Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

"The Force Has Been Unleashed!"

This review is for "Star Wars: The Force Unleashed" (SWTFU). I hope it helps you come to a decision on whether or not you buy this game, although in the end, it's always your decision.


Story: 8/10

It's Star Wars, what do you expect. The story isn't too fantastic or exciting, but it gets the job done. You'll be too busy tossing Storm Troopers around with the Force to care about the story anyway!

And for those of you who want to know about the whole "Where does it fit into the Star Wars story" aspect, it is based around the time Order 66 was given to destroy all Jedi. To find out more, you should probably get the game!

Overall, you won't be let down in this area.


Graphics: 7/10

The graphics are great, especially for a portable system. There is no doubt about that. But even so, there was a letdown. The camera. Seriously, it can be a nuisance. You are given no manual control over the camera at all, and it likes to jump around, especially in the more intense battles. However, it is possible to get used to this, and it isn't usually a problem in open spaces. Definitely not a reason to avoid the game, but it will still frustrate at times.

Also, there is the occasional slowdown, but it isn't a serious problem, and the game handles large amounts of on-screen action surprisingly well.

And I can honestly say that there are not many gaming moments that can satisfy better than picking up a Storm Trooper and chucking him at his companions, and then watching them scatter like bowling pins.

All in all, the graphics, while not the most outstanding feature of the game, are definitely good enough to keep you coming back for more (once you get used to the camera).


Sound: 9/10

The sound fits the Star Wars mood perfectly. All the sound effects, all the music, it really suits the atmosphere of the game.

The one problem that I have with the sound is that some people have had problems with getting character voices to work in cut scenes and for some in-game talking. There are a few solutions to this problem floating around, but a review is not the place to find them. Even though you may not personally encounter this problem, it can be fairly major to some people, and that brings this score down a notch.

However, if you manage to get voices working, you will be hard-pressed to find any problems with the sound.


Gameplay: 10/10

Gameplay is what makes a great game, and that is no exception here. The gameplay in SWTFU is brilliant.

The idea is that you can use the Force to manipulate objects around you (including characters) and move them where you wish them to go by using the Force, as well as having a large amount of different Force Powers to add some variety to the typical lightsabre-fighting Star Wars action. These powers include the classic Force Choke and Sith Lightning, but there are many more options made available to you as you progress through the game.

It is also so much fun just playing around with the physics, hurling around chunks of scenery, using your truly "Unleashed" Force Powers to wipe out your enemies... While the concept seems fairly simple, the variety that the game throws at you is immense! There are a few different modes to play in, including Force Dual, Historic Mission, and Order 66. Once you include the multiplayer options, this game truly provides a great rounded-off experience.

And it isn't just the options. SWTFU is truly fun! It is the kind of game that you can just pick up and play for a short time, but still enjoy, and yet it is also the kind of game that could keep you playing all day.

Although the difficulty is quite easy, that isn't a bad thing. It keeps the game moving at a good pace, and gives you more slack to play around a bit. And play around you will.


Longevity & Replay Value: 8/10

This section also gets a high review, seeing as there is quite a lot to do and unlock in SWTFU.

You can purchase and upgrade Force Powers, discover many lightsabre upgrades, there's even 200 artworks you can find and collect throughout the game. These things will keep you going for a while, probably over the 20-hour mark.

And even when you've collected everything, there's multiplayer to consider (as long as you have a friends/friends with the game). And once you've gotten sick of that (not likely), I can assure you that you will be playing again just for the sheer fun of it, because it is that kind of game.

While nothing lasts forever, SWTFU will certainly not be gathering much dust for some time.


Overall: 8/10

If Gamefaqs allowed me to give it an 8.5, I would. However, I have to use the system they give me, so there you have it. In my opinion, SWTFU is one of the best games on PSP to date, and definitely worth a rent, and easily worth a buy.

Don't be put off by the fact that it's "another Star Wars game" (even though it is), because I can guarantee that it is a completely unique experience, and one of the best games released this year. And I'm sorry, I just had to put this in here...

May the force be with you.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 09/22/08, Updated 09/23/08

Game Release: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (EU, 09/19/08)