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STAR WARS: THE FORCE UNLEASHED (X360)
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Publisher: LucasArts.
Developer: LucasArts. Released: September 2008. Genre: Action/Adventure. Other versions: PS3; PS2; WII; PC; PSP; DS. Posted 24th May 2024. By Shane Battams © 2024 |
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The Force Unleashed remains one of the most ambitious Star Wars games to date, even accounting for the sheer wealth of titles based around George Lucas’s space opera. With the seventh generation in full swing, LucasArts would leverage the then-new Euphoria engine to bolster the power of the Force, and it felt like gamers were on to a winner. Unfortunately, it proves a tale of two halves. On one side, we have a polished and engrossing story that lets players fulfil their Jedi-power fantasy with destructive results. However, on the other, it’s an unsteady, uncertain adventure that often forgoes these pros in favour of unflattering gameplay and tedium, which drags the whole experience down. Despite this, it should still prove a serviceable action game for both Star Wars and sci-fi fans.
Set after the events of Revenge of the Sith and taking place during the peak of the Galactic Empire’s tyranny, this plot follows the exploits of Starkiller, a gifted apprentice taken secretly under the wing of Darth Vader. Undertaking secret missions in aid of the Empire, he at first is unquestionably loyal in his actions. However, after an unexpected turn of events, the apprentice is left morally conflicted and unsure as to his path ahead, with only his mentor to guide him. This story is a really strong addition to the franchise’s litany of games, mostly thanks to Sam Witwer’s motion-captured performance as Starkiller, who captures multiple emotional peaks very well. It makes the core journey of this hero one worth following, and while some subplots are more interesting than others, with the backstory of General Kota trumping the underdeveloped romantic line with Juno Eclipse, it’s a strong narrative on the whole.
Flamboyant, action-packed encounters mean there's fun to be found in The Force Unleashed
Across nine missions, The Force Unleashed is a linear action/adventure that sees the player taking out stormtroopers, rebels and most of everything in between. Though you always have access to a melee-focused lightsaber, the key selling point is the array of Jedi powers earned through progression. From the start, you can utilise Force Grip and Push to grab objects and enemies and shove both backwards respectively, allowing you to fling foes with reckless abandon. Eventually, Starkiller gains lightning capabilities, Force Repulse which explodes a telepathic bubble-like Force Push, and the ability to throw his lightsaber like a Frisbee. It goes without saying that these powers can prove a ton of fun, especially when spacious levels let you cut loose. The Euphoria engine makes the difference, adding real weight and reaction to your moves rather than just ragdoll, and it’s the coolest part of this one.
The trouble is, LucasArts undermine these strengths with mechanical and design misfires. One of the key issues stems from the lock-on system which, while appropriately relaxed to target all the enemies and objects you can interact with, sometimes proves frustrating when you’re trying to attack a foe, only to strike a nearby object instead. This can also impact camera control, as focused targeting leaves you stuck when you are backed into a corner. The levels feel repetitive as you make repeat treks through a handful of locations with minor changes, and the narrow design of stages often feels suffocating to your capabilities. The physics can cause havoc at times, as enemies repeatedly knock you down without much chance for rebuttal. This is a particular issue during certain boss fights, where it feels like a window of opportunity to strike never comes and you’re left taking hit after hit without much of a chance to regain your footing.
The trouble is, LucasArts undermine these strengths with mechanical and design misfires. One of the key issues stems from the lock-on system which, while appropriately relaxed to target all the enemies and objects you can interact with, sometimes proves frustrating when you’re trying to attack a foe, only to strike a nearby object instead. This can also impact camera control, as focused targeting leaves you stuck when you are backed into a corner. The levels feel repetitive as you make repeat treks through a handful of locations with minor changes, and the narrow design of stages often feels suffocating to your capabilities. The physics can cause havoc at times, as enemies repeatedly knock you down without much chance for rebuttal. This is a particular issue during certain boss fights, where it feels like a window of opportunity to strike never comes and you’re left taking hit after hit without much of a chance to regain your footing.
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The Force Unleashed really takes a nosedive during key moments, replacing the potential fun for absolute tedium. The struggle as you try to pull down a Star Destroyer should be incredible, but endlessly spawning TIE fighters that are tricky to hit combined with awkward QTEs that lack clear instruction, and the ship resetting itself after a bit of time result in one of the most infuriating moments of the game. The final level has two awful sections for double the anger. One part sees you painfully aligning mechanical rings before an instant-kill laser deploys and the window between activations is so narrow, you’re bound to get caught out – and you’re forced to do it a second time right after. Then, like a rotten cherry on top of a watery sundae, an awkward platforming part involving levitating blue lasers serves as a poor lead-up to the finale. It’s these parts, and other frustrations getting stuck in the environment and disappearing health meters for bosses that leave you in the dark, which really let the game down, and undermine its core strengths.
The handful of levels here will likely take most players around eight hours to beat, which is pretty brisk. There is some incentive for return runs though. Bonus Objectives encourage you to seek out certain enemies and objects in each level, earn a certain amount of points by killing foes in quick succession and Jedi Holocrons are scattered throughout each level which reward upgrade points, different colour lasers to equip and lightsaber crystals which buff certain skills. A fourth unlockable difficulty also becomes available to you after an initial completion, though be warned, the frustrations you experience are amplified here.
The handful of levels here will likely take most players around eight hours to beat, which is pretty brisk. There is some incentive for return runs though. Bonus Objectives encourage you to seek out certain enemies and objects in each level, earn a certain amount of points by killing foes in quick succession and Jedi Holocrons are scattered throughout each level which reward upgrade points, different colour lasers to equip and lightsaber crystals which buff certain skills. A fourth unlockable difficulty also becomes available to you after an initial completion, though be warned, the frustrations you experience are amplified here.
Potentially great scenes are hindered by underwhelming QTEs
LucasArts would take advantage of the presentational strengths of Star Wars, delivering a potent presentation. The visuals are pretty strong, with the environments proving modestly detailed and the lighting is pretty superb, colouring the different locations in a distinctive hue. The clean lighting of the TIE fighter factory contrasted with the grainy yellow hue of the Raxus Prime junkyards is supremely distinctive. Some of the enemy designs are rendered better than others, with the oversized Rancors proving the highlight. The sound benefits from strong voice acting, stellar music which nails the key tropes you’ve come to expect while adding twists to more familiar tracks and potent sound effects which add impact to every sabre crunch, thrown object and lightning attack. The only shame is some bugs, including stutters and sound cutting out which diminish the shine somewhat.
Ultimately, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is one of those games that sets a solid enough foundation, but takes a few too many missteps to be a real killer app. The franchise has certainly seen worse games, but this one feels disappointing. When everything clicks, Starkiller’s exploits prove incredibly fun and anarchic, including some fantastic use of force powers. But for every bright spot, it’s followed by a weakly-designed set piece, a frustrating sequence or technical issues. Fans of the long-standing sci-fi series may still glean enough positives from this to enjoy it, and those looking for another dose of sci-fi action could be persuaded too. But for those who like more consistency to their games, this one is perhaps better left on the junk heap.
Ultimately, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is one of those games that sets a solid enough foundation, but takes a few too many missteps to be a real killer app. The franchise has certainly seen worse games, but this one feels disappointing. When everything clicks, Starkiller’s exploits prove incredibly fun and anarchic, including some fantastic use of force powers. But for every bright spot, it’s followed by a weakly-designed set piece, a frustrating sequence or technical issues. Fans of the long-standing sci-fi series may still glean enough positives from this to enjoy it, and those looking for another dose of sci-fi action could be persuaded too. But for those who like more consistency to their games, this one is perhaps better left on the junk heap.
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VERDICT
"Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is a game of two halves: a strong story and potent Jedi powers that are undermined by frustrating segments, camera woes and technical issues." OVERALL: 6/10 |
PIXEL SECONDS: STAR WARS: THE FORCE UNLEASHED (PS3)
The Force Unleashed represented a positive step for fans of the evergreen space opera, offering both an original story and an attempt to carve a new path not reliant on existing films or spin-offs. The results are mixed, but there are enough positives to generate some excitement. Playing as Starkiller, an apprentice to Darth Vader, the game exhibits strong production values, a slew of explosive action scenes and some excellent production values, best evidenced in its story-driven video sequences. There’s plenty of grandstanding to please fans. The opening chapter sees you playing as Vader, and wreaking destructive havoc upon the wookiees, whilst this is quickly followed by a breathless TIE Factory, wrecking flying fighters as you progress. Combat is dynamic and crammed with action, whilst characteristically strong sound effects strengthen ties to its source. Much is made of the force powers and here the game can feel a little clumsy, as using many of the kinetic abilities proves difficult amid busy, quick-fire brawls. Whilst the melee combat is generally good fun, there is a tendency for foes to incapacitate the player and give them little chance for retaliation having been floored. A couple of sequences miss the mark due to clumsy QTEs and, whilst ambitious, the final level is a disappointment for its tortuous layout and stifled pacing. Save for a catalogue of rather grind-heavy trophies, there’s some value to be found replaying levels, and there are additional difficulty settings too. It’s what we might once have described as an ideal rental. [6] – Tom Clare © 2024
The Force Unleashed represented a positive step for fans of the evergreen space opera, offering both an original story and an attempt to carve a new path not reliant on existing films or spin-offs. The results are mixed, but there are enough positives to generate some excitement. Playing as Starkiller, an apprentice to Darth Vader, the game exhibits strong production values, a slew of explosive action scenes and some excellent production values, best evidenced in its story-driven video sequences. There’s plenty of grandstanding to please fans. The opening chapter sees you playing as Vader, and wreaking destructive havoc upon the wookiees, whilst this is quickly followed by a breathless TIE Factory, wrecking flying fighters as you progress. Combat is dynamic and crammed with action, whilst characteristically strong sound effects strengthen ties to its source. Much is made of the force powers and here the game can feel a little clumsy, as using many of the kinetic abilities proves difficult amid busy, quick-fire brawls. Whilst the melee combat is generally good fun, there is a tendency for foes to incapacitate the player and give them little chance for retaliation having been floored. A couple of sequences miss the mark due to clumsy QTEs and, whilst ambitious, the final level is a disappointment for its tortuous layout and stifled pacing. Save for a catalogue of rather grind-heavy trophies, there’s some value to be found replaying levels, and there are additional difficulty settings too. It’s what we might once have described as an ideal rental. [6] – Tom Clare © 2024
OTHER GAMES FROM THE STAR WARS UNIVERSE REVIEWED
Star Wars Episode I: Racer (2000, Dreamcast)
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LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy (2006, PlayStation Portable)
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