PC

There have been plenty of times when I've wished my life was structured similarly to the existential glee found in certain videogames, games like Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic. Like a scene straight out of Mike Judge's first film Office Space, my editors often hunt me down to say, "I'm gonna have to ask you to come in on Saturday."

As an historical RTS, Praetorians does an admirable job of integrating its subject matter with solid gameplay, as opposed to simply using the historical period as a backdrop for a slew of war scenarios.

 According to ESRB, this game contains: Violence.

Game Description: Long before the Galactic Civil War, an epic drama begins. Engage in this saga set in the Golden Age of the Republic—over 4,000 years before the first Star Wars film, when both Jedi and Sith number in the thousands. With the Galaxy reeling from a recent conflict with the Dark Lords, the ongoing battle between the Jedi and the Sith rages on. Your actions determine the outcome of this colossal galactic war—and your destiny as a Jedi.

The sequel not only fails to live up to the original in nearly every respect, but exposes the shortcomings of the over-hyped "Geo-Mod" technology.

I can recall back to my childhood watching the Star Wars Trilogy. I have rather fond memories of the movies and even dreams that have never been able to manifest themselves in any other media other than my imagination. It's rather disappointing when I think about it, especially considering the multitude of opportunities LucasArts has had to capture the experiences of the movies. Don't get me wrong, they have produced gems like Star Wars: X-Wing and The Super Star Wars games, but on the same note, they're also credited with flops such as Star Wars: Episode 1 Racer and Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter. In fact, it seems all of their recent attempts have been lackluster at best.

According to ESRB, this game contains: Violence

In the last few years I have become more and more impressed with the steps taken forward by designers to enhance the experiences provided by military simulations. Everything from accurate weapon representation to the "one shot one kill" motif, have brought these games to a much higher level. And as Mike suggests, Tom Clancy's titles are the cream of the crop in this regard. They capture an urgency and essence that other's cannot seem to duplicate and for me is an exciting, enticing, and challenging experience.

Game Description: In the tradition of the multi-award-winning Star Wars: Jedi Knight, Star Wars: Jedi Knight II, Jedi Outcast features rebel agent Kyle Katarn in exhilarating first-person action. Players assume the role of Kyle as they employ a unique mix of weapons, Force powers, and the lightsaber in both single- and multiplayer modes. Jedi Outcast features expanded and enhanced use of the lightsaber, with new attack and defense moves. Tap into the powers of the Force, including jump, push, and Jedi mind tricks. Employ combat or stealth, depending on the situation. When a fight is necessary, be at the ready with an arsenal of weapons: stun baton, Bryar blast pistol, and blaster rifle to name but a few. Explore breathtaking Star Wars locales such as Cloud City, the Jedi Academy on Yavin 4, Nar Shaddaa, the smugglers' moon--plus some never-before-seen locations. Multiplayer options include capture the flag, free for all, team FFA, duel, weapons only, and Jedi master.

But in spite of all the nifty light effects and techno-doodads the game sports, the core experience is still the same rigid, unconvincing formula it was the last time around. Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow's single player mode has some great moments, but for every great one, there are three or four that are pretty lame.