Star Wars: Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy

"More like an Expansion that anything else, but still great"

Introduction – I enjoyed The entire Dark Forces Series, all the way up to Jedi Outcast, but Jedi Academy seems like more of an Expansion than anything else.

Gameplay – Like I said, Jedi Academy adds little Gameplay to Jedi Outcast. The added ability to use 2 Lightsabers, or a Double Sided Lightsaber (like Darth Maul) is the coolest new feature. Will each Lightsaber type you use (Single, Double, or Dual) you get Special Moves to use on your enemies. Another great Feature is the Character Generation Screen. You get to choose your species, color, clothing and Lightsaber Type. But as I previously stated, that’s about it. It doesn’t seem like much of a sequel, but as a great expansion. The thing that brings this game up like in Jedi Outcast is the phenomenal lightsaber combat. You will find yourself fight off 4 saber wielding enemies, and every second of it is fast paced and truly a sight to see.

Control – The game controls are completely great, as they are customizable, and you can use a lot of different game pads, but I prefer Keyboard and Mouse. With som much to choose from, you can't really put a rating on them.

Story – You are a Jedi Trainee, studying under the tutelage of Kyle Katarn, the hero from the previous games. You meet characters from the movies again, Luke Skywalker and Chewbacca among others this time around. A great feature added to the game is the way you can choose between multiple levels once you complete a certain mission, like you are carving your own path throughout the game. You can do as much or as little as you want. It really does show what it takes to train up as a Jedi.

Graphics/Sound – The game doesn’t really improve much over Jedi Outcast, but why fix what isn’t already broken? The Graphics are Great, but the only things that drags it down are when the NPCs speak. It looks like Jedi Outcast, where the teeth are like little squares. It really isn’t that big of a deal. Sound is great, as it was in the last game. Lightsaber and Blaster sounds were taken straight from the movie, as was the large host of Music composed by John Williams.

Play Time/Replayability – The game’s deeper Story Mode randomizes the time it will take to play through the game, and Replayability is high. Once you beat the game, try the levels you decided not to do, or try going through using a different Lightsaber Class and/or combination of Force Powers. The Multiplayer is even better than ever, with added modes, and the always-present Mod capabilities, which allow players to twist the game as they see fit.

Final Recommendation – The game seems like an expansion, but a larger one at that. The truth is that this is a truly great game for any Star Wars fan, and I recommend you buy it. But if at all possible, wait for a price drop, as it isn’t quite worth $50.

Score – 8/10

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 10/03/03