The movie series may be over, but the saga lives on with
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. The storyline takes place between films
Revenge of the Sith and
A New Hope, with the Galactic Empire nearing the peak of its far-reaching power. You are none other than
Darth Vader's secret apprentice, engaging in covert missions to defeat those with designs on dismantling the Imperial regime. The
Xbox 360 and
PlayStation 3 versions feature custom designed technologies that let players interact with the environment in diverse ways. Mastery of the Force allows the protagonist to lift writhing bodies into the air, letting them dangle powerlessly, before pushing them at high speeds into the background. Objects of varying sizes and strengths can also be manipulated, acting as mere toys for the evil Jedi to use in his nefarious deeds. Lightning crackles from fingertips, lightsabers twirl in the air, and entire spaceships move with the mind. It's all part of being a Jedi.
The protagonist will travel to various worlds in his relentless search for the few remaining Jedi who escaped Order 66. Featured locales include a TIE Fighter construction facility, the Wookiee home of Kashyyyk, a junkyard-like realm known as Raxus Prime, and a fungus-infested planet called Felucia. Each features groups of enemies that must be eliminated in stylish fashion, with Force power combos earning players experience points to customize their character. The action is viewed from a third-person perspective with the apprentice holding his red lightsaber pointed upward behind his back. Accompanying the lead character at various points is a prototype "holodroid" called
Proxy as well as a blond Imperial pilot named
Juno Eclipse. The Sith Lord's apprentice faces several deadly foes throughout his mission, including
Maris Brood, a Zabrak warrior bent on revenge, and the primary target: grizzled
General Rahm Kota, who learned the ways of the Force under the tutelage of
Mace Windu and
Yoda.
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed -- Ultimate Sith Edition includes three new levels detailing an alternate storyline in which the apprentice kill
Darth Vader and takes his place during several key moments from the films. Players visit Coruscant for another mission, head to Tatooine to square off against
Obi-Wan Kenobi, and face
Luke Skywalker himself in a final confrontation on Hoth.
~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide
;)
