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Star Wars: Jedi Knight 2- Outcast Review - Xbox

Jedi Outcast, the follow up to Jedi Knight, first appeared on PC screens earlier this year. A magnificent title, easily a contender for game of the year, it now makes it's console debut. JO was not without faults however, so do we have the same game here, warts and all, or has there been enough tweaking to warrant another look?

Gameplay

Set 9 years after the climactic events of Jedi Knight, Kyle Katarn, no longer able to trust himself with the power of the Force, now runs recon missions for the New Republic. On his way to a routine mission, Kyle and his partner, Jan Ors, receive a transmission from Mon Mothma who informs them of an intercepted call with references to the Valley of the Jedi. Kyle and Jan make there way to the origin of the call, only to discover a sinister foe. So begins Jedi Outcast.

Probably the biggest fault initially levelled at Jedi Outcast on PC was the fact that it took so long before you could use your lightsaber. There are a good 3-4 long stages, which are all pretty similar, before you can finally get your saber and start using force powers. While the straight out FPS stages are of a high standard, it is all pretty stock standard stuff. The game is also quite challenging right from the start, so it could be quite possible to chuck the towel in- before the fun starts. There is a lot of searching for panels to unlock doors and it can be quite frustrating if you have to back track through a level because you have missed one.
But it is when you acquire your saber and force powers that this game truly shines. The game switches to 3rd person mode when you are holding your saber. You have to pass the Jedi trials first, from the orders of Luke Skywalker, and these trials only touch on the ways in which you can use the force in the game. You start of with 4 powers (speed, jump, pull, push) but as you progress through the levels you obtain heal, grip (for the Vader choker hold), mind trick, lightning and saber throws. Each power can be enhanced by advancing it's levels- for instance, force heal can be originally used only while standing still, but, as you progress, health can be regained while moving. The use of the force powers also increase the problem solving possibilities- but only just. The game still holds your hand a bit when using force powers to solve puzzles. For example, a door needs to be opened from the other side and there is a guard patrolling the area. Due to the fact that a symbol lights up when a force power can be used- it's not that hard to work out that you have to Jedi mind trick the guard into opening the door. While the puzzles aren't as challenging as they could have been- it still damn ... (continued next page)