George Lucas established the idea of echoes while creating the prequels; events that happen during the prequels mirror similar actions from the original trilogy. That being the case, Episode VIIIs counterpart would be The Empire Strikes Back. Both are sequels to wildly popular stories and both feature a young Force-user training to become a Jedi. The Empire Strikes Back did a lot of things well, with one of its accomplishments being the Battle of Hoth. The Rebels are ready for a ground assault in their snow trenches, until they realize the Empire brings guns to a knife fight in the form of AT-ATs. Seeing the First Order using walkers in a battle would accomplish two things: it would cement them as a threat to be dealt with and it would give them a chance to press their advantage. Perhaps the First Order learns of the Resistances base on DQar and exacts revenge for their Starkiller Base being destroyed. Star Wars Rebels does a great job using AT-ATs in environments beyond what we see in the movies. One such episode Relics of the Old Republic features them in a dust storm, presenting a conflict for the Rebels trying to hide in their own smaller walker. A similar scene would lend well to Episode VIII if there is to be a ground attack from the First Order.
A wry wit writer from Florida, Sean literally bleeds Star Wars. He enjoys spending time with his three kids and indulging in a game of Hearthstone or Magic: The Gathering every now and then.
