Star Wars. The saga lives on in video game form and Lucas Arts is up to the task of making some fun games for the heroes, (and villains) of the Star Wars universe. This review is for the PS2 version of the game.
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is a different kind of Star Wars game. Yes, it's a action game like many, but in this game you play as the bad guy. The main character here has some qualms about being bad, but if I were to tell you here why that is, I would be ruining the story for you, and I'd rather you find out all the gory details on your own. Our main 'hero' in this game is sent on missions by the Dark Lord himself, Darth Vader, and you must complete these missions in order to be found as competent by Vader himself, and the Emperor. The game has many levels, across different planets, and the coolest thing about this action game is the force powers at your disposal. There are so many force powers to use at any time in this game. I will not list them all because there are so many. This is probably what makes this game so much fun to play. And, really, who doesn't like a fun game? Just to mention a few; you can throw your lightsaber out to impale enemies, you can use objects in your surroundings to pummel your enemies to death, or even use Vader's famous 'choke hold' and squeeze the life out of your foes. All of these force powers are easy to use, and fun to watch on screen, it reminds me of a great fighting game with lots of special moves to memorize, and use for the right situation. Your enemies may be lumbering AT-AT's, or Wookies, or storm troopers, but at the end of the day, they are all just thing to throw, choke, and swing around in your force-controlled universe. The gameplay here is top-notch for an action game--simply move your character in the direction you want to go with the analog stick, and control moving objects and enemies in your grasp with the right stick. Yes, there are some funny gameplay glitches, such as being able to stand on structures you shouldn't be able to, or enemies going through solid objects, but it never once ruins the game. So, it's almost a moot point to even mention. Truly, the highlight of this game is using the force powers in combat, and that's what you be doing most of the time. However, if you just want to swing your lightsaber around like a Jedi, you can do that whilst your 'Force Energy Bar' recharges. I would mention to seasoned action gamers, that, it would be repetitive doing the same things level after level, but since it's all so much fun to play, it's really not bad at all.
The graphics are certainly in a league all of their own, and this game is no slouch in the prettiness department. SWtFU really uses the PS2's particle effects to their utmost, and you can really see it in the sparks and fire, and other things the console is good at doing. Yeah, this is a later PS2 release, and yeah, it will look much better on the bigger brother consoles, but Lucas Arts managed to do a fantastic job with Sony's younger sibling, and the results are breathtaking, at times. There is no slowdown present in this game, and I don't care what anyone says, I've been playing it for hours, and I haven't seen it slow down once. This game is really a must see for PS2 owners.The only thing that hurts this game is the presentation. It seems ugly and tacked on, and the menus are also very simple looking.
The story is simply amazing, and it can be summed up in one word: unpredictable. When I was expecting the normal plot points to come out, and the main character do some simple story actions like take revenge, it never happened quite like I expected. Needless to say, it kept me playing. This is a fantastic story in the Star Wars universe. I like how movie characters were here in this game.
Music and sound are very good, Star Wars movie quality, and will not disappoint. The voice actors for the game do a terrific job. Playing this game with surround sound will only strengthen your involvement.
Closing Thoughts:
I tend to be hard on Star Wars games. I'm not sure why, but the series has been around for so long, and it's so easy to make some cheap game with Star Wars music and sounds in it, and place the 'Star War's logo on it, and call it finished. But, Lucas Arts and Krome didn't settle for some cash-in, and it shows when you play this game. You will be involved right from the start, and be surprised at the end. Star Wars fans need to take a look. Terrific job, Lucas Arts. Keep up the good work. I can't wait to see more.
Graphics- 10 out of 10 (Some of the best I've seen on PS2! Keep making games for this system, developers!!!)
Sound and Music- 10 out of 10
Gameplay- 9.1 out of 10
Presentation- 6.4 out of 10
Overall- 9.1 out of 10
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