Thursday, October 2, 2008

Star Wars The Force Unleashed: A Review

Have you ever waved a stick around while making the "throom, thwoom" lightsaber noise with your mouth?


I have. A lot.

If you have too, you're likely to have a blast playing The Force Unleashed.


Storywise, the game is set shortly before Star Wars Episode IV. You control Darth Vadar's secret apprentice, having been raised in secret and trained in the ways of the Dark Side of the Force. You are tasked with exterminating those few Jedi that were too stubborn to die during the purge of Episode III.

As no-one is allowed to know you exist, you're given the amusing order to leave no witnesses alive. Cue wanton mayhem as you rampage through missions killing everyone you see, be they rebel, alien or stormtrooper.


As a sith juggernaut, you're armed with your trusty lightsaber and an ever-expanding suite of force powers. Driven as much by the technological capabilities of today's consoles as any kind of mandate in story, you're also the most powerful SOB ever to be filled with midichlorians.


The fun in SWFU - an acronym almost as fun as the even-shorter FU! - is a blend between challenging stages and some nice 'holy crap I'm a God' moments.


The game allows both objects and people to react in an impressively realistic manner. Turning a corner to find a dozen stormtroopers, you can unleash a blast of concussive force that will see men sent flailing, wood splintering, metal twisting and glass shattering. It's all viscerally satisfying.

If you hold a stormtrooper in mid-air he will flail aimlessly. Wave him above a railing and he will grasp at it in a desperate attempt to get down. He'll almost make it before you fling him violently into the abyss or fill him full of lightning.


Moments like that will have you wishing someone was witnessing your badassery, but there's also challenges to be had in the form of giant beasts, machines and even starships that require a fair dollop of strategy to overcome.


The story is fantastic and involving, filled with well written characters and some nice pieces of dialogue. In fact, it's easy to think that if this was a movie rather than a game, it would surpass anything seen throughout the prequel trilogy. It means a lot more to the Star Wars universe than much of Episode 1, for example, and has more to say on the (de)evolution of Anakin Skywalker.


The secret apprentice is an intriguing character - kind of a dark melding of Luke Skywalker and Han Solo. I'm a big fan of him holding his lightsaber gangsta-style backwards, but this may not be a massive selling point for everyone.


The game could leave the hardcore audience a little cold given it's length. I finished it in about ten hours all told, but someone pushing for the end could probably make it in eight or six. I'm keen to replay it but others may not feel the desire, and an obtuse targeting mechanic may leave some frustrated.


Replay value is injected through a light RPG system that allows for customisation of force powers and combos, and new lightsaber colours, abilities and costumes are also waiting to be found.


All in all, FU! is great fun for the Star Wars fan, or for anyone who enjoys the odd adventure game.



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