Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast

"As Yoda says, "Strong in this game, the force is.""

If you played any of the PC Dark Forces or Jedi Knight games, you basically know what this game is up to - progressing through levels acquiring different force powers to defeat countless foes. I think that the makers of this game did a really good job in the saber fights. The saber fights improved from the PC version not only by means of better controls, but better graphics, sound, and action.

Story 9.5/10 -
I'm sorry but I couldn't give this game a 10 for its story because its so predictable if you've played atleast two previous Star Wars games. If this game had another plot twist or two, I would've gave it a 10.
In this game, you are Kyle Katarn, a jedi knight who has cut his ties with the force a while ago. As the dark plot unravels as the story progresses, Kyle is required to regain his force powers in means of training at the jedi academy with Luke Skywalker, saber duels with strong enemies, and such.

Graphics 7/10 -
The graphics aren't neccesarily that great in this game. Commenting on countless graphic glitches, boxy shapes, still & flat water, & laser beams looking like those drawn by a 3-year old using a crayon, I had to give this an 8. Tisk tisk, you should have improved the graphics, LucasArts. This is a Gamecube, man!

Sound 10/10 -
I would have given this an 11 if I could. One thing I admire about all Star Wars games are the sound quality. Aside from the fact that you play through the game almost BGM-less the detailed sound effects are great. The footsteps, character voices, variety of lightsaber sounds, gun/laser shots, and devices show how much effort the makers put into this game. I especially like the probe droid sound effects.

Gameplay 10/10 -
WOOHOO! Blast through everyone in your way with the force powers (the lighting-thing is my favorite :p). Your gun moves like a hutt is moving it & the c-stick movements are kind of slow but the other superb controls make-up for those flaws. Aiming is a bit hard but that wouldn't matter once you get your hands on your lightsaber. Damn, unstoppable.

Replayability 9.5/10 -
Replaying the story is a dud but the multiplayer system is Da Bomb nomatter how many times you play it. The Jedi Temple mode gives you and your friends hours of lasting excitement. You could also play through the levels again to try to find every secret area(they're not that hard to find. Sometimes 2-4 secret areas are clustered closely on some levels)

Rent or Buy?
Definately, BUY! Its good to have this game ready whenever a bunch of friends come over or you get bored in one of those lazy days. Jedi Outcast is great fun anytime, anyday.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 04/16/03, Updated 04/16/03