Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy

"A good addition to the series..."

This is another addition to the Jedi Knight Series. This is the fourth game in the Dark Forces series, and sequel to Jedi Outcast. This game will have you creating your own Jedi in order to become a Jedi Master. There are over 15 levels and many force powers to enjoy.

The gameplay is, well, your average Star Wars gameplay. You run, shoot, and slash your way through 15 levels. This time though, you start with a lightsaber. When you are using blasters (guns) you see through a first person view. Though when you switch to your lightsaber it becomes third person. As you go through the game you have to make many choices. A big one is what force powers to pick. After each level you get to level up a power. There are things like Force Heal and many other Jedi powers. But you also can choose from Dark powers like Force Lighting or Force Drain. This does not affect the game in any way though, like KOTOR.

You also will get to choose what type of lightsaber you want. You could stick to the good old Single Saber, or you could use Double Sabers, or even use a Double Bladed Saber, like Darth Maul. there are also styles to choose from. Single Saber has the most, three. One is a well balanced style, one is a slightly faster style, and the other is a very powerful but slow style.

And if this isn't enough for you, it has multiplayer. There are enough maps, games, and characters to keep you going for hours after beating the game. Xbox Live supports the usual Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, or Siege, a game where you try to take over other player's bases.

The story is nothing special. Your average hero stops villain type of storyline. But in Star Wars form. Although there wasn't much of the story, I still loved the game. In the start you are shot down from your ship and land near the academy. You and a friend, Ross, must make your way to the academy. But you find some interesting things along the way.

The graphics aren't the best but still pretty nice. Characters are blocky and some objects are too. But the slashes of lightsabers and environments as a whole is very nice. This is a solid looking game.

All I can say about the Sound is that it is superb. No Star Wars game can have bad music. There is not one track I do not like. If you like the music in games, then this will not disappoint you. There is also the hum of your lightsabers, blasters going off, and many other great Star Wars sounds you know and love.

There isn't a LOT of replay value but there is still some. There are a few endings you can get and multiplayer will keep you going for hours.

Gameplay: 9
Story: 7
Graphics: 8
Sound: 8
Replay Value: 8

Final Score: 8

This is a solid Star Wars game. Not perfect, but good for anyone wanting to try a Star Wars game. Also, a must buy for any fan of the other Jedi Knight games.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 06/23/05