Star Wars: Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy

"Absolutely Amazing. One of the Best Star Wars experiences ever."

Introduction

I will just start by saying that this game was definitely every bit as incredible as I thought it would be. Jedi Academy is a game you will either love or , but you really have to give it time to find out. I’ve written this review to help you decide if you think you will like it or not.

Story – 6/10

Basically, you’re trying to stop this group called “The Remnant” (led by Tavion of Jedi Outcast fame) who is trying to revive an ancient Dark Lord named Marka Ragnos by absorbing force energy with a magical scepter from certain locations. You’ll also deal with fellow Jedi (and yourself) being tempted to the dark side. This might not seem so bland, but you’ll often find yourself going on missions totally unrelated to the plot, and other than the very beginning and the very end, the plot never really advances. You’ll also be able to select at the beginning of the game what race and gender you wish to be. Oh, and by the way, Kyle is your mentor (yay!).

Gameplay/Control – 10/10

This is where this game really shines. It may take you a while (translation: about 10 minutes) to familiarize/customize yourself with the control scheme, but once you do, its totally seamless and flawless. It’s very easy to switch between/use weapons and force powers, which there are a lot of (that’s why this game and Jedi Outcast don’t work on consoles).
You’ll be using weapons such as the disruptor rifle (sniper), classic blaster pistols and rifles, wookie bowcasters, flechette (shotgun-like) weapons, thermal detonators, rocket launchers, and, of course, your lightsaber. When you pull out a lightsaber, view switches into the third-person (you can also have it in third-person normally, too.)
Lightsabers have really been looked into for this game, and there now are many different moves you can do with them, some involving force powers. You can choose later in the game if you want to stick with the standard single saber, have a lightsaber staff (a la Darth Maul) or my personal favorite, dual sabers, which allows you to throw one while continuing to deflect/ fight with the other. There are also multiple styles you can select which affect the speed, range, and power with which you swing.
There are also over a dozen force powers including jump, push, pull, speed, seeing, heal, lightning, grip, dark rage, drain, absorb and protect, all of which are easily accessible on the keyboard and consume force power, which can recharge. Also, all of these powers can be upgraded as you progress through the game.
There are also several vehicles, like the tantan and speeder bike, that you can commandeer.

Sound/Music – 9/10

Nothing wrong here. I love the sound they put in for the lightsabers and force powers. All the original music is here, but the voiceovers could use a little work.

Graphics – 8/10

The graphics in this game are only a slight improvement over Outcast, but everything is a little crisper and the illumination from the lightsabers is great. You’ll often see sparks (like in a lightsaber lock), and other cool effects, and you can use your lightsaber to cut off specific limbs of enemies. Very, very rarely, the frame rate will chug a little.

Replay Value – 9/10

The main quest lasts quite a while, and you can be a light or dark side character, but what’s really great is the online play, which has 6 or 7 different game modes and a ton a maps. You can spend hours at a time just playing online.

Final Score – 9/10

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/11/03