Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

"Not playing this game is a path to the dark side"

Star Wars: Episode III is a side-scrolling beat-em-up, with some 3D flying sections. The majority of the levels are the beat-em-up style, and do not fail to disappoint. The 3D flying sections are amazing. Many game critics are giving harsh reviews to this game, which it doesn't deserve. This is why…

Graphics – 8/10

The 2D graphics of the beat-em-up sections are good, if a little plain. They are based on the Clone Wars cartoon series. The sprites are drawn very well, look just like what they are meant to be, and have very smooth frame rates.

The 3D flying sections' graphics are amazing for the DS. The levels are relatively large, and the scenery very detailed. Most of the ship models look impressive, though some of the alternative ships in multiplayer look like they were made in a hurry. Mostly very good, but some things are a bit worse than others.

Sound – 10/10

The sound effects are brilliant. This is because they are recordings from the film, and so sound just like the real thing (from the films, of course!). The lightsaber sounds quite good, and the swinging sounds fit the movements perfectly. The music is also recorded directly from the film, and the choices of music for each level are brilliant.

Gameplay – 7/10

If this wasn't a Star Wars game, it is very likely that it wouldn't be as enjoyable as this. The beat-em-up levels are quite basic – you just go through the levels, destroying all of the enemies, then move on to the next section, with a boss at the end of each level. Although it has basic gameplay, it is still quite enjoyable, and it is very satisfying killing all of the enemies. This is probably because of the death animations in which they crumple to pieces. The flying sections are very fun, but yet again, have basic gameplay. There are a couple of levels in which you fly through a long maze, but in the rest you just destroy all of the enemy craft to move on. Despite being very basic, this is still a fun game to play.

Challenge – 5/10

Most of the levels are very easy on Padawan and Jedi settings. Most of them are easy-ish in Master, but some are rock hard. There is only one hard boss, and that is one where you have to survive for 2 minutes with 3 droids to fight. On master, it is very, very hard, and took me at least 6 attempts before I beat it. Other than this boss, though, it is a relatively easy game.

Replay value – 5/10

This is a game in which it is very easy to come back and have another go at completing the story. It is probably because of the extras to try and find, and the stats you can upgrade. But, once you've played this for a good while, it is likely you will not enjoy it anywhere near as much again. The game itself isn't all that long, either, and it only took me about 3-4 hours to complete.

Reminders:
Graphics – 8/10
Sound – 10/10
Gameplay – 7/10
Challenge – 5/10
Replay value – 5/10

Positive points:
+ Very satisfying, but basic gameplay
+ 3D flying sections are great for a handheld
+ Smooth frame rates throughout, and impeccable sound
Negative points:
- Quite an easy game
-Very boring and tedious after a while

If you have not seen the new Star Wars film, do not buy this game, it contains many spoilers. If you have, and want an enjoyable experience, by all means get this game. If you are a bit wary about the basic and relatively easy difficulty, plus the short length and replayablility, rent it first to make sure.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 06/03/05, Updated 02/27/06