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Product Features

Genre
Action and Shooter
Publisher
Activision
Release Date
September 19, 2008
Available Platforms
Nintendo DS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Nintendo Wii, XBox 360

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Star Wars The Force Unleashed

The Star Wars saga will continue in Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, a videogame developed by LucasArts, which casts players as Darth Vader's "Secret Apprentice" and promises to unveil new revelations about the Star Wars galaxy. The expansive story, created under direction from George Lucas, is set during the largely unexplored era between Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope. In it, players will assist the iconic villain in his quest to rid the universe of Jedi - and face decisions that could change the course of their destiny.Join the Dark SideYou are Darth Vader's Secret ApprenticeView larger.Use The Force to disable your enemiesView larger.Artwork of the Jedi "Maris" View larger.As its name implies, The Force Unleashed completely re-imagines the...

  • Paul Martin January 27, 2010 360
    ****

    Star Wars: The Force Unleashed was made by Lucasarts a company well renowned for its previous Star Wars titles including Star Wars Knights of The Old Republic, Star Wars: Battlefront and a more similar genre to The Force Unleashed was Star Wars: Jedi Outcast.

    The games story is a great addition to the Star Wars universe, it was directed by Hayden Blackman who approached George Lucas for additional input and guidance on the project. That said it is not surprising that the game moves so fluent with the movies with Lucas having his part to play in the project. He even gave the green light for some familiar faces to make a return such as Senator Organa and Princess Leia, although not voice by Carrie Fisher the voice actor does sound remarkably similar to her, which provides a sense of authenticity to the game.

    The story takes place between movies Episode 3: Return of the Sith and Episode 4: A New Hope as Darth Vader is still hunting down the last remaining Jedi in the galaxy. You begin the game playing as the legend Darth Vader himself as you pummel your way through Kashyyk (the Wookie homeworld) searching for a Jedi who is hiding on the planet. When you find the Jedi a young boy stops Vader from striking down his Father by taking Vaders lightsaber from his very grasp. It intrigues Vader that the boy is so powerful to do this and claims him as his own apprentice hiding him away for many years until he is ready to unleash him upon the galaxy.

    The Apprentice is voiced and modelled from actor Sam Witwer (most likely known for his recent appearance as Davis Bloome in TV Series Smallville). This is a great addition to the cast as Sam Witwer provides a deep and emotional experience in the game through his voice and acting, the technology at Lucasarts has implemented this into the game to give the gamer a deep bond with The Apprentice. Witwer provides a first class acting role and sometimes it's easy to forget its actually game in some cut scenes. That is until some small clipping issues stands out and leaves the game feeling somewhat unpolished. The other voice acting however shows no flaws providing a great feel about the game.

    As you begin the game as The Apprentice, Darth Vader sends you after a small resistance group under the leadership of General Rahm Kota, a human Jedi. Vader states that you are to leave none alive so the very existence of The Apprentice is kept secret, this means attacking potential allies such as Stormtroopers. As you begin to play you will begin to understand how powerful The Apprentice actually is when he uses the force, in return making you, the gamer also feel powerful. The controls are simple to navigate and picking a mear Stromtrooper up in the air and juggling him about is great entertainment. Of course no Star Wars game would be complete without the use of a Lightsaber which provides a similar style of play to the likes of Ninja Gaiden and Devil May Cry, maybe not as in detail with the combat, but still the game provides a great amount of combos to use at your disposal that can be combined with the force to unleash upon your foes. The Lightsaber however isn't used as much as you would like, given the games title it is clear that Lucasarts focused more upon force skills than lightsaber as you can cannonball several of your enemy across a hangar at the same time with one push of a button. The game does come with some flaws where a stormtrooper may get stuck in the air when thrown with the force, although this sounds like a problem to have its rare and can maybe given an exception given the amount of freedom you have when and where you can throw your foes.

    The game also comes with somewhat a RPG setting as you level up your character The Apprentice will get more powerful and have more combos to use. You will also unlock new costumes as you play and complete each level. Another additional bonus is the ability to choose your lightsaber colours, including a black lightsaber crystal if you find the holocron (a collectable throughout the game, there are several on each level which will give you exp points to level up or unlock additions to your lightsaber/costume choices). Although what was disappointing was the inability to choose different kinds of styles such as Darth Mauls two sided lightsaber which does appear in the game, or perhaps having one lightsaber in each hand. Although this is a minor issue or request, it does bring you to wonder why Lucasarts didn't implement the option to increase the choices the gamer would have.

    The games levels are linear, it's not surprising given the detail Lucarts have supplied the gamer. By throwing a trooper onto a metal object it will cause a realistic dent and the sound effects have clearly had a lot of work spent on them. Each object seems to have its own unique sound and let's be honest throwing a stormtrooper into a wooden shack with it exploding into bits doesn't get old or less satisfying. The levels are all unique apart from one where you return to a previous world, this gives the game variation and depth where some games i.e. recent instalment of Devil May Cry seemed to lack. The game does leave you with some memorable moments such as boss encounters which always vary and require different tactics on how to deal with them, one in particular boss fight that stands out is a showdown with a Star Destroyer, it was an impressive concept.

    The game does rise some minor questions such as how if The Apprentice was so powerful did the Emperor not sense him as he was grown up much like he did Anakin in the films. It does feel a little unpolished and leaves the script somewhat finished, but given the fact I enjoyed the game it doesnt change my final outlook stating the game is worth a purchase.

    Overall the game lasts about 12 hours and has some replayability although it's mostly for completionists. The difficulty level is well placed for new comers, experienced gamers and hardcore gamers providing a level everyone to play and enjoy the game. The story provides a great link between episodes 3 and 4. There is an alternate ending depending on the choice made in the game. I believe the story itself is actually good enough to be made into a movie given the fact at how well it plays out overall, it certainly does provide an enjoyable experience. There are a few glitches in the game that stand out, however it doesn't ruin the overall game. The voice acting, sound effects and music are all fantastic making you feel right at home to what you would expect from George Lucas. Certainly worth a purchase given the price of the game. Overall 8.2/10.

  • Chris September 14, 2009 360
    ****

    When this game first came out I was unsure whether to spend £39.99 on it, but when I saw it had dropped to only £15.00 I thought why not? and I am so glad I had! it is one of the best games I have ever played, the storyline is one of the best I have ever experienced in a game, it could easily be made into a film that fits right in the middle of the star wars saga. The new ways of attacking make the game last hours, such as picking up your enemies and throwing them 100 foot in the air. You are able to explore vast worlds while searching out hidden extras such as different coloured lightsabers. The storyline lasted me 2 weeks on the hardest available setting, but once your finished you have the choice to replay the game on an even harder setting which is insane, overall I would of been happy to buy this game at full price but getting it for £15.00 made it an even bigger bargain!

  • Ian Francis September 28, 2008 WII
    ****

    Yet again, it's not the Star Wars Lightsabre game that all Wii fans want, but it is a cracking game none the less.

    Starting off in a training mode as Darth Vader is a great way to learn how to use all force powers, sabre abilities etc.

    You develop force powers as you move through the game, and you choose your path of power by trading blue tokens for new or upgraded powers etc.

    The controls are fairly simple, but controlled (to swing lightsabre you must move the Wii-Mote in different directions for better flowing combat).

    Only on the Wii is a Duel Mode which is a nice multiplayer option.

    Duel mode adds to longevity of the game which is not the greatest in length and you can find yourself getting slightly bored after completion.

    If you are a Star Wars fan, get this game and you shouldn't be disappointed.