Star Wars: Battlefront II is the sequel to last year`s big hit (Star Wars: Battlefront), and this rendition guarantees the best Star Wars game of all time!
Gamers will be dropped in the deep-end and need to do all they can to survive on the battlefield.
There is the choice of either playing the Galactic Empire, Rebel Alliance, Separatist Battle Droids, or the Clone Army.
Each squadron is fully equipped with several character types - a marine, sniper, engineer, spy, pilot and soldier (with jet-packed troopers, standard troopers, as well as some heavy weapon troopers thrown into the mix to spice things up a bit).
A plethora of weapons are assigned to specific characters and are at the player`s disposal - ranging from grenades, pistols, blaster rifles, rocket launchers, thermal detonators, mines, sniper rifles, EMP launchers and chain guns. Players will also get the chance to use various land and air vehicles.
Strategy is the key, the aim being to capture all bases before the enemy can.
Both player and enemy start with an equal number of reinforcements and bases - normally six per match. The reinforcement count drops faster each time a base is lost, and once a player falls behind, it`s be harder to catch up.
The drawback is key objectives have to be taken care of; and if this is not done quickly, reinforcements quickly deplete and the mission will be lost.
But that`s the challenge right? I mean, who wants a game that is so easy to beat it`s not even worth trying?
Most of the battles take place on foot in various environments such as snow, sand and forests. Other battles take place in space: there`s nothing like flying a TIE Fighter or X-Wing, ah...
There is such an essence of realism in this game. I loved being able to use my Jedi light sabre to hack vehicles to bits - it truly gives a sense of power.
Locations were picked from all six of the Star Wars episodes, making it a sensual feast for any hardcore Star Wars fan.
Players also get the opportunity to control the 501st Elite Unit of clone troopers in the story mode "Rise of the Empire". This was an awesome experience, as the main locations are all recognisable from scenes in Episode III.
In Star Wars: Battlefront II, "heroes" come into the game and lend a hand when things got too intense on the field. This time around, players can actually be the hero (well for a short time that is - otherwise the game wouldn`t really be a challenge).
The times I got to play as Han Solo, Yoda, Obi-Wan, Luke Skywalker and Chewbacca will always have a special place in my heart.
But it doesn`t end there. Players will even get the opportunity to play as Count Dooku, General Grievous, Darth Maul and even Darth Vader himself!
Close your eyes and just imagine... the dark side of the force, coursing through your body, and then hacking the opposition to bits using Darth Vader`s light sabre. I get shivers just thinking about it.
This game has outstanding graphics, maybe the best of its kind. The attention to detail is exceptional, with clothing that ripples in the wind, and the characters` hair moves realistically.
The backgrounds and scenery are stunning. I can see that LucasArts did their homework on this one.
My only one small gripe is that during some battles, many of the characters tend to blend too easily into the backgrounds, and if it weren`t for the lock on target feature, I wouldn`t have even known the character was there.
LucasArts also makes great use of rag-doll physics, and have taken it to the max! Bodies fly, drop and bounce with the utmost of realism.
I also have to give a standing ovation to the soundtrack and sound effects, which are so distinctive I almost felt I was IN the game. Light-sabres crackle and swish and gun fire sounds exactly like it does in the movie.
This game gets two thumbs and one light-sabre up from me. It scores a galactic 8/10.
Related reviews:
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
Star Wars: Battlefront
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