Star Wars: The Force Unleashed - Ultimate Sith Edition

Star Wars games have been some of gamers’ favourite IP-based video games. The chance to swing a lightsaber around some of sci-fi’s most iconic backdrops created hits like Star Wars: Battlefront and Star Wars: Battlefront 2, as well as the Star Wars: Jedi Knight series.

Unleash the Force

Players looking for a true jedi experience can look no further. In the Force Unleashed, players have full control over a range of force powers to lay waste to their enemies. And frankly, the ability to force grab stormtroopers and throw them around like ragdolls may be enough to convince most people to give the game a try.

The player also has access to various jump moves, lightsaber techniques as well as force lightning to create a spectacular show of combat on the battlefield. While the game’s combat is somewhat basic, the thrill of seeing your favourite sci-fi world come to life makes up for any rudimentary fighting.

This is all made even better with the Euphoria engine (made famous by the earlier Grand Theft Auto IV) which allows for realistic physics as you blast your way through starships and planetary woodlands. There is also detailed destruction in various parts of the game, however due to console limitations, these highly detailed and interactive assets are few and far between.

A Long Time Ago...

Players might be surprised to learn that the story in the Force Unleashed is one of the best reasons to give the game a try. Initially made canon by Star Wars creator George Lucas, the story of the game makes great attempts at immersing players into the already familiar science fiction world. With a cast of new characters, as well as some old ones, players can look forward to an exciting space adventure across the galaxy.

The player is put in the shoes of Darth Vader’s apprentice. With your Jedi father killed by Vader after the events of Revenge of the Sith, you are taken under Vader’s wing and trained to become a sith master. The goal given to you by Vader is simple: eliminate a list of jedi targets. As Starkiller, you’ll travel to various planets in search of remaining jedis to duel. Interestingly, the story puts an emphasis on which side of the force you’ll choose to side with. Will you rule the galaxy with your sith lord master? Or will you aid the rebellion?

Only a Sith deals in Tedium

The major drawback to the Force Unleashed lies in its design. Unfortunately, while the graphics and overall presentation are stellar, the variety of enemies and AI aren’t much to shout about. Quicktime events and boss battles are exciting to begin with, but players looking for a challenge certainly won’t find much.

While there is an expansive upgrade system, dealing with enemies is often solved by using a specific move over and over, which reduces the need for creativity or style as you’re slicing through hundreds of stormtroopers and wookies. Still, visually the game looks great for the time it was released, and those who are looking for a laidback jedi adventure can’t go wrong with the Force Unleashed.

PROS

• Excellent and well-thought out story
• Perfect for fans of Star Wars
• Fantastic physics

CONS

• Combat is a bit shallow
• Enemies are repetitive
• Some mechanics are under-developed