On February 16, 2006, Star Wars: Empire at War will hit store shelves. The highly anticipated PC game puts the power to command the entire war for the Star Wars galaxy at your fingertips, with battles focused on action-packed combat rather than tedious resource gathering.

LucasArts has just made available a single-player demo for free download. The demo begins with an optional, interactive tutorial meant to teach you the basics in guiding your side to victory. Those looking to jump right into things, however, can skip the tutorial and begin commanding Rebel forces on Hoth right away. From there, the action proceeds as you battle for control of the Outer Rim in the Vergesso Asteroids and attempt to liberate Tatooine from the grip of the Empire. Seated in the Millennium Falcon, Han Solo and Chewbacca lead your space fleet and invasion forces as you go up against TIE fighters, Star Destroyers and even Boba Fett in his Slave I.

Visit the official Empire at War site for details and download links.

Also available February 16 will be a limited Star Wars: Empire at War Collector's Edition packed with exclusive bonus content, including...

• Five new playable Skirmish maps span the galaxy from the shipyards of Kuat to land and space battles on Ryloth and Polus
• 3D lenticular packaging brings to life the classic Star Wars action depicted on the front of the standard edition
• Exclusive concept art illustrates the evolution of the game's look
• Two screensavers that celebrate the Star Wars universe with X-wings, TIE fighters, and a demonstration of the Empire's ultimate weapon, the Death Star
• Four wallpaper images will set your desktop in a galaxy far, far away

Rated "T" for Teen by the ESRB, Star Wars: Empire at War Collector's Edition will be available at retailers for a suggested price of $59.95. Click here to pre-order your copy today and receive a bonus exclusive Empire at War mousepad.