Star Wars: Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy

"Another fantastic addition to the Jedi Knight series"

Well lets get into it...

Game play - 10/10
Once you get into the game from a quick, tutorial-like mode, you have a choice of 5 missions. Once selected, you go through gun selection. You get to choose 2 different guns and 1 device (detonator etc). As you go through the mission you can pick up more weapons on the way. Of course, you'll probably want to have the lightsaber as your weapon of choice. Then you have a choice of light and dark force abilities to improve, 1 level before each level. This is a completely different setup from Outcast where you play through a story, acquiring guns and Force as you go. This is a fresh idea which I suppose tries to simulate as if you were going through the Academy and improving your abilities between missions...it's a very good idea! There is a very wide range of weaponry as well, from Bowcaster to Rocket Launcher to lightsaber. There is also a new weapon not on Outcast...but your going to have to buy the game to find that out!

Controls - 10/10
The controls are very similar to Outcast, if not identical. However for those who haven't played Outcast, here's why it's a 10. You start with a simple setup on the keyboard which is easy to use. But you can change whatever you want on it, from weapon selection, to force use to attacking! It is also easily compatible by using a joystick, which can make those lightsaber battles a lot easier.

Graphics - 8/10
This is also the same as Outcast but SLIGHTLY improved. However, it still isn't that bad.

Sound/Audio - 10/10
This is quite impressive. The music varies widely between the different levels. And as for sounds, where to start. From lightsaber clashes, to gunshots to jawa cries, this game's sound effects are fantastic and are improved from Outcast too!

Difficulty - 8/10
Again, similar to Outcast, you have 4 levels of diffuculty: Padawan, Jedi, Jedi Knight, Jedi Master. This is a very good system as it gives a wide range of difficulty. Also the actual game difficulty curve is gradual. This means it doesn't suddenly go from incredibly easy to rock-solid hard. It 'trains' you through the start and then you're ready to take on the higher tier levels.

Story - 5/10
Obviously, the stories on some of these Star Wars games are quite dodgy. In essence you're a young Jedi (male or female or alien) who has been spotted by 'Jedi scouts' as being strong with the Force as you made your own lightsaber (...wow!) Anyway your flown off to the Jedi Academy on Yavin 4 where Luke Skywalker and Kyle Katarn await your arrival...
This story gets quite predictable, tedious and is quite random which is why it's got such a low rating!

Multiplayer - 9/10
When you've completed the game and you think this game can't possibly get any better, along comes the multiplayer!! The controls are the same, you make it your own. And the fact you can meet great players and improve your skills is good too. The multiplayer offers good game modes too. Most from Outcast, however the new siege option is an added bonus...it allows you to attack or defend certain objectives, giving a whole new and fun style of game play.

Replay Value - 10/10
Of course the replay value is high, even higher than Outcast's! There is an option towards the end which allows you to go to the dark side...but I won't spoil the surprise. Also when you have the cheats in hand, it gives a variety of different options for you to play about with.

Overall - 10/10
This game is, as I have said, a fine addition to your collection and once you start playing it, it will be a while before you stop!!

Buy or Rent?
I personally would buy it as the replayability value is so high. However if you are not a fan of Star Wars games then I would rent it. However anyone else who doesn't mind Star Wars or loves it, buy it now!! You should easily be able to find copies on Amazon or something similar to that.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 05/02/07