Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II

"A sequel to a great FPS with the addition of Lightsabers!"

This is a review for Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II for the PC. This is one of the many classic PC games out now. Though it came out in 1997, to me it still holds up today as a great game to play. The sequel to the acclaimed FPS Dark Forces now the sequel is out and you can wield a lightsaber as Kyle Katarn. So get ready to play a classic game as Kyle Katarn.

Graphics: (8) Not much of a looker this game is. If you have a good PC then this game will look half decent. Though not as good Outcast and Academy, but why even compare games made in 1997 to 2002 and 2003 games. In its own time, these graphics were really great, the character models are nice and even the enemies look pretty good. What surprised me the most is in the cut-scenes they used actual actors play the roles of the many characters in this game.

Sound: (9) Sound in this Star Wars game makes good to the Star Wars license. The usual scrolling text with the classic Star Wars music puts you into the Star Wars movie. Voice-acting is above par with the use of real people in the cut-scenes made this as authentic as possible. What I like most about the Jedi Knight games are the sound of the lightsabers clashing and moving, everything the movie offered and more.

Game Play: (9) What makes this game great isn't the FPS but the lightsaber action. Though you don't get the lightsaber until later levels, it is still the best thing about this game. Force powers are here also which makes this game more intense. Lightsaber action is the best thing when you are pitted against Dark Jedis, they are the real challenege in this game. You can only become a great Jedi if you use a balance of force powers and the lightsaber.

Storyline (If any): (9) You star as Kyle Katarn. He is a mercenary who takes jobs of any kind. When he find out is father has died, he finds out his father owns a lightsaber, he takes up the ways of the jedi in order to avenge his father's death. A thing that makes this game special is the ability to choose from the Light and Dark side of the force.

Summary: (8.75) If you can find this game anywhere at a bargain bin, its worth a pick up. 3D lightsaber action is a first in this game. So if your looking to play the original Jedi Knight look no further.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 06/07/04