Star Wars Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike

"The best Star Wars game ever? No. Pretty darn close? Yes."

Star Wars: Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike is the fourth, and final, installment in the Rogue Squaron series (If you choose to count Naboo Starfighter). Starting with the below-par Rogue Squadron I, the series has generally improved with each go-around. Rogue Squadron III features the three familiar paths, one representing the path of Wedge Antilles, one representing the path of Luke Skywalker, and one representing a general Rebellion/Trilogy path. Also familiar are the plethora of ships, ranging from the familiar Rebel X-Wings and Imperial Tie Fighters, to Old Republic relics such as Boba Fett's Slave I, and the classic Jedi Starfighters, to AT-STs, and even an AT-AT! All of the vehicles also have special armaments that range from your standard issue proton torpedoes and bombs, to favorites such as ion cannons and sonic mines. New to the series, however, are sequences that place you on-foot instead of in the cockpit, as well as multiplayer and co-op modes, both of which, though not perfect, add their own special flair to the game that would otherwise have been a bit too familiar.
Graphics: 8/10
For a Gamecube game, Rouge Squadron's graphics are very impressive. Though the space scenes are rather bland and boring, other missions, such as the Hoth and Yavin IV missions are all rendered in high, and yet still functional detail. Craft animations are usually smooth and believable, with the swing gait of an AT-ST actually making you feel like you are really the pilot. Explosions are also fun to watch, with quite a few different styles, depending on what type of weapon is used, what craft is shot, etc. The "homemade" cutscenes are very passable, and the original movie clips are absolutely stunning. It is not, however, without its bugs. Ground sequences are oddly animated, with whoever you are controlling running around with their gun out in a super-unrealistic L position. Dramatic slowdowns are also experienced if more that fifteen or twenty explosions occur at once.
Sound: 10/10
The sound in Rogue Squadron is, as to be expected, fairly spectacular. All of the original Star Wars pieces are in evidence here, including the infamous Darth Vader and beloved intro pieces. Screams from dying wingmates are very convincing, and weapons discharges all sound different. The topper, though, may be the Slave I and Jedi Starfighter's Sonic Mines. These are quite possibly one of the coolest sound effects ever, and are just as speaker-rocking as they were in the movies.
Storyline: 8/10
There are two main storylines in Rogue Squadron, one that follows the familiar exploits of Luke, and one that follows the less-known trials of Rogue Leader, Wedge Antilles. The portions that follow the original storylines are original trilogy excerpts that are nice, if not a bit familiar. The original portions, however, are a bit more fun to watch, as it can be exciting and unexpected, while the film excerpts can become a bit too predictable after a while.
Gameplay: 9/10
The on-foot portions are entertaining, and serve their purpose of breaking up the flying very well. Though their are a few minor bugs (Such as the Storm Troopers not being able to shoot up), and, though it can get monotonous at times, this third of the game holds up surprisingly well for a first-try. The real reason that you will want to play, however, is the space combat. All of the ships handle surprisingly well, and can be, to a degree, customized to fit your preferences. Enemy AI is surprisingly good, with them being smart enough to know to jump on your tail, and adopt erratic flight patterns when they are tailed. In fact, the only AI problem I noticed was their tendency to run into/shoot each other when too many of them are tailing you.
Replayability: 10/10
The replayability of Rogue Squadron is actually very impressive. The lengthy campaign, as well as several secret missions, can be played several times through, in order to gain higher medals and new craft and upgrades. Add to this a two player co-op mode that allows you to play through Rogue Squadron II in its entirety, as well as several engaging versus modes, and Rebel Strike has the potential to last for a long time to come.
Overall: 8/10
Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike is a very good game. It is both fun and a challenge to play, and can be played for a long time to come, while managing to refrain from becoming repetetive. It is not the best Star Wars game ever made, but it manages to get pretty darn close.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 05/25/04