Writer:
Haden Blackman
Director:
Daron Stinnett
Languages:
English Dolby Surround 2.0
Subtitles:
N/A
Packaging:
Amaray Keep Case
Levels:
15 Story-Based Missions
Sound:
Dolby Stereo Surround Sound
Year
of DVD-ROM Release: 2002
Distributor:
LucasArts Entertainment Company
ESRB
Rating: T For Teen
Reviewer:
Mark A. Rivera
“Star
Wars Jedi Starfighter” is a sequel to last year’s “Starfighter” game,
which has been released for PC and X-BOX gamers alike since it first premiered
for the Sony PlayStation 2 Computer Entertainment System. The game takes place
shortly before the events that will unfold when “Star Wars: Episode II: Attack
Of The Clones” open theatrically this May. As political tension between the
Republic and the Confederation of Secessionist Systems grows, Count Dooku cuts a
secret deal with Cavik Toth of the Trade Federation to exploit the resource rich
Karthakk system.
The
Jedi Council dispatches Jedi Master Adi Gallia aboard a new prototype Jedi
Starfighter to ascertain the situation. There has been a lone resistance from
the alien rogue Nym, who forms an alliance with Gallia in an attempt to prevent
the system from falling out of the realm of the Galactic Republic.
LucasArts
Entertainment Company has released “Star Wars Jedi Starfighter” as a DVD-ROM
to take advantage of the advanced abilities inherent within the Sony PlayStation
2 as well as develop a more complex environment containing clues for things we
can expect to learn more about in the forthcoming feature. The coolest part of
the game is the advanced preview players get of the Jedi Starfighter. A
spacecraft that is literally designed for use by a pilot who is adept in using
the force, which means no ordinary pilot, can fly this ship. It looks like a
little red and white Star Destroyer complete with an insignia that looks a lot
like the logo for the future Galactic Empire we have come to know from the
classic trilogy.
In
two player games, one can operate Nym’s starship powerhouse “The Havoc”
against drone fighters and other foes. The missions are setup into three-act
structures like mini episodes within a larger series and there are 15 levels in
all plus hidden bonuses that are unlocked as specific mission agendas are
achieved and there is a training mission for practice as well. Like previous
games in the series, music, effects, voice volume, stereo or monaural sound, and
game sensitivity control can be completely customized and saved based on one’s
own preferences. Two-player gameplay adds three extra characters to choose from.
They include a Toydarian named Reti, who pilots a modified freighter known as
“The Zoomer,” a Bith pilot who designed Nym’s “The Havoc” has his own
bomber known as “The Freefall,” and the addition of another Jedi Knight by
the name of Siri, which means two people can pilot different starfighers
cooperatively. The graphics are great, the gameplay is sensational, and
documentation included makes getting started a synch.
“Star
Wars Jedi Starfighter” is available now on DVD-ROM for the Sony PlayStation 2
from LucasArts Entertainment Company.
©
Copyright 2002 By Mark A. Rivera
All Rights Reserved.