With the pending release of Star Wars Episode II Attack of the Clones, Star Wars fans the world over have been whipped into a veritable frenzy with the promise of further adventures and merchandise based on that famous Galaxy far, far away.
With great anticipation, I like many other gamers awaited the release of the new game Jedi Knight II Jedi Outcast from the creative minds at Raven Software and Lucasarts.
The game is a 3D shooter that is set a few years after Return of the Jedi when the New Republic is being menaced by the evil remnant of the empire that seeks to reclaim their former status as rulers of the galaxy. Players are cast as Kyle Kattarn, mercenary and erstwhile Jedi Knight who has forsaken the Force after his adventures at the Valley of the Jedi. (Chronicled in Jedi Knight Dark Forces 2) Assisting Kyle in quests is his partner and lover Jan as she assists with computer hacking, combat as well as with moving the plot of the game.
Kyle and Jan are sent on a mission to probe the actions of the Imperial forces and soon uncover a much larger crisis. It seems a renegade Dark Jedi has started to create his own army of Dark Jedi’s and is set on destroying the Jedi and the New Republic once and for all. Naturally, it is up to Kyle to save the day and players are about to embark on a quest that will span all corners of the galaxy.
The artwork of the game is outstanding as the look of everything from ships to bars is authentic to the Star wars setting. Seeing the passenger ships come and go as well as listening in on conversations of characters in the game was amazing. On more than one occasion, I became totally immersed in the story and settings and was in awe of the detail and complexity of the game.
The dazzling away of weapons available to Kyle is good but nothing compares to the lightsaber and force powers that allow players to perform a wide variety of functions ranging from enhanced leaps, speed, pushing, pulling, healing, and some offensive moves such as force lightening and choke. When using the lightsaber, the view switches from first to third person and allows players a wide range of arch in which to attack and defend. My favorite tactic is to use the force speed during attacks to move circles around foes as I dispatch them.
The game offers some fantastic challenges, as players have to use their minds rather than rely soley on combat to complete the game. The sound effects are simply the best I have heard in a game ever and the inclusion of Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian adds to the depth of the game settings and greatly enhances the enjoyment. Players will also take delight in seeing some familiar faces in the game as Luke Skywalker and Mon Mothma join Lando to work with Kyle at various stages of the game.
I do not want to spoil the game so I will refrain from mentioning some of the settings and weapons that players have in store for them but suffice it to say, they will not be disappointed. Jedi Knight II is by far the best game in recent memory and easily the best Star Wars game ever created. The Multiplay factor of the game is outstanding as there are several styles of online play that would warm the heart of even the darkest Sith Lord. If I had any flaws with the game I would say that some of the jump puzzles grew to be a pain at times and slowed the pacing of the game, but this is a minor compliant for what is destined to be a gaming classic.
Gareth Von Kallenbach
than I wanted more.
Game Title Rating ________________________________________
Concept
Fantastic and Gripping 100
Gameplay
A perfect mix of action and strategy. 100
Graphics
Outstanding and full of detail. Immerses the player into the Star Wars universe. 100
Sound
Great mix of music, voice, and sounds to create a realistic atmosphere. 90
Technical
No problems at all, a solid build. 90
Overall
The best star wars Game ever, and a true classic. 95
