Star Wars Starfighter

"A good game but not a great game."

Star Wars: Starfighter was the first game I played on my PS2. I would've written a review soon after, but I decided it would be best to try some other games to get a feel for the PS2. After all, writing a review about something I don't know a whole lot about would be a waste of time for everyone. So, here goes:

Gameplay: This game was very easy. In fact, it's one of the easiest games I have played in a long time. In completing the game, I only had to try two or three levels twice to complete them. Starfighter is not very difficult. However, that's only if you're playing for completion. If you're like me, you play through the single player game and then go back to unlock any extra secrets. The single player game is fun, but it isn't satisfying.

Story: The storyline (plot) is good, but not great. It takes place during Episode 1 and the craft contained in Starfighter are from that era. The plot delves into the Trade Federation vs. Naboo crisis, but from the viewpoints of three different characters. Enough to drive a single player game, but not engrossing.

Audio/Video: Not much to complain about here. I didn't experience any audio/video problems. The full motion video (FMV) cutscenes were nice, but they were few and far between. More FMV cutscenes would've been nice.

Replayability: Once you've beaten the single player game, it's fun to go back and unlock several of the hidden levels. It's great that the locked levels have requirements that are shown to you, it gives you a goal. However, once the levels are unlocked and the game beaten, there's little reason to keep playing. I've finished playing this game for quite a while.

To buy or to rent: Buy this if you're into the Star Wars or space-fight sim games. Otherwise, rent it and play through the single player. A casual player without ties to either of those genres doesn't need to shell out $50.

Overall, I gave this gave a seven. It's not great and it doesn't have much replayability value. However, it is fun while it lasts. Starfighter appears to be a continuation of the Rogue Squadron (SNES) series, but doesn't improve upon the line. LucasArts did a decent job with the game, but nothing extraordinary that would push this game into a mainstream favorite.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 07/03/01, Updated 07/03/01