along with other unlocked vehicles.

The Naboo Starfighter Was Extremely Detailed In Star Wars Battlefront 2

The Naboo starfighter is an available playable ship in the 2017 Star Wars Battlefront 2 for the PS4, Xbox One, and PC. Unlike games prior, no repeat of any Tatooine-themed tutorial is required – nor are codes. Unfortunately, access to the vehicle is restricted to the exterior of the Theed level ground map, replacing the Republic ARC-170 starfighter. Unlike previous incarnations, the amount of detail from both the body and the interior of the starfighter makes it worth the wait playing the level. Moreover, the feeling of speed of the Naboo starfighter is ripped straight from the movies and is one of the most immersive ships to pilot. Unfortunately, future content for Star Wars Battlefront 2 was cut, ending the possibility for more appearances of the starfighter.

The N-1 Naboo starfighter is one of the most iconic and recognizable ships in the Star Wars universe. While its time is not as frequented as the X-Wing or the TIE Fighter, there’s no denying its place in the canon of Star Wars. It’s no wonder that each Star Wars game from the 1998 Rogue Squadron to the 2017 Battlefront 2 aims to not only pay homage to the starfighter but to allow the player to take it for a spin.

About The Author