Atari 2600

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (Parker Bros 1982) A-
Easily the best Star Wars game for the 2600, Empire Strikes Back provides satisfying "twitch" gameplay and relentless challenge. I love it! Based on the best action sequence from these movies (the battle on [ice] planet Hoth), you pilot a tiny Snowspeeder attempting to subdue a parade of approaching Imperial Walkers. Your scanner indicates their position, and should one of these hulking mammoths reach the right edge of the scanner, the Rebel Alliance is defeated and your game is over. The screen scrolls rapidly as you whiz over the icy wasteland, and when you encounter a Walker, a high tech game of cat-and-mouse ensues. Not only are the Walker's missiles deadly accurate, but they also deploy "smart bombs" that behave like heat-seeking missiles. Empire's graphics are minimal, but the control is tight and the action fast and furious. Destroying a Walker is tough, considering each can withstand up to 48(!) shots. Fortunately, weak spots appear periodically, allowing a single well-placed shot to take them down. Should you manage to stay alive for two minutes, the Star Wars theme kicks in and you're awarded with 20 seconds of invincibility (yeee-ha!). The damage level of both the Walkers and your Snowspeeder is indicated by their respective colors. A red ship indicates critical damage, but you're permitted to land for repairs twice (per ship). You can't fly through a Walker's body (at least in the hard variations), but you can fly through its legs unharmed, and I like that. Crashing into a Walker inflicts major damage to it, and sometimes it makes sense to sacrifice a ship as a last ditch-effort to extend the game. Empire has no "stages" per se; the Walkers just keep coming until you're overcome. Easy to play and always exciting, Empire Strikes Back lives up to the Star Wars name.

Star Wars: Jedi Arena (Parker Bros 1983) D
Who's bright idea was it to put two Jedi knights into a game, arm them with powerful lightsabers, and then keep them separated for the entire frickin' game?! Jedi Arena is so bogus that it's not even funny. It's very loosely based on a brief scene from the first Star Wars film. You may recall when Luke was practicing his saber skills on a floating metal orb inside the Millennium Falcon. In Arena, this orb shoots electrical charges and floats between these so-called Jedi. Actually, these competitors look like more two fat guys cooped up in boxes, protected by a four-layer shield. Using a paddle controller, you swing your saber from side to side - too bad it doesn't stick out far enough to touch anything! Jedi Arena's control scheme is counterintuitive (to say the least). You use your saber to block the orb's charges, and press the fire button to initiate charges toward your opponent. Blocking is easy enough, but aiming your shots is awkward - I could never get a feel for it. Every now and then the orb goes nuts and start shooting charges in all directions. It's a big, confusing mess. Jedi Arena is a real dud and a complete waste of the Star Wars license.

Star Wars: Death Star Battle (Parker Bros 1983) D
Man, this is so lame! An instantly forgettable shooter, Death Star Battle puts you in control of a tiny Millennium Falcon. Inexplicably, you're confined to a cramped area on the lower half of the screen! A partially completed Death Star is visible at the top, behind a rainbow-colored shield. If you don't remember this from the movies, that's because it wasn't in the movies. You can blast passing Imperial vessels, but it's hard enough to avoid colliding with them because they appear from out of nowhere. If you're looking for a cheap way to inflate your score, just wait for Vader's shuttle to cruise by - it's worth a cool 3,000 points (compared to a paltry 100 points for the others). Periodically a "hole" appears in the shield, a temporary gateway to the second (and final) stage. Here, the Death Star is presented as an ugly, gray, blocky monstrosity -- with a red dot in the center. Avoiding a roving laser, you must wear down the outside of the Death Star to expose its core. It's Star Wars meets Breakout, and it's not a pretty sight. After shooting the core, you must dodge a series of fireballs before the Death Star finally explodes. The explosion isn't bad (by Atari 2600 standards) but then it's back to the beginning for another uneventful round. Playing Death Star Battle is a shallow experience, lacking any sense of strategy or fun. 1 player

Intellivision

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (Parker Bros 1983) D+
It took a few years for the Atari 2600 version of Empire Strike Back to win me over, so I was hoping this version might also grow on me. No such luck! Upon turning it on, you're treated to a rendition of the Star Wars theme that's almost on key. Hey, it's the Intellivision - we'll take what we can get! The object of this side-scrolling shooter is to keep a parade of advancing Imperial Walkers at bay on the ice planet of Hoth. This game might have been a lot of fun if not for the choppy animation and imprecise controls. Your Snowspeeder and the approaching Walkers are slightly more detailed than on the Atari, and I love the mechanical sound effects that accompany the stomps of the huge Walkers. Holding down the side buttons engages rapid-fire, allowing you to unleash a steady barrage of missiles. Unfortunately, keeping the Walker in your sights is frustratingly difficult thanks to the clumsy, unresponsive controls. You can't maneuver very well at all, and once Walkers begin unleashing their heat-seeking missiles, your Rebel ass is toast. These Walkers only require 30 hits to take down (compared to 48 on the Atari), but trying to nail their "weak spot" is nearly impossible. The scrolling effects of the hills and valleys are rough, making it difficult to land on a level area to initiate repairs. And why did the programmer paint the sky that putrid shade of yellow? Intellivision owners clearly got the short end of the stick with this one. For the record, my friend Jonathan holds the record for lowest score in Empire Strike Back for the Intellivision, netting a paltry 12 points in his very first game. Needless to say, I derived more enjoyment from mocking him than playing this game.

Atari 5200

Star Wars: The Arcade Game (Parker Bros 1984) F
Despite impressive graphics (on par with the arcade version) Star Wars: The Arcade Game is not particularly enjoyable. In the first stage, you aim crosshairs and shoot down Tie fighters flying in and out of view. As large as they are, they should be easy to hit, but the awful collision detection makes this stage a frustrating experience. Destroyed Ties are rendered as small red fireballs - far less impressive than the shattering explosions of the Colecovision edition. Even worse is the second stage, where you shoot towers on the surface of the Death Star. Like the first stage, many perfectly good shots simply fail to register. Making matters worse, this stage tends to run far too long. The one decent stage is the climactic trench scene, which requires little in the way of precision to dodge barriers and oncoming missiles. After blasting the vent, brace yourself for the sight of the Death Star getting blown into - hold onto your hat -- six pieces! It looks like a broken egg, and it's pathetic. Yoda must be rolling over in his grave.

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi Death Star Battle (Parker Bros 1984) F
Death Star Battle for the 5200 is almost a carbon copy of the lousy 2600 version -- minus the control. You guide a tiny Millennium Falcon, restricted to a small area on the bottom of the screen. The Death Star is visible up top, separated from you by a rainbow-colored shield (what the?). The first stage consists of shooting (or avoiding) passing imperial vessels. It's hard to do in such a limited space, and the imprecise Atari 5200 controller doesn't help matters. Holes periodically appear in the shield, and flying through one transports you to the second stage. This stage looks very similar, except the Death Star is larger and has a blinking "core". As you blast away from below, you knock out individual "bricks" until you reach its core. Considering all the ideas inspired by the Star Wars movies, you have to wonder why Parker Bros went with such an unimaginative concept. The only real difference between this and the 2600 version is an unspectacular "hyperspace" sequence which occurs as you fly through the rainbow shield. Death Star Battle is a poor concept, exacerbated by uninspired graphics and awful control. I doubt that George Lucas would have approved of this steaming pile of dung.

Colecovision

Star Wars: The Arcade Game (Parker Bros 1984) C+
This first-person Star Wars shooter looks almost exactly like the arcade version, complete with the four guns of your X-Wing on the edges of the screen. The first stage lets you blast Tie fighters to bits, and they look fantastic when they blow up. Normal ties explode into several pieces, and Vader's spins off the screen just as it does in the movie. Too bad most of your energy will be spent neutralizing their incoming fireballs. The second stage involves shooting towers on the surface of the Death Star - a scene which I don't recall from the films. Not particularly fun, it's hard to shoot the towers and also avoid running into them. Still, it's nice how the tower tops "shatter" when blasted. The climactic trench stage is well done, but frankly not much better looking than the Atari 2600 version. Oh well, at least you can hear the Star Wars theme and R2 beeping in the background. Upon blowing up the Death Star, you just see a quick flash and a lame message announcing, "The Death Star is destroyed". The game's main issue is the control; the cursor is slippery and difficult to aim with precision. Visually however, this game is a dead ringer for the arcade, and probably the best home version I've played.

Nintendo

Star Wars (Lucasfilm 1991) F
Remember the scene in Star Wars when Luke was exploring a cave, got hit with some dripping green stuff, and was vaporized when he jumped on a spike? I don't either, and that's what I hate about this game. Instead of being inspired by the Star Wars universe, the developers crammed it into a generic platform game. You play the role of Luke Skywalker, who looks more like a little kid. Actually, all the characters are drawn in the same "kiddie" style, and it really sucks. You travel between areas using your Landspeeder, depicted by an overhead view. But it's the poorly designed stages that truly make this game so appalling. All of the "worst practices" of stage design are at work here. There are creatures you can't see until you make a blind leap. Numerous spike-laden pits spell plenty of instant deaths. Falling even modest distances incurs serious damage, and you're constantly being knocked on ledges. The first few stages take place in boring caves, and feature enemies you won't even find in the movies. Subsequent stages (like the Sandcrawler and Cantina) are more interesting to look at, but just as frustrating to play. A few well-done cut scenes convey the storyline of the movie, but most of the music is inexplicably generic. There's no "score" in Star Wars, but plenty of continues to extend the agony. This game is widely detested by most fans of the films, and deserves to be detested.

Empire Strikes Back (Lucasfilm 1991) C+
Empire Strikes Back represents a huge step forward from the first NES Star Wars game. At least Empire makes an effort to capture the spirit of the movie, with realistic characters and music lifted straight from the films. Stages range from the snowy terrain of Hoth, to the green swamps of Dagobah, to the modern architecture of Cloud City. The first stage places Luke on a Taun-Taun (resembling a kangaroo) as he investigates a mysterious transmission on the ice planet Hoth. Hoth's snowy scenery is featured prominently in this cartridge. Once he enters the icy caverns, Luke can dismount from his Taun-Taun to explore the more narrow caves. Here, Luke will find his lightsaber and begin acquiring his Force powers. Although there's some tedious jumping (including the ubiquitous "floating" platforms), the jumping controls tend to be forgiving. What stinks is how the game sends you way back to the beginning of the stage when you die - even when you've reached the boss! Though small, the characters are realistically proportioned and nicely animated. A useful new move is the "power jump", which is charged by holding back on the directional pad. Though most of the action in Empire is standard platform fare, there are also two interesting shooting stages. The one that really caught my eye was the battle against the AT-AT Walkers, which looks fantastic. Reminiscent of the original Empire Strikes Back (Atari 2600, 1982), you fire on Walkers with your snowspeeder, and can even use tow cables to trip them up! It looks awesome when they collapse, and you can go back and "finish" it! Your snowspeeder looks particularly cool when it "loops around" for another run. When you finally get shot down, Luke can still run around on foot, blasting incoming Snow Troopers. The second shooting stage takes place outside of Cloud City where you must shoot down a certain number of enemy aircraft. While these stages certainly look impressive, their gameplay is compromised by the fact that objects are so large you can't easily see what's coming. Despite the flaws, LucasFilm was clearly headed in the right direction, as the SNES titles would ultimately prove. Note: Although it was under development, Return of the Jedi was never released for the NES. It was cancelled in order to begin work on the Super Star Wars (SNES) series.

Sega Genesis

Super Nintendo

Super Star Wars (LucasArts 1992) B-
For Star Wars fans, 1992's Super Star Wars was a dream come true. Not only did the storyline follow the movie (more or less), the graphics and sound were state of the art. Although most stages are your standard platform/jump/shoot variety, a few innovative 3D stages let you drive vehicles, including a sandspeeder (on Tatooine) and an X-Wing in the Death Star's trench. The 3D animation looks a little rough, but serves its purpose. In general, the graphics are outstanding, portraying every character and monster you can remember from the original film (and then some). The adrenaline-pumping Star Wars theme sounds crystal clear, as do the digitized sound effects and voice bits. Depending on the stage, you might control Luke, Han, or Chewbacca. The controls are tight, but you're asked to make too many "leaps of faith", a common problem for this style of game. Some of the platform jumping can be downright tedious; the hellacious Java sandcrawler stage comes to mind. The difficulty of the stages is uneven, and cheap hits are also a problem. Projectiles approach from all directions, and some simply cannot be avoided. The only way I've managed to finish the game (without a cheat code) is to locate the secret cave containing 99 extra lives. Since there's no save or password feature, you may find yourself playing into the wee hours of the morning, and by then the jumping and shooting will have gotten plenty old. A better option is to obtain the cheat code, which lets you select your stage. Still, this is a quality title and the reason at least one of my friends originally purchased an SNES.

Super Empire Strikes Back (LucasArts 1993) B+
Since Empire is considered the best film of the (first) trilogy, I was terribly anxious to purchase this game in 1993. In fact, my friend Eric and I took off the day it came out, went to the mall, and bought it for 75 bucks! I remember how the guy at the register asked his manager if he could give us a free guide to the game, but that jerk replied, "Nah - save 'em for later." Had that cashier not given us one anyway (to share), a serious beating would have ensued ($75!!) When we finally arrived back home (with McDonald's in tow) we were giddy with excitement. Empire gets off on the right foot with some beautiful ice-planet stages where you ride a Taun-Taun through blizzard conditions. Unlike the first game, Empire packs ample lightsaber action, and Luke can perform various "Force" powers. At one point you pilot a snowspeeder and face mammoth AT-AT Walkers. While this pseudo-3D stages brings back fond memories, I have to admit it has not aged well. Although you can fly freely around the Walkers and bring them down with tow cables, the action is pretty choppy and somewhat confusing. After Hoth, you head to the swamps of Dagobah, and then to the beautiful Cloud City for an encounter with Boba Fett. The final stage pits Luke against Darth Vader in a dramatic climax that had me riveted. Some liberties have been taken with the storyline, but nothing objectionable. Thankfully, a much-needed password mechanism is provided so you can save your place. The main problem with Empire is its severe difficulty, aggravated by cheap hits which you can't see coming. Prime examples are those spouting "crystals" in the Hoth stages - what the heck is that all about? Also, slowdown does occur when the action gets hectic. Still, Empire's sky-high productions values, excellent controls, and interesting stages put it over the top.

Super Return of the Jedi (LucasArts 1994) A
As the final game of the Super Star Wars Trilogy, LucasArts seemed to get everything right this time. The gameplay hasn't changed much since Super Star Wars, but Jedi is the most forgiving of the three games; it's almost easy compared to Empire. The game begins in Jabba the Hutt's palace, moves to the forest moon of Endor (home of the beloved Ewoks), and culminates in the new Death Star. You can choose from several characters before most stages begin, including a bikini-clad Princess Leia (now we're talking). Jedi's graphics and attention to detail are stunning; for example, Jabba's gamorrean guards actually have saliva dripping from their mouths. The stage backgrounds, particularly those set in the lush forests of Endor, look gorgeous. One major innovation is a cool new defensive move for Luke: the lightsaber block. This plays an instrumental role in defeating Vader, and ultimately the Emperor. Another new element, floating icons, will earn you a bonus life should you collect 100 of them. These add a fun, Super Mario flavor to the game. The 3D speeder bike stage isn't as impressive as I remember, but it's not so bad. The Millennium Falcon shooter stage, on the other hand, is truly weak. Jedi does a nice job of following the storyline of the film, and skillfully builds to the exciting finale. With the same action packed gameplay as its predecessors but lacking the frustration factor, Super Return of the Jedi is a fitting conclusion to the series.

Sega CD

Star Wars: Rebel Assault (LucasArts 1993) F
I wish I had played this game before I played Rebel Assault II on my Playstation, because these low-quality graphics are almost too much to bear. Rebel Assault is one of those annoying games where you spend most of the time watching video. Many of the clips are taken directly from the Star Wars films, although they are severely pixilated (due to the Sega CD's limited color palette). The new footage tends to be awful - almost comical. In some cases, they superimposed moving lips and eyes over stiff faces, and the effect is unconvincing at best; downright creepy at worst. At least the video segments extend across the full screen - a rarity for the Sega CD. Rebel Assault's audio really shocked me. The music is far from CD quality, and the digitized sound effects are rough. The stages include Tie fighter shooting, navigating an asteroid field, mounting an attack run on a Star Destroyer, and taking down an Imperial Walker. There are also a few crude stormtrooper shootout stages, but your character looks like a woman for some reason. The space shooting stages are best (easiest to tolerate), where you aim at obvious targets and have very limited range of movement. You have no control over your general direction, and waiting for your ship to turn around (for another run) takes forever. The worst stages are those where you must navigate a ship through confined areas (like a desert canyon). The steering controls are extremely unresponsive, and determining your position from the pixilated graphics is difficult. Rebel Assault could have gotten by on graphics alone in 1993, but it hasn't aged well. I didn't enjoy playing this at all.

Star Wars Chess (LucasArts 1994) C-
I'm not a big chess fan, but I gravitate towards anything Star Wars. In Star Wars Chess, the pieces are represented by your favorite characters from the films; including Yoda, Luke, Leia, Darth Vader, the Emperor, Chewbacca, C3PO, R2D2, and Boba Fett. The characters are easily recognizable, but being hand-drawn, they look cheesy. The game is played exactly like chess, except when a piece is captured a non-interactive animated sequence shows one character overtaking the other. These "battle" sequences tend to be clever, funny, and entertaining to watch - the first time. Unfortunately, you'll see certain animations with annoying frequency. Still, when you consider all the combinations of characters, it's quite a bit of animation. The chess aspect itself is pretty good. There are loads of options, including helpful hints and the ever-popular "switch sides" option (comes in handy for me). The CPU player is intelligent and doesn't require an inordinate amount of time to execute a move. Although the default view is a bit cluttered (making it hard to see the empty spaces), an overhead view (with traditional chess pieces) is also available. Star Wars Chess is mainly a novelty item, but even if you don't like chess, you can always sit back and watch the computer play itself.

Sega 32X

Star Wars Arcade (LucasArts 1994) B
One thing I can say about Star Wars Arcade (not to be confused with the 1983 vector graphics game) is that it really does showcase the 32X's polygonal graphic capabilities. It's a good-looking first-person shooter where you dogfight Tie fighters in space, infiltrate Star Destroyers, and battle over the Death Star. The game includes a four-mission "arcade" mode and an expanded eight-mission "32X" mode. Half the stages involve shooting Tie fighters in open space, which is fun because they shatter into pieces (polygons) when blasted. It's also neat how these battles occur in the midst of the huge Star Destroyers. Your X-Wing is well-armed with both lasers and guided proton torpedoes. Unfortunately, the other missions aren't so hot. It may look great as you approach a Star Destroyer or Death Star, but the gameplay subsequently takes a turn for the worse. The framerate slows to a crawl and your ship becomes difficult to control as it absorbs hit after hit. Hitting the side of a trench sends you caroming off the walls like a pinball. Looking back, I wonder how I could have possibly completed that Star Destroyer stage. The background music and sound effects are very good, especially the distinct sounds of zooming Tie fighters. A two-player option lets one player steer while the other shoots, but it's nothing to write home about. Despite its flaws, I enjoy Star Wars Arcade, and would rank it as one of the best titles for the 32X.

Playstation

Star Wars: Dark Forces (LucasArts 1995) F
This may have been fun on the PC, but Dark Forces for the Playstation gives me a massive headache. It's nothing but a sloppy, first-person shooter set in the Star Wars universe. You assume the role of a generic rebel named Kyle Katarn, attempting to thwart the activation of the Empire's latest weapon. The game is practically unplayable, and the main culprit is the pitiful framerate. The action is so choppy that it's difficult to navigate or aim with any degree of precision. There's only one strafe button (boo), and using a shoulder button to aim up or down is a real drag. Dark Forces doesn't even look good. It suffers from ugly textures and lengthy, poorly designed levels. In one particularly atrocious stage, you're forced to crawl around in a sewer for an eternity. The stormtroopers and Imperial Officers look short and squat, but I do like how they fall back as you mow them down. Dark Forces is strong on audio. The musical score is intense, and the familiar sound effects are dead-on. But that's a small consolation. Technically deficient and devoid of fun, I couldn't even recommend Dark Forces to Star Wars fans.

Star Wars: Rebel Assault II (LucasArts 1995) D+
This game is a bastard child of the full-motion video (FMV) craze of the mid-90's. Long on graphics, but short on gameplay, Rebel Assault II is a collection of target shooting and ship navigation stages loosely held together by a less-than-captivating live-action storyline. These scenes were shot against fake-looking matte paintings using props left over from the films. The acting performances are abysmal - and thank God - because otherwise these scenes would have been completely forgettable. Rebel Assault's 15 stages include space battles, stormtrooper shootouts, tunnel navigating, and even a speeder bike chase in the woods. In the first stage you simply shoot Tie fighters, and this brought back fond memories of Star Wars: The Arcade Game (1983). Rebel Assault's visuals are positively terrific, but its controls leave much to be desired. The shooting crosshairs don't feel responsive and the collision detection is lacking. For example, shooting a stormtrooper in the head doesn't seem to register - it has to be a body shot. The stage where you navigate ships through tunnels or canyons can be a nightmare, and memorization is necessary in some instances. The stormtrooper stages would be perfect for a lightgun, but my gun couldn't reach the edge of the screen. One aspect that really saves the game is the tremendous audio. The soaring musical score (taken directly from the films) is always good and occasionally exhilarating. Rebel Assault features a nice stage select screen, and it even saves your high scores. It may be a bit shallow, but if only on looks alone, Rebel Assault II should interest Star Wars fans.

Star Wars: Masters of Teras Kasi (LucasArts 1997) F
An ill-advised title if I ever saw one, Teras Kasi was a clumsy attempt to cram Star Wars into a 3D fighting game. You may recall that 3D fighters were at the height of their popularity in 1997, and LucasArts couldn't resist jumping on the bandwagon. On paper, Masters of Teras Kasi might not seem so bad. Trust me, it's terrible. The all-star lineup includes Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Leia, Chewbacca, a Tusken Raider (Sandpeople), and everybody's favorite bounty hunter, Boba Fett. There's also a woman named Arden Lyn who's never even appeared in any of the movies. I suspect she was included to boost the number of female fighters (to two). While each fighter has his own unique combat skills, none lend themselves particularly well to hand-to-hand combat. Example: the Tusken Raider has a frickin' stick for a weapon. How can he be expected to compete against Boba Fett, armed with a blaster and rocket? I'm sure you can think up even more lopsided match-ups. The entire premise is ludicrous, which becomes painfully obvious when you play the thing. The special moves are very hard to execute, and get this - shooting your blaster is considered a special move! That's right - you actually need to execute a complicated sequence of button presses simply to pull the trigger! You'll be playing as Han Solo, and Leia will be beating the living [expletive] out of you as you try in vain to get off a single shot! Heck, with controls this bad a Jawa could kick Han's ass. In terms of graphics, the quality is uneven. The fighter selection scenes feature awesome rotating holographs, but in combat the fighters look far less impressive, with chunky bodies and faces that border on hilarious. Incidentally, LucasArts put a lot of effort into the lighting effects. Talk about misplaced priorities! They're hardly spectacular, and the background scenery is monumentally dull! Masters of Teras Kasi is what happens when a substandard concept is poorly executed. Did anything good come out of this game? Yes, a newfound appreciation for Tekken.

Star Wars: Episode One The Phantom Menace (LucasArts 1999) D+
Loosely following the film's storyline, Phantom Menace rates high in terms of presentation. All the cool movie environments are rendered in colorful 3D, and the cut-scenes (which glue everything together) are superb. The voice acting is dead-on, despite not having been done by all the original actors. That brings us to the gameplay. Why is it, that whenever a game allows you to save at any point, it overcompensates by being incredibly hard and frustrating? Yes, you will need the patience of a saint (or a cheat code) to make it all the way through this perilous adventure. The analog control is sufficient for walking around, but leaping across narrow columns (a common task) is frustrating as hell! Another problem is the limited overhead view some stages offer. It's reasonable when there's a single direction to head, but in expansive areas (like Mos Eisley) you're forced to "feel" your way around the edges. The lightsaber control allows you to skillfully deflect laser bolts, but there are so many frickin' enemies that you're often overwhelmed. While Phantom Menace has its share of action, too much of the gameplay revolves around tedious puzzle solving. In the end, the frustration outweighs the fun. A music video is included as a bonus, but it looks awfully grainy. Phantom Menace should attract a lot of Star Wars fans, but only die-hards will be able to tolerate it for long.

Star Wars: Jedi Power Battles (LucasArts 2000) B
Oh yes, this is the game Star Wars fans have been waiting for! In contrast to last year's Phantom Menace, Power Battles isn't bogged down with tedious puzzles. No, this is non-stop arcade action, much like the SNES Star Wars games - only this time in 3D. You can play as one of five Jedi knights, slashing your way through all the great-looking locations you saw in the film. Best of all, two players can even battle side-by-side. The graphics are clean and sharp, and the character movements look realistic. The stages are linear and each ends with an obligatory boss (although most are NOT from the film). A clever control scheme allows you to deflect laser blasts back at the enemy (just wait until they fire before blocking). Interestingly, the main problem with Power Battles is the same one that plagued its 2D ancestors - frustrating platform jumping. Chances are, you'll lose most of your lives by falling off cliffs, sending you all the way back to the previous checkpoint (arrggh!). This problem is exacerbated in the two-player mode, where both characters are expected to make the same difficult leaps at the same time! Give me a break! Jedi Power Battles does have an "easy" difficulty setting, but that won't make the jumps any easier. Still, Power Battles looks terrific and packs a great deal of action and excitement.

Nintendo 64

Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire (LucasArts 1996) B
As one of the "launch" titles for the Nintendo 64, Shadows of the Empire follows the storyline of the novel, incorporating a wide variety of playing styles. The background story is conveyed though a series of illustrations and text. The action begins with a Snowspeeder battle on Hoth, which frankly is the best stage of the game. The excellent graphics and tight control put you into the heat of battle, blasting probe droids and tripping up Imperial Walkers. Later stages include a very original (and fun) train-jumping sequence, a "swoop bike" race, and some dogfighting in space. Most stages, however, play like a first-person shooter, except you view your character from behind. As you may have suspected, he can get in the way at times. Despite looking impressive overall, Shadows has some control problems. First, the touchy analog stick makes in difficult to navigate narrow platforms without sliding off. Second, the aiming controls for firing upward are not good. If you can deal with these however, Shadows will provide a satisfying and original Star Wars adventure.

Star Wars: Episode One Racer (LucasArts 1999) A
This masterpiece is a dream come true for Star Wars fans! Episode One Racer faithfully recreates (and expands on) the pod-racing scene from the Phantom Menace. The game offers 23 different vehicles available and 25 unique courses. The graphics (with the help of the memory expansion pack) are magnificent and the illusion of speed is exhilarating. You can win and collect other pods, as well as upgrade them by buying parts from Watto (who has many funny lines in this game). The racing aspect is the best I've experienced on the N64, with controls more forgiving than most racers (you have to hit a wall really hard to crash). The framerate does struggle to keep up in the late stages, where things get really crazy. The tracks themselves are all fascinating and long. Some require a few minutes just to complete a single lap! As you would expect, the sound effects and musical score are beyond reproach. Episode One Racer also features a fine two-player split-screen mode. LucasArts obviously went all-out with the game, and the quality shows.

Star Wars: Rogue Squadron (LucasArts 1998) B+
Easily the best stages in Shadows of the Empire were the flying ones, so LucasArts made Rogue Squadron with nothing but dogfighting action all the way though. Set chronologically between A New Hope and Empire Strike Back, you are Luke Skywalker, embarking on a series of missions to protect the Rebels and keep the Empire at bay. As you would expect, the production quality is top notch. The background story, characters, voice acting, sound effects, music, vehicle specifications, and locations are all faithful to the Star Wars mythology. The planet surfaces look plain but high in resolution and silky smooth. Although vehicles are quite detailed up close, it can be tough to distinguish distant Tie fighters from Rebel allies. The radar is handy for guiding you to your mission objective, but less helpful during the hectic dogfights. The air-to-air combat is fun and challenging, and the explosions are a joy to behold. Sometimes you'll nick a Tie on the wing, sending him into a downward spiral - sweet. Rogue Squadron's single graphic shortcoming has to be the wimpy explosion of your ship when you crash - it's about the size of a firecracker! The game offers five aircraft to choose from, each with its own unique look and feel. A huge hit, Rogue Squadron kicked off a popular series which would continue on the Gamecube.

Star Wars: Battle For Naboo (LucasArts 2000) A
If you enjoyed Rogue Squadron, you'll flip over this Episode One-inspired title, set on the planet of Naboo. In addition to top-notch dog-fighting action, many stages feature ground-based combat in floating vehicles. The graphics are excellent, featuring beautiful cities and scenic landscapes inspired by Episode One. The explosions are among the best I've seen on the N64. The voice acting is sometimes hard to understand, but I like how your commander always specifies what your next objective is. As in Rogue Squadron, there's a helpful radar display that not only identifies friends and foes, but keeps you headed in the right direction. You'll pilot seven vehicles from STAPs to starfighters, and the controls are responsive. Your performance determines which metal you earn; a bronze, silver, or gold in each of the 15 missions, adding to the replay value. The levels are just the right length, so after you bite the dust, you pick up right where you left off. Battle of Naboo is a first-class shooter that should thrill Star Wars fans. I could find no serious flaws with this one.

Dreamcast

Star Wars: Episode One Racer (LucasArts 1999) A-
When Episode One Racer was released for the Nintendo 64, it was a real treat for Star Wars fans. This new Dreamcast version looks slightly better, but the gameplay is exactly the same, giving me the worse case of Deju vu ever. Racer lets you relive the exciting pod-race sequence from the Phantom Menace, and the smooth, detailed graphics put you right into the driver's seat. There are 21 spectacular courses spread over eight unique worlds, and a wide variety of drivers and vehicles to choose from. The illusion of speed is effective, and the game does a fine job of capturing the spirit of the film. But is it worth the upgrade if you already own the N64 version? No. In fact, unless you compared both versions side-to-side, you'd never be able to tell the difference.

Star Wars: Jedi Power Battles (LucasArts 2000) A
This outstanding title lets two players assume the role of Jedi Knights, hacking their way through creatures and environments inspired by the Phantom Menace. Although a "twitch" game at heart, there are some interesting defensive techniques and "Force powers" to spice up the action. This is the kind of game Star Wars junkies have been longing for since Super Return of the Jedi (SNES, 1993). Jedi Battles for the Dreamcast also represents a dramatic improvement over the Playstation edition, which was quite good in its own right. Having played the Playstation version immediately before trying this one, I can say it doesn't even look like the same game! The graphics here are sharper and brighter, and objects are significantly larger. And not only is this version easier on the eyes, but it's more fun as well. LucasArts may have realized how frustrating the Playstation version could be, and made this one far more forgiving. The control scheme is superb, using the analog stick to run and the digital control to walk (with precision). You'll even discover playing modes you won't find on the Playstation version, like a training mode and a two-player versus. Jedi Power Battles for the Dreamcast is outstanding - one of my favorite Star Wars titles. I'd even recommend this if you already have the Playstation version.

Star Wars Demolition (Activision 2000) F
Being a die-hard Star Wars fan, I picked up this piece of junk without giving it a second thought. However, had I scrutinized the packaging I would have noticed this ominous warning: "From the creators of Vigilante 8: 2nd Offense". That game sucked big time, and this is basically the same repackaged crap, only with Star Wars window dressing. That's really sad, because Star Wars provides all the characters, vehicles, weapons, and battlefields you'd ever need for a kick-ass vehicle combat game. Demolition's vehicle selection includes a landspeeder, snowspeeder, AT-ST, and battle tank. You can also play as Boba Fett in a jetpack or the hulking Rancor monster (from Return of the Jedi). Two things I cannot fault are Demolition's graphics and sound. The battlegrounds provide a diverse set of environments, including Hoth, Tatooine, Dagobah, Cloud City, Naboo, and the Death Star. The scenery looks attractive and provides plenty of recognizable landmarks and subtle details only Star Wars aficionados will notice. The musical score and sound effects are straight from the movies, so they're pretty good. Once you get past the presentation and begin delving into the gameplay, numerous problems surface, particularly with regard to the weapons. Your default laser weapon is practically useless, and all too often you get stuck with the ultra-annoying "tractor beam" weapon. The thermal detonators, which work like mines, are also a real drag. In general, it's far too difficult and time-consuming to destroy other vehicles, and you can't even determine if an opponent is taking damage! Making matters worse, shield repair portals can be found all over the freakin' place. Don't be surprised if after spending ten minutes wearing down your opponent, he enters a portal and reappears good as new! Did I mention that the control is horrendous? Star Wars Demolition totally sucks, and it's even more upsetting when you realize how good this game could have been.

Playstation 2

Star Wars: Starfighter (LucasArts 2001) B
The first Star Wars title to grace the PS2, Starfighter is largely a success. Not only does it deliver superb dogfighting action, but it delivers on a grand scale. Unlike most first-person space shooters, Starfighter convincingly places you in the middle of a much larger conflict. The background story involves three characters, and you can control each one in their own distinct starcraft. There's a gung-ho white guy, a black woman, and an alien who talks like Jesse Ventura. Personally, I would have preferred actual Star Wars characters - oh well. The cut scenes are good, but not jaw dropping, and the storyline is convoluted. Fortunately the action is much more straightforward. Of the 14 missions, some are set in space, and others occur over planet surfaces. The missions are lengthy, and there are "bonus goals" along with the main objectives. Your craft is remarkably easy to pilot. When you become disoriented, it only takes a push of a button to reorient your ship. Responsive controls and silky smooth animation make it a cinch to line up enemies in your crosshairs, even from a great distance. Unlike the Nintendo 64 Star Wars shooters, you won't have to worry about crashing into the ground (unless you're closing in on ground targets). The battles occur over expansive areas, and you can see a great distance. Your instrument panel is complicated but can largely be ignored, as a handy red arrow always indicates your next target. Surprisingly, there's no radar display! Although Starfighter's on-screen activity can be extreme, the framerate remains smooth (although I did notice a few minor hiccups). Your targets are finely detailed, but the smooth, featureless planet surfaces doesn't look much different that those in the N64 games. I recall hearing how the PS2 could render a million trees (each with a million leaves) without breaking a sweat. So where the [expletive] are they? Still, Starfighter's graphics aren't too shabby. Damaged ships trail smoke, and the explosions are gorgeous. But the audio is where this game really shines. The familiar and crystal clear sound effects, combined with various Star Wars themes make you feel as if you're in a movie. You'll also hear voices on your radio, but who are these people? Who are they talking to? It sounds like you're listening in on everybody's conversation (good guys and bad) and it's just confusing as hell. I should also mention that Starfighter's load time is significant but not unbearable. It is by no means a flawless game, but as a basic shooter, it serves its purpose.

Star Wars: Super Bombad Racing (LucasArts 2001) D
As a hopeless Star Wars fanatic, I couldn't resist buying this mediocre kart racer, despite my better judgment. Sadly, it is as bad as the critics say it is. Bombad Racing might have been something, if only the developers had not done everything wrong. You know, it wasn't easy for LucasArts to screw this up. After all, the Phantom Menace provided plenty of interesting characters and environments to work with, and kart racers have been done to perfection on all systems dating back to the SNES. Bombad's roster includes Darth Maul, Obi-Wan, and six other stubby Star Wars characters with oversized heads. Is this game supposed to be humorous? I suppose. The tracks take you through nine movie locations, and although the scenery looks smooth and attractive, the track layouts tend to be maze-like and confusing. Apparently, whoever designed these tracks has never played a kart racer before in his life. As any seven-year-old will testify, sharp turns, narrow ledges, obstructed views, bottomless pits, and cramped quarters do not belong in a kart game! Duh!! All too often you'll find yourself asking "Where the [expletive] am I?" and "Where in the [expletive] am I supposed to go now?" A few tracks require trial and error just to figure out where to go! Someone needs to introduce LucasArts to the concept of "play testers". The framerate can barely keep up in the single-player mode, which is inexcusable. Obviously, you can write off the split-screen - it's unplayable. Bombad offers a wide variety of weapons, but their effects are never clear, and it's hard to tell who shot whom. The confusing, cluttered radar display is utterly useless. Finally, the whimsical musical score is so pathetic, it turns my stomach. Poorly designed and programmed, I can't believe LucasArts would put their name on this.

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter (LucasArts 2002) F
How could such a rock-solid premise - playing the role of a Star Wars bounty hunter - result in this abomination? Bounty Hunter is a third-person action/adventure that doesn't offer much new content and is bursting at the seams with design flaws. Playing the role of Jango Fett, you travel from planet to planet, completing missions while collecting bounties for Republic credits. To claim a bounty, you must "mark" your target first, and then use your whipcord to subdue him. There are a number of optional bounties to collect in any stage, but my "shoot now and ask questions later" style of play wasn't conducive to earning these. The game begins with an exciting sequence in which Jango is tossed into an arena with an ugly beetle monster. After a fast start, things gradually head downhill. Bounty Hunter's gameplay is a mix of Tomb Raider-style exploration and mindless shootouts. Armed with two laser pistols, you'll find yourself strafing and firing like there's no tomorrow whenever you come upon a new band of thugs. Two original elements in Bounty Hunter are Jango's ability to weld (through certain doors and gates) and more notably his ability to fly short distances using a jetpack. It's cool how he can target a different enemy with each gun, although we've seen that before in Tomb Raider. Bounty Hunter had crazy potential, but technically the game is simply not up to par. When I defeated the first monster (in the arena), I noticed I could walk right through its body - the first of many graphical glitches. Certain textures just look absolutely awful - particularly the flat sludge flowing through the sewer pipes. The control scheme is well designed, but can be unresponsive at the worst times (during jumps). Bounty Hunter's stage layouts are confusing, and in some cases tedious backtracking is necessary. The scenery is woefully uninteresting, and each new area looks the same as the last. Tedious platform jumping and unclear mission objectives add to the frustration. Enemies regenerate with annoying frequency, and they don't immediately drop when killed, thereby making it hard to determine if you've wiped them all out. Lastly, the loading screens are so long that you'd think EA developed this. That load meter moves so monumentally slowly that my friends and I were laughing at it! I didn't make much progress in Bounty Hunter, but the few chapters I did complete were a real chore. If this game is any indication, perhaps being a bounty hunter isn't all it's cracked up to be.

Star Wars: Racer Revenge (LucasArts 2001) B-
The original Star Wars Racer (N64, Dreamcast) did a superb job of recreating the speed and thrills of Episode One's pod-racing. With little room for improvement, I was surprised to see this sequel. Technically, there's not much to fault. The graphics are silky smooth, with beautiful, well-designed tracks. The tropical and rain-soaked tracks look especially nice, with brilliant rainwater effects on the windshield. It's quite a thrill to careen through tunnels and valleys at breakneck speeds. You won't find yourself asking, "Where do I go now?" like you did in the ill-fated Bombad Racing. The turbo boost is effective, but the so-called "power slide" is worthless; you're constantly banging into walls on sharp turns. There's a roster of 18 characters, the main one being a teenage Anakin Skywalker, who doesn't hesitate to talk a little trash ("You can't beat a Jedi!"). Revenge tries to put more emphasis on the combat aspect, in the form of banging into other vehicles to wear them down. In my experience, it really doesn't help your cause, and often just slows you down. The L2 button conveniently repairs any damage incurred to your vehicle while you race (no need for a pit stop thank goodness). The most interesting aspect of Revenge is its "advanced control" option, which allows you to steer your pod with the two analog sticks - like Anakin did in the movie. It works, but it's a lot tougher than the normal control scheme. After trying it out for a few races, I returned to the normal configuration. In contrast to the original game's difficulty (which was steep towards the end), Revenge is actually too easy. I'd like to credit my keen eye and cat-like reflexes for finishing this game in one night, but I don't think I deserved to win some of those races. As for the sound, I was impressed with the background music and sound effects in general, but that announcer is just awful. His commentary is more corny than it is informational ("Oh no! Is there a pit droid in the house?"). The two-player split screen action is smooth, but I was surprised to see a significant amount of fog in the distance. Overall, Star Wars Racer Revenge offers some fun arcade action with wonderful graphics, but its low level of difficulty and stale gameplay probably won't appeal to many fans.

XBox

Star Wars: Obi Wan (LucasArts 2001) D-
Obi Wan has "rush job" written all over it. The action is viewed from behind Obi Wan, and the graphics are mediocre at best. The characters are boxy and stiff, and although the scenic backdrops look nice, the stage designs are surprisingly dull. They take place on a variety of planets, including Tatooine, Coruscant, and Naboo. The mission objectives may seem interesting, like saving a prisoner or discovering a secret, yet they all boil down to using your lightsaber to hack your way through endless bad guys until you reach your destination. Some of the baddies inexplicably require you to beat the living hell out of them before they finally keel over. Heck, Obi Wan might as well be carrying a baseball bat! Certain stages let you fight along side a computer-controlled Qui Gon Gin, but in general there are few surprises to spice up the bland gameplay. LucasArts did do some nifty things with the controls. The right joystick controls the lightsaber, which works pretty well. Obi Wan can deflect fired shots back to their source, and perform force powers like pushing enemies, disarming them, or throwing objects. The "Force push" is especially useful for disposing of deadbeats loitering on the edge of cliffs. Still, nothing can save Obi Wan's tepid gameplay. There are annoying glitches, frequent hiccups in the framerate, and lengthy load times. The collision detection is suspect and the jumps are hard to judge. The voice acting is reminiscent of Hans and Franz from SNL, and the two-player mode is appalling. The Force is not strong with this one; Obi Wan is a major disappointment.

Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter (LucasArts 2002) B-
A hopeless Star Wars fanatic, I feel obligated to purchase any new Star Wars game, even rehashes like this. As a basis of comparison, I played the original Starfighter game on my PS2 just before trying Jedi Starfighter. What I discovered was that the games look and play nearly the same! Jedi's graphics are attractive but no more detailed than the PS2 version. While the XBox visuals may be slightly sharper and smoother, I still noticed a few "hiccups" in the framerate. Jedi Starfighter has a nice arcade feel. There's no radar - just a helpful arrow pointing you to the next target. While it makes the gameplay accessible for beginners, it eventually becomes mind numbing and repetitive. You just follow the red arrow from one target to the next, destroying each one, and most targets aren't even evasive. The satisfying explosions however make it all seem worthwhile. In addition to your main guns, you can employ a set of secondary weapons including bombs and missiles. When flying the craft used by Obi-Wan in Episode II, you can even employ Force powers like lightning or shields. The lightning allows you to destroy several small targets at once, which is both effective and fun. Yes, it's a little far-fetched to think Obi Wan could use the Force to this degree, but it works in the context of the game. The storyline awkwardly tries to incorporate characters and locations from Episode II, but it couldn't maintain my interest. I swear that's Jesse "The Body" Ventura doing the voice of Nym. A nice two-player mode is also included. Jedi Starfighter is a decent game, but frankly it's just more of the same.

Star Wars: Battlefront (LucasArts 2004) A-
Normally I'd purchase a Star Wars game without giving it a second thought, but my impression of this one was tainted by a magazine review. The review stated that Battlefront was only worthwhile for "on-line" play - which is not my thing. What a crock that turned out to be. Not only does Battlefront offer a superb single-player experience, but the two-player split-screen mode is an absolute blast! This third-person shooter is so fun and intense that I played it for hours on end with a friend. Expansive in scope and boasting remarkable graphics, you play the role of a single infantryman in the midst of a huge, galactic conflict. Depending on the type of soldier you select, you might snipe enemies from a distance, blow up vehicles with a rocket launcher, or enter the fray with guns blazing. The battlegrounds are set on practically every planet featured in the Star Wars films, from the deserts of Tatooine, to the stormy, rain-soaked platforms of Kamino, to the frozen tundra of Hoth. The forests of Yavin 4 are so detailed that you can actually distinguish individual leaves on the trees. Missions are divided into the Clone Wars (prequel films) and Galactic Civil War (original movies). It's really cool how you fight side-by-side with hundreds of other troops, and vehicles of all sizes provide support. And don't be surprised to see a lightsaber-swinging Darth Vader or Mace Windu in the middle of the fray! The well-designed landscapes are loaded with familiar landmarks, and you can even commandeer cannons and vehicles. Your main objective is to wipe out the enemy or take control over all of the strategic command posts. Counters on top of the screen track how many enemies remain, but the tiny font makes these hard to read. In addition, the manual does a poor job of explaining the controls and what all of the symbols on the screen mean. I still can't figure out how to bring an AT-AT down with a tow cable. Depending on which side you fight for (good or bad), either Yoda or the Emperor will describe your objectives before you enter battle. However, the voice actors are such obvious knock-offs that you almost have to laugh at them. After each battle, a detailed breakdown of each player's performance is displayed. Victories unlock nice special features like concept art, storyboards, and stills from the film. Battlefront has a lot to offer, and if you're an on-line gamer, it's an even sweeter deal. Star Wars Battlefront plunges you into the Star Wars universe like no other game can.

Lego Star Wars (LucasArts 2005) C+
This unlikely game is actually more enjoyable than many of the "serious" Star Wars games of recent memory. The characters, vehicles, and scenery are constructed entirely of Legos, but once you get accustomed to the look, you'll hardly even notice it. What you will notice is the refreshingly simple gameplay and stages that re-enact Episodes I, II and III. The control scheme is uncomplicated (perfect for young kids), and most scenes let you switch between a variety of characters on the fly. The animation is fluid, and when a character is struck down, he breaks into a pile of Lego pieces (awesome!) Jedi knights like Obi Wan can "use the force" to transform loose Legos into ramps and platforms, allowing you to access new (and hidden) areas. There's no camera control, but it's not really an issue in the single-player mode. It is a factor however, in the two-player mode, where different types of characters are forced to take different routes. The Episode One stages do a terrific job of incorporating key scenes from the first film, including the pod race and battle with Darth Maul. Between stages, humorous cut-scenes fill in the rest of the story. There are no voices (just mumbling), but the musical score is straight from the films. It may seem tedious to have a text crawl for each new chapter, until you realize it's really a thinly veiled load screen. Compared to Episode One, Attack of the Clones feels abbreviated, as if the developers ran out of time. As for Episode III, well, I couldn't bring myself to spoil a movie I haven't even seen yet. Lego Star Wars' main "story" mode is brief, but there are literally hundreds of locked items and playable characters to go back and unlock. But although I was initially thrilled with the game, eventually it did start to wear thin. With an easy difficulty level and unlimited continues, there's little tension or excitement. Lego Star Wars is a little short, but the concept is cool enough to warrant a purchase.

Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (LucasArts 2005) B+
I'm glad I resisted buying Episode 3 until after the movie was released, because not only does it give away the storyline, but it contains a generous helping of video clips taken directly from the film! Episode 3's gameplay is reminiscent of Jedi Power Battles (Playstation, Dreamcast) with its non-stop lightsaber battles, constantly changing scenery, and treacherous bosses. Thankfully, there's no tedious platform jumping in this game. Assuming the role of Obi Wan or Anakin Skywalker, you hack and slash your way through all the locations and villains featured in the flick (which I loved, by the way). To be honest, I was hoping there would be some space battles or vehicle stages to break up the monotony, but at least the lightsaber action is first rate. In fact, the fluid animation and sheer variety of moves make these battles look as impressive as they do on the big screen. And they can be intense! The stage where you battle the four-armed, alien-droid hybrid General Grievous is nothing short of epic, giving my arm (and trash-mouth) an incredible workout. At first glance the frantic action would suggest crazy button mashing, but in fact there are subtle techniques which can tip the scales in your favor. The "Force" can be employed to "push" enemies or toss objects. I like the "lightsaber throw" and "stun" moves, but having to hit the Xbox controller's "white" and "black" buttons in the heat of battle is problematic. The main issue I have with this game is the same one that plagues so many other Star Wars titles. Namely, in order to ramp the challenge, the game gradually introduces robots that require more and more hacks to destroy. And I don't like how you can toss them off some platforms but not others. You can deflect their laser blasts, but not with the same precision you had in Jedi Power Battles. Episode 3's graphics are terrific; I especially enjoyed the color-splashed background scenery. The characters resemble their real-life counterparts, and their entertaining banter is dead-on. After completing each stage, you spend your "experience points" to upgrade your character, and you can also view unlocked movie clips and concept art. Oddly enough, the two-player cooperative mode is not immediately available (need to unlock). A half-way decent versus mode is also included. I have to say I'm fairly pleased with how Episode 3 turned out. The attractive graphics, intense battles, and tight control keep you wanting to see what the next stage has in store. Star Wars fans who crave action should find this worth their while.

Gamecube

Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader (LucasArts 2001) B
In the same vein as its Nintendo 64 predecessor, Rogue Leader is a compelling air/space combat game. The game's presentation is impeccable, with movie clips playing on the menu screens, fantastic explosion effects, and huge starships rendered in meticulous detail. Rogue Leader is fun, and has easy-to-grasp controls that even let you give orders to the rest of your squadron. Your targeting computer (which highlights enemies on the screen) is invaluable, since distant Tie fighters don't stand out in front of the star-littered backgrounds. Your 3D radar display directs you to your next objective, but trying to locate a specific enemy can be tough. If Rogue Leader has a flaw, it would be the unclear mission objectives. They can be awfully confusing, and it's easy to get stuck on a particular mission. The difficulty of the stages is also uneven. For example, I struggled through the so-called "training mission", but breezed through most of the later stages with minimal effort. Despite the inconsistencies, Rogue Leader is still a quality title Star Wars fans can't live without.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars (LucasArts 2002) B-
Basically a ground-based version of Rogue Leader, Clone Wars puts you in command of hovercraft, low-flying starships, and even wild animals! There are also opportunities to guide Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Mace Windu around on foot, slashing everything to bits with your lightsaber. This game is similar to Battle For Naboo (Nintendo 64, 1999) in terms of gameplay, and that's not a bad thing. Unfortunately, the graphics and framerate also resemble Battle For Naboo, despite the fact that the GameCube is a far more capable machine. Objects look inordinately blocky (especially when running around on foot), and the framerate goes to hell when the combat heats up. But Clone Wars is still a blast to play, thanks to the nicely paced, diverse stages, and non-stop shooting action. Equipped with regular shots and missiles, you'll be strafing and firing almost constantly (much like a first-person shooter). I love how enemy craft burst into flames or spin into the air when blasted. It's also satisfying when Mace Windu throws his lightsaber and cuts down scores of bad guys at a time. If you're a fan of Attack of the Clones, you'll recognize all the imaginative new vehicles and villains from that film. Clone Wars is not what I would call easy, but at least when you lose a life you continue close to where you left off. I found the multi-player modes simplistic and lacking in strategy. Also, my friends disliked how we couldn't all be on the same team. Clones Wars has its moments, but it's definitely not a must-have.

Star Wars Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike (LucasArts 2003) B
Rogue Leader III begins inexplicably with a scene showing all of your favorite Star Wars characters cutting the rug on a disco dance floor. I guess it's supposed to be funny, but the irreverence of it all turned me off. Rebel Strike contains all of the trademark dogfighting action that made the series such a hit, but it also expands the scope by incorporating ground missions, both in vehicle and on foot. Unlike previous editions, Rebel Strike's storyline involves actual characters from the movies like Wedge Antilles, Mace Windu, and Luke Skywalker. The first stage is mainly a rehash of the Tatooine training stage from the previous game, with a million tedious objectives to complete - thank goodness you can skip it! Subsequent stages are composed of a series of short missions, and it really hurts when you lose a life during the final portion and have to start over. The air/space combat is first rate as you would expect, with Tie fighters that magnificently explode or careen out of control when blasted. But, like the last Rogue Leader game, you may find yourself asking, "What am I supposed to do now?" The difficulty is wildly uneven; some missions that are nearly insurmountable, and others you could sleepwalk through. The ground missions provide a welcome change of pace, but their graphics are a bit rough and the targeting system is clumsy. Despite the occasional frustration, Rebel Strike has its share of exciting moments, and the constantly changing scenarios will maintain your interest. Some of the battlegrounds are fascinating, like the water planet with its jaw-dropping waterfalls. I also enjoyed the delayed-explosion sound effects of the sonic charge weapons - very cool. Rogue Leader III is certainly ambitious, but the pieces don't quite come together as well as they could have. In one instance, my pilot kept talking over his radio long after his ship had been blown to bits! Despite the rough edges, fans of the series will appreciate Rebel Strike's fresh new challenges. A two-player, split-screen, cooperative version of Rogue Squadron II is also included.

Gameboy Advance

Star Wars: Flight of the Falcon (THQ 2003) F
About ten years ago, the Star Wars name meant quality when it came to video games, but apparently those days are long gone. In fact, I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a game less than Flight of the Falcon. I was hoping this game would mark the return of those glorious 16-bit Star Wars days, but Falcon is poorly conceived and completely devoid of fun. First you have to sit through one of those slow, obligatory text crawls - are these things really necessary for every Star Wars game? Each level involves either flying or driving, and you view the action from just behind your vehicle. Fortunately, the Falcon's shape is thin enough that it doesn't usually block your line of vision. The 3D graphics aren't bad, and the mission locations are enough make a Star Wars fan salivate, including the Death Star Trench, the forest of Endor, the streets of Tatooine, and the cloud city of Bespin. Unfortunately, aiming is done with a tiny crosshair, and you have to be dead-on to hit anything. In the driving stages, the scenery all blends into each other, making it hard to tell where you can and can't go. Making matters worse, the stages drag on for far too long. In the first stage you have to shoot about 100 tiny Tie fighters! It's really no fun, and once you lose a ship, you'll have to start all over again! At least the audio is good, with digitized music and trademark sound effects. But that's the only bright spot in a game I consider to be a complete waste of time.

Star Wars Trilogy: Apprentice of the Force (Ubisoft 2004) D
Ubisoft had an easy job in creating a new, side-scrolling Star Wars game. After all, the Super Star Wars games (SNES) perfected that style of gameplay over ten years ago. How could they possibly screw this up? The answer: in just about every way possible! First we have the repetitive stage layouts and frequent shoot-out sequences that artificially lengthen the game. You can shoot diagonally (using a shoulder button), but not straight up or down, and you can't shoot while climbing. When navigating platforms, you can grab onto them and pull yourself up, but sometimes your grabs don't seem to register and you fall right through. Of course, when you're trying to jump down, your character grabs onto everything, which is annoying. Further into the game, the lightsaber and space battle stages are a marginal improvement. You have to wonder why they didn't simply translate the superb "Super Star Wars" games to the GBA, instead of developing something from scratch. Perhaps the characters in those old games weren't well defined enough for a portable-sized screen; the characters in Trilogy are all rendered with black outlines. Still, despite its shortcomings Trilogy does cover a lot of ground, and it is Star Wars for Pete's sake. Also, I enjoyed the Time Pilot-inspired shooting sequences. But overall this is fairly uninspired stuff.

Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones (THQ 2002) F
I can't get over how completely inept this game is! With Episode 2, it's as if all the lessons learned in 25 years of platform-game design had been tossed out the window. The graphics are nice - I'll give it that much. You view high quality stills from the film, and the large 2D character models look practically digitized. There are even 3D flight sequences that adequately convey the illusion of movement. The control is another story; it's unresponsive, stiff, and poorly designed. As a result, playing Attack of the Clones provides about the same level of satisfaction as eating soup with chopsticks. Your Jedi (Anakin Skywalker) walks so slowly that completing each stage feels like an ordeal. You'll be frantically searching the manual for a dash move, but your efforts will be in vain. Episode II's mechanics are downright bizarre; you actually need to be moving forward to swing with your lightsaber! Turning around is chore, and it can be frustratingly difficult to strike an object directly in front of you (or as more often the case, on top of you). Droids tend to hover just between your slashes and low-kicks, prompting certain players to scream profanity. The one element I do like is how you can easily deflect laser bolts with your saber back to their source. Losing a life sends you all the way back to the beginning of each lengthy stage. The 3D stages prove just as frustrating, with heat-seeking missiles that are practically impossible to avoid. I enjoyed the movie, but this game is awful.

Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (Ubisoft 2005) B-
Based on my previous experiences with Star Wars Gameboy efforts, I didn't have high hopes for Episode 3. Once I started playing however, I was pleasantly surprised. Episode 3 sports a bold new style that harkens back to the classic 16-bit side-scrollers. The 2D characters are cartoonish in appearance but nicely animated. The ability to move your Jedi from the foreground to the background reminded me of old favorites like Double Dragon and Streets of Rage. The fighting engine is pretty nifty too, allowing you to employ a variety of saber techniques to disassemble an oncoming army of droids. Your foes fall to pieces in a satisfying manner, and you can even attack from the front and back at the same time - eliminating the painful "sandwiching" deaths seen in similar games. There's some degree of interaction with the scenery, and you can skillfully deflect laser bolts with your lightsaber. In one notable stage you must defeat a tank using deflections alone. Even the one-on-one light saber battles are well executed, requiring a series of well timed blocks and counters. Your Jedi earns new skills and attributes as you progress, and you can play as both Obi Wan and Anakin in storylines that diverge before fatefully merging near the end. With its fresh graphics, tight controls, and cool concepts, I started thinking "they finally got it right." But sadly, the fun does fade as you progress through the game. Although hacking up droids is mindless fun at first, eventually you're faced with tougher droids that require you to continuously pound the heck out of them. Although you acquire new skills as you progress, these don't ramp proportionally to your foes, and the action gets too damn repetitive. Worst yet, the stages are boring (endless corridors) and excessively long. When the game throws the same set of five droids at you over and over (in the same room no less), you'll exclaim "enough is enough!" I suspect the developers were attempting to artificially lengthen the game, and it really backfired. Still, Episode 3 is certainly a big step up from other Star Wars titles for the Gameboy Advance.

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