Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

"A Great Addition to the Star Wars Video Game Franchise"

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is a Star Wars fan's dream. To be able to use many different force powers at your choosing to help you progress through an original story created by George Lucas' own Lucas Arts and many other developers. This game has a lot of promise and took a risk by creating a canon storyline with some of the most well known characters of the Star Wars universe. The question is, is this a worthy entry?

Let's take a look. I'll do my best to keep this Spoiler free.


Story: 9/10

This is where this game shines. The story take place in-between Episode 3 & 4 in the Star Wars saga. You play as Starkiller, Darth Vader's secret apprentice, who does all of the bidding for Darth Vader. There are many missions Vader will send you on, as you progress, more will be known of your dark past. You will encounter many familiar faces along your way, and they all fit perfectly into the story. Some of the story seems to have a plot hole or two, my main gripe is it leaves you wanting more out of all that they included, so many new doors opened up with this storyline, and some are not close, which may lead to a sequel. Either way, I think any Star Wars fan will enjoy this story, from a few laughs to edge of your seat action, this game has what it takes to keep fans compelled with fresh and exciting plots around every corner and even some easter eggs thrown in for the Hardcore Star Wars fans out there.


Audio: 10/10

I will divide this into 3 parts.

Music:
The audio was brilliantly done. You will recognize many of the themes from the movies as well as the newer flawless scores that fit right in to the game and makes you feel right at home in the Star Wars Universe. It never seems repetitive and will keep you in the action.

Sound Effects:
All the sound effects were done right. From the cling of a light saber to the sound of Force Lightning this game delivers In all areas for this category.

Voice Acting:
This can make or break a game. If the game has poor voice acting, it just will end up falling flat and seem like a cheaply made embarrassment. However, many critics say some characters do not seem to have a fitting voice(I'm referring to Vader and Palpatine), but I will argue that this is what sold me right off the bat. The voices are all done by very talented actors that give the characters emotion and depth and make the cutscenes enjoyable.


Gameplay: 8/10
The Force Unleashed is easy to pick up and play with simple controls for casual gamers, but also has many combos and special moves for the more hardcore. The best part is many controls are not only simple to use, but solid and fun, which is not a common thing in today's market.
Breaking it down..:

The Force is of course what this game is about. Force Powers are fun to use, you can spend hours just tossing helpless stormtroopers around a room, or toast droids with force lightning. With many powers in the game, each has it specific uses at times such as moving objects, clearing paths and activating switches within the game. As you play, these attacks will grow stronger with upgrades you get by leveling up. They flow nicely for the most part, but aim can be difficult at times and will make some of the game harder than it should be. An example: Sometimes using the force lighting is difficult to pinpoint on an exact foe and can take a few attempts to hit. It really doesn't hurt the game, just takes some training. But with practice, the frustration will ease as you get used to this. This game delivers the force like its never been seen before.

Of course you will also have a Lightsaber to use which will be used a lot. Combos can be earned which add a gratifying experience as you learn new techniques. The lightsaber is simple to use as well, which adds to the solid gameplay. Using the lightsaber may be more advanced than using the force itself, with all the techniques to use, will keep it from seeming bland and boring so you don't feel as if you are doing the same thing all throughout the game. Like the force powers, training and practice is the key to perfecting your own style. It is mostly responsive throughout the game, of course, some enemies will need many more hits or advanced combos to weaken appropriately.

Things like a simple jump seem to bring this below the 10 mark, Jumping for the most part is responsive and works nicely, but it needs to be done with precision at some parts, or it could mean doom. Also, taking out large enemies requires you to jump up to their height and it is easy to get stuck under them. Being stepped on due to a poor jump isn't a fun thing to have happen. Speed dashing is a quick and effective way of staying on an enemy or dodging projectiles.

All in all, Gameplay is great and seem fresh, but due to things like glitches and hiccups in the flow of the game hurt it a bit so it doesn't reach its full potential.

Graphics: 10/10
To me, graphics are the last thing I worry about, but this game perfects the art. Scenery is very detailed all the way from grass in the ground that blows in the wind. Everything is realistic and smooth. The characters are detailed with little to be desired out of any gamer. You can literally see the threads in the costumes, and the cutscenes will make you feel like all you are watching a movie. The graphics never get dull and definitely add to the experience of the game.

Presentation: 7/10
Why not a perfect 10? Well, the gameplay is solid, visuals are stunning and audio is great, but The Force Unleashed has some bugs that can be highly frustrating. For instance, there are a few glitches in the game that can cripple your gameplay, though not everyone will encounter them. I have fell through a rock and had to restart missions because I was inside and could not move out of it. Things like this were missed by the developer and hurt the game. It doesn't kill the game though, it can lead to a laugh or two at times when an enemy gets stuck, but when you are in a boss battle and a glitch makes you restart a level, it can be annoying and controllers might fly.

The menus are fitting, but loading is needed for access to almost all options in your in game menu. The load times are not long though, so it will depend on your own patience level. It didn't bug me much at all though.

Replay Value: 8/10
The game lasts around 10 hours itself, there are many features that will keep you going back, including the long list of achievements, Unlockable character skins you can enter codes and play as, as well as customizing your character right down to his color of his lightsaber. There are also paths you can take that will bring you to two different cinematic endings. There is so much in this game it is great to go back andf see all you might have missed during your first run. With the higher challenge levels, you will be able to put your skills to the test and finish the game as many times as you please.

Final Thoughts:
The Force Unleashed delivers in almost all categories possible and will leave you entertained by the end of the game. Yes, it can be a bit frustrating, but it still keeps a nice flow of gameplay with a great storyline, audio, graphics, and much more.

Is it a buy or rent? Well, for Star Wars fans I would highly recommend purchasing this great addition for your Star Wars game library, for someone who just wants a fun, pick up and play when you want game, I think this would be for you too, If you are someone who might frustrate easily, rent first to see if you like it. There is no multiplayer, which would have helped this game even more but someone with a good imagination, you will get an experience all to what you make out of it.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 09/25/08

Game Release: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (US, 09/16/08)