Commentary — ‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian And Grogu’ Should Have Been A Video Game
by Frank Martin
Writing for a movie and writing for a video game share some similarities but are vastly different. Films are largely a character medium. They exist to explore characterization by creating drama through dialogue. Although video games have utilized this approach in recent years, the story largely exists for the characters to take action that the player can experience. Of course, films have action, as well. Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu sets up its plot to always propel the main characters into the next action set piece. Because of this, the film would have excelled far greater as a video game.
The movie follows Mandalorian Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu as they act as freelancers for the New Republic, hunting down Imperials. The pair gets into hot water after crossing a set of Hutt twins, deciding not to bring them their nephew, Rotta the Hutt (Jeremy Allen White), who they planned to execute. The Hutts send a bounty hunter to kidnap Din, forcing Grogu to go on an adventure of his own to rescue him.
Right from the start, the premise of the film lends itself to a gameplay. The New Republic base operates the same as a headquarters in a video game as the Mandalorian goes out on missions and then returns to receive the next one. Besides that, there are a series of great action moments that would have provided the player with unique elements. Examples include the opening scene, when Mando captures an Imperial, as well as when he has to fight Rotta and various monsters in an arena. There is even the opportunity for the player to play as Grogu while he breaks into the Hutt hideout to rescue Din. The juxtaposition of the gameplay between the two characters would have also created a nice contrast. As a franchise known for its great video games, The Mandalorian and Grogu would have been an excellent addition.
Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu is now streaming on Disney+.
