Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire

"Wow! A decent launch game."

Shadows of the Empire was an excellent book written about a time period between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Well, after many successful Star Wars games made on the Super Nintendo, Nintendo decided to make a game based on the book. The result: one of the best launch titles ever made.

Graphics
Well, considering that this is a launch title, the graphics are excellent. Compared to today's standards, they are ok. The graphics are realistic and detailed. However, the problem is that they are very blocky. If you try hard enough, you can make out pretty much any and every polygon that the game is made from. The backgrounds look excellent. The space battles are incredibly amazing. That's the best word to descbribe it. You will be transported to an X-Wing and TIE Fighter battle in a way you never thought possible before. Graphics: 9/10

Sound
One of the best things about the Star Wars movies is the excellent soundtrack and musical score. Well, you will not be disappointed. The first thing you will hear when you pop this sucker into your N64 is the Star Wars theme that we all know and love. The in-game soundtrack is music pieces from the original movies, mainly from The Empire Strikes Back. They are all CD quality music tracks. The music will, without a doubt, make you feel like you are watching and hearing an interactive Star Wars movie. Hey, it couldn't be any worse than The Phantom Menace. Also, the sound effects are excellent. The sounds of lasers firing, the yells and screams, everything. It's all there for your listening enjoyment. Sound: 10/10

Controls
The controls are laid out quite nicely. For starters, unless you change the controller settings, you will have no need for the control pad. All of the necessary buttons are laid out so you can reach them very quickly: fire, jump, and weapon change. All od the other buttons, like camera view changing, is also easily accessable. The Z button is used for aiming, which is pretty convenient. Controls: 10/10

Fun Factor
A great play through and through. The first time you play through this, especially if you are a fan of Star Wars, you will be hooked. The game is incredibly easy, even on Jedi mode. That is probably the only bad thing about the game. You really won't get much replay out of this, unless you are a die-hard Star Wars fan. Fun Factor: 9/10

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/02/01, Updated 02/24/01