I’ve been looking forward to this game for a long time so in an attempt to quell my rampant inner fanboy I thought I’d get the bad stuff out the way first before telling you all about the awesome within. I have reviewed the 360 version of the game and I’m sorry to say that it has some issues. These may or may not be present in other versions but from their nature I would say that they probably are.
The framerate stutters, the camera can be a pain in the arse while fighting in enclosed spaces and during boss fights. On one occasion I fell through the floor and just kept falling. Once or twice the game saw fit to restart me from the beginning of the level or a check point for no reason other than that I opened the menu.
I am not one to suffer fools (or bugs) gladly but I can honestly say that despite all the above I got an amazing amount of enjoyment out of playing The Force Unleashed. It’s linear in its nature, leading you from one encounter to the next but allowing you the freedom for a little exploration along the way. You follow the story of Starkiller, Darth Vader’s secret apprentice, so initially you will be hunting Jedi in order to prove yourself to your master. To my surprise the story then weaves itself into the existing Star Wars canon almost effortlessly (taking place between episodes III & IV). You will see familiar faces and learn all about the foundation of the Rebel Alliance. The story is told compellingly through cutscenes and in game dialogue.
Combat is what this game is really about though. Starkiller starts out with an set of impressive Force powers and more than a few Lightsaber combos all of which can be powered up and added to as you progess through the game by collecting Holocubes or levelling up the traditional way, through experience points. By mixing up your attacks between Lightsaber strikes, dashing, jumping, Force lightning, Force grip, Force push and your other powers you can literally ‘unleash the Force’ in hundreds of different ways all of them incredibly satisfying. As you progress you’ll encounter enemies who’ll be able to resist some of your powers making you switch tactics. Often you’ll find yourself overwhelmed by enemies so you’ll really need to think through a strategic approach, retreating to higher ground and searching out a power-up to give you a temporary boost. There are a number of quick time events you’ll have to master. Although often a blight on games in The Force Unleashed they are used pretty well, look totally sweet and at the very least aren’t bothersome to play through.
Throughout the story you visit several different worlds and locations all of which are beautifully realised and feel very true to the Star Wars universe. The areas onboard the imperial ships and space stations are especially pleasing. Starkiller is given a new costume for each new area with each fitting the environmental conditions, it’s a nice idea and the game allows you to switch between them as you see fit.
One of the many classic Star Wars monsters you will face
You'll be doing this A LOT, because it looks so cool!
Gaming News 24/7
September 16th, 2008 at 11:40 am
Seems to be mixed feelings about this everywhere, but I did enjoy the demo and the quality of the story (which I notice everyone seems to be commenting on) is something I hold quite highly.
This could well be my bridging gap between now and the release of Fable 2.
To the games dispensary!
September 16th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
I have this preordered for PS3 after playing the demo. Didn’t notice any stuttering in the demo but I’ll have to wait and see how the full game is.
Should be fun, anyway.
September 16th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Random fact (but not really); Starkiller was originally Luke’s surname but it was thought too dark or something so they went with Skywalker. It’s been used a lough of times since, though.
I kept hearing this game being hyped as “kicking arse with the Force!” So what’s not to like? Apart from the, um, bugs and camera issues you mention…
September 16th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Hey, I resent the fact that you have to like Star Wars to play this. I have never seen a Star Wars film in my life and do not plan to yet have thoroughly enjoyed many a Star Wars game (and no, not just the Lego ones!). I actually have a surprising level of knowledge about the Star Wars universe from gaming alone and cannot wait to get my hands on this game although the concept of the films bores me to tears. Bring on more Star Wars games!
September 16th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Zoey, I’m sure I’m not alone in saying “WHAT!!? You’ve NEVER seen a Star Wars film?” But you must.. simply MUST see them!
There’s is a debate about what order they should be seen though as release, or in Episode order. Perhaps we should have a Team Ready-Up Star Wars week-ender all movies and games! That’d be cool!
September 16th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
But the games couldn’t exist without the films… how can you like the games and know so much about the universe and say the films are boring in concept? It makes absolutely no sense (to me)!
That’s a great idea John!
September 16th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Star Wars, drool! Nuf Said!
September 18th, 2008 at 12:55 am
I think the order they should be seen in is:
First, episodes 4 – 6.
Then you stop.
September 18th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
This is what puts people like Zoey off watching the films, geeks debating what order they should be seen in!
Personally I think the films are great fun, and I would recommend them to anyone.
September 20th, 2008 at 12:50 am
Quite a long way in now. I don’t think I’d have been as forgiving of this game’s flaws as Dan.
September 20th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
I was a bit surprised when I was battling a whole load of Rancors (sp?) on the PS3 version. Didn’t get stuttering or frame rate drops, but the whole game went into slow motion mode, very frustrating.
September 20th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
I don’t know that I should say, being a geek and all but… yes, it’s rancors.
September 20th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Got to the end. Never want to play it again.
“Kicking ass with the Force” my arse.
November 2nd, 2008 at 10:15 pm
I finished it last night overall about 12 hours gameplay, will be going back through it to unlock everything, and it is a great game, i just feel cheated by how short it is.
January 8th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
I find it hard to believe anyone couldn’t like this game, I had very little trouble with the camera, and thought it was a pretty decent length for an action game.
Starkiller is a great character also, anyone see the actor in Smallville? Exact double, in every way.
January 21st, 2009 at 8:28 pm
I couldn’t stop thinking how much Starkiller looks like wrestler Randy Orton during the cutscenes.