The Star Wars series has definitely inspired its fair share of video games, very few of which have been all that great. So whenever I catch wind of a new Star Wars game my first thought is usually, Oh no." However, it has basically become a law that every movie must also have its own game. Therefore, instead of deciding whether or not to make the game, the only thing the creators have to decide is how much effort they actually want to put into it. So can Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith follow in the footsteps of KOTOR and give us an experience to remember? Maybe, maybe not. But right now things are looking pretty good.
Speaking of looking good, that is exactly how you can describe Episode III. First of all, the characters are very well done. From the surprisingly detailed faces, to swaying clothing, to Anakin's robo-hand, its all good. And if you look good while standing still, it goes without saying that when you attack it should look equally impressive. Lightsabers are smooth and painful looking, and Anakin shooting lightning from his fingertips is just fun to see. Exemplifying the detail put into this game, it can be seen in screenshots that when you blast an enemy with lightning you can see their skeleton as energy courses through them. Perhaps not too realistic, but a nice touch nonetheless. Not much has been revealed in the way of audio, but judging from the trailer, the lightsabers and other such effects will sound just like they do in the movies. It is not known whether or not the game will use the voice talents of the actors who star in Episode III, but doing so would add a nice element to the game.
Unlike other Star Wars games, this one is going to be almost completely hack-and-slash. A hack-and-slash Star Wars game? Don't jump to conclusions just yet. If this game lives to the hype of, The most authentic Jedi experience ever?, we may be in for a big surprise. Following the upcoming movie, step for step, you are put right in the shoes of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker. Each having their own unique attributes, you can choose whichever path you want to follow. Using Anakin, you can harness the power of the dark side and execute disturbingly powerful lightsaber and force attacks. As Obi-Wan, you are able to use the light side to your advantage for increased agility and also to influence the behavior of your opponents. So far, however, the only moves we have seen have been general lightsaber attacks like the lightsaber throw and the force powers lightning? and force throw." These are nothing new. There is no denying that slashing through an enemy with a blade of light is more fun than a barrel of monkeys, but things will dull rather quickly if we are not provided with anything new to play with.
In order to create this authentic? experience, the creators of the game have enlisted the services of a real-life Jedi master, Nick Gillard. Stunt coordinator for all three prequels, Nick knows his stuff. But it wasn't enough to simply tell the programmers how to make a lightsaber swing, he showed and taught them personally. Actually handling and learning how to use a real? lightsaber gave the crew an exact goal to aim for in how the weapon should behave.
From what we have seen, this game is going to be good. But to make it great, Episode III is going to need more than just good graphics. The aforementioned use of the real actors' voices and the implementation of new moves would truly set this game apart. Star Wars junkies, there is only one number to remember: 5. Hitting shelves on 05/05/05, two weeks before the debut of the movie, Episode III may get you so excited to see the film that you won't be able to sit down. That is, unless you are already camping in front of the theater.