The Dark Side Beckons: Revisiting the Alternate Ending of the Revenge of the Sith Game
As May approaches, Star Wars fans worldwide prepare to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. While the film itself remains a subject of debate among the fanbase, its tie-in video game, Revenge of the Sith, evokes a particular sense of nostalgia, largely due to its intriguing, non-canonical alternate ending. This deviation from the established Star Wars lore allowed players to witness a chilling scenario: Anakin Skywalker’s complete descent into darkness, culminating in his ascension to Emperor.
The game, developed by The Collective, offered a unique experience compared to other movie tie-in games. While the core narrative followed the film’s storyline, the inclusion of an alternate ending ignited the imaginations of players and sparked countless "what if" scenarios. In the canonical ending, mirroring the film, Obi-Wan Kenobi triumphs over Anakin on Mustafar, leaving him maimed and vulnerable, setting the stage for Darth Vader’s iconic emergence. However, the alternate ending presented a drastically different outcome. In this version, Anakin, fueled by his rage and the power of the dark side, defeats Obi-Wan, delivering a fatal blow to his former master and friend. This victory emboldens Anakin, convincing him of his absolute power and paving the way for him to challenge and ultimately kill Darth Sidious, seizing control of the Galactic Empire.
The genesis of this alternate ending is a fascinating story in itself. According to game writer Jeremy Barlow, the idea partially originated from a pitch by LucasArts. Initially, The Collective envisioned separate campaigns for Anakin and Obi-Wan, offering players distinct perspectives on the events of the film. However, due to development constraints and time pressures, the studio opted for a single campaign with alternating perspectives. This shift in focus led them to embrace the idea of a divergent ending, allowing Anakin’s descent into darkness to reach its ultimate conclusion.
Barlow, in an interview with Inverse, revealed that the notion of Anakin killing Obi-Wan felt like a "no-brainer" from a narrative standpoint. It perfectly aligned with the Sith philosophy of the apprentice surpassing and eliminating the master, solidifying Anakin’s position as the most powerful Force user in the galaxy. This act of patricide, the ultimate betrayal of his mentor and brother figure, demonstrated the extent of Anakin’s corruption and his complete embrace of the dark side. The development of the Revenge of the Sith game was not without its challenges. The Collective stepped in to replace a previous studio and effectively restarted development less than a year before the game’s scheduled release. This compressed timeline forced the developers to streamline the narrative and focus on delivering the most impactful moments in a concise manner. As a result, the alternate ending was presented in a brief, approximately 90-second cutscene. Despite its brevity, the ending resonated deeply with players and continues to be a topic of discussion and fascination among Star Wars fans.
Barlow expressed his satisfaction with the enduring impact of the alternate ending, emphasizing that its popularity reflects the power of the idea itself and the profound connection that fans have with the Star Wars universe. He believes that the ending encapsulates the core themes of ambition, betrayal, and the corrupting influence of power, all of which are central to the Star Wars saga. If given the opportunity, Barlow would relish the chance to explore the ramifications of the Emperor Anakin ending in greater detail. He envisions a galaxy far more oppressive and chaotic under Anakin’s rule than under Palpatine’s. While Palpatine adhered to a twisted code of conduct, Anakin’s reign would likely be driven by impulsiveness, rage, and a desire for absolute control, potentially leading to widespread suffering and instability.
Furthermore, Barlow is particularly intrigued by the potential for exploring the family dynamics within this altered timeline. How would Padmé Amidala navigate her marriage to Anakin, the most powerful and feared man in the galaxy, while secretly harboring terror and resentment towards him? How would Luke and Leia, the twin children of Anakin and Padmé, survive and develop under such complex and treacherous circumstances? Would they sense the darkness within their father? Would they be privy to the conflict brewing beneath the surface of their parents’ public facade? The possibilities for dramatic and emotionally charged storytelling are endless.
These questions, while unlikely to be addressed by Lucasfilm in official canon, provide fertile ground for fan fiction writers and artists to explore the darker corners of the Star Wars universe. The alternate ending of the Revenge of the Sith game serves as a reminder of the infinite possibilities within the Star Wars galaxy and the enduring power of "what if" scenarios to captivate and inspire fans. It invites us to imagine a universe where the lines between good and evil are blurred, where heroes fall from grace, and where the fate of the galaxy hangs precariously in the balance. The shadow of Emperor Anakin looms large, a testament to the enduring appeal of the dark side and the enduring fascination with the road not taken. It’s a digital monument to a path where hope nearly died but gave birth to a far more disturbing order. The story of Anakin’s darkness will continue to haunt the dreams of Star Wars fans for years to come.
