Review: Star Wars

I have been waiting in anticipation for quite a while for this game to be released. LucasArts certainly took its time getting it done - I was beginning to think it would never happen. I have to admit that one of the reasons behind getting the Kinect addition for my Xbox was so that I could swing a sword or light saber and interact with the class of games that I play on a new level.

What I don't want to do is jump over logs, duck for bridges or throw bowling balls, which seems to be the main use of Kinect up until now.

The disappointment hit hard. I took one look at the graphic style and was not impressed; the Lego versions had better graphics, a bit blocky, but good. The capability of the Xbox allows for realism, I want that high-definition realism, not a semi-cartoon look.

Having said that, the game is quite nice to look at and a level of atmosphere is certainly created. Once immersed in the game, players concentrate on many more things than mediocre graphics.

In truth, this is a game made up of a combination of loads of smaller games, the attraction being that players get to swing a light saber and push back clatterings of droids by the fistful. Sounds like fun, and it generally is; however, the player needs to follow a few rules when it comes to the Kinect style of play. Players who randomly swing their arms will get cut down like silly padawans.

This factor means players will play the game over and over and enjoyment will increase as they “learn” to use their light sabers and get their force powers timed just right.

Players who get it right will not only forge ahead, but will also look good doing it. Players get to fight against Darth Maul and eventually Darth Vader. Add some pod racing and the result is a fun game with a polished feel to it. There is a lot to do and players will find themselves doing things again and again, not because they have to, but in order to learn to perform the right gestures at the right times to better and better effect. I am not so sure about the dancing in "Galactic Dance Off", though.

Warning - players will need lots of room to play this game, as they will be swinging their arms, jumping about and sending vases and other ornaments flying as they forge ahead with their light sabers.

There is no real plot to speak of; rather, the game is based on a series of tasks, which players need to repeat to increase their skills. What plot there is goes like this: Fight the masses of minions and deluge of droids, and select Sith Lords of the much-slighted Dark Side. Players also get to fly about with Chewie in a sort of Millennium Falcon.

The gameplay is fairly linear, which is to be expected, but this does not detract from the experience. The response times of the Kinect gives players quite a nice tactile feel when they interact with the screen - and therein lies the fun.

The game also comes with a second disk with some single-level demos of a few other games, giving players a great idea of what they are going to buy next to add to their Kinect libraries.

This is a game that will last a while due to its fun factor. Players who are young Star Wars fans will enjoy it. Graphics aside, this game is a hoot!