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Star Wars: Jedi Academy Review - Xbox

As a bystander, it would appear that Star Wars fans are spoilt. Not only do they have multiple movies released or being made for release but the wealth of gaming power put behind the Star Wars branding is a big business for Lucas Arts. Xbox gamers are no exception with the release of Obi-Wan, Starfighter, Clone Wars and the critically acclaimed Knights of the Old Republic all appearing on the Xbox console since and other Star Wars titles like Battlefront and Republic Commando that release later in date, but we look at the most recent released Star Wars installment in Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy.

Gameplay

So you want to be a Jedi? Then you have come to the right place. You start the game as a young farmer from the desert that goes by the name 'Jaden', you pick Jaden's appearance, race, clothing and even his saber style for all those accessory freaks out there who love to match there lightsaber with there handbags. One of the really cool factors of Jedi Academy is that you actually start with a lightsaber! I mean we all have a soft spot for the lightsaber, even those who don't really get into the whole Star Wars phenomenon, like myself.

Unlike some other Star Wars titles you see familiar faces from the movies, people who aren't Star War's fanatics will recognize the faces of Luke Skywalker, Chewbacca and Kyle Katarn from Outkast. Once you finish the first little level at the start you will be taken as an apprentice under Kyle with your friend you meet on the ship and rescue earlier. Kyle takes you through a range of different courses making you utilize all different powers to complete them, including 'the force', pretty much giving you all the wisdom to go on and become a Jedi.

The ability to change from third-person mode to first-person mode gives gamers the variety of how they play. First-person mode for the firing weapons and third-person mode for the lightsaber, the lightsaber I guess everyone wants to use so it being in the third-person view is pretty popular you'd imagine. If the game was entirely done in first-person view it really would have ruined the lightsaber effect making it another boring weapon up there with the crossbow and laser guns. The jumps and flips that can be performed by Jaden are really impressive he can even get a cartwheel in there sometimes; he's just a big show off.

I feel a disturbance in the force, well Luke I feel a disturbance with the controls. You've heard of gaming being too tight, like the recent example in Buffy: Chaos Bleeds, well Jedi Academy is too loose. This is especially in the up and down aim with the right thumbstick which is so touchy and very hard to control until you master it. The lightsaber definitely has its points for style but it can be difficult in lining up enemies who are on their knees or in a low position, while you're waving ... (continued next page)