Star Wars Jedi Knight: Mysteries of the Sith

"Be revived, from the darkside!"

Star Wars: Mysteries of the Sith is definitely one of my favorite Star Wars FPS games out of the entire Star Wars Franchise, and here is why...

Story- 9/10
This game is basically the Sequel to Dark Forces II: Jedi Knight. It takes place after the Empire has fallen, but the Remnant is still linger. In the very beginning, you take control of Kyle Katarn, trying to stop an invasion by the Remnant on the Rebel Base you're stationed at. After a few levels with Katarn, you eventually take over as Mara Jade. Yes, THE Mara Jade, once the 'Emperor's Hand.'' Mara had been seeking guidance after the death of Emperor Palpatine, her former master, and found that guidance within the self-trained Jedi Knight, Kyle Katarn. Mara trains with Kyle for a while, sharpening her Jedi and lightsaber skills. The point of the game later on, is to infiltrate an ancient Sith Temple, and save Kyle from the dark side of the force.

Graphics- 6/10
Well, I suppose the graphics are decent, considering when this game came out, but compared to today's standards, they're nothing. They're blocky and the flow of the game rigid. But that doesn't make the game any worse, enviroments still flow pretty smoothe, or at least smoothe enough for a great time.

Sound- 9/10
Of course, it's Star Wars. The game is filled with the classic sounds of the original movies. And they're written by John Williams himself, the mastermind that was a key factor in brining the Star Wars universe alive to all of us so many years ago. As for the blaster effects and voices... well they could be better.

Gameplay- 7/10
The gameplay is decent. As I mentioned before, this is an old game, so some of the enviroments can be pretty rigid, and you're game will freeze up for a second or 2 every once in a while, but not often. The controls are pretty simple, though it can take a while for a newbie to master deflecting laser blasts back with your lightsaber, you'll get the hang of it eventually.

Difficulty- 7/10
Depending on if you're a hardcore gamer or not, this area of the review will vary. For a casual gamer such as myself, certain areas of this game will challenge you until you'd rather pull your fingernails out with pliers, rather than keep playing. But if you look around, you'll realize it's really quite simple. The difficulty is good for all types of gamers.

Overall- 7/10
Overall this game is a great piece of work. The only thing that could really make it any better, would be to buff it up to todays standards, and to make give you an ATST or 2 to control. haha.

Buy-or-Rent?
Well, if you're a Star Wars buff, such as myself, then definitely pick up this game. You'll be glad you did, because it's definitely a classic. If you're not real into Star Wars, then borrow this game from a friend or something and play it first before you buy, but even then, I don't think you'll be too disappointed. May the force be with you!

Recap
Story- 9/10
Graphics- 6/10
Sound- 9/10
Gameplay- 7/10
Difficulty- 7/10
Overall- 7/10
Buy or Rent?: Depends on what you like.

(This is not an average.)

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 06/06/03, Updated 06/06/03