Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is the latest game in the Star Wars universe, released September, 2008. It was a commercial success, but had mixed reviews by critics. I had the opportunity to play through it, and blasted through in a single weekend. I enjoyed it, but at the same time, I understand a lot of the complaints. The summation of this review: fun, but frustrating.The best thing Unleashed has going for it is that it is everything Star Wars. It’s a very immersive game, with a very compelling storyline. The acting and graphics are both stellar. If you’re a Star Wars fan, this game will have you riveted from beginning to end.
Unfortunately, you can’t go very far without noticing the lack of polish on the game. Whether it’s the levels that seem just too linear given your force powers, triggered falling deaths on what looks to be safe ground, or the physics engine betraying you, you’ll be raging constantly throughout the levels. With regards to the physics in particular, you’ll discover just how hard those droids work at waxing the Death Star floors when you are hit by blaster fire and slide 30 feet. Also for some reason the menus in this game have a loading screen. That’s pretty damn annoying considering how often you interact with them.
The actual gameplay itself is fun and frantic, while you’re in control. Combat is very engaging, and right from the beginning you feel powerful. You have a rich upgrade system that you are constantly using throughout the game. You have a wide variety of moves at your disposal as you progress. And, almost everywhere, the environment plays a huge aspect in strategy. Chucking jawas into toxic sludge or freezing stormtroopers in carbonite are just two different ways to score quick (and funny!) kills on baddies.
Unfortunately, that whole “in control” thing is fleeting during actual battles, especially towards the end of the game. Many attacks come with a knockdown effect, and when that happens, the enemies show no mercy and kick the crap out of you to the best of their ability. Instead of your multi-button combos, your most effective move for much of the game is the force lightning ability, which is just a button hold. I constantly raged at the targeting system as well, when I turned to aim at an enemy sometimes I’d just do a force lightning right next to him and wind up wasting time and energy doing no damage.
So once again, in summation, fun but frustrating. All the good things in this game come saddled with just as many bad aspects. However, if you love Star Wars, you’ll find the good outweighs the bad… probably.
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