Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

"Finally, another Jedi Power Battles!"

I'm going to start by letting you know that Jedi Power Battles was probably my favorite PSX game. And long have I wanted something that plays like it to come out. Now, I have finally found what I'm looking for in the Episode III video game.

GAMEPLAY: 9/10
If you like hack and slash games, this is a title for you. You can play as either Anakin or Obi-Wan in a fight against dozens of enemies and the occasional boss or lightsaber duel. X is a quick, light attack, Y is a slower, more powerful attack, and B is an extremely slow but often lethal attack. You can block by holding down L, throwing things around with R, and you have several other Force powers, depending on who you are. And when Anakin goes to the Dark Side, he gains Force Lightning. (hell yeah!)

Basically, each area is hordes of enemies run at you and you must defend yourself and kill them all. Sometimes, you follow certain paths and kill enemies along the way with your lightsaber. You can implement various objects from your surrounding by throwing enemies into them or throwing them into enemies. It's all very hack and slash, there aren't many puzzle elements.

Also, in fights with other lightsaber-wielding enemies, you basically hold L down to block constantly, and then make an attempt to block their attacks by moving the control stick in the direction they swing, then breaking their attack by parrying with the right stick and striking. You can keep up your relentless attack until they block you. Force powers can really turn the tide in a battle, especially if you throw an explosive barrel at a foe.

GRAPHICS: 9/10
Overall very well done. the only problem I had was that the game froze once on me, and sometimes the cloaks go through their owners. Other than that, I thought the cutting animation of arms being sliced off, along with various other appendages, was very well done. burn marks could be seen on the wound. It was pretty convincing.

SOUND: 10/10
I have absolutely no complaints here. Everything sounded like it should, the whirling lightsabers and blasters firing. They also nailed the static sound of Grievous' guards, which I was rather pleased with. Also, several Star Wars tracks from the movie sounded in the game.

REPLAYABILITY: 7/10
The only bad aspect of the game is that after you beat it, you've unlocked everything, so there's not much reason to play again. You might play certain levels over again, but I doubt you'll be playing EVERY level more than twice.

OVERALL: 9/10
I think that Episode III was a solid hack and slash game that may keep many fans coming back for more. Also, the multiplayer is very solid, but the Co-Op is lacking somewhat (in other words, it blows). So if you have some friends (I don't, XD), invite them over and challenge them to a duel. Great fun!

I'd say something like may the Force be with you, but come on, I'm not a nerd.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 06/17/05