Set during the events of Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones , a secret army of clones has been grown on planet Kamino, designed from the DNA of Jango Fett. These clones are trained for battle and to fight for the Galactic Republic, with each clone having a unique set of skills and abilities. Delta Squad, composed of four members, is deployed to their first battle on the planet Geonosis.
Star Wars: Republic Commando brings tactical squad gameplay to the Star Wars universe, where players take control of Boss, the leader of Delta Squad. The game's focus is on action, with an emphasis on strategy and teamwork. Players can choose from a variety of blasters with different attachments, as well as carry a smaller energy pistol that automatically charges itself. New weapons can be found throughout levels, but only one may be carried at any given time.
Each member of Delta Squad has a personal shield that automatically recharges after a short time, and a health bar that can only be replenished by finding bacta dispensers in the environment. Players can also carry emergency bacta devices to revive fallen squadmates. Losing all health results in a "death" screen, where the player must watch as their teammates try to revive them.
The game's unique feature is its 4-man squad system, which allows players to issue orders to each member of the team using a simple control system. Players can set attitude and assign actions to specific positions on the map, such as covering for snipers or hacking control panels. Despite their specialized roles, any squad member, including the player, can be used to perform any action.
Multiplayer mode offers regular deathmatches and capture the flag, with players divided into teams rather than squads. This adds a new layer of strategy to the game, as players must work together to achieve their goals while also competing against each other.