Star Wars: Rogue Squadron

"A game that shows you there's more to Star Wars than X-Wing vs Tie Fighter or Rebel Assault"

Right off the bat, I want to explain why I gave this game a rating of 10 rather than an 8 or 9. First of all, it actually did start at 8. Sure, its basically a shooter, but its a good shooter. If this didn't have the Star Wars name to it, it would still get an 8. Second, because the graphics look so damn impressive in High Resolution mode, I bumped the score up to a 9, because the graphics make that much of a difference. Last, but not least, it is Star Wars, so just for the name, it got a 10. Now on to the review.

When you first start playing Rogue Squadron, you'll notice just how cool the graphics are with the Nintendo Expansion Pak. This really does make a huge world of difference and will pamper you into wanting all future games to use it. The levels are vast and detailed, to the point you see people running around on the ground as you fly over the detailed landscapes. I simply cannot praise the graphics enough.

Next, the sound. The music score is beautiful. Its long and has a lot of variety in both familiar John Williams works and newly recorded themes. The sound effects are also spectacular. The sense of realism the voice chatter adds to the game cannot be expressed in words. You must hear it to believe it.

Obviously controls are a big issue in a flying game, both in the way a craft handles and the physics as the craft moves through its 3D environment. Well, I can happily say I love the controls. They are perfect and the ships handle exactly as I would expect them to handle.

The story line is excellent, delving into the history of historic Rogue Squadron missions and recreating the Star Wars universe beautifully.

Oh boy are there some bonuses in this one! First, you can unlock three classic bonus missons. Second, there are a ton of craft to fly in this game, including a car! And last, well, remember that little ol' movie that came out May 19th? I think it was called, the Phantom Menace or something. Anyways, the best kept secret every has now been revealed: you can fly a Naboo fighter! Oh yeah, Lucas Arts rules!

This game is the complete package for any shooter fan and especially for Star Wars fans. I can't recommend a game any more than this one. May the Force be with you.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 11/01/99, Updated 07/05/02