The first licensed “Star Wars” video game hit shelves in 1982, only five years after the world was introduced to a galaxy far, far away. Ever since then, there have been more than 100 games released on platforms ranging from the Atari 2600 to the Xbox One, giving fans around the world the chance to experience the power of a lightsaber or the speed of a TIE fighter in a dogfight.

“Star Wars” video games have played a crucial role in the series’ continued relevance, especially in moments when the films have failed to impress on the big screen *cough* prequels *cough.* The newest entry in the historic franchise “Star Wars: Battlefront” was just released this past November, partly to coincide with the highly anticipated seventh film, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” which hits theaters Friday.

The interplay between the “Star Wars” movies and video games has proven not only to be incredibly lucrative, but has also provided fans with a deeper understanding of the universe they see on screen. It’s common for “Star Wars” video games to position the player in the perspective of enemy or fill in gaps between the epic’s many different eras.

Although some games have been better than others — we’re still traumatized from 2001’s “Star Wars: Obi-Wan” – it’s undeniable the impact they have had on the impassioned fan community. Take a look at the five “Star Wars” video games that have paved the way for the newest installment in the franchise before you see “Force Awakens” this weekend.

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