Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

"To date, the best Star Wars game on the PSP!"

Introduction:

I've been a Star Wars fan ever since the release of the original trilogy. It was only a few months ago that I heard this game(TFU) coming over to the PSP. As I have an X-Box 360 and a PSP, I decided to check the game out on both consoles because I heard that the PSP version would be getting some exclusive content. Anyway, lets get on with the game.

Story:

The story is absolutely amazing and will really reveal some key factors and scenes that beautifully bridge the gap between episodes 3 and 4. There is nothing wrong with the story except for some things that are missing,that can only be found on the next-gen console versions.Overall, it is an exciting force-powered ride from start to finish.

Graphics:

Well, its the PSP and I have to say it does do the game's visuals justice for what it is capable of pulling of. Think about the graphics of this game as an extremely slightly toned down version of Chains of Olympus. They are more or less the same. The lightsabers look wonderful. The only gripe is that you can't cut off people's limbs with the sabers but that's ok, the game is still enjoyable. The environments will take you from junkyards to forests and from the death star to the wookie planet of Kashyyk. You really don't go in that order but I don't want to spoil the game for you. The scenery is lush, clear and vibrant. The graphics are no problem at all.

Game play:

This is what makes a game or breaks it and honestly it rocks for the PSP. The control layout is pretty simple and straightforward. You have three basic attacks that can be combined with the R and L buttons for more powerful moves and combos. Square is the lightsaber strike, triangle is force related, circle is force lightning and X is jump. Different combinations can be tried out with the L and R buttons for more devastating attacks.
The gameplay is linear which involves some platforming but is decent. The only real problem I have with it is the camera. Some times when you're saber dueling, it can mean your death if you can't see what you're doing and many times it's happened to me. Other than that the gameplay gets the job done.

Content:

Well this is the best part about the PSP version.Have you always wanted to relive the classic lightsaber duel between good ol' Darth and his son Luke in the Empire strikes back? Well your prayers have been answered because you'll get to do so. The best thing is that you don't have to unlock it as it is available from the very beginning !!! Have you wanted to duel with both Qui-Gon Jin and Kenobi? Well, that's in there too! This is just the beginning of the content. You can also play through order 66, partake in the battle of Genossis( I know it's spelt incorrectly) and many more. If you want hours of fun Star Wars gaming then this is the game for you because the PSP version has more content than any other version. I am not saying that you should not get the other versions but what is a fact is a fact. Order 66 in PSP exclusive. You also get a duel mode with characters like Luke, Mace, Kenobi, The Emperor( yes I was surprised too) and others.

Conclusion:

While not boasting incredible graphics like the 360 and PS3 versions of the game and not having Euphoria, Havok and DMM, the PSP version still has many more tricks up its sleeve that will leave you wanting more and more. I rate this game an 8 out of 10.

Buy or Rent?

If you're a Star Wars fan, need I say more? But if you aren't a fan, give it a try anyhow and hopefully you too will enjoy the story and want to know more about the movies. Now the only thing left to say is, "May the force be with you"

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

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