Lucas Archives Volume 1 Review

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(More customer reviews)For fans of LucasArts' classic DOS adventure games, LUCASARTS ARCHIVES VOL. 1 is a must-buy. This six-CD set contains full versions of the 1992 game INDIANA JONES AND THE FATE OF ATLANTIS, and the two 1993 masterpieces DAY OF THE TENTACLE and SAM AND MAX HIT THE ROAD (the latter will have a sequel coming in 2004). If you are unable to buy this set here, you can still order the three games directly from LucasArts as of today -- go to www.lucasarts.com/companystore and order "The LucasArts Archives: Adventure Collection."
Since these games were made for the DOS environment, they run best on a DOS PC with legacy Sound Blaster support. On a Windows XP machine, where DOS mode is nonexistent, one needs a third-party DOS emulators such as the free and open-source DOSBox, VDMSound, and SCUMMVM (which was made specially for many LucasArts games). I managed to run the three games in this set (and also other DOS games) on an XP Home PC with Audigy sound card using these DOS emulators, with SCUMMVM giving me the greatest success. So, in short, these old games CAN be run on your new PC. LucasArts provides no support for its DOS titles, but one can get help from user-support forums such as vogons.zetafleet.com .
Also included in this set is a CD containing Star Wars-themed screen-savers, a CD containing a three-level demo of REBEL ASSAULT, and a CD with playable demos of other LucasArts games -- FULL THROTTLE, DARK FORCES, TIE FIGHTER, REBEL ASSAULT II, and THE DIG. None of these three discs is really essential. The only reason to get this set is to have the three classic adventure games.
All three adventure games run in 320x240 resolution and 8-bit color, with speech, sound effects, and MIDI music. They all use the so-called SCUMM interface that enables point-and-click actions with the mouse. The two older games, INDIANA JONES and DAY OF THE TENTACLE, still rely heavily on text during gameplay -- you see a text description when you point at an object, and you click on large text buttons to perform actions such as "Look", "Give", "Pick up", etc. SAM AND MAX, however, is fully graphical -- all the actions, including conversations, are icon-based.
All three games are memorable because of their humorous stories, nice drawings, and puzzles that are enjoyable but not ridiculously difficult. THE FATE OF AN ATLANTIS is the first game to feature the Indiana Jones character, and it is a fun adventure about treasure hunting. DAY OF THE TENTACLE features a wacky and outrageous story about a mad scientist and his evil creations, the living tentacles, which try to use time travel to conquer the world. SAM AND MAX HIT THE ROAD is about a free-lance police team, a dog and his rabbit sidekick, trying to find a missing pair of circus freaks, a big-foot and a giraffe-necked human.

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Includes Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis, Sam and Max Hit the Road, Star Wars Rebel Assault and Day of the Tentacle. BONUS - Includes DEMO of Full Throttle, Dark Forces, The Dig, Rebel Assault II and TIE Fighter Collector's.

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The Dig (Windows XP) Review

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(More customer reviews)THE DIG is a refreshing title that every PC user should seek out. Of all the point-and-click adventure games I've played, this one is probably the best.
The gameplay isn't drastically different from other LucasArts titles, but it's more refined. One thing that irks about some other (admittedly excellent) games like SAM & MAX, MANIAC MANSION, and INDIANA JONES is how cumbersome some of the controls could be. What's the difference between "using" an item and "grabbing" an item? Why do I have to "walk" somewhere when I could just click on where I want my character to go?
THE DIG eliminates these simple inconveniences. Even though I got used to some of the little quirks that plagued those other great LucasArts titles, THE DIG didn't require any getting used to. It plays great from the getgo, and stays easy to play for the duration of the game.
Sure, there are a couple "stupid puzzles", but THE DIG is the first point-and-click game that I didn't have to cheat on. I was able to use my character's observations and descriptions to solve the puzzles. And for the most part, the puzzles stay in context of the story.
And what a story it is...
After a remote radar station picks up an asteroid on a course-collision with Earth, five astronauts are sent into space. Led by Cmdr. Boston Low (voiced by the always-reliable Robert Patrick), the team prepares to place explosives onto the asteroid, thus saving the planet. Yes...this sounds a lot like the movie ARMAGEDDON, but the difference is that Michael Bay's movie was silly, and THE DIG only uses the asteroid as the tip of a wondrous iceberg of discovery.
Very early into our story, Cmdr. Low (along with reporter Maggie and archaeologist Brink) explore the insides of the asteroid, and are soon thrust to an unknown world. Is it another dimension? Is it Earth? Very early into the exploration, you'll soon get an idea of where Low, Maggie, and Brink are sent. But until you see it for yourself, I'll let you ponder just like THE DIG wants you to.
Our three heroes not only have to figure out how to get home, but what exactly transpired on the planet. To make matters worse, they encounter alien entities that may not want them to leave. THE DIG's plot sensibly allows you (as Cmdr. Low) to explore different areas, while Maggie and Brink deal with their discoveries. You're isolated when you need to be, and the game reunites the characters for a good reason. You truly feel like you're not just at the mercy of a videogame plot. Brink, Maggie, and Low all have their own motivations, and thansk to good writing and good voice-casting, you believe them.
THE DIG has a marvelous story, which is what makes it my favorite game. Sure, it lacks some of the offbeat humor that LucasArts is known for. But quite frankly, THE DIG needed to be serious. It's more in the spirit of 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY rather than George Lucas' STAR WARS saga.
The story only starts running into a few small problems in its final stretch. Like other great story-driven titles like METAL GEAR SOLID 2 or INDIGO PROPHECY, I think most will be satisfied, but a tad underwhelemed. In fact, THE DIG is a lot like INDIGO PROPHECY --- you sense that the developers either ran out of time, or the writers didn't finish writing. THE DIG, quite frankly, needed a couple more scenes for proper closure.
I've typed so much about the story because point-and-click games count on them more than anything else. Once you solve a puzzle, there's no challenge. Characters, worlds, story, and spirit are what keep us coming back to these games. THE DIG is my favorite of this genre for this very reason: LucasArts was smart enough to know that its gameplay could only work the first time around.
Special mention must go to Michael Land, for his brilliant music score. His compositions will help inspire you to keep cracking away at THE DIG's mysteries, from his minimal tones in space to his haunting frantic organ in the presence of the supernatural. I guess the best compliment I can offer is that some of Land's music sounds similar to James Horner's awesome STAR TREK II score.
THE DIG is a wonderful game, and among the best of its genre. The characters are well-defined, the story is well-paced, the themes are worth exploring, the puzzles are solvable and rarely "cheap", the music is fantastic, the controls are easy to grasp, and best of all...THE DIG is the rare point-and-click title that is worth revisiting after finishing it. It's a more serious game than LucasArts' other adventure games of this kind, but that only makes it more unique.
THE DIG is a very special piece of entertainment. Buy It!
***FOOTNOTE FOR VISTA USERS***
Aside from the expected limiations for point-and-click games and rushed finale, the only other problem I had was that my DVD-ROM copy of THE DIG would occasionally stop working on my Vista computer. It was almost like I had a certain time limit or "double-click" limit before the program would stop. I encourage saving regularly because older titles like THE DIG don't always work 100% on Vista PCs. Please ask Amazon sellers questions so that you have an idea if your computer is compatible.
Otherwise, this game is currently available on Steam for 5 bucks. Please, get a free Steam account, and dish up the cash. You won't regret it.

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The Dig tells the story of a hand-picked team who are set to an asteroid, which is headed for Earth. From the beginning, the intelligence of the writers is displayed by the use of nuclear charges to push the asteroid from its path. The team quickly discovers that this asteroid is more then they believed as they gradually uncover the compnents that lead to its activation. The team finds themself thrown through space aboard the Crystal Starship hidden within the asteroid, only to peacefully land on the surface of an alien world. They are then left with no option but to use what little they have to attempt to unravel the mysteries of this desolate set of islands and find a way home.

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The LucasArts Archive, Vol. 2: Star Wars Collection Review

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(More customer reviews)Other than Tie Fighter, this was the first experience to me for Star Wars games. You won't believe it! 5 great titles for only...well, I'm not supposed to tell, according to the guidelines. Anyway, this super-awesome pack of games is one you'll want to buy. It includes: X-wing Collector's CD, Rebel Assault, Rebel Assault 2, Dark Forces Sampler Edition (with the first 3 levels), and Making Magic (the making of the Special Edition films). The only problem with it is that Making Magic doesn't work on my computer, but that probably won't be a problem on yours. This is one "must buy" product from Lucasarts!

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Star Wars: X-Wing Collector's Edition Review

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(More customer reviews)This collection of all the X-wing titles (before Tie Fighter) is a great value, and an excellent introduction into the wonderful world of Rebel dogfighting. The sound effects, the graphics, the atmosphere--all of it evokes images of your favorite space battles in the Star Wars movies. You get to start slow, and work your way up to the really tough missions--and you'll need the time to learn, trust me! Quite simply one of the most all-around enjoyable games I've ever played.

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As a member of the Rebel Alliance, climb into the cockpit of an X-wing and battle the Empire for freedom as you fly against deadly TIE fighters and menacing Star destroyers. Fight in three combat tours of duty, including two add-on tours of duty: Imperial Pursuit and B-Wing. You'll pilot three spacecraft with full instrumentation and 17 cockpit views per craft and dodge the weapons of the evil Empire in both deep space and on surface missions. Includes X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter: Flight School with 14 playable levels.

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Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II (includes Mysteries of the Sith) Review

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(More customer reviews)The thing that's realy great about this set is that you get three CDs worth of games. You get the original Dark Forces II game that has quite a bit of gameplay, PLUS the Mysteries of the Sith game that is almost as long as Jedi Knight. For the price you get a LOT of playing time.
Jedi Knight follows the path of Kyle Katarn, an ex-Imperial soldier turned rebel. His father was murdered and as the game progresses you learn the truth about your family and learn the ways of the force.
One of the interesting twists of Jedi Knight is that your alignment towards the dark side or the light side is determined by how many innocent people you kill or by certain moral decisions you make as the game progresses. You shape your own destiny and at the end of it all your decisions determine how the story turns out.
On the second game, Mysteries of the Sith, you primarialy play Mara Jade... although you also spend time in Kyle Katarn's shoes once again. Much likes its predecessor you find yourself once again going against the Empire before they destroy a Rebel base and ruin all hope the Rebellion has against defeating the Imperial forces. From there you embark on a search to find the lost Kyle Katarn and find your way through an amazingly twisted and trap ridden Sith Temple.
The thing that sets these games apart from most first person shooters is that you do more than run around and kill things. You have to make moral decisions, solve puzzles, and use tactics to your advantage. By the first hour or so of gameplay you'll easily lose yourself.
And finally, as an extra special bonus there is a hidden level on the Mysteries of the Sith CD of Cloud City that allows you to follow in Luke's footsteps from Empire strikes Back.

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Single or multiplayer gameplay over modern network or Internet. 9 multiplayer levels. All new realistic 3D environments with animated 3D characters in 21 heart-stopping levels. Encounter 7 Dark Jedi, each possessing unique powers. Train to become a Jedi Knight - master the elegant lightsaber and learn four special apprentice abilities. Climb Catwalks, look and shoot up and down, jump off ledges, wade through garbage. Special BONUS - Includes Mysteries of the Sith.

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Star Wars: Tie Fighter - Collector's CD-ROM Review

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(More customer reviews)This game is simply the best space fighter sim I've ever played, even against alot of today's stuff. The story and flight model are just excellent, coupled with John Williams music and awesome sound effects, makes for an extremely good experience.

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Star Wars: Episode I Racer (Jewel Case) Review

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(More customer reviews)Believe it or not, I've been waiting to play this game ever since it came out in 1999, but my previous computer didn't have the required 3-D acceleration card. However, after I finally got it to work about half a week ago, I was completely blown away by the experience. For such low system requirements (compared to today' games), Star Wars Racer is an incredible thrill ride of a racing game.
Racer drops the player into one of the many podracers seen in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. All of the contestants in the movie are included, as well as their unique vehicles, and I think Lucasarts has even tossed in a few more, for more than 20 unique selections. Players race through 8 unique worlds and 21 tracks, culminating in the Boonta Classic race, as seen in the movie. Additionally, 4 other tracks can be opened up, for a total of 25. Along the way, as players win money from the races, they can upgrade their engines for better performance. Controls are simple, with the added twist of a power boost that can be charged up. And, whether or not you liked the kid in the movie, Jake Loyd returns to voice Anakin Skywalker (and Andy Selcombe returns as Watto) for true Star Wars authenticity.
Where Racer really blows the players away is its sense of speed. The graphics are detailed, varied, and amazing, and should run with no problems whatsoever. There are jungles, ice caves, volcanos, ruins, and industrial cities; the tracks go into zero gravity tunnels, underneath moving tanks, between propeller blades, through cities suspended in the sky, and more. The areas that must be seen to be believed, however, are the various canyon jumps. Ranging from simple leap frog jumps to rocketing across bottomless chasms, they'll literally press the player into the backs of their chairs the first time through, and wow them at the fact that the podracers don't shatter upon impact. I haven't played many of the current racing games, but for a game more than three years old, the graphics and feeling of speed are still nothing to be laughed at.
Racer, unfortunately, isn't a totally complete experience. The lack of the famous Star Wars music is noticible, and the podracers, though nice-sounding, don't have quite the punch they did in the movie. While all the tracks are unique, many of them feature areas that are similiar. You might go through a third of a track that's exactly the same as one of the previous ones you went through, before venturing into new territory, and then branching back into the same track. Fortunately, save for one, most of the tracks are different enough to justify being called "unique". And the game, while a great experience, is definitely too easy for the most part. With the exception of the last few tracks, most can be whizzed through within one or two tries. I didn't even have to learn how to break until after I completed the first seven tracks. Finally, while there's LAN, there's no other internet compatibility. How many of us have LAN at home?
Still, despite its shortcomings, Racer is an excellent game. The great graphics, sense of speed, and suicidal jumps make up for the game's other flaws. As one of the Lucasarts classic titles, it's now really cheap, and is worth the money even if you only play through it once. Great as in impulse buy or mini gift, especially for Star Wars and racing fans.
NOTE: WinXP users might need to check the Lucasarts website for a patch if they experience a white screen lockup at the start of the race.

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Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace Review

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(More customer reviews)The Phantom Menace. Sometimes this game seems like an excellent one, while at others it is downright boring and silly.
The graphics, while not the best, are certainly the best i'll ever see on my fast-approaching obsolete computer. They are still pretty impressive though, as are the reflections, particle trails, and other little graphical effects. The sounds and voices are all pretty good too.
While the first few levels and the last few levels are pretty much fun, the Tatooine levels are boring and silly. Also, after playing the jedi for half of the game, you feel immeasurably weak when you are forced to play as panaka or the queen with her wimpy "droid stunner" gun.
The first time you play this game, it is pretty fun and challenging. Most of the puzzles aren't too difficult, but then you get to those jumping puzzles like the one on level three, and due to the awkward POV and controls, it takes twenty minutes to cross that little bit of water. This becomes a constant problem later...little jumping puzzles that take a vast amount of time and get very annoying very fast. It's also annoying running around tatooine, running when people try to kill you but not allowed to kill them, and trying to trade things back and forth.
Fortunately, the darth maul fights are pretty cool.
The second time you play the game, it's extremely easy, and I don't think I died once, and I beat the game in one sitting. Boring, fast, this game is fun the first time but has no replayability value. Add to that the lack of variety in enemies (100's of battle droids with once and a while a destroyer thrown in), and the lack of multiplayer, and you get a game which is decent but not worth the original $50 price.
Now that the price has gone down, if you like these types of games, I'd recommend trying it, but if you prefer shoot-em-up action games, stear clear of this one.

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LIVE the SAGA in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace foryour PC. You will participate in the dramatic events from theStar Wars Episode I story--and beyond. The action in The PhantomMenace will pick up where the movie begins--as two heroic Jedi Knightsdock on the Trade Federation Battleship above the planet Naboo. Thejourney takes you to such locations as Naboo, Tatooine, and all the wayto the Galactic capital world of Coruscant as you confront imposingthreats to freedom in the midst of a galaxy in crisis. PC SYSTEMREQUIREMENTS: Pentium 166 or higher, 32MB RAM or higher; 4X or fasterCD-ROM drive, Direct3D-compatible; 3D hardware accelerator required.Joystick supported.

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Star Wars: Empire at War: Gold Pack - Windows Review

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(More customer reviews)The product came on time as I had hoped that it would. The problem was when you went to use the software. Star Wares Empire at War worked, but only after i rebooted and would open it as soon as windows came up. The expansion pack that came with it didn't work at all. Would tell me that the disc could not be found no matter what I did. So I would say to save the money and buy the actual version of the saftware. This seems to be a third-party recreated copy. No game booklet, just some sticky tags with the keys on them. Dissappointed, but you get what you pay for.

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Star Wars: Empire at War: Gold Pack includes Star Wars: Empire at War, the Forces of Corruption expansion pack and more. In Empire at War, experience the creation of the Rebel Alliance, the strengthening of the Empire and the beginnings of the Galactic Civil War. Will you fight for the forces of good alongside Obi-Wan Kenobi, or will you succumb to the Dark Side and accept Darth Vader as your lord and master? In the Forces of Corruption expansion pack, play the role of diabolical criminal genius Tyber Zahn as he attempts to take over the galaxy after the destruction of the Death Star. Gain control of the underworld by stealing funds, spying, spreading influence and fighting, leading up to your ultimate goal of hijacking a Super Star Destroyer. Both sagas feature the ships, weapons and fearsome characters that have brought the series such legendary status. The excitement doesn't end there: the Gold Pack also includes goodies not available with separate versions of the games. The included Prima hint book provides tips and tricks to help you gain the advantage when engaging in space battles. There are also five bonus maps for making your way around the galaxy, as well as wallpapers, screen savers and concept art from the collector's edition. Fans of the series will enjoy the action and extras included in this Gold Pack. Both games feature the same intensity and action-packed battles as the films

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Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast Review

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(More customer reviews)In my opinion, with the exception of Rogue Leader, this is the best Star Wars game yet. However, that isn't necessarily saying much considering the fact that Star Wars video games are almost always really bad. Regardless though, this is a pretty solid title for both fans of Star Wars and non-fans alike.
My review is basically for the single player part of this game, because if you were really interested buying this game for it's multiplayer options, you'd get it on PC or possibly X-box. However, there is still a multiplayer element in the game that is entertaining as well as helpful, especially if you want to hone your Jedi skills.
Again, Jedi Outcast is a really solid game. You start off in your basic FPS scheme which is pretty easy to pick up. Everything controls well enough. Although not great, the graphics are above average I'd say. The music is flat out great, basically the score from the OT (Original Trilogy). Once you regain your Jedi skills, the game kicks up to a whole new level. I've never seen a more realized version of lightsaber fighting. In previous Star Wars games involving lightsabers, it was button mashing, and there was not contact between lightsabers. In this, the lightsabers clash and the sparks start to fly. The tiny nuances that go into the lightsaber fighting are truly amazing. I, for one, am glad that you have to *earn* the lightsaber (although you actually get it once you are about 15% through the game; it doesn't take long like others have mentioned.) The story is pretty good also and sets up the levels well.
On the downside, there are a few flaws in the game. For one,the cutscenes are horrible; poorly drawn and poorly animated. The collisions fields are weird at times as well. Another gripe are the controls when in 3rd person, it's sometimes hard getting the analog lightsaber to do what you want. I don't know if this the fault of the game or having to use a controller, though. Lastly, some of the levels are bogus. For the most part, they are excellent, but then the developers seemed to have over-extended themselves and created some ... gameplay that is just frustrating. The stealth level, the anti-gravity, and the escorting the droid are all poorly done and detract from the game.
All in all, I think this is a good purchase. It is somewhat hard, but personally I like that. I'd rather have a game that last then pay $.. for 8 hours of gameplay. This game has its flaws, but like I said, it still is quite possibly the best Star Wars game ever, it captuers the essence of Star Wars perfectly. If you are a fan of Star Wars, this is a no-brainer.

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In the tradition of the multi-award-winning Star Wars: Jedi Knight, Star Wars, Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast features rebel agent Kyle Katarn in exhilarating first-person action. Several years have passed since Kyle avenged his father's death and saved the Valley of the Jedi from Jerec and his band of Dark Jedi. Allowing his Force powers to languish for fear of falling to the dark side, Kyle entrusted his lightsaber to Luke Skywalker, vowing never to use it again. But when a new and menacing threat to the galaxy emerges, Kyle knows he must reclaim his past in order to save his future.
Players assume the role of Kyle as they employ a unique mix of weapons, Force powers, and the lightsaber in both single- and multiplayer modes. Jedi Outcast features expanded and enhanced use of the lightsaber, with new attack and defense moves. Tap into the powers of the Force, including jump, push, Jedi mind tricks, and more. Employ combat or stealth, depending on the situation. When a fight is necessary, be at the ready with an arsenal of weapons: stun baton, Bryar blast pistol, and blaster rifle, to name but a few.
Explore breathtaking Star Wars locales such as Cloud City, the Jedi Academy on Yavin 4, Nar Shaddaa, the smugglers' moon--plus some never-before-seen locations. Multiplayer options include capture the flag, free for all, team FFA, duel, weapons-only, and Jedi master.

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Star Wars: The Clone Wars Review

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(More customer reviews)First of all I love the Star Wras Fighter series games, especially the games for Game Cube and for PC. I also own a PS2, however for some strange reason, they just don't seem as fun on it. Anyway, back to the review. Clone Wars is an extraordinary fighter flight sim game. Along with some on foot battles and absolutely amazing flight fighting, this particular game completely blows my mind, with it's amazing graphics, it's perfection on controls and lack of any lag whatsoever, this game is by far my favorite game in the series. I also own Rogue Leader and still love that game, but so far Clone Wars just simply delivers about an ounce more overall fun in gameplay that Rogue Leader was lacking, and believe me, Rogue Leader dosn't lack a whole lot. I highly recommend Clone Wars to anyone who is a fan of the Star Wars games. For those of you who have been sceptical to try out the Star Wars series games, I think that this is the one to buy. It, like the other games also has a number of different diffaculty levels for those who are a little shy to try the Jedi and harder difaculty settings, but it is quite simply one of the funnest flight shooter games that I have ever played. Along with a wide variety of vehicles to use in gameplay, (including a walking vehicle which is very cool), this game is just totally fun. I guess I'm babbling so I wil quit now, however buy the game, it's sooo worth it. Trust me, hours of fun!!! I mean my girlfriend even likes it!!! That says a LOT!!!

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Another title to add to the Star Wars gaming shelf, The Clone Wars picks up where the movie Episode II: Attack of the Clones leaves off. In fact, the very first battle in this game re-creates the climactic battle in the movie, with you leading the clone army and blasting every droid in sight. Not big on strategy, Clone Wars is your basic arcade-style shoot-'em-up game. If you liked Star Wars: Starfighter, this game’s for you.
You control the Jedi leading the Republic's clone army, sometimes fighting as Anakin, Obi-Wan, Mace Windu, or other familiar Jedi as the war takes you from planet to planet. As the leader, you may issue squad commands to teammates, allowing them to act independently and assist you in your mission. Your ships and weapons are varied, giving you the pleasure of piloting everything from zippy speeder bikes to the impressive Republic Gunship. Soar over ice fields and desertscapes, or maneuver through labyrinthine galactic scrap yards, leaving robotic wreckage behind as you blast through enemy ranks. And every so often you actually get to use your lightsaber as well.
The game is fun to play, the controls easy to master--but you won’t find a lot new or challenging if you’re an experienced gamer. Also, unlike its sibling, Bounty Hunter, the graphics leave a bit to be desired, but luckily this aspect of the game doesn’t detract much from the gameplay. The pure pleasure in this game lies in becoming a part of the Star Wars universe. And, of course, blowing up robots. --Maile Bohlmann
Pros:
High-intensity play
Fun, classic Star Wars music
Four multiplayer modes

Cons:
Silly voiceovers
Graphics aren’t very detailed and color palette is limited
Plotline is threadbare
Overall, not very challenging or unique

(This review refers to the PlayStation2 version of this game)

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Star Wars: Bounty Hunter Review

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(More customer reviews)I've seen a lot of reviews that have really put this game down. I just don't get it. Bounty Hunter is definitely the best game that I've gotten for my GCN.
First off, I have to say that the in-game movies are simply, unarguably the best in any game ever released. Both the voice acting and on-screen graphics are unmatched by anything. The in-game graphics are not on the level of some game like Star Fox Adventures or Metroid Prime but I have to say that they are definitely above average, and do a good job of capturing the Star Wars universe. Each level has its own special feel. The best one is Coruscant, which you must see to believe. If you look up, you see towering skyscrapers lit up with holographic signs, with multiple levels of sky traffic.
Graphics: 8/10
The sound is certainly the best I have heard yet in a GCN title. Skywalker Sound did a great job with this title. All of the classic Star Wars sound effects, from lightsabers to blasters to hyperdrives, are perfectly done. The voice acting is even better, which you have to see for yourself.
Sound: 10/10
The gameplay is what a lot of people have complained about. I can't understand why. It is FUN. It gets repetitive occasionally, but let me tell you, toasting 50 guys with a flamethrower, shooting a bunch of toxic darts, leaping through the air with your jetpack while shooting twin blasters and then finally launching a guided missile does NOT get boring very quickly. The levels are long and between the length of the 18 levels and the many bonuses (including some very funny outtakes) this game should last you quite a while.
Gameplay: 9/10
Replay Value: 8.5/10
Overall, this game is certainly a title any Star Wars fan or anybody seeking excellent action/adventure games should get. If the other reviews have discouraged you, then rent it first. But certainly don't let Bounty Hunter, one of the best GCN titles to date, pass you by.
OVERALL: 9.5/10

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Through Jango Fett--father of Boba Fett--players will plunge into thedark, deadly world of a bounty hunter. Inspired by events between EpisodeI and Episode II, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter presents anoriginal, compelling, third-person action experience that establishes JangoFett's place in the Star Wars galaxy and his connection to the notoriousClone Army. The game draws players into Jango Fett's sinister and seedy world,where thieves and assassins thrive. Using his cunning and a host of deadlyskills, Jango Fett ventures into the rarely explored dark side of the StarWars universe to track down the elusive leader of a mysterious and deadlycult. All the while, he'll compete against a brutal rival from his past in aquest to capture the ultimate bounty, dead or alive.
Gameplay emphasizes intense combat and physical action in the relentless pursuitof prey across six fantastic worlds and 18 levels. Jango Fett faces off againstan onslaught of the worst scum in the universe, including crime lords, corruptpoliticians, and enemies of various species. He is equipped with an arsenal ofpowerful weapons such as dual blaster pistols, a flamethrower, missiles, and adistinctive jet pack.

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Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I love STAR WARS games and couldn't wait for this one. It's a cool game but not without some drawbacks.
NOTE: The game starts off as an FPS. Not until around the 7th level do you get the lightsaber and the Force. When you ignite the saber, you go into 3rd person mode.
DIFFICULTY: I'm starting with this, because this stands out the most. This game is TOUGH! I defy anyone to play through this game without consulting someone for help. I knew I was in trouble when I got stuck on the first stage! And I played the original DARK FORCES. JEDI OUTCAST consists of complicated map areas, hard puzzles, things you might not think to do, and enemies that can drain your energy quickly.
GRAPHICS: I thought they were quite good. Familiar planets is a nice touch. Has a realistic SW feel. The frame-rate is good.
SOUND: A little disappointing, particularly with regard to the lightsaber sound effect. It doesn't have half the punch that it did in OBI-WAN. The music editing is very choppy and is not done very well. Blasters sound good.
CONTROL: The default control is awful, but you can customize it to make it a lot better. Using R for the saber leads to not quite as precise lightsaber movements, but you can get used to that. You can deflect blasts with the lightsaber (and it looks awesome) but they never go back and hit the enemy! The Force is awkward to use.
MULTIPLAYER: Lots of cool places to fight (Death Star, Bespin, etc.) and you can even be a stormtrooper and have a lightsaber!
If Lucasarts took the difficulty, Force usability, lightsaber controls, sound effects, and enjoyability of OBI-WAN, with the graphics and animation of JEDI OUTCAST, we'd get one truly amazing XBOX game.
I have to say this one more time: This is game is EXTREMELY DIFFICULT! It takes the fun out of it since it is so frustrating. Still, it's worth checking out.

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In the tradition of Jedi Knight, rebel agent Kyle Katarn returns in thrilling first-person action. Several years have passed since Kyle avenged his father's death and saved the Valley of the Jedi from Jerec and his band of Dark Jedi. When a new and menacing threat to the galaxy emerges, Kyle knows he must reclaim his past in order to save his future. You assume the role of Kyle and employ a unique mix of weapons, Force powers, and your lightsaber in both solo and multiplayer modes.

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Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Any fan of the Star Wars Series will love this game. True, it's not quite as thrilling as Rogue Squadron, but at least Shadows of the Empire allows for difficulty selections, from EASY to JEDI (Jedi levels are impossibly tough, just for the record). Also true, there ARE still-photo sequences in between levels with text for the characters' speech, but understand this, this game was designed by LucasArts WAY before the N64 went into full production. The gang at LucasArts were rushed to make deadlines, so they cut a few corners. Besides, how can programmers realize a system's full potential on their first programming attempt? The graphics, music and stormtrooper cries of pain & girly-girl screams when they fall off of steep ledges alone make up for the in-between sequences.With that in mind, ignore the critics who slam Shadows of the Empire. Gameplay takes a bit of getting used to, but you'll get the hang of it within 5 minutes. All in all, Shadoows of the Empire is an AWESOME game & if you love Star Wars, you MUST buy it. You'll be glad you did.

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Stars Wars: Jedi Knight - Dark Forces II & Mysteries of the Sith Review

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(More customer reviews)There are few games which can give you a sense of . . . well, 'huge'. I don't mean an epic storyline, I mean taking you to places which are Gothic in proportions and Wagnerian in scope. Jedi Knight is one of those games. In the first level, you are in a bar which resides in the center of Nar Shadaa, the Vertical City, a name which is well-justified when you see visuals of it. You literally stand on the edge of a 1,000 meter cliff at one point! The immense scope doesn't stop at that one level, either. Several places are just as vast, such as Baron's Hed, which has a building in it which is so tall that it takes all of ten seconds to fall from it(if you use the flying cheat and go to the top of it). You also experience caverns which could comfortably enclose an aircraft carrier, aqueducts suspended above a Grand Canyon, and a fuel station that could have been one of Exxon's major oil reserves. All in all, the levels are reason enough to purchase the game and experience it.
The imagination of the game's story isn't what it could have been, but it served the game well enough. The unprecedented ability to pick up a lightsaber and go toe-to-toe with a Dark Jedi more than makes up for that. You also have to battle enemies like AT-STs, railgun-toting stormtroopers, and turbolaser turrets.
Another interesting area for this game is the live-action cutscenes. Very few games do this, mainly because of financial reasons, and most of the ones which utilize them suffer in other areas. Not so with Jedi Knight. It has them, and it also has great storyline and gameplay, a winning combination.
The last glowing area for this game is the ability to gain Force powers. Now, I know that most games today in which you are a Jedi you can get Force powers, but Jedi Knight is the only one yet which assigns you light side or dark side points based on your actions: if you only harm 'bad guys' you gain light side points, but if you start to harm civilians you gain dark side points, and the accumulation of either one results in either a light side or dark side ending, which I think is pretty cool.
All-in-all, an excellent game.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Stars Wars: Jedi Knight - Dark Forces II & Mysteries of the Sith

Dark Forces set the industry standard for first person action in the Star Wars universe. Now, Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II picks up where the award-winning game left off... with even more features and firepower in dazzling 3-D graphics. As Kyle Katarn, you must acquire the lightsaber and learn the ways of the Force to become a Jedi Knight. Confront old foes... Greedo, Bossk, stormtroopers. And new enemies... seven dark Jedi who plan to harness the power of an ancient burial ground for unsurpassed evil. But take heart, your 10 weapon arsenal and over 12 Force powers make you a force to be reckoned with. Single or multiplayer game play over modem, network or Internet. Nine multiplayer levels. All-new realistic 3-D environments with animated 3-D characters in 21 heart stopping levels. Encounter seven dark Jedi, each possessing unique powers. Compatible with many 3-D graphics cards. Intense Star Wars action in an all-new story fraught with danger and adventure - do you take the quick and easy path as Darth Vader did or do you take the patient route to Jedi Knighthood?

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Star Wars Empire At War Gold Pack Review

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(More customer reviews)I like Star Wars as well as your average 30-something red-blooded American male, but I am by no means a fanboy; in fact, I have found that most Star Wars related games in the past decade are kind of 'meh'. With that said, I loved the original Empires at War, it was a great game that combined a strategic game of planet conquering with two types of RTS games in which you fought for control of planets on land and in space - it didn't rest on the Star Wars Franchise to please the user, the Star Wars heroes, vehicles, and troops are just an added bonus. User created mods are freely available on the net, and that expands replayability immensely. I pulled it off the shelf the other day to find some of the new mods use the expansion - the original expansion no longer seems to be available from Amazon, but the gold package has both the original and expansion. The original was a great twist on the basic RTS style of game, and one of my favorites, gameplay-wise. Eye candy isn't as good as more modern titles, but gameplay has held up well. IMHO, the original game is still worth the price, and I'm sure the expansion just sweetens the pot.
Note that their cover art for this product is for the original game, not the gold edition; I was waffling on whether to buy it until I saw the customer pic, as it didn't seem the gold edition had the expansion and there is no mention of it in the product description. Per Lucasart's website, the gold edition does indeed have the Forces of Corruption expansion included (and looks like the second picture in the gallery). Thanks to 'JJAV' for the clarifying customer pic.

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Star Wars: Empire at War Gold Pack PC

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LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars Review

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(More customer reviews)What a great game. Traveler Tales does not disappoint with their latest release in the Star Wars franchise. All the great innovations from the past couple games (Indy 2 / Harry Potter) have been brought forward. The dynamic split screen is probably the greatest feature I've seen in these games, really made co-op play feasible in the Lego world. TT has taken it further now, allowing players to move into completely different story lines. The graphics have been amp'd up while overall the game is capable of supporting huge battles of Lego characters without bogging down.
You might grouse that it's the same old Lego shtick, but that's what makes it so much fun, beating the snot out of little Lego guys without repercussions.
Looking forward to TT's take on Pirates of the Caribbean due out in May.

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LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars is an Action-Adventure game thatbuilds on the long recognized family-friendly fun and quality gameplaythat is the hallmark of the LEGO video game franchise. The game featuresfan favorite scenes from Star Wars: The Clone Wars and seasons1 and 2 of the hit animated TV series, all retold using the easy topick up and block oriented LEGO video game play mechanics. Additionalfeatures include: new characters and combat abilities, 2 player supportwith split screen (co-op on and offline), 16 different systems toexplore, massive ground battles and more.

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