The title of the game Star Wars Eclipse may actually be a metaphor, hinting at the rise of new evil powers and that the dark side will bring an end to the High Republic. Eclipse will be an action-adventure game with an emphasis on decision-making. The game’s title was revealed at the Game Awards 2021 along with an impressive cinematic trailer, and it is currently in early development under Quantic Dream.
Eclipse is set during Star Wars' High Republic, the era that began in approximately 300 BBY (or “Before the Battle of Yavin” in the Star Wars Galactic calendar), ending in 82 BBY following the fall of the Galactic Republic. The events of The Phantom Menace occur in 32 BBY, so this period precedes the events of the Skywalker Saga by decades. The High Republic is also referred to as the Golden Age of the Jedi, during which the galaxy was at peace, compared to life during the Clone Wars and onwards under the Empire. Some events and details of the High Republic have been explored in canon novels and comic books, but this era is yet to be explored in the medium of film or game.
It's unclear where exactly Star Wars Eclipse's High Republic Jedi and the return of the Sith could be intimated in its title; the light will be smothered by the encroaching darkness that will set the stage for the prequels, as well as the rise of the Empire.
Star Wars Eclipse Hints At New Dark Side Foes
This theory is ed by the cinematic trailer, which depicts a new alien race performing some kind of ritual alongside the eclipse as a mysterious figure emerges from a vat of black goo. This ritual is shrouded in darkness and involves ominous drumming that picks up in pace as the tension in the trailer grows. Towards the end of the trailer, the drummers’ faces are revealed as strange, nose-less, hairless creatures, with pallid gray skin and white markings on their humanoid bodies. These drummers could be a new dark side faction in Star Wars Eclipse, and may be partially responsible for heralding the end of the High Republic.
There are also hints of other villainous forces in Star Wars Eclipse's trailer, with the Trade Federation seemingly a key presence. A Neimoidian, as well as Lucrehulk-class ships typical of the Trade Federation, are shown in the trailer, alongside a potential rival corporation that is preparing for some kind of battle. These organizations may be thriving off of expansion efforts into the Outer Rim Territories in the High Republic, necessitated by overpopulation on the Core Worlds and Colonies that caused poorer citizens to be shipped elsewhere. The trailer hints at a power struggle between two growing corporations, suggesting that the peace of the High Republic may come to an end as the Trade Federation rises to power in Eclipse, and is challenged by other militarized factions.
While there's still much we don't know about Star Wars Eclipse, its title is likely a metaphor for the end of the brightness of the High Republic and the Light of the Jedi, referring to the coming of dark times with the prequels. Although its exact setting is yet to be revealed, the presence of prequel ships seems to indicate that it will take place closer towards The Phantom Menace than any of the other High Republic novels and comics. The game could end up playing a pivotal role in laying the foundations of the rise of the dark side, and in explaining how the Golden Age of the Jedi came to a halt.
